New York City is known for its shopping — and for good reason. No matter which neighborhood you find yourself in, there will be all kinds of shops for you to visit, from high-end luxury to quirky boutiques and more.
Located between Central Park and the Hudson River, the Upper West Side is more specifically renowned for its cultural richness, elegant brownstone and tree-lined streets, and its array of high-end shopping destinations. From designer boutiques to upscale department stores, this vibrant neighborhood is a haven for luxury shoppers seeking exquisite fashion, jewelry, home decor, and more.
Continue reading to uncover some of the best shopping destinations the Upper West Side has to offer — the places where indulgence meets sophistication and style.
Located at the southwestern corner of Central Park, Columbus Circle is both a prominent landmark and a stately gateway to the Upper West Side. This bustling hub is home to a variety of luxury shopping options, making it a must-visit destination for discerning shoppers.
The Shops at Columbus Circle, housed in the Time Warner Center, are known for their upscale retail experience that combines world-class fashion, fine dining, and breathtaking views of Central Park. Here, you can find high-end brands such as Hugo Boss and Coach, where you can discover the latest designer fashion and accessories trends. Other shops include Diptyque, Stuart Weitzman, Jo Malone, Lululemon, MAC, and many more.
An added bonus is the renowned restaurants found within the Shops at Columbus Circle, which are the perfect stop for a delectable meal after a long day of shopping; these include Masa, a three-Michelin-star Japanese restaurant, and an award-wining Porter House Bar & Grill.
Home to Lincoln Center, the famed New York City cultural and arts institution, Lincoln Square offers a blend of sophistication and cultural enrichment. This neighborhood can be found at the intersection of Broadway and Columbus Avenue; its simultaneous hustle and bustle and elegance makes it the perfect backdrop to a day of luxury shopping.
As you walk along Broadway and Columbus, you will encounter an enticing mix of boutiques, specialty stores, and flagship locations. The popular Shakespeare & Co., for one, is a popular, elegant bookstore with a great selection and beautiful seating. For a vast range of options and the convenience of a department store, step into the UWS Bloomingdale's outlet, where you'll find an extensive collection of luxury brands and designer labels at bargain prices.
In the area, you can also find stores like Apple, Zara, and Sephora. Lincoln Square is one of the best spots to shop on the Upper West Side just for the sheer range of stores you’ll find here. Whether you’re in search of the latest fashion trends, home decor pieces, luggage, shoes, or more, the convenience of Lincoln Square has something to fulfill every shopper's desires.
Although Columbus Avenue overlaps with the two aforementioned destinations, Columbus Circle and Lincoln Square, this street is in a category all to itself. Running parallel to Central Park West, Columbus Avenue offers a delightfully unique mix of high-end shopping and local charm. As you traverse the avenue, you will uncover an array of both low-key boutiques and upscale stores, each offering a special shopping experience.
There are prominent names across Columbus Avenue, including Club Monaco, Madewell, Patagonia, and more. However, the best part of shopping here is the unique local boutiques, including the contemporary Bocnyc and Only Hearts. There’s also a charming used bookstore here, called The Strand; known for its delightful interior and large selection of books. These vibrant boutiques showcase an array of colorful and playful pieces that embody the Upper West Side's lively spirit.
Looking for new attire for your family? There are two upscale children’s clothing stores along Columbus Avenue: Monica + Andy, known for its organic, sustainable safety-first clothing, and Jacadi, an elegant French-inspired children’s atelier.
As alluded to above, the Upper West Side offers shoppers a more intimate and personalized experience.
Oska, a clothing line hailing from Munich, sells unique, high-end women’s wear, while Shishi, a popular UWS boutique, is known for its relaxed yet trendy selection. If you want to browse some jewelry, head to Poetry of Material Things, an artsy, eclectic shop featuring a range of designs for men and women. There’s also Laina Jane, a loungewear and lingerie store, as well as More & More Antiques, for fans of vintage European and American furniture, jewelry, holiday items, artifacts, and more.
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