New York City's 11 best neighborhoods for shopping

12.11.2024 - 00:45 / lonelyplanet.com

Nov 11, 2024 • 17 min read

With dozens of diverse enclaves spread out across the five boroughs, this ultimate NYC shopping guide has something for everyone – namely thousands upon thousands of shops, from local small businesses to big-name international brands. 

It’s impossible to cover them all, so we picked a few of our favorite destinations for finds of all kinds. Put on your walking shoes and brush up on your subway knowledge so you can find your way around NYC. Here are 11 of the best shopping districts to explore across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, and what to look for in each one.

The vibe: high fashion meets the masses 

If you only cruise down Broadway and pop in and out of the big-name chains like Uniqlo, H&M, Zara, or T.J. Maxx, you’d be forgiven for thinking this formerly artsy neighborhood isn’t what it once was. And it’s true: there’s not much edginess left in SoHo’s loft-lined cobblestone streets. Still, if you’re coming to shop, there’s lots to like, whether you’re giving the credit card a workout or just browsing, especially once you cut away from the main drag and dig into the side streets. 

To the east, on Crosby, the Housing Works thrift shop and bookstore both support their parent organization’s advocacy work on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS. Off Canal Street, thrifty shoppers can find gently-loved vintage and contemporary fashion at The ReShop and 2nd STREET SoHo. On Mercer, look for high-end denim at A.P.C., lust-worthy boots at Rag & Bone, and stylish streetwear at Billionaire Boys Club. Another block west on Greene, there’s luxury galore, from big names like Versace and Dior to smaller brands like Golden Goose and Isabel Marant.

Over on Sullivan Street, Global Table has eclectic, artisan-made dinnerware, and down on Spring Street, the MoMA Design Store has the modern masterpieces you’d expect from an art-world superstar. Also on Spring, Dominique Ansel Bakery is renowned for its much-hyped pastries – and deservedly so, as everything here is executed to perfection. Try a seasonal cronut, or one of the exquisite tarts. 

Before you leave the area entirely, head up Broadway to NoHo, where science enthusiasts and curious collectors can score museum-inspired souvenirs at the Evolution Store.

Getting there on the subway:

6 train to Bleecker Street

B, D, F or M trains to Broadway-Lafayette

C, E or 6 trains to Spring Street

R or W train to Prince Street

The vibe: cutting-edge cool

With their rock ‘n roll roots and melting pot–style aesthetics, the East Village and Lower East Side have long been considered bastions of NYC cool. Today, these once-edgy areas are a bit more tame, but there are still pockets of grit to be found amongst the trendy eateries and shiny new residential