Department stores

Why You Must Visit the Department Stores in New York

• Don’t leave the Big Apple without stepping into a New York department store! These stores are historic landmarks in their own right and are an integral part of New York’s heritage, whether it’s Macy’s on Herald Square or Saks facing the Rockefeller Center.
• Here, everything is bigger and more impressive. Floors are lined with kilometers of aisles and products. Must-visit addresses, even just for the eye candy.
• Department stores are especially worth seeing during the end-of-year holidays. As Christmas approaches, the window displays come to life and each department store tries to outdo the competition to attract visitors. Special mention goes to Saks, which puts on a spectacular show every year. Macy’s animated window displays are also always full of creativity. New York department stores know how to surprise!

The 5 Must-Visit Department Stores in New York

1. Macy’s

   Macy’s is also the most famous department store in New York. This prestigious brand opened its doors in 1858 on Herald Square, in the heart of the Midtown district. The store occupies 12 floors and holds the title of the largest store in the world. Get lost in the aisles! And don’t miss a ride on the vintage escalators.

   

   Address: 151 West 34th Street, at the corner of 6th Avenue.

   Neighborhood: Midtown.

   Metro: 34 St-Penn Station.

2. Saks Fifth Avenue

   Saks Fifth Avenue was founded in 1867 on 5th Avenue, right across from the Rockefeller Center. This department store is Macy’s biggest rival in terms of size and reputation. But Saks is still in a different league. This department store clearly positions itself in the luxury market, with big brands like Dior, Chanel, Hermès, Prada, or Gucci.

   

   Address: 611 Fifth Avenue, right across from the Rockefeller Center.

   Neighborhood: Midtown.

   Metro: 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr.

3. Century 21

   This immense bazaar is the temple of good deals! The store is located a few steps from the 9/11 museum and the World Trade Center. Depending on the deliveries, you will find big brands at low prices.

   

   Address: 22 Cortlandt Street, between Church Street and Broadway.

   Neighborhood: Financial District.

   Metro: Cortlandt St.

4. Bergdorf Goodman

   This department store was created in 1899 by Herman Bergdorf, a tailor from Alsace. He partnered two years later with Edwin Goodman, one of his employees, forming the current brand Bergdorf Goodman. Above all, the new store specializes in luxury, haute couture, and high-end ready-to-wear. A must-see for the pleasure of the eyes!

   

   Address: 754 Fifth Avenue, at the corner of 58th Street.

   Neighborhood: Midtown.

   Metro: 5 Av/59 St.

5. Bloomingdale’s

   It was in 1872 that Joseph and Lyman Bloomingdale opened what was then just a modest bazaar. The two men offered fashion from Europe. Then the store developed strongly to the point of occupying a whole block. Bloomingdale’s is now one of the must-see department stores in New York. Buyers also do not forget to ask for the “Big Brown Bag”, the iconic bag of the store.

   

   Address: 1000 3rd Avenue, between 59th Street and 60th Street.

   Neighborhood: Upper East Side.

   Metro: 59 St.