Created in what was once the New York Nabisco factory, Chelsea Market is a veritable paradise for food lovers. The market complex stretches an entire city block, housing an exceptional assortment of vendors between its charming brick walls. Hungry visitors rave about treats like lobster rolls, artisanal chocolates, and freshly baked pastries while others drop by to browse the latest trends at Anthropologie or stock up on their favorite reds at the Chelsea Wine Vault. Alongside trendy shops and gourmet vendors, this fascinating landmark also hosts offices for several household names. Whether you swing by to sate your culinary cravings, shop for homeware until you drop, or enjoy some quality people watching amid mouthwatering aromas, Chelsea Market is a must-do for all Manhattan shoppers.
Larger-than-life billboards, the collective flicker and flash of neon lights, mesmerizing digital screens and a famously atmospheric spirit sum up the allure of the bustling Times Square. Christened after the New York Times, which moved its office to this location in 1924, the vibrant milieu of this busy square deeply echoes the city's ethos. Riveting Broadway marquees, a diverse set of shops, restaurants of every type and stripe, and towering buildings beyond vie for attention. Somewhere amid a sea of tourists who are likely making their way to the iconic red steps for panoramic views of this spectacle, a big crimson tourist bus inches its way toward the next monumental attraction. Meanwhile, longstanding fixtures of this place contribute to its hugely legendary status, from the Coca-Cola sign, the colossal M&Ms World store and Times Square Studios, to the TKTS booth, the Hard Rock Cafe, and Planet Hollywood.
Words like opulence and elegance come to mind when you hear the name Bergdorf Goodman. One of the many esteemed shopping destinations situated on Fifth Avenue, this luxury department store has it all: designer clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, beauty products, homewares, and more. Spend the day browsing brands ranging from Akris to Valentino then stop by the lavish BG Restaurant on the seventh floor. If an indulgent meal isn't enough to restore your energy for another round of shopping, head to the in-house day spa and let soothing treatments with essential oils melt your cares away. There's a reason the fashion elite swear by Bergdorf Goodman.
Discover a department store large enough to get lost in and satisfy all your shopping needs. Stretching almost an entire city block, Macy's Herald Square is not only an excellent place to indulge your shopping whims but also a National Historic Landmark since 1978. Until 2009, it was the largest department store in the world, and while it no longer holds the title, this flagship store still carries just about everything you could ever need. Find great selections of clothing, beauty products, home decor, luggage, accessories, and more at remarkably reasonable prices. If you need a break while exploring, stop at one of the many eateries housed inside, which range from a Starbucks to a contemporary Italian trattoria. Between its superb merchandise, on-site amenities, and historical significance, Macy's Herald Square is absolutely worth a visit.
Since 1927, this East Village gem has delighted bibliophiles with its impressive collection of new, used, rare, and discontinued books. The illustrious shop boasts an impressive 18 miles of books spread over its three floors, promising printed works for every tasted. Used-book lovers will find several specialty sections, including a notable selection of discounted art books, and others will enjoy browsing review copies of recently published works in the basement. Strand Book Store also carries antique items and novelty merchandise guaranteed to put a smile on any bookworm's face. Keep an eye out for discounts and sales when you drop by to experience this literary spectacle, as the beloved bookstore does its best to create special offers for its loyal patrons whenever possible.
The zigzagging streets and charming brownstones of Greenwich Village have a far more laid back atmosphere than most neighborhoods in the city. The center of New York's gay and student communities lies here, with a variety of funky shopping and nightlife including jazz, rock and dance clubs, restaurants, bars and cafés. By the early 1900s, the Village had fully established itself as the center of radical thinking in the United States. Famous reformers, artists and intellectuals all gathered here and many still do. Do not miss a visit to Washington Square Park, where you will experience the nexus of it all!
This store located in Greenwich Village features exquisite antique furniture and earthenware for the home from Provence. Pottery, decorations, weather vanes and much more fill this tiny Le Fanion in the West Village. There is oven ware, artwork and crystal chandeliers-all of which you are not likely to find elsewhere in New York City. The store gives off a warm, cozy glow, much like the landscape of the south of France.
Sahadi's in Brooklyn stores delightful Middle-Eastern stuff like pistachios and coffee beans. The supermarket is open Mondays through Saturdays and hoards anything from filo wraps to hummus. Gift baskets, gift cards, spices, cheeses, gourmet ready meals, and ethnic foods from Lebanon and Syria feature at the retail outlet. Online shopping is also an option but the choices are very restricted.
Those who really understand where to shop for quality on a dime-budget while living in NYC go to Russo's. Here you can find cheap, yet delectably fresh pasta and mountains of fresh mozzarella. The lobster ravioli and fresh anchovies are two items that also make sure locals return. Since 1908, the proprietors have delighted folks in this section of 11th St. and the amount of selection is only rivaled by Alleva's or Raffeto's. One added benefit is that right next door, you'll find the venerable Veniero's where you can find something sweet. On your way out of this shop, don't forget to grab a couple of marinated artichokes for the road!
The offerings at this unique book gallery range from expensive to extremely expensive. You will find rare gems like the first edition of Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass here. Titles range from William Faulkner's Sound and the Fury to Toni Morrison's Beloved. Bauman Rare Books is truly a delight for avid book collectors!
This rather large and impressive antiques dealer has over 100 opulent galleries filled with prized American, African, Asian and European pieces. The Manhattan Art and Antiques Center is open to the general public and charges no admission fee. The center is best known for its art pieces, antique furniture, silverware and porcelain. There is also jewelry, bronze, medallions, baskets, glass, fine rugs and tapestries forming an unending selection of collectibles. Services include watch and clock repairs, appraisals and even rug and tapestry mending. So for a bit of intrigue to hang up on the office wall or display in the master bedroom, pick a piece at The Manhattan Art and Antiques Center.
Eat, chill, read and benefit charity all in a couple of hours! The Housing Works Used Book Cafe in Soho is a book lovers' delight and allows customers to help the HIV afflicted too. Browse through tens of thousands of new and used books while you go through their range of snacks. Beer, books and cushy chairs turn out to be the perfect recipe for a relaxing and lazy day. A comfy library-esque ambiance and casual service add the finishing touches. The cafe even hosts events and live music acts, with proceeds donated to charity.