10 Best Official Walgreens & Duane Reade Pharmacies in NYC
10 Best Official Walgreens & Duane Reade Pharmacies in NYC
Where to find New York’s most iconic and ubiquitous health and convenience store.
In New York City, the name Duane Reade is as iconic as a yellow taxi. Now part of the Walgreens family, this network stands as the city’s most indispensable resource for health, wellness, and last-minute essentials. An investment in your well-being often begins here, whether you’re picking up a prescription, grabbing a snack, or seeking a late-night remedy. Finding an official Walgreens or Duane Reade is effortless; they are the true corner stores of the modern city.
The experience of visiting a flagship Duane Reade or Walgreens in NYC is a masterclass in urban convenience. Many are open 24/7, acting as vital hubs in their neighborhoods. Beyond the full-service pharmacy, these stores have evolved to offer fresh food, beauty consultations, photo services, and even financial services. With their bright lights and comprehensive inventory, they are a reliable and essential part of the New York City landscape, always there when you need them.
This guide, a special curation by AZ New York, is your essential map to the 10 best and most notable Walgreens and Duane Reade locations in the city.
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| Health & Wellness Service | Known For | Key NYC Locations |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy | National Competitor, MinuteClinics | Across all Boroughs |
| Urgent Care Centers | Immediate Medical Needs | Across all Boroughs |
| Hospitals | Emergency & Specialized Care | Manhattan & Brooklyn |
| Health Food Stores | Organic & Natural Products | SoHo & West Village |
| Top 20 Flagships | Iconic Brand Experiences | Across NYC |
4 Tips for Visiting a Walgreens or Duane Reade in NYC
- Use the Walgreens App: The app is essential for managing prescriptions, ordering refills, clipping digital coupons, and checking your myWalgreens rewards balance.
- Join myWalgreens Rewards: This free loyalty program is a must. You’ll earn Walgreens Cash rewards on almost everything, get sale prices, and receive personalized offers.
- Look for 24-Hour Locations: NYC has many 24/7 Walgreens and Duane Reade locations. Use the store locator in the app or online to find the one nearest you for any late-night emergencies.
- Book Vaccination Appointments Online: For flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and other immunizations, save time by booking an appointment online at the official Walgreens website.
Keep an Eye On: In-Store Health Clinics and Services.
Beyond the pharmacy, many larger Walgreens and Duane Reade locations offer a growing suite of health services. This includes dedicated clinics for vaccinations and health testing, blood pressure machines, and consultations with pharmacists about your medications. Some locations are also expanding their optical and hearing aid services, making them comprehensive neighborhood health centers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Duane Reade and Walgreens?
Duane Reade was the iconic, dominant pharmacy chain founded in Manhattan. In 2010, it was acquired by the Walgreens company. While many stores still proudly bear the Duane Reade name, they are all part of the Walgreens network, sharing the same products, pharmacy system, and myWalgreens rewards program.
Can I fill a prescription from any Walgreens at a Duane Reade?
Yes. Since they operate on the same pharmacy system, your prescription information is accessible at any Walgreens or Duane Reade location nationwide, making it incredibly convenient for travelers and commuters.
Do all Duane Reade and Walgreens stores in NYC operate 24/7?
No, but a significant number of them do, especially in high-traffic areas of Manhattan. It’s always best to check the specific store’s hours online or in the app before heading out late at night.
Ranking: The 10 Best Official Walgreens & Duane Reade Pharmacies in NYC
Below, check out the key official Walgreens and Duane Reade locations in the city, in a special curation by AZ New York.
1. Walgreens – One Times Square
This is the global flagship. With its iconic, multi-story digital sign wrapping around the corner of One Times Square, this Walgreens is one of the most visible and technologically advanced pharmacies in the world. It’s a massive store with a huge selection, serving the endless crowds of Times Square 24/7.
Address: 1 Times Square, New York, NY 10036
Type: 24/7 Global Flagship
Borough: Manhattan
Highlight: The world-famous flagship with the iconic digital sign in Times Square.
2. Duane Reade – 40 Wall Street
Housed in the majestic, cathedral-like lobby of a historic bank building, this is often called the “fanciest” pharmacy in NYC. It features chandeliers, marble columns, and even a shoeshine stand. It’s worth a visit just for the stunning architecture, blending health services with Gilded Age grandeur.
Address: 40 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
Type: Architectural Landmark
Borough: Manhattan
Highlight: A breathtakingly beautiful store located inside a historic bank lobby.
3. Duane Reade – One World Trade Center
Located at the base of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, this modern and spacious Duane Reade serves the thousands of workers and tourists in the WTC complex. It’s a key amenity for the entire downtown area, offering convenience and a full range of services.
Address: 1 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007
Type: Major Commuter Hub
Borough: Manhattan
Highlight: The essential pharmacy for the iconic World Trade Center complex.
4. Duane Reade – Herald Square
This massive, 24/7 location is one of the busiest in the city, situated directly across from Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. It’s a critical resource for commuters, travelers, and shoppers in the bustling Herald Square retail district.
Address: 1350 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
Type: 24/7 Transit Hub
Borough: Manhattan
Highlight: A vital 24/7 pharmacy serving the Penn Station and MSG area.
5. Duane Reade – Grand Central
Strategically positioned near Grand Central Terminal, this 24/7 store is indispensable for commuters. It’s a non-stop hub for people grabbing travel essentials, prescriptions, or a quick snack before catching a train.
Address: 661 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022
Type: 24/7 Commuter Hub
Borough: Manhattan
Highlight: A crucial 24/7 resource for the thousands passing through Grand Central.
6. Duane Reade – Union Square
This large, high-volume store serves the diverse community around Union Square, including NYU students, local residents, and professionals. It’s a reliable 24/7 anchor for the neighborhood, providing everything from study snacks to essential medications.
Address: 4 Union Square S, New York, NY 10003
Type: 24/7 Neighborhood Hub
Borough: Manhattan
Highlight: The main 24/7 pharmacy for the vibrant Union Square community.
7. Duane Reade – Columbus Circle
Located at a major intersection on the corner of Central Park, this large Duane Reade serves a mix of residents from the Upper West Side, workers from Midtown, and tourists. Its proximity to the park and major subway lines makes it a key location.
Address: 1889 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Type: Major Pharmacy
Borough: Manhattan
Highlight: A key pharmacy at the gateway to the Upper West Side and Central Park.
8. Walgreens – Upper East Side
This 24/7 Walgreens on 86th Street is a vital resource for the dense residential neighborhood of the Upper East Side. It provides round-the-clock pharmacy services and daily essentials to one of Manhattan’s most established communities.
Address: 1328 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021
Type: 24/7 Neighborhood Pharmacy
Borough: Manhattan
Highlight: A crucial 24/7 lifeline for the Upper East Side residential area.
9. Walgreens – Downtown Brooklyn
Situated in the heart of Brooklyn’s commercial and civic center, this major Walgreens location is an essential hub for the borough. It serves a diverse population of residents, office workers, and students with a full range of products and pharmacy services.
Address: 379 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Type: Major Brooklyn Pharmacy
Borough: Brooklyn
Highlight: A central and indispensable pharmacy for Downtown Brooklyn.
10. Duane Reade – Astoria, Queens
This large, 24/7 Duane Reade on Steinway Street serves as the main pharmacy and convenience hub for the vibrant and diverse neighborhood of Astoria. It’s a critical resource for one of the most popular residential areas in Queens.
Address: 31-11 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103
Type: 24/7 Queens Hub
Borough: Queens
Highlight: The primary 24/7 pharmacy serving the bustling Astoria community.
All research and the final selection of the locations in this guide were carried out by the team at AZ New York. These are the primary official Walgreens and Duane Reade destinations in the city.
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