Shopping near the Empire State Building

The iconic open-air Chelsea flea, brought back from the dead by the team behind  Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea, showcases 40 veteran vendors selling mostly historic collectibles. If you love eclectic costume jewelry, quirky furniture, midcentury art and ceramics, records, antiques and art, and more, you’ll spend hours combing for treasure here. Plus, you'll now be able to grab a rewarding snack on the way out from various Smorgasburg food vendors that will soon be revealed. 

MoSex’s recently overhauled gift shop is now twice the size (2,000 square feet) and double the pleasure. “We wanted the store to be a destination shop,” says creative director Mark Snyder. “We’re looking at products for their art, their design and their technology.” Such lofty merch includes the Dirty Flirty Novelty Company’s festive glass “pornaments” and Matteo Cibic’s functional fishbowl dildo.

While the giant signs that adorn this department store with the label of “The World’s Largest Store” are not true anymore, there’s no doubt that the flagship Macy’s is massive (with a big history to boot). For over a century, New Yorkers and visitors from the world over have been visiting Macy’s at its iconic location at 34th Street and Broadway. Though originally founded as a dry goods emporium in the 19th century, today shoppers flock to the store's 2.2 million square feet—which takes up a whole city block—to buy clothes, accessories and home goods.As one of the few major brick-and-mortar shops specializing in mid-priced fashion left in New York in this age of online retail and luxury brand–palooza, Macy’s carries a large amount of designer names you recognize that won’t cost you premium prices—especially during the deeply discounted sales offered periodically throughout the year. The 63,000-square-foot shoe department is the biggest on the planet and carries everything from dress shoes and delicate stilettos to work boots and slippers. Last-minute gift shoppers might be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options of perfumes, ties, scarves, watches and more, but great deals await those with patience.   Pro-tip: Look for the cool wooden escalators, which feel like stepping back in time.

The former home of the National Biscuit Company is a hot spot for foodies and shopping addicts alike. Primarily known for its wide-range of eateries, Chelsea Market is hands-down one of New York’s most notable food halls boasting more than 55 vendors (including Los Tacos No 1, Amy's Bread, and Miznon).  Whether you’ve got a hankering for a steaming-hot cup of seafood bisque, perfectly aged cheese or a strong and smooth shot of espresso, Chelsea Market has you covered. Aside from finger-lickin’ fare and sweet merchandise, the attraction offers historical charms such as the market’s iconic fountain, which was crafted using discarded drill bits and exposed pipe from the former Nabisco factory.

Purple Passion has vibes, floggers and so much more in its 4,000-square-foot Chelsea store. Catering to couples, single women, pro dommes and men, it carries a huge selection of leather and BDSM gear, including halters, gags, corsets and strap-ons. Hot sellers include the Jack Rabbit buzzer, leather suspension cuffs and bondage rope. You can also peruse clothes, boots (up to size 15!), shoes, wigs and books—or sign up for any number of workshops. Most customers spend at least $10 on a single trip; the more adventurous will drop a few hundred.

The long-running New York institution’s flagship store, Academy Records and CDs—next door to the tiny niche where it originated back in ’77—boasts the city’s best selection of used classical CDs and LPs, plus an impressive array of rock and jazz discs. (The store is connected in name to NYC's other two Academy Record locations, though those spots focus mainly on vinyl). Approachable help and knowledgeable buyers add to the overall experience. Plan to spend time—and money—at both locations.  

This flower shop in the heart of the Flower District has many blooms to choose from at affordable prices. Some of the best sellers start at just $50, while some of the more expensive bouquets are still on the cheaper side at $70. This shop has different kinds of flowers for all different types of occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers and dates in NYC.

Vogue photographs featuring the store’s antique garb line the walls at this living-history reservoir, where everything from 19th-century walking suits to neon Vivienne Westwood platforms is neatly arranged by era. Here you can rent a Chanel quilted suit ($1,025) or a Missoni knit dress ($895) for a fraction of the purchase price. Walk-ins are welcome, but it’s worth calling ahead to peruse the appointment-only upstairs area. There you’ll find a priceless ostrich-hemmed 1920s gold lamé gown by designer Charles Frederick Worth, a 1960s chain-link Paco Rabanne vest and Josephine Baker’s rhinestone-encrusted 1920s bra (recently rented by Lady Gaga). Pricing depends on the item and length of rental; there is a minimum fee of $200.

In 2003, Artists & Fleas first opened in Williamsburg, but thanks to owners Amy Abrams and Ronen Glimer, you can shop awesome vendors in Manhattan's Chelsea Market. Just like the original location, this version of Artists & Fleas features goods that run the gamut from art and design to fashion and vintage. There are more than 30 independent designers hawking their goods everyday, so stop by to check out our personal favorites such as menswear brand Curated Basics, baubles from Brooklyn Charm and ready-to-wear designs by Avalove.  

This inclusive, fashion-forward West Village atelier creates impressive suits while striving to cater equally to women, men and non-binary customers. The sunny space on 8th Ave—with views of the surrounding New York skyline—welcomes all people to create the suit of their dreams. Industry veteran Melissa Watson Ellis begins the process by asking clients what they’re hoping to achieve with their custom piece, guiding them toward creative and flattering options. Eye color, hair and skin tone are all taken into account when deciding on a precise fabric. Sustainably sourcing material from mills across Italy, France and the UK, the atelier also offers one of the widest ranges of vegan options in New York.  After the brief interview, Watson Ellis takes extensive measurements and walks clients through all available options when it comes to fabric, fit, color, pockets and buttons. It’s a comfortable, welcoming space that allows clients to utilize her extensive knowledge to either sartorially experiment or execute a precisely tailored traditional piece. You may end of walking away with something you didn't realize you needed—but definitely did. Whether the suits are custom, bespoke or one-of-a-kind designs, all pieces are handmade by a single tailor. Shirts start at $300 while suits cost an average of $2,200.