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Herald Square NYC Shopping Guide

Herald Square NYC Shopping Guide

A guide to the high-energy, iconic heart of New York’s retail scene.

Shopping in Herald Square is to dive headfirst into the electric current of New York City. Centered around the intersection of Broadway, Sixth Avenue, and 34th Street, this area is a bustling, perpetually crowded hub of commerce, anchored by the world’s most famous department store, Macy’s. The energy here is palpable, a mix of determined local shoppers, wide-eyed tourists, and hurried commuters navigating one of the city’s busiest districts.

Unlike the curated luxury of Fifth Avenue or the boutique charm of SoHo, Herald Square is a democratic shopping destination. It’s a landscape of massive flagships, beloved national brands, and department stores overflowing with options. The experience is less about quiet browsing and more about embracing the vibrant, sometimes chaotic, spirit of Midtown Manhattan. Shopping here is an iconic New York experience, placing you at the crossroads of American retail.

This guide, a special curation by AZ New York, is your essential map to conquering the stores, crowds, and quintessential energy of Herald Square.

Herald Square isn’t just a place to shop; it’s the high-energy pulse of New York retail, where every corner buzzes with the city’s iconic rhythm.

You might be interested in shopping in these nearby locations

Location Vibe Distance (from Herald Square)
Garment District Wholesale & Industry-Focused ~0.4 miles
Times Square Entertainment & Mega-Stores ~0.5 miles
Fifth Avenue Iconic Luxury & Flagships ~0.6 miles
Flatiron District Trendy & Contemporary Brands ~0.7 miles
Union Square Diverse & High-Energy ~1.0 mile
Shopping Guides in Neighboring Areas

4 Tips for Shopping in Herald Square

  • Start at Macy’s, But Don’t End There: Macy’s is a must-see, but the entire 34th Street corridor is packed with major flagships. Use Macy’s as your anchor and explore east and west along 34th Street for a full experience.
  • Go Early or Late: Herald Square is one of the busiest pedestrian areas in the city. To avoid the biggest crowds, plan your shopping trip for a weekday morning right when stores open, or later in the evening.
  • Use the Underground Passages: The 34th Street–Herald Square subway station is a massive hub. On bad weather days, you can use the underground concourses to move between stores and avoid the elements.
  • Know Your Exits: The area can be overwhelming. Familiarize yourself with the cross streets (Broadway and Sixth Avenue) to keep your bearings as you navigate between the giant stores.

Keep an Eye On: The Living History of Macy’s.

Macy’s Herald Square is more than just a store; it’s a New York institution. Opened on this site in 1902, it was the first building to have modern escalators, and some of the original wooden ones are still in operation.

The store is the star of the movie “Miracle on 34th Street” and the endpoint of the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Look for the memorial plaque at the 34th Street entrance dedicated to Isidor and Ida Straus, co-owners of Macy’s who died on the Titanic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Herald Square famous for?

Herald Square is world-famous as one of New York City’s most important and busiest shopping districts. It is best known for being the home of Macy’s flagship department store, the largest in the United States, and for the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade which ends here.

Is Herald Square just Macy’s?

No, while Macy’s is the anchor and most famous landmark, Herald Square and the surrounding 34th Street area are filled with dozens of other major retail flagships, from international fashion brands to electronics and specialty stores.

How do I get to Herald Square?

It’s a major transportation hub. You can take the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W subway lines directly to 34th Street–Herald Square. It’s also a short walk from Penn Station, which serves the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E subway lines, as well as the LIRR, NJ Transit, and Amtrak.

Ranking: 10 Best Shops in Herald Square

Below, check out the ranking of the 10 must-visit destinations in this bustling retail hub, in a special curation by AZ New York.

1. Macy’s

The undisputed queen of Herald Square. This iconic department store covers an entire city block with 11 levels of shopping. From high-end cosmetics and fragrances to fashion, furniture, and a world-famous shoe department, Macy’s is a quintessential New York shopping experience. Don’t miss the historic wooden escalators.Address: 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001Phone: (212) 695-4400WhatsApp: Not available.Site: macys.comNeighborhood: Herald SquareHighlight: An iconic, block-long department store with a legendary history.

2. Uniqlo

A massive flagship for the Japanese retail giant. Uniqlo is the go-to for high-quality, tech-forward basics, from their famous HEATTECH thermal wear to stylish outerwear and versatile everyday apparel. The store is known for its clean, modern layout and affordable prices.Address: 31 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001Phone: (877) 486-4756WhatsApp: Not available.Site: uniqlo.comNeighborhood: Herald SquareHighlight: High-quality, functional, and affordable modern basics.

3. Sephora

This giant beauty emporium is a paradise for makeup, skincare, and fragrance lovers. Located directly across from Macy’s, it’s one of the brand’s busiest locations, offering a vast selection of products from luxury to indie brands, plus in-store beauty services and expert advice.Address: 112 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001Phone: (212) 629-9135WhatsApp: Not available.Site: sephora.comNeighborhood: Herald SquareHighlight: A massive, one-stop-shop for everything in the world of beauty.

4. H&M

One of the largest H&M stores in the world, this flagship location is a multi-story fashion hub. It offers a massive selection of trendy and affordable clothing for women, men, and children, including exclusive collections and a home goods section.Address: 1293 Broadway, New York, NY 10001Phone: (855) 466-7467WhatsApp: Not available.Site: hm.comNeighborhood: Herald SquareHighlight: A global fast-fashion giant with an enormous, multi-level presence.

5. Urban Outfitters

This sprawling, multi-level store is a hub for trend-conscious shoppers. It offers a curated mix of edgy apparel, vintage-inspired clothing, vinyl records, apartment decor, and quirky gifts. The store’s energetic vibe and unique product selection make it a standout destination.Address: 1333 Broadway, New York, NY 10018Phone: (212) 564-1494WhatsApp: Not available.Site: urbanoutfitters.comNeighborhood: Herald SquareHighlight: A lifestyle emporium for trendy fashion, home goods, and vinyl.

6. Foot Locker

A sneakerhead’s dream. This huge, multi-level flagship is more than just a shoe store; it’s an experience. It houses an incredible selection of athletic footwear from top brands like Nike, Jordan, Adidas, and Puma, including limited-edition releases and exclusive collaborations.Address: 112 W 34th St, New York, NY 10120Phone: (212) 760-2311WhatsApp: Not available.Site: footlocker.comNeighborhood: Herald SquareHighlight: A premier destination for the latest and most exclusive sneakers.

7. Target

A convenient and well-stocked urban Target located in the heart of the action. It’s a go-to for tourists and locals alike, offering everything from affordable fashion and beauty essentials to groceries, electronics, and NYC-themed souvenirs.Address: 112 W 34th St, New York, NY 10120Phone: (646) 968-4739WhatsApp: Not available.Site: target.comNeighborhood: Herald SquareHighlight: The convenience of a suburban superstore in a prime Manhattan location.

8. Victoria’s Secret

The iconic lingerie brand’s flagship store is a major draw in Herald Square. The multi-level space features the full range of Victoria’s Secret lingerie, sleepwear, and beauty products, as well as the brand’s PINK line targeting a younger demographic.Address: 1328 Broadway, New York, NY 10001Phone: (212) 356-8380WhatsApp: Not available.Site: victoriassecret.comNeighborhood: Herald SquareHighlight: The flagship destination for the world’s most famous lingerie brand.

9. Old Navy

Located directly across from Macy’s, this huge Old Navy flagship offers fun, affordable fashion for the entire family. It’s a prime spot for stocking up on casual basics, seasonal trends, and activewear without breaking the bank.Address: 150 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001Phone: (212) 594-0049WhatsApp: Not available.Site: oldnavy.comNeighborhood: Herald SquareHighlight: A massive store for affordable, all-American family fashion.

10. Dr. Martens

The definitive brand for iconic, rebellious footwear. The Dr. Martens store in Herald Square brings a touch of subculture cool to the mainstream shopping hub, offering a wide range of their classic boots, shoes, and sandals, along with newer styles and collaborations.Address: 1333 Broadway, #102b, New York, NY 10018Phone: (212) 643-0985WhatsApp: Not available.Site: drmartens.comNeighborhood: Herald SquareHighlight: The go-to destination for iconic boots with a punk rock heritage.

All research and the final selection of the shops in this guide were carried out by the team at AZ New York.


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For a look at another iconic shopping street that defines a global city, you can also explore the shops on Rua Augusta in São Paulo.


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