This guide will help travellers and students on a budget to shop in New York. It includes some trendy and fun spots that every shop-a-holic will enjoy!

Ah, New York City—Infamous for its 24/7 bustle, innumerous dining options, and illustrious store windows. Sometimes it’s tough to make a decision: Prada at Saks Fifth Ave or Marc Jacobs at Bloomies? But can all New Yorkers afford to adorn themselves with such pricey clothing? Absolutely not, but that doesn’t mean that they have to sacrifice style! Savvy (and broke) New Yorkers know where to go to find just the right stuff for the right price!

H&M

640 5th Ave (at 51st St.)

New York, NY 10019

B, D to 47-50 St. Rockefeller Center; E to 5th Ave/53rd St.

You haven’t been to H&M until you have been to the New York flagship store on 5th Avenue. Originally founded in Sweden, this company has found itself to be a familiar face in the U.S. in the past few years. The three-storied building that carries women’s, men’s, accessories and lingerie is sure to satisfy your shopping needs. This location is great for anything, whether it be basics, casual work clothing or even a dressier outfit for a special occasion! Prices are very moderate, sometimes being as low as around $10 for a nice top.

Buffalo Exchange

504 Driggs Ave (at N. 9th St.)

Brooklyn, NY 11211

L to Bedford Ave.

Although this clothing store is in Brooklyn, it is only one stop away from Manhattan. Located in the fun neighborhood of Williamsburg, Buffalo Exchange is the thrift shop for those who don’t have the patience to sift through racks of smelly/dirty/unfashionable clothing. The store’s staff buys only near-perfect condition clothing. They try to stick with current trends as well, so there is not a lot of merchandise that sits in the store for too long. Mixed in with the gently used pieces are some new pieces as well. It appears that the store sometimes receives overstock from clothing companies. Some patrons choose to simply shop the deals on the racks while others choose to also stock the store. Buffalo Exchange will buy your gently used clothing in exchange for either cash or store credit. Finally, if you forgo a shopping bag at the end of your purchase, Buffalo Exchange will donate $.05 to charity.

St. Mark’s Place

St. Mark’s Place (8th St. between 3rd Avenue and Avenue A)

6 to Astor Place

St. Mark’s is entertaining to walk around, even if you don’t plan on spending any money! It was named after the St. Mark’s church that originally nearby and has a colorful history, particularly in the art world. Today the street is home to many very authentic Japanese restaurants, record shops, and punk clothing stores. The most cost-efficient part of St. Mark’s, however, is the open air stalls that dot the street. Looking for a fluorescent wig to wear to a party? Knockoff Wayfarers? Kama Sutra figurines (yes, for real.)? St. Mark’s is your place. Barter a bit with the sellers and you’ll get a nice price.

Uniqlo

546 Broadway

New York, NY 10012

B, D, F to Broadway-Lafayette; N, R to Prince St.

Contrary to popular belief, SoHo (South of Houston St.) is not particularly cheap. Over the years it has developed into a trendy, boutique-y spot with great styles at a high price. However, a Japanese newcomer offers a nice alternative to $300 dresses. Often deemed the “Japanese H&M”, Uniqlo stocks mainly basic pieces mixed in with some dressier ones. The prices are somewhat higher than those of H&M, but the quality follows suit. Its main focus is cashmere. Sweaters run between $50-90 which means that sales bring them down to an even more reasonable price. For those not out for a new sweater, plenty of fun blouses, jackets, skirts and pants are available as well. A blouse will run you between $20-40, and Uniqlo’s coveted Japanese denim is all under $60.

Hungry after all that shopping? Check out some wallet-friendly restaurants!

Planning on visiting Rockefeller Plaza?