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Tattoo in session
The Hidden Rose NYC

Great local tattoo spots

The best places to get inked in New York City

Written by Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner in association with Time Out paid partners
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New York City has a trove of tattoo talent (just, um, look at the skin of someone nearby?), and finding a good place to get a tattoo isn't difficult. Finding a great place takes a little more descretion. And great is, well, subjective. Maybe you want a longtime artist who has seen and tattooed it all, or you're open to an apprentice who's crazy talented, but a little lower in price. One thing's for sure: You want to be clean, comfortable and wholly satisfied with your new body art. We've got you. 

Whether you want a custom design or are picking your favorite New York City skyscraper off a flash sheet, here's where to get inked across New York City. 

Local tattoo spots

  • Art
  • Chinatown

L.O.V.E Machine acts as more than just a tattoo studio, it's a creative space allowing artists to expand into new diverse mediums. Each artist has years of painting or drawing experience and can achieve various design styles and techniques. As the team expands to open a second studio space only a block away from its homebase on Centre street, the focus of each shop will shift. The new studio will focus on miniature and medium sized pieces, while the original space will hone in on larger pieces that may take multiple sessions. Book your appointment or consultation now to have an artist help guide you through the process of getting your next tattoo!

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  • Shopping
  • Tattoos and piercings
  • Chinatown

This Chinatown tattoo parlour has an eight-strong roster of artists, with more invited in from around the globe. That means there’s quite a lot of expertise available, with a focus on different styles, from black and grey or color realism to fine line, neo traditional and, well, anything you want, pretty much. 

They’ll sort you out with a custom piece and artistically rendered pieces that leverage that expertise. And if you want some cosmetic tattooing to enhance your lips or eyebrows? They can do that now, too. Check out their Instagram to see their work. Looks pretty arty to us.

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  • Things to do
  • Union Square

Head to Live By The Sword’s Union Square location and indulge in a new piercing or tattoo—whether it be an impulse decision or a long awaited body modification, their team is ready to make your visions a reality. This location is walk-in friendly and their resident artists offer a range of styles and flash pieces to suit any style. Follow them on Instagram to keep up with daily deals and to see what’s new in the shop, or head to their website to book a consultation now! 

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  • Things to do
  • Soho

Live by the Sword Tattoo goes beyond serving as just a tattoo shop, becoming a destination spot for birthdays or experiential outings for friends. Piercings start at just $10 (including jewelry) and tattoos start at $50. Daily deals include discounts, bundles on multiple tattoos, piercings or tooth gems, and BOGO offers to make your matching tattoo dreams a reality. The flash books at Live by the Sword Tattoo are packed with thousands of designs—all also published online so you can view prior to going. Learn more on their Instagram or book a consultation online with ease! 

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  • Things to do
  • Williamsburg

Head to their original Williamsburg location for tattoos, piercings, tooth gems and even a new hairstyle at their in house full service hair salon. Located in the heart of Williamsburg, you’ll find street vendors, food trucks and easy access to the waterfront just steps away from the shop—making for a perfect post-tattoo or piecing day in Brooklyn. Browse their staff on their website and head to their Instagram to view past works and to keep up with special deals! 

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  • Things to do
  • East Village

Head to The Hidden Rose NYC to turn your tattoo dreams into a reality with visual artistry at every turn. The various resident and guest artists work alongside new and existing clients to make any tattoo vision come to life. Located in the famed Pink Landmark Building—which was built in 1910—you’ll step into a bit of New York history as you make your very own permanent memories! Learn more and book a consultation now at their website or head to their Instagram for examples of past work.  

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  • Things to do
  • East Village

Located in what was once the infamous Hells Angels clubhouse in the East Village, Victory Tattoo NYC is a tattoo and piercing shop that offers unique and original designs from various talented artists tailored to the needs of every client. Experience comfort and inclusivity at this creative space where all are welcome. 

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