New York City Shopping: Fun, Fashion and Rare Finds

With tens of thousands of stores to choose from, specialty-shopping in the “city that never sleeps” is a true adventure sport. From books to baked goods, sneakers to vintage dolls―you'll find treasures for everyone in your family. Get a running start with these New York City shopping tips.

1. Looking for Books

New, used or specialty―the Big Apple’s collection of independent bookstores makes a reader's heart sing. Literature-lovers in Queens make a bee line for the Astoria Bookshop. Though small, it’s packed with excellent fiction, non-fiction and children’s books. Ask about readings happening while you are in town. Need to find a rare or out-of-print book? Check out the Strand Book Store in Manhattan's East Village. This independent book store has been a book lover’s paradise since 1927. If you’re hoping to buy a few books in the most romantic of romance languages, NYC’s got what it takes in Albertine, a French bookstore with a reading room, sitting pretty in the French Embassy. Think comfy armchairs, sleek sofas and 14,000 titles from 30 different French-speaking countries.

2. Tech-Collecting in the Big Apple

The "Big Apple" nickname isn't a brand reference, but if you're in the market for a new phone or the latest tech in any form, NYC is a great place to shop. The Apple Store's Fifth Avenue branch, with its soaring, 32-foot glass entranceway, offers an endless selection—and it’s open 24 hours a day. Looking for a compact gift that can fit in your suitcase? Go for headphones at Audio 46. It's the store's one-and-only specialty, so they really know their stuff, carry a huge selection and offer prices that make customers smile.

3. It's Kid Stuff

Everybody feels like a kid in New York City when they see iconic attractions like the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building for the very first time. But if you visit with real youngsters—or have some at home who would love a souvenir—there are many delightful places to shop. Do you want dolls? Crafts? Sock puppets? Stuffed animals? Marionettes? The Children's General Store is like Santa’s stash! This small, neighborhood toy store is a magical spot to find toys like they used to be made, nothing digitized or computerized, with decent prices and an unbeatable selection. Or go to Dinosaur Hill, which offers vintage and new toys your kids will love. Even just gazing at the vibrant window displays will make your heart swell.

4. Get in the Groove

No, it's not your imagination; New York City is expensive—whether you’re living there or just visiting. One happy result of the high prices: The city's huge supply of excellent second-hand shops. In fact, some of the best shopping in NYC is for gently used clothing items. Start on a treasure hunt for pre-worn gems and vintage items at Housing Works, one of NYC's beloved nonprofits. Its fleet of upscale thrift stores offers clothes, furniture and books. Or try the Sunnyside Thrift Shop in Queens where you can unearth some incredible bargains if you are game to sort through oodles of stuff. Brooklyn-based Beacon's Closet is the consignment store for trendy and high-quality clothing and shoes. It has four locations in the New York area.

5. Creative Confections

Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth the size of the five boroughs combined or just want to try the newest twist on the donut-croissant trend, the Big Apple is home to some of the most creative pastry chefs in the country. Why not indulge in some of the best baked goods the city has to offer? If you don’t want to spend hours in line for his highly famed Cronut—a mix between a croissant and donut—visit cronut creator Dominique Ansel’s other bakery, Dominique Ansel Kitchen, where most of the menu is baked right after you order it. Stop in to taste many interesting and tasty creations, like the ultimate s’mores sandwich or matcha beignets. For a unique take on the classic croissant, visit Union Fare and order one of their many stuffed croissants with flavors like birthday cake and crème brulee. If cookies are more your thing, squeeze into the tiny Levain Bakery and order one of their famous cookies. With flavors like chocolate chip walnut or dark chocolate peanut butter chip, there is a flavor combination for everyone.

6. Sneaking Around

What's comfortable, trendy and priced to fit a wide range of budgets? You got it: sneaks! And, New York's perched near the top of the list for the best sneaker shopping. The city is full of specialty stores that offer the latest kicks, as well as more affordable classics. Pick your poison before you leave the hotel. Foot Locker's House of Hoops stocks just Nike, Converse and Jordans that will prove popular with your future basketball star. Adidas fans need not mope. You have your own store, the Adidas Sport Performance Store, where you can find almost every sub-line Adidas developed. If you prefer to mix it up, visit Alumni, truly a sneaker-lover’s paradise. Shoes of many brands cover the walls here, with a special emphasis on G-Star, Only NY and Play Cloths.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in New York City.