Top 10 Shopping Hotspots

Coliseum Books, 42nd Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues
An independent retailing bookstore for the dyed-in-the wool booklover. Competition forced it to relocate (after a two-year closure) to its new location just opposite Bryant Park. Though not quite as big as the original, the store is a break from the discount pile-them-high book stores and has some very knowledgeable and helpful staff. If you are looking to while away a few hours in relative peace, then the adjoining cafe is the place to head, offering readings, art exhibits and book signings.

Tiffany & Co, 5th Avenue at 57th Street
Arguably the most famous jewellery store in the world. If you are into ‘bling’ then a visit to Tiffany & Co. is a total must. This multilevel store and its breathtaking selection of jewellery, watches, tableware and other gift items should satisfy your needs for all things sparkly! The store is usually busy and full of tourists, but even if you have no intention of buying anything, you can still go for a nose around.

Nolita, between Little Italy and the Lower East Side
One of the hottest shopping strips which has only emerged in recent years. The area known as ‘Nolita’ is not clearly defined, but it is characterised by sophisticated boutiques to rival any other location in NYC. Many of the stores have an eastern feel, and there are a number of quality second-hand stores – although be warned, the prices are not exactly ‘second hand’. The main streets to explore include Elizabeth, Mott and Mulberry, and there are also an increasing number of shops between Houston Street and the Bowery.

The Crystal District, 58th to 63rd Street
Not so much a store than a five-block stretch of Madison Avenue between 58th and 63rd Streets. The Crystal District is home to the richest concentration of luxury crystal in the world, including decorative objects and unique jewellery. Retailers to look out for here include Baccarat, Daum, Lalique, Steuben, and Swarovski, each showcasing eye-catching collections of anything from exquisite crystal décor to hand-crafted furniture.

Chinatown
Come here to browse around the myriad of market stalls and small retailers, which offer an array of unusual items. The fish and herbal markets along Canal, Mott, Mulberry and Elizabeth streets will probably test your nostrils a touch, but are worth it just for the experience. All around you will find plenty of cheap (and often fake) items such as sunglasses and watches, in addition to some good discount leather goods. There are also some antique shops if you are looking for something exotic. It’s worth haggling to get the best deals wherever you go.