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.   

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.

Right by Rockefeller Center, this posh Fifth Avenue department store is the place to go to for high-end retail and international luxury brands. Along with browsing through houseware, clothes and accessories, linger at in-store designer boutiques like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, its mecca shoe department or the beauty counter.

In the heart of Flower District, this store offers a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern. The florists specialize in classy bouquets ($55–$75) like a fuchsia-hued arrangement of pink spray roses, Peruvian and Asiatic lilies, and mini carnations displayed in a crystal vase. Best part? This shop features same-day to all five boroughs (delivery prices may vary).

If you’re looking for a luxe—but also relaxed and comfortable—tailoring experience, then Cad & The Dandy is an excellent option. Located in midtown on 57th Street, C&TD was founded by James Sleater and Ian Meiers in London and is the youngest tailoring house on Saville Row. In 2018, the company opened a penthouse suite in NYC where New Yorkers can now take advantage of bespoke British tailoring for suits, shirts (the price for bespoke shirts starts at $260 and takes about four weeks) and more.  C&TD specializes in creating suits and formal wear that you may wear to a destination wedding, rehearsal dinner or extended celebration. They’re also one of the few tailors on this side of the Atlantic that specialize in morning suits and white tie for those looking for an even more formal outfit.  Every aspect of the suits they create are customized for the wearer. Clients make a tailoring appointment online and then show up for their appointment in a glam penthouse with soaring windows. On one wall, books containing over 10,000 fabric swatches are then referenced to create the most customized piece of clothing desired.  After the initial fitting, clients return roughly three weeks later for an intermediate toile fitting followed by a final sitting. A full bar is also available for guests to sip on a curated cocktail selection while planning the perfect outfit. Whether you’re looking for an outfit for your big day or want a suit to really impress at work, C&TD offers a great...

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.  

It's cool to donate your old duds and furniture to Housing Works, so the shelter-oriented charity's thrift stores are among the city's best. The prices aren't the lowest, but the stock is quality. If you're lucky, you can score designer pieces (in clothes and furnishings) you'd never be able to afford new. You just have to do a little rummaging.