5+ Hot Spots for Affordable Shopping in New York

Almost everyone who makes it to the Big Apple wants to get some shopping in. From designer labels, one-off mom and pop shops, and brands you can't get back home, NYC has some hidden gems you'll want to know about.

Published: May 16, 2024
Shopping in New York

Alongside New York City's diverse attractions and events, shopping remains at the top of many visitors' lists of must-do NYC activities. After all, NYC is at the center of the world’s fashion and retail industry and is home to some of the best-known stores in the country.

So, unless you absolutely loathe shopping, you’ll want to do at least a little of it while you're in New York. And while you'll definitely want to check out the high-end stores (just to say you did), you’ll be glad to know there are also lots of places to find wallet-friendly shopping in New York.

Fun ways to spend your days in between shopping:

Looking to fit in some fun activities and sightseeing alongside your shopping crusade? The below suggestions are a great way for newcomers to familiarize themselves with the city, all while saving a bunch of money on top attractions, tours, and more.

And now, here are 6 places to find discount shopping in New York...

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

The Woodbury Common Premium Outlets encompasses 220 outlet stores, including one of the few Chanel outlets in the world. The outlets are set up almost like a village, making for an enjoyable atmosphere. The Outlets feature famous brands that offer 25% – 65% off (talk about some cheap shopping!), including...

  • Adidas
  • Arc'teryx
  • Barney's New York Warehouse
  • Burberry
  • Coach
  • Dolce & Gabbana
  • Fendi
  • Giorgio Armani
  • Givenchy
  • Jimmy Choo
  • Kate Spade New York
  • Lululemon Athletica
  • and many more!
Chanel

Located in the Central Valley, about an hour north of Manhattan, you could easily fit a trip to the Outlets into your New York vacation itinerary. Trust us, it’s definitely worth your time. Insider tip: Bring a couple of large reusable bags to make carrying your shopping haul a bit easier. 

Location: Red Apple Court, Central Valley, NY 10917

Ways to Save: Round-trip Woodbury Common Outlet bus tours are available on Go City® 
New York passes
. Plus, you will get a VIP coupon with even more savings.

Bloomingdales

To many, Bloomingdale's (also known as "Bloomies") is considered Manhattan's most fashionable department store, with its flagship location being in NYC. Bloomingdale's features a 2,100 square foot Visitors Center that enables vacationers to feel at home right in the heart of New York City.

Some popular shopping items include designer handbags, classic men's and women's collections, fine housewares, and more. There are also multi-lingual receptionists that are happy to help with any information, in-store services, and package delivery to your hotel.

Macy's Herald Square

Macy's

Macy's is not only a fashion institution-it's an American icon. Visit the famed Macy's Herald Square, the world's largest department store. Whether you need the latest fashions for you or your home, you're bound to find them at Macy's. Stop into the Visitor Center on the 34th Street balcony where multilingual staff eagerly welcome you.

Loehmann’s

Loehmann's is a discount designer store that's a favorite among both tourists and locals, offering 30-65% off designer clothing. Plus, they buy nationally, expanding the extensive list of brands that they sell. Some names you can expect to see are Juicy Couture, Michael Kors, Theory, Marc Jacobs, French Connection, Kate Spade, Betsey Johnson, and so much more.

For a cost comparison, the prices are similar to department store clearance items but are available during the current season. As with any discount designer store, your shopping experience will be a bit chaotic as these stores are equally stuffed with people and garments. But chalk it up to the NYC experience and find some great deals!

Location: 2101 Broadway (between 73rd St & 74th St.)

Century 21

It may no longer be New York’s “best-kept secret,” but this bargain designer store is still a gem. Located in the Financial District, they work directly with garment district representatives to only stock locally. This means they have the ultimate in high-end names, like Armani, Pucci, Prada, and Missoni—and you’ll find savings up to 75% on these top brands.

They have a huge men’s and women’s shoe department (located in a separate store) and great prices on kid’s clothing. That being said, Century 21 is not for the faint of heart. You’ll have to fight your way through throngs of shoppers and racks of clothing, but you'll definitely be able to find a gem of a souvenir.

Location: 22 Cortlandt St. (between Broadway & Church)

Cosmetic Market

Good cosmetics can be expensive...but not at Cosmetic Market! Ever wonder what happens to extra make-up and perfume samples when promotions end? Or where excess Clinique, Sephora, and Chanel products end up? The answer to both of those questions: they go to Cosmetic Market. Cosmetic Market is a beauty bargain hunter's dream.

Cosmetic markets

This treasure of a store has everything from $5.50 Chanel nail polish to $1 L’Oreal hair color. In addition to makeup, they have an assortment of other products, like snacks (European chocolate in the back), candles and picture frames, jewelry, and other miscellaneous things (tip: you can find great gifty souvenir things here). You'll need to do a little sifting and browsing through the massive selection, but it's hard to leave this store without finding a steal.

Location: 15 East 37th St. (between 5th Ave and Madison Ave)

Fishs Eddy

At Fishs Eddy, you’ll find the highest-quality kitchenware and flatware for reasonable prices. Whether you’re a culinary whizz or just thinking about adding some flair to your kitchen, Fishs Eddy is a unique place to shop. They have everything you can imagine, ranging in style from retro to contemporary. Plus, they change their inventory seasonally. Look for weekly sales or clearance items to save even more. Just be warned, it’s a tight space—not convenient for strollers and the like.

Location: 889 Broadway (between 19th St. & 20th St.)

Leekan Designs

This unique showroom in the Lower East Side offers a varied collection of ethnic arts imported directly from China, Indonesia, India, Morocco, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, and other Asian countries.

Their store features affordable décor and housewares, African trading beads that can be made into a necklace or bracelet on the spot, and ready-made jewelry, among lots of other things! If you’re the kind of person who wants one-of-a-kind items or has an affinity for exotic accessories, you can’t miss this place.

Location: 4 Rivington St. (between Bowery & Freeman Alley)

New York is a discount shopper's paradise, if you know where to look!

Shopping in NYC

So there are a handful of spots to check out if you're looking for some of the best shopping in New York, including popular affordable options, outlet malls, and other hotspots. Remember, often, you can enjoy extra discounts on shopping centers, outlet malls & more with Go City® New York passes. So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options in your vacation itinerary.

Save up to 50% on New York attractions with Go City® 

Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and things to do in New York.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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New York in November

There's something quite enchanting about wintertime in New York – the weather is brisk, the streets are lit up, and the air is filled with the first signs of holiday cheer. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to ice skating at the Rockefeller, the city has a little something to offer for everybody. If you’re planning on making the trip, have a read through our guide of some of the best activities and events taking place throughout the month. To ensure that you don’t miss out on a thing, check out our Explorer pass and All-Inclusive pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less. Get into the Holiday Spirit Wintertime in the city brings a whole host of seasonal, family-friendly activities. Towards the end of the month, New York Botanical Garden’s beloved train show opens its doors. With around 200 intricate replicas of steam engines and iconic landmarks delightfully constructed from natural materials in their rawest form – think pinecones, acorns and seeds, this unique holiday experience is nothing but a sight to behold. In addition, the exhibit showcases antique models from the 1800s. Thoroughly captivating and festive, the show perfectly captures the beauty of the city in miniature. Each year, the city transforms into an other-worldly wonderland with millions of holiday lights right after Thanksgiving. Those who are interested in experiencing the stunning over the top displays up close should consider taking a Christmas Lights Tour. Along the route, you’ll move through dazzling displays of toy soldiers, Santa Claus and reindeer which illuminate the residences of Brooklyn. Totally exciting and Instagram-worthy, this is the perfect activity for any holiday lover. If it’s a unique shopping experience that you’re after, look no further. Every year, Union Square’s Holiday Market draws in millions of shoppers with a wide array of affordable, quality items. With over 100 booths offering everything from handmade accessories and souvenirs to delicious food and drink, you don't want to miss out on this one. Enjoy a hot chocolate, browse the stalls, or check out the live music – the day is yours! See the Classics You’ve seen it in all the movies: the iconic Rockefeller ice skating rink. Every year without fail, this classic winter attraction ushers in the holiday season right in the center of Manhattan. Attracting more than 150, 000 skaters every season, this uber-popular attraction has never failed to delight. Family-friendly and fun, this place offers the perfect NYC ice skating experience for those of all ages. Since the rink is prone to long lines during this time of year, we suggest looking into special tickets if you’re trying to cut down on time. One of our favorite things to do in November in New York is to head down to the city center to catch the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Since originating in 1924, the parade has grown to become the largest in the world, now drawing in a huge crowd of spectators each year. An iconic New York tradition as watched by millions of Americans, the event is sure to put a smile on anybody’s face. Featuring floats, giant character balloons, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend Thanksgiving Day. Those who want to get into the Christmas spirit early should definitely look into booking tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. A classic New York holiday activity, this annual music stage show offers its own original music score, a flying Santa Claus, and of course, the much-vaunted dazzling precision of the Rockettes. An iconic spectacle of music, dance, and festivity, this one-of-a-kind tradition is nothing short of mesmerizing. Find Fun Activities If you’re trying to avoid the frosty weather, why not make time to visit one of New York’s most widely acclaimed cultural amenities? Located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the American Museum of Natural History cultivates curiosity and interpretation in the natural world. Home to an expansive collection of over 30 million artefacts, you’ll be spoiled for choice with this one. Fascinating and fun, the museum provides a great educational experience for those of all ages. Art is everywhere in New York, so it’s no surprise that the city provides some fabulous creative institutions. Celebrating over 100 years of contemporary American art, the Whitney Museum serves to preserve, protect and interpret the works of great US artists. Arguably the finest holding of its kind in the world, the permanent collection features pieces by Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly, and Cindy Sherman. A great stop for all art lovers, this place would make the perfect day trip. New York City is well-recognized for its thriving comedy scene. If you’re interested in seeing a show, why not check out the New York Comedy Festival? Kicking off mid-November, the event features an impressive lineup of some of the city’s biggest laugh-out-loud performers. Comedy fans will be delighted by the number of shows taking place across five boroughs. With previous performances from David Cross, Marc Maron, and even Conan O’Brien, there’s no excuse to skip out on this one. Another great indoor activity is the New York City Horror Film Festival. Attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, this event has grown to become the largest and most highly respected film festival of its kind. From cult classics to newer contributions to the genre, the event offers a wide variety of screenings to suit every taste. Those who are especially interested in horror should be able to attend special events, masterclasses and celebrity Q&As. November is one of the most fun and exciting times to see New York. Attractive events and holiday cheer all across the city make it a great time for tourists to go and explore. Whether you’re visiting unique landmarks, discovering world-renowned museums, or trying out different foodie attractions, one thing’s for sure – your trip won’t be boring! To make the most out of your vacation, check out our All-Inclusive pass and Explorer pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
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New York in January

There’s nothing quite like January in New York – the snow is falling, the streets are bustling, and there’s magic in the air. From delighting in classic winter attractions to exploring the city’s most famed cultural amenities, the city’s 11 regions have an almost intimidating amount to offer. If you’re planning to make the visit, take a look at our list of the best things to do in the city to help you get started. See the Sites One of the best parts about winter in New York is the range of charming ice rinks that crop up all across the city. A beloved winter tradition for locals and visitors alike, Bryant Park is the only rink to provide a totally admission-free ice-skating experience. It doesn’t stop there though - skaters can also enjoy the park’s Winter Village. With over 170 holiday shops and food vendors to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Go for a spin, enjoy a delicious hot chocolate by the rinkside, or browse the stalls – the day is yours! It’s no secret that New York is an incredible destination for art museums. Famed for its beautiful, spiralling structure, the Guggenheim houses one of the most significant collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, modern and contemporary art within the United States. A fantastic stop for all art lovers, the institute displays a comprehensive repository of over 8, 000 famous works. The museum’s assemblage has grown to include selected pieces by Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso and Jasper Johns. Those who are travelling with kids should definitely consider checking out the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Situated on the Upper West Side, the establishment is devoted entirely to innovative educational play. At the museum, children and their caregivers can enjoy immersive art exhibitions, fun activities and hands-on workshops. Incredibly joyful and engaging, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a cold January afternoon. Take in the Atmosphere Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck inside! A magical show of color, the NYC Winter Lantern Festival is one way to brighten up a damp January evening. Hosted by the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, the event features more than 1,000 handcrafted displays of almost anything you can think of. In addition, there is an interactive light display projection, a live DJ, food vendors and a gift shop. As exciting as it is mesmerizing, this festival has everything you need for a perfect winters evening. Another one of our favorite events for the month of January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Taking place in the middle of the month, the federal holiday seeks to honor one of the country’s most influential figures of Black history. Across all boroughs, the annual event is usually celebrated with marches, parades, and speeches by civil rights leaders and politicians. To truly recognize the struggles and progression of the Black community, we also suggest volunteering activities and checking out the historic walking tours of Harlem. Don’t let the blustery January weather fool you – during the wintertime, the city brings a whole host of great outdoor activities. Offering a fun and relaxing experience, the horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park are an integral part of any New York vacation. Along the ride, you can take in the ethereal landscapes and admire the scenic NYC skylines, which are especially wondrous this time of the year. In addition, your driver will be able to provide more background information about the city’s history. New York is renowned for leading the way in embracing diversity in culture – an attribute which is demonstrated through its remarkable abundance of great festivals. Those who are interested in experiencing this firsthand should check out Three King’s Festival. Dating back over four decades, the traditional event commemorates the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem after Jesus’ birth. Today, Spanish communities celebrate with colorful street parades, vibrant costumes, delicious food, and live music. Combining art, history, and culture, the festival has an incredible atmosphere that’s great fun for all the family. Find Interesting Activities If you’re trying to avoid the sleet and snow, why not warm up with the Winter Antiques Show? Running for ten whole days throughout the month, the festival features a broad selection of decorative arts from around the globe. The eclectic array includes a little bit of everything, ranging from Egyptian antiquities to postwar Italian art glass. Combining bohemian art with a lively atmosphere, the event is perfect for antiques novices, hobbyists, and just those who love shiny things! A well-recognized cultural and creative hub, New York offers plenty of talent to see. Dubbed ‘’the 1 Jazz festival in North America’’, the NYC Winter Jazzfest has become recognized as an important event in New York nightlife. Taking place in the middle of the month, the festival features over 700 artists, with more than 170 groups. With previous performances from Questlove, Angel Bat Dawid and Pino Palladino, this one is a sure winner. With so many great eateries in New York, you’d be crazy to skip out on the next item on our list. As part of the city's annual culinary tradition, New York Restaurant Week offers visitors the opportunity to try out some of the best places in the area at more affordable prices. Those who are interested should be able to choose from a broad selection of around 380 participating restaurants spread across the five boroughs. From trendy Brooklyn sandwich spots to upscale fine dining establishments, there’s a little something for everybody here. Visiting New York in January is a great idea. Whilst the weather can be cold and brisk, the city presents lots of great activities, exciting events, and interesting attractions for you and your loved ones. Whether you want to visit some of the best museums the East Coast has to offer, take a carriage ride through Central Park, or have a night-time skate at the ice rink, this place has it all. Whatever draws you to the area, you’ll find that there are lots of reasons to love wintertime in New York. And now, you don’t have to miss out on a single thing! Discover all that this unique and fascinating city has to offer with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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