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.

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).  

Husband-and-wife team Aslan and Jenn Cattaui fill their cozy 450-square-foot store with the stuff kids dig—Junk Food concert tees, Uglydolls, Eazy Bean chairs and vintage wear that’ll make parents envious. The shop mainly focuses on the under-six set, but the Cattauis have recently begun stocking pieces for older children from popular lines such as Chaos Recycled. You'll wish this stuff came in your size.

  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).

The smartly curated local-food bazaar combines East Coast produce with speciality items from butchers, cheese makers and other purveyors. Regional events highlight beloved foodstuffs such as hard cider, heritage beans, tomatoes and artisanal breads. Fuel your browsing with plenty of free samples.

Tribeca fro-yo fanatics can satisfy all their wholesome cravings at the second location of this organic health-food bar. The bright takeout shop—outfitted with wood paneling and a white-and-green counter—also serves fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies, plus more-substantial options such as sandwiches (like hummus-cucumber and grass-fed bulgogi) and soups. Asian-inflected rice and noodle bowls include the signature Spicy Bowl, brimming with brown rice, spicy chicken, vegetables, eggs and chili sauce.

The thought of a department store usually conjures images of massive crowds and messy racks, but this modern spot is the antidote to typical multibrand behemoths. The store is the first of its kind for the company (it hopes to expand to London and Paris) and features both trendy and classic womenswear ($35–$600) from 21 under-the-radar European brands such as Veneno en la Piel, Goldie London and Trollied Dolly. Look for ultragirly clothing pieces, including Miss Patina sheer blouses with lace collars ($68) and chiffon maxidresses ($75), mixed with edgier duds, such as Toni Francesc slouchy jumpsuits ($353) and Sylvia Lee draped miniskirts ($250). Among the accessories are Rock & Royal stone necklaces ($110–$360) and the Leather Satchel Co. colorful leather tote bags ($145–$195), spread throughout the store. Perforated oxfords ($59) and hidden-heel leopard-print sneakers ($85) from the store’s parent company, Le Bunny Bleu, are stylishly lined against a back wall. So far, just the first floor is open to shoppers, but the store plans to expand, with kids’ clothes on the second floor and menswear on the third.

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.