Many designer stores in New York have their flagship locations on Fifth Avenue. Admire jewels at Tiffany & Co., pick up toys for the little ones at The LEGO® Store, or snag sporty items at the NBA Store. From Gucci and Harry Winston to Apple and H&M, you can find top designer stores, plus many others, on this street. The best Fifth Avenue shopping spots are the department stores, like the flagship Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. Pop in to shop or at least walk by these landmarks.

Shopping in New York City is synonymous with the name of one of the most famous department stores in the world: Macy's Herald Square. The retail giant is known for many things, like having the best holiday window displays in the city, putting on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and even being the first building to feature the modern-day escalator back in 1902. Take in the glitzy window displays around the holidays, or pop in year-round to pick up anything you might need during your trip.

This dream world of toys holds more than 150 years of history: a shop where you can buy trains, dolls, instruments, games, puzzles, books, and much more. FAO Schwarz features in-store experiences like a Build-A-Bear Workshop®, a custom bracelet station, a custom slime-making station, a Barbie stylist experience, and a large piano that kids can dance on. The best part? It’s inside Rockefeller Center, a popular stop on many city tours.

When it comes to vintage shopping in New York, head to Brooklyn for all the best finds. Not only is Williamsburg one of the best shopping areas in NYC if you’re on the hunt for secondhand fashion finds, but it’s also a trendy neighborhood to drink, dine, and party in. Peruse the popular Bedford Street, home to stores like Awoke Vintage and Beacon’s Closet, before wandering farther afield to shop at Vaux Vintage and Buffalo Exchange.

One of the best shopping tips in New York City is that it doesn’t have to be real to look real. If you can’t afford that new Dior bag you spotted on fancy Fifth Avenue, just head downtown to Canal Street, one of the most popular shopping streets in NYC. It may feel a little gritty, but haggling for knockoffs is part of the fun. Afterward, stop to eat in the area—Canal Street runs right through New York City’s Chinatown and Little Italy neighborhoods.

If you’re looking for where to shop in NYC to find quality yet affordable items, head to the Century 21 Stores for some of the best outlet shopping in New York City. The off-price department store is near Wall Street in downtown Manhattan and is definitely worth a visit if you’re on a budget. It’s best to visit during off-peak hours, as the store can get extremely crowded on weekends and post-work—just be ready to fight crowds for those discounted prices on designer goods.

Ask New Yorkers where they buy their books, and they’ll tell you The Strand, an independent bookstore that’s been in business for nearly a century. It has both new and used books, apparel, gifts, and even rare and collectible books. You can even sell any books you have lying around (on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm). Located on the Upper West Side, it’s easy to pop in here and browse after a visit to Central Park or the nearby American Museum of Natural History.

The Brooklyn Flea Market takes place in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood, in the shadow of the Manhattan Bridge (and not far off from the Brooklyn Bridge). The market, which occurs on Saturdays and Sundays, takes place in the Dumbo Archway and sells both new and secondhand items in a lively, welcoming setting. Dig around to find items like candles, cowboy boots, records, prints, tea, clothing, accessories, and so much more.

Chelsea Market is an indoor marketplace with plenty of dining opportunities and unique boutiques in New York for anyone who wants to spend a leisurely afternoon roaming around. From the funky finds at Anthropologie to Asian-inspired merchandise at Pearl River Mart, there’s lots to discover here, especially if you’re looking for a special New York City souvenir or gift. It’s close to the High Line in Chelsea’s Meatpacking District; take a stroll there after spending time inside at the market.