New York Destination Guide

  Places to See in New York

  Eating out in New York

  Shopping in New York

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Shopping in New York can often be a case of not being able to see the wood for the trees. In the centre stores are breathtakingly huge and intimidate the timid shopper. People also get sick of the crowds and think they are better served by heading off the main drags. Being honest it is a mistake to do so unless you know the city's secrets - stores on Fifth Ave are generally bigger and more crowded because they're the best. Take a deep breath and a firm grip on your Goldcard and battle the crowds - it's worth it.

Famously this is a city that never sleeps but if you're planning a shopping trip you should take note of America's public holidays when smaller stores may close.

Where to Shop?

Best Areas

The best stretch of 5th Avenue is between 59th Street and 42nd Street where there is a dazzling selection of some of the world's most famous stores, including Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffanys and FAO Schwarz. Naturally you'll also find the big national chains represented as well as some of the best known department stores on earth.

If you do try elsewhere other than Fifth Ave, hip and trendy Soho is home to a variety of galleries and boutiques while nearby Greenwich Village offers a range of shoe stores, Indian import shops and bookstores. Head to the Upper East Side between 57th and 96th streets for exclusive designer clothes and antiques.

Markets

Green Markets are a beloved NYC institution that offer everything from fresh goat's cheese to organic bread, all courtesy of upstate farmers who bring their produce to the city to sell in the open-air markets. Sites include Union Square (open Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 08h00-18h00) and Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn on Saturdays.

The Annex on 6th Avenue at 25th Street is a popular weekend antiques market that stocks furniture, toys, jewellery and other collectables. Entrance costs USD1 and more information can be obtained from the organisers at Tel: +1 (1)212-243-5343.

Malls and Department Stores

Some of New York's flagship department stores are practically malls in their own right. Over several floors these merchandising megaliths sell absolutely everything you could need.

On 6th Avenue and 33rd Street, the Manhattan Mall is New York's main shopping mall. This temple of commerce occupies nine floors and houses over 80 shops including Ann Taylor and The Limited.

The largest department store in the world, Macy's covers an entire block and occupies an incredible ten floors packed to the rafters with just about everything you could possibly want. Herald Square at 34th St and Broadway.

A firm favourite with New Yorkers, Bloomingdale's stocks everything from designer clothes to gourmet foods. 1000 3rd Ave at 59th St.

Saks Fifth Avenue specialises in luxury fashion for both men and women and is renowned for the quality of its service. The store has a slightly more upmarket feel than some of its competitors. 611 5th Ave at 49th St.

Outlet Centres

Woodbury Premium Outlets just one hour's drive north of New York is officially the world's largest collection of designer outlets. In over 220 stores you can find all the big names in global fashion, including Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Prada and Christian Dior. 498 Red Apple Ct. Tel: +1 (1)845-928-4000.

What to Buy

Anything and everything is available in New York, this is the biggest city in the land of plenty and the source of all manner of goods. New York is the highstreet fashion capital of the world and certainly European visitors will find that everything here is slightly cheaper than back home.

International clothing labels such as Nike and Hilfiger are widely available at low prices. The biggest savings are often made on trainers and sports footwear, look out for names such as Converse, Nike (again), Vans, Airwalk and any other of the major sports brands - prices are up to fifty per cent lower than those across "The Pond".

Americans also love their consumer goods and everything has that distinctive American over-sized look and feel. Check out the discount stores on 7th Avenue around Times Square for cheap electrical goods, toasters, kettles, waffle irons and the like. They make excellent souvenirs. Meanwhile for off-the-wall household goods and furniture try the East Village, where the trendies do their shopping.

Souvenirs of the Big Apple are widespread, although a lot of people plump for a Yankees hat (the red one rather than the traditional blue has become more popular with kids recently), or Knicks vest. A miniature Statue of Liberty is perhaps the cheesiest of souvenirs but nevertheless proves enduringly popular with the tourist masses. The traditional "I Love NY" T-shirt is considered fashionably post-modern nowadays by some and worn with a laconic sense of irony, but beware the low quality cheap versions - hawked all over the city.

Opening Hours

Stores are generally open from 10h00-19h00 Mon-Sat and 11h00-18h00 on Sundays.

Tax Refund

The rate of sales tax in the US varies by city and state and ranges from 4% to 15%. It is applied to the price at the checkout and is not marked on the product.

In New York the sales tax is 4% although certain items carry a smaller tax.

As individual states set their own sales tax the federal government has no system for refunding non-US visitors. Large and expensive purchases are often tax exempt if they are directly shipped outside the state they are bought in. You will have to ask at point of purchase whether it is possible to gain exemption by arranging direct shipping and, if so, whether this will represent any net saving to you.
 

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