Sometimes it seems as if all of New York City is one enormous shopping center, with new stores opening up and older ones closing down daily. Nevertheless, certain areas of town are particularly well known for their shops.

Fifth Avenue, between 49th and 59th Streets, has long been home to many of the city’s most famous and expensive stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman’s, and Tiffany’s.

Madison Avenue between 59th and 82nd Streets has many exclusive antique and designer shops.

Herald Square at 34th Street and 6th Avenue, and 34th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues feature more moderately priced stores such as Macy’s or The Gap, as well as bargain shops.

Columbus Avenue between 66th and 86th Streets and Lower 5th Avenue between 14th and 23rd Streets offer a large number of stylish clothing stores, mostly upscale chains (Banana Republic, Club Monaco).

SoHo is known for trendy clothing stores, many very expensive, and gift and home furnishings shops. The Meatpacking District is giving SoHo a run for the highest density of trendy high-end clothing, while the East Village has a smattering of some of the most imaginative and reasonably priced stores in town.

On the Lower East Side, Ludlow Street south of Houston is home to some of the town’s hippest young designers, while Orchard Street is known for its old-fashioned bargain clothing shops.

• Clothing Shops
• Department Stores
• Shoes and Accessories
• Jewelry and Gems
• Health and Beauty
• Food and Gourmet Shops
• Gifts and Collectibles
• Home and Housewares
• Antiques
• Books and Stationery
• Electronics and Toys
• Music and Musical Instruments
• Flea and Vendor Markets