There’s no denying it, New York is one of the best cities in the world for shopping. But because it’s so big, it’s hard to know where to start.

And that’s where our shopping guide to the Big Apple comes in. We’ve hand-picked all of our favourite spots. Now all you need to do is save a little extra room in your suitcase to squeeze in all your fabulous finds.

Vintage gems and second-hand steals

When it comes to vintage shopping, the people in the know head straight to Brooklyn. Beacon’s Closet is a treasure trove of vintage and good quality pre-owned clothes. It stocks high-street names alongside legendary designers. The prices are a little higher than in a usual vintage or second-hand store, but you’re paying for a higher standard of clothes. There are four different branches and our favourite is in Bushwick. After your shopping trip, treat yourself to a quick lunch at Momo Sushi Shack.

Charity thrift stores like The Salvation Army Family Stores and Housing Works often have excellent finds at extraordinary prices. They’re definitely worth a look if you want to find something unique and do some good at the same time. But be prepared for a little rooting to uncover your gems.

New York’s fashion scene is all about embracing individuality and mixing high and low styles, so exploring both vintage boutiques and thrift stores can help you craft a wardrobe both dynamic and trendsetting as icons like Olivia Palermo, Bella Hadid, and Hailey Bieber. Whether it’s a designer find or a hidden gem from a thrift store, the city has endless possibilities for every fashion enthusiast.

Get ready for playtime

Whether you’re travelling with little ones or have someone at home who would appreciate a souvenir, New York is a wonderland for toys. Lego’s flagship store in Chelsea is fun for kids of all ages, while the Disney Store on Times Square never fails to mesmerise.

Times Square, New York

The big name brands are always crowd-pleasers, but sometimes there’s a little extra magic in something unique. Teich Toys & Books is packed full of handmade products and inspirational reading material for tots. We particularly love the New York-themed items like the Hand Knit NYC Hot Dog Rattle and the Subway Train Cars.

Dreamy designer destinations

Chanel, Gucci, Christian Louboutin and Saint Laurent. All of the world’s most legendary fashion houses have impressive boutiques in New York City. And if you’re looking for something in particular, they deserve your attention.

But one of our favourite things to do is browse in New York’s high-end department stores. Many have been open for over a hundred years and have reputations that transcend the city. Bergdorf Goodman is packed with the most covetable clothes you can imagine, while Barneys mixes haute-couture and high street fashion.

New York Shopping Guide

And if you’re looking for a memento to stand the test of time, there’s no better place than Tiffany & Co on 5th Avenue. This iconic jewellery shop was made famous by Audrey Hepburn in the 1960s film Breakfast At Tiffany’s. And although you shouldn’t expect any meals here, you’ll salivate over all those glittering jewels.

Beauty and the Big Apple

Skincare addicts and makeup fanatics always schedule at least one visit to Sephora when they’re Stateside. This beauty superstore carries almost everything you could dream of and the prices are often lower than at home.

For common American brands that haven’t made their way to our shores, drugstores like Duane Reade have a wealth of low price products to discover.

Want to experience the best of the cult brands? Then visit their flagship stores. Make-up experts Nars, New York-born Kiehl’s and Korean favourite Innisfree are always on our hit-list.

And for an expertly curated selection of the latest up-and-coming brands, head to Shen in Brooklyn.

Bagging bargains in the city and beyond

If you’re looking for a bargain and have the time to spare, a trip to an outlet mall just outside New York City will make you very happy.

Two of our favourites are Woodbury Common and The Mills at Jersey Gardens. You can find big name brands at both – think Banana Republic, Gap, Kate Spade and Levis – and both are less than an hour away by bus.

For bargain hunting in the Big Apple, Century 21 is a must. Head to the Downtown location everything from beauty to tech to clothes and a dedicated shoe shop right beside the main store. And for discounts on luxury goods, Nordstrom Rack is the destination for you. There are four branches located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, so it’s easy to pop in for a quick browse.