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34th Street Shopping District in NYC — A Complete Guide

34th Street Shopping District in NYC — A Complete Guide

Spanning from the East River to the Hudson, the 34th Street Shopping District is one of New York City’s busiest and most iconic retail corridors.
Anchored by Macy’s Herald Square, this bustling area in Midtown Manhattan is a high-energy hub for flagship stores, department stores, and affordable fashion, all just steps from Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, and the Empire State Building.
On this page, you will find everything you need to know: general information, nearby shopping centers, a directory of major stores, cinema details, dining options, visitor tips, and fun facts.

General Shopping District Information

Official Name 34th Street Shopping District (managed by 34th Street Partnership BID)
Address Centered at 34th Street & 6th Avenue (Herald Square), New York, NY 10001
Borough Manhattan (Midtown / Herald Square)
Inauguration Evolved over the 20th Century (Macy’s anchored it in 1902)
Operator 34th Street Partnership (Business Improvement District)
Number of Floors Varies by building (street-level to multi-story flagships)
Total Number of Stores 100+ individual storefronts
Cinema Information Yes. AMC 34th Street (14 screens, operated by AMC Theatres).
Parking No dedicated district parking. Numerous private garages are nearby, but public transit is highly recommended.
Pet-Friendly Sidewalks are public and pet-friendly. Individual store policies vary (mostly service animals only).
Sustainability Managed by the 34th Street Partnership, which handles public space sanitation, horticulture, and lighting.
Architectural Style A mix of historic (Macy’s) and modern glass-fronted commercial buildings.
Main Access Routes Penn Station (LIRR, NJT, Amtrak); 34th St-Herald Sq (B,D,F,M,N,Q,R,W lines); 33rd St PATH.
Official Website 34thstreet.org (Business Improvement District)
Operating Hours Varies by store; generally 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

10 Nearby Shopping Centers & Districts

Shopping Center / District Approximate Distance Internal Link
Macy’s Herald Square 0 miles (In the district) Macy’s Herald Square
Manhattan Mall 0 miles (In the district) Manhattan Mall
The Shops at Hudson Yards 1 mile (West) The Shops at Hudson Yards
Times Square Shopping 0.7 miles (North) Times Square Shopping
5th Avenue Shopping District 0.2 miles (Intersects) 5th Avenue Shopping
Bryant Park Shops 0.5 miles (North) Bryant Park Shopping
Union Square Shopping 1.2 miles (South) Union Square Shopping
Flatiron District Shopping 0.7 miles (South) Flatiron District Shopping
Chelsea Market 1 mile (South-West) Chelsea Market
SoHo Shopping District 2 miles (South) SoHo Shopping

Approximate distances from Herald Square (34th & 6th) by walking. Times may vary.


25 Relevant Stores and Services

  1. Macy’s Herald Square
  2. Zara
  3. H&M
  4. Uniqlo
  5. Old Navy
  6. Gap
  7. Victoria’s Secret
  8. Sephora
  9. Ulta Beauty
  10. Foot Locker (Flagship)
  11. DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse
  12. Skechers
  13. UGG
  14. American Eagle
  15. Aerie
  16. Urban Outfitters
  17. Levi’s Store
  18. Target
  19. AMC 34th Street
  20. Amazon Go
  21. Best Buy
  22. Nintendo NY (at Rockefeller Ctr, nearby)
  23. Krispy Kreme
  24. Shake Shack
  25. Manhattan Mall

Store directory changes frequently. Check individual brand websites for the most current locations.


Dining Options (Restaurants and Cafes)

The district is dominated by fast-casual chains, cafes, and quick-service restaurants.

  1. Koreatown (Dozens of restaurants on 32nd St)
  2. Shake Shack
  3. Chick-fil-A
  4. Sweetgreen
  5. The Halal Guys (Street Cart)
  6. Pret A Manger
  7. Starbucks (Multiple locations)

Pet-Friendly

The 34th Street District is a public area, so leashed pets are welcome on the sidewalks. However, individual stores (including Macy’s, Zara, Uniqlo, etc.) and indoor malls (Manhattan Mall) generally do not permit pets, with the exception of certified service animals.


Sustainability and Environmental Policy

The 34th Street Partnership, the local Business Improvement District (BID), manages the neighborhood’s public spaces. Their efforts include:

  • Public Space Management: Daily sanitation and cleaning services to keep the sidewalks and plazas clean.
  • Horticulture: Designing and maintaining street plantings, hanging baskets, and tree pits to beautify the urban environment.
  • Public Safety: Providing a supplemental security force to assist visitors.

Useful Tips for Visitors

  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: This is a high-traffic walking area. You will cover a lot of ground.
  • Expect Crowds: Herald Square is one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the city. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends and during the holidays.
  • Watch Your Belongings: As with any crowded tourist area, be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure.
  • Best for Mainstream Brands: This is the go-to destination for major, affordable, and mid-range brands, not for niche luxury boutiques.
  • Transit Hub: Use the excellent public transit options. Penn Station (Amtrak, LIRR, NJT) and the Herald Square subway stop (B,D,F,M,N,Q,R,W) make it easily accessible.

Fun Facts

  • The district is the grand finale route for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
  • Herald Square is named after the *New York Herald* newspaper, which was once headquartered there.
  • The fierce rivalry between Macy’s and Gimbels (formerly in the Manhattan Mall building) was the inspiration for the film Miracle on 34th Street.
  • The Empire State Building is located on 34th Street at 5th Avenue, making it a key landmark of the district.

District Rules and Procedures

  • Standard NYC public and retail rules apply.
  • Pedestrian flow is a major priority; do not block sidewalks.
  • Solicitation is common but regulated.
  • Individual stores enforce their own return policies and security measures.

Other Services and Infrastructure

  • Penn Station: A major national and commuter rail hub.
  • Madison Square Garden: Iconic sports and entertainment arena.
  • 34th Street Partnership (BID): Provides sanitation, security, and information services.
  • Public Plazas: Several public seating areas are available in and around Herald Square.
  • Tourist Information: A visitor information booth is often present in Herald Square.

Conclusion

The 34th Street Shopping District is the energetic, beating heart of mainstream retail in Manhattan. Anchored by the world-famous Macy’s and the convenience of Penn Station, it’s a non-stop corridor of high-volume flagships, affordable fashion, and classic New York energy. While it lacks the quiet luxury of other areas, it offers an unmatched, high-density shopping experience right in the center of the city.


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