Shopping near the Statue of Liberty

The Oculus is one of the world’s most expensive train stations, serving 12 subway lines and the PATH train, with a beautiful mall inside of it. Its wild exterior designed by Santiago Calatrava, which resembles the skeleton of a whale, has white metal-clad steel ribs that reach up and out which actually symbolize a hand releasing a dove. The structure is a lasting reminder of the attacks of September 11, 2001 — it is in alignment with the sun’s solar angles on each September 11, from 8:46 am, when the first plane struck, until 10:28 am, when the second tower collapsed. Its central skylight fits this alignment and washes the Oculus floor with a beam of light. The shopping center inside boasts stores like the Apple Store, Aesop, Cole Haan, Golden Bar, Moleskine, John Varvatos and others. Dining includes Eataly, Gansevoort Market, Wasabi Sushi & Bento and more.

Devotees of mystery, crime and spy genres will know owner Otto Penzler, both as an editor and from his book recommendations on Amazon.com. His shop holds a wealth of paperbacks, hardbacks and autographed first editions.

Chefs and restaurant insiders have known about this kitchenware specialty shop since it opened in 1982. Lucky for us non–Top Chefs, the showroom finally welcomed the public in 2002, allowing anyone to snag Japanese- and Western-style knives ($30–$5,800) and specialty tablewares ($2–$600), like a plum-shaped soy sauce dish ($4). One of the highlights of the high-ceilinged space, lined with Japanese Shoji sliding wooden doors, is the opportunity to watch house knife master Chirau Sugai sharpen customers’ cutters (the service costs $15–$25) in a glass room. Sugai also offers free sharpening demo classes (Tue, Sat 2pm; reservations required), but before you get in on the action, score Misono Swedish steel knives with dragon graphics engraved on the blades ($65–$210) or Togiharu hammered-texture steel knives ($50–$150). If Martha Stewart is your homegirl, you’ll be itching to use the store’s eye-catchingly colorful printed plate sets (five for $29), Toruku Blue Nanban rectangle dishes ($13), cherry-printed chopsticks ($15) and Mishima Donabe flower-patterned ceramic pots ($25) for your next dinner party. Or make any pregame that much cooler by snagging a modern clear-glass sake carafe with a blue ice reservoir ($11).

A Gucci men’s suit for $300? A Marc Jacobs cashmere sweater for less than $200? Stella McCartney sunglasses for a scant $40? No, you’re not dreaming—you’re shopping at Century 21. You may have to rummage to unearth a treasure, but with savings from 25% to 75% off regular store prices, this is a goldmine for less-minted fashion addicts.

This restored 19th-century print shop makes quirky, retro-chic designs with on-site vintage presses. Find original letterpress note cards ($4) and customized stationery. plus quirky gifts like Yellow Owl Workshop stamp sets depicting mod sea and landscape designs ($38).  

This downtown Barnes & Noble is known for hosting readings by hip and popular authors.

After opening its first NYC store in Midtown East in 2008, this Turkish apparel and accessories brand expands to a second location, dedicated to its menswear collection. The streamlined shop, adorned with polished-wood and stainless-steel accents, carries its own line of suits ($591–$1,591) dress shoes ($195–$295), leather belts ($72) and Italian silk ties ($72–$152). Check out modern menswear from the Interview line, such as pure wool overcoats ($591) and water-resistant extra-slim-fit suits ($691). The distinguished gentleman will want to try the higher-end Sartoria collection, featuring two-tone jacket-and-pants sets ($991) and handmade jackets ($791). To ensure a perfect fit, this location has in-house custom alteration services ($15–$80).

  Clueless dudes looking to become grooms should put this shop on their radar. The sister duo that runs the store can help you pick out the perfect engagement (starting at ($1,725) ring or Valentine’s Day gift for a reasonable price ($100–$2,000).

This locavore-driven market stocks everything from baked goods (made fresh daily) to seaweed, cheeseboards and olive oil. Products change with the season, and so do your CSA options, should you wish sign up.

The Tribeca branch of Whole Foods offers something we never expected from a mainstream market: 115 ingredients sold in bulk. An entire aisle is filled with items such as 14 types of organic beans and lentils, seven organic varieties of rice, plus granolas, flours, sugars, spices and three grind-your-own nut butters—all at prices well below what you’d find in bags and jars.