york tourist shop

#shamblesyork

One of the world's most famous streets.

The Shambles in York (officially just ‘Shambles’) is a narrow street of mostly timber buildings that date back as far as the 13th Century. The street was originally home to butchers, with each shop specialising in a different meat. While the street is still home to a butcher, the rest of the street is now filled with a bright mix of mostly independent retailers.

A trip to the Shambles is a must for any visit to York. York continually tops polls as a beautiful city, to live work and visit. When it does, it is the Shambles that is featured on the accompanying photographs.

Come and explore the shambles

A street with a colourful history...

Although we only have one butcher left, a number of the shops on the street still have meat-hooks hanging outside and, below them, shelves on which meat would have been displayed. The shops currently include a mixture of eateries and gift shops, but there is also a ghost shop, sweet shop and a coin shop.

The street has a colourful history that led to one former resident, Margaret Clitherow, becoming a Catholic Saint. She was tortured and executed for harbouring a Catholic Priest during the time of Reformation. Her husband was a butcher on the street and they lived as a family above the shop.

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Visitor Information Centre

21 parliament street, york. yo1 8sg.

If you choose to visit York, our friendly and knowledgeable team at the York Visitor Information Centre will give you a very warm welcome.

Our expert information team recently scooped gold in the annual VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. Everything we do has the customer in mind, whether advising overseas visitors, families or couples on a short break. Our seven staff and 20 volunteers welcome around half a million visitors every year and speak fluent Spanish, German, Catalan, French and Hungarian.

Read more on the Visit York Visitor Information page

The York Visitor Information Centre is based in the heart of the city, not far from the iconic York Minster. Our friendly assistants are here to share their expert local knowledge of attractions, travel information, places to eat, shops and events with you.

As well as our personal service, we stock hundreds of free information leaflets and guides about York and beyond. We have a fantastic shop selling York merchandise, maps and gifts and you can pick up tickets for local attractions, events, bus passes and much more.

[email protected]

01904 909487

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Sign up here to find out what’s happening in York

Registered Office: 21 Parliament Street York YO1 8SG

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Shopping, Independent, Souvenirs & Gifts, Shambles

The shop that must not be named.

Seeking supplies for the new term at Hogwarts? Looking for a special magical artefact or wand? Or just a browsing Muggle? Whatever you’re searching for, you’ll find it at The Shop That Must Not Be Named. Situated on The Shambles – York’s very own Diagon Alley – we are the city’s original and premier shop specialising in officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise.

Since opening in May 2017, we’ve delighted York residents and visitors from all over the world with our magical wares and friendly wizardingstaff, who know everything you could ever want to know about the Boy Who Lived and his world. Park your broom at 30, The Shambles.

• Capacity limit
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• Hand sanitizer available to visitors & staff
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• Online ordering available
• Queuing system
• Staff required to regularly wash hands

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11 Unique Things to Do in York (Local Secrets)

By: Author Willow Heath

Posted on Last updated: 8th April 2024

What an incredible city York is. A place rich in Roman, Medieval, Tudor, and Victorian history. A city for bookworms and art-lovers. A friendly, warm town of ancient cobbled streets and strange, enigmatic places. We have so much to say about historic, haunted York. So, let’s start with the most unique things to do in York.

A Brief History of York

Before we begin, it’s worth knowing (in case you don’t already) just how much history can be found in York. One of the UK’s oldest cities, York was built by the Romans.

York is the resting place of African-born Roman emperor Septimus Severus and the place of coronation for emperor Constantine the Great in 306 CE. During the Dark Ages and the time of the Vikings, York was known as Jorvik and ruled over by legendary Viking warrior Eric Bloodaxe for a period during the 10th century.

Fast-forward six hundred years and York became the birthplace of Guy Fawks, legendary Gunpowder Plotter. York was also the place of imprisonment and execution for Britain’s most legendary highwayman: Dick Turpin.

For the past 300 years, York has also been known as the UK’s chocolate hub. While the industrial north is synonymous with steel and coal, York’s industrial claim is chocolate, with such beloved names as Rowntrees and Terry’s (of Terry’s Chocolate Orange) hailing from York.

York is also an easy day trip from London and is one of the best trips that combines history, beautiful architecture, and unique things to do. With that quick historic overview out of the way, here are a few of the best and most unique things to do in York.

Walk The Shambles

York’s most iconic street is a place of timber-framed buildings that line a cobbled, uneven pathway. These Tudor and Medieval buildings — many of which date back seven hundred years — tilt and lean overhead, some almost touching.

This is easily one of the most historic locations in all of Britain, and many of the proprietors of these buildings have worked to hold up that historic atmosphere. The most well-known of these being The York Ghost Merchants (more on them below).

As you make your way up The Shambles, you’ll find a pub called Ye Old Shambles Tavern, as well as several shops which lean into the Diagon Alley Harry Potter parallels. The Shops That Must Not Be Named, The Boy Wizard, and World of Wizardry all sell magical nicknacks and Harry Potter-themed souvenirs.

One unique merchant on The Shambles is York Glass Ltd, a place where you can buy hand-made glass products like jewellery and ornaments. Another is The Potions Cauldron , a place where potion-makers have been working their alchemy since the 14th century.

The Shambles is also a great place to begin your hunt for the iconic York cats. More on that below as well.

Visit York Art Gallery

York Art Gallery is a jaw-dropping piece of architecture in the very heart of York. Built in front of St Mary’s Abbey (now a romantic ruin that’s free to access via the Museum Gardens), York Art Gallery is home to more than one thousand paintings, most of which hail from Western Europe between the 14th century and today.

York Art Gallery is also home to a five-thousand-piece collection of British pottery. This wide selection of paintings and pottery make York Art Gallery a traditional art-lover’s dream.

That said, the gallery also plays host to an impressive cycle of temporary modern exhibits. This is thanks to York Mediale , a charity set up back in 2014 which supports and promotes new and exciting artists from around the country, and the world.

Read More : The Best Time to Visit England: A Complete Guide

York has been designated the world’s first (and only) UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, and Mediale proudly pays homage to that name by installing unique media arts at York Art Gallery for you to visit and be captivated by. The grounds, including the gardens and the previously-mentioned St Mary’s Abbey, also make for a picturesque place to stroll around for an afternoon.

Go Book Shopping in York

A place of admiration for such beloved British authors as Charles Dickens and Virginia Wolff, York is a bookworm’s dream . As bookworms who have fallen deeply in love with York, we can certainly attest to this. One of the most delightfully surprising things about York is how almost every little independent business is housed in a rickety old Tudor house or, at the very list, has a gorgeous aesthetic inside and out.

York excels at providing visitors with as many second-hand booksellers as new bookshops. While the local Waterstones serves all your new book shopping needs (and even has an upstairs cafe), York is home to one of the sweetest independent bookshops in the UK: The Little Apple Bookshop.

Located between York Minster and Bootham Bar, The Little Apple Bookshop is a quaint and cosy bookseller of the newest titles in hardcover and paperback.

A few doors down from this lovely York bookshop is The Grimoire Bookshop: a charming local bookseller themed around folklore, horror, and the supernatural.

Though they sell a great selection of used books from a variety of genres and styles. A visit to The Grimoire Bookshop is certainly one of the most unique things to do in York.

Another fantastic seller of secondhand books is The Minster Gate Bookshop, located on a short street that leads to the jaw-dropping York Minster. This cramped and delightful bookshop offers an enormous selection of secondhand and vintage books on local folklore.

Read More: 6 Bookish Things to Do in Yorkshire

Explore Fairfax House

York is a city of Architectural splendour, from Roman ruins to still-in-use Tudor houses. One of the most unique things to do in York, however, is to visit Fairfax House . This place is an astonishing, perfectly-preserved Georgian townhouse found just behind Clifford’s Tower.

Proudly calling itself England’s Finest Georgian Townhouse, it’s certainly difficult to argue against that statement. Designed by local York architect John Carr in the 18th century, the building remains in perfect condition: a museum dedicated to itself, filled with more than one thousand Georgian artefacts which once belonged to the local Fairfax family.

During our time in York, we were able to attend The Character of Home event at Fairfax House. This was an interactive performance (written by Paul Birch and directed by Thomas Frere) that brought the house, the objects, and even the Georgian residents of Fairfax House to life.

Two excellent performers embody father-and-daughter pair Viscount and Anne Fairfax as they guide visitors through the house, room by room, performing snippets of their lives, inspired by the museum’s objects. This experience is, without a doubt, one of the most unique things to do in York.

Visit The York Ghost Merchants

Found on The Shambles, The York Ghost Merchants is such a remarkable place that it is worthy of its own proper, dedicated mention. Easily one of the most unique things to do in York, a visit to The York Ghost Merchants is absolutely essential.

A gently swinging sign above the door; the sound of power tools through the open first floor window; a colourful display in the window; a room decorated with a miniature stage and a grandfather clock. The York Ghost Merchants is a strange and magical place.

There is one main goal when visiting this strange shop on The Shambles: so select and take home your own model ghost. Made by hand in the upstairs workshop, every single ghost is unique in its colour and pattern. When you enter, one ghost in particular is guaranteed to speak to you. Like them wands in that Harry Potter.

Once you have selected your ghost, it can be photographed on a model street and will then be packaged in an old map of York and a box decorated with fascinating facts and details.

The shop has its own Instagram page and it is remarkable just how well they market themselves and their ghosts. It’s an enchanting place, perfectly curated by clever marketing and wonderful aesthetics. For one of the most unique things to do in York, find your ghost, or let them find you.

Wander York Minster

Some of the UK’s most impressive architectural marvels are its cathedrals. And while it isn’t official, more than a few Brits would happily, confidently call York Minster the UK’s best cathedral. Having visited, and been impressed by, southern cathedrals from Ely to Hereford , none have taken our breath away like the northern York Minster.

Since as far back as the 7th century CE, York Minster has been a sacred place of worship in the north of England, and remains open today for visitors and worshipers alike.

The Rose Window in the Minster was believed to have been created during the early Sixteenth Century and is a celebration of the union of the White Rose of York and the Red Rose of Lancaster in the marriage of Elizabeth of York and Henry Tudor.

Outside the cathedral doors, you can find an impressive statue of Constantine the Great; the man after which the city of Constantinople (now Istanbul) was named. Constantine was emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and the first Christian Roman Emperor. And it was here, at York Minster, where he received his title of emperor.

More than one thousand years of history, paired with some of the most astonishing architectural achievements, make a visit to York Minster a must, and one of the most unique things to do in York. No city in the country has a cathedral on the scale of York Minster.

Jorvik Viking Centre

As mentioned above, the Viking name for the city of York was Jorvik. And at Jorvik Viking Centre (located very close to Fairfax House), you can trace the Viking history of York/Jorvik.

Interactive galleries that house dressed-up mannequins and detailed dioramas of Jorvik, as well as ride experience that’s like Pirates of the Caribbean but with Vikings, make Jorvik Viking Centre one of the coolest, and most unique things to do in York.

Take a Ghost Walk Around York

Considered to be the most haunted city in the entire world , and occasionally referred to as The City of One Thousand Ghosts, York is a ghost-lover’s paradise. A place of the supernatural, the gothic, and the terrifying. The multi-award-winning Ghost Trail is a guided walk which takes place every single night, beginning at 7:30pm outside York Minster.

Costing £5 for adults and just £2 for children, and lasting for a little over an hour, The Ghost Trail of York takes you back in time to teach you the history of the ghosts who supposedly haunt the streets and homes of York.

On The Ghost Trail, you’ll hear whispers of modern hauntings, tragic tales of people who became the ghosts of York, and traditional folktales of the city of York. There aren’t many more unique things to do in York than taking a walk along the Ghost Trail.

If you’d rather chart your own path and explore York at your own speed, you can follow this free map which guides visitors around the most haunted places in York.

Indulge in York’s Chocolate Story

The city of York is built from Roman stone and Tudor timber. And chocolate. Lots of chocolate. The biggest modern industry of York is a sweet one, indeed. All of this history, and the modern chocolate world of York, is epitomised by York’s Chocolate Story.

York’s Chocolate Story is a place of history that offers chocolate workshops and chocolate-making classes, as well as chocolate tours. But it’s also a shop and cafe that sells locally-made chocolate from York chocolatiers. Whether you’re here to shop or to learn, York’s Chocolate Story is a must-visit place in York.

Hunt for the York Cats

Known as the York Lucky Cat Trail , this is an awesome and inventive way to explore the city of York, right down to its most hidden spaces. One of the most unique things to do in York is to follow the York Lucky Cat Trail and hunt down every single hidden cat statue in the city.

Found on window ledges, clambering up walls, teetering on balconies, and sitting proud on the rooftops, the obscure cat statues of York offer some real colour and charm to the city, as well as a unique treasure hunt for those excited for the challenge.

Take an Invisible Cities Tour

If you’ve never heard of Invisible Cities , here’s your chance. The tour guides of Invisible Cities are all people who have experienced homelessness or some kind of social disadvantage. As such, they have seen their home like nobody else, and can show you things you’d never otherwise see.

The guides at Invisible Cities York offer tours of York’s railway heritage, the personal history of York-born Guy Fawkes, and even a guide to the economic history of York. These tours are truly unique, and really get to the heart of York.

Where to Stay in York

There are an impressive number of hotels, hostels, and inns in York, and the city is also perfectly sized for getting around on foot. But in terms of comfort, location, and ties to the city’s history, Hotel Indigo York is your best option for where to stay in York.

Hotel Indigo York is a chocolate-themed boutique hotel in York, located on Walmgate — a street tied to the chocolatier industry of the city.

The hotel has all the modern amenities you come to expect, including a large Smart TV in each room, a rainforest shower, a friendly restaurant-bar, and a breakfast buffet. The hotel also has that proud aesthetic link to the chocolate history of York, embodied by the interior’s colour palette and the photos that line the walls, telling bits of the city’s history.

As for location, Hotel Indigo York is a two-minute walk from Fossgate, the street which marks the entrance to central York. Fossgate crosses over the River Foss, is lined with independent cafes, butchers, and bakers, and leads you straight to the historic Shambles.

There is not a better-located hotel in York. Quiet and peaceful at night but minutes away from all the best parts of the city. Even York Art Gallery, on the other side of the city centre, is only a fifteen-minute walk away.

The 11 best things to do in York on your next visit

Jan 1, 2022 • 7 min read

A narrow laneway of 'The Shambles', which is a centre piece of historic York © Chris Lawrence Travel/Shutterstock © © Chris Lawrence Travel/Shutterstock

With its Roman and Viking history, and hurly-burly medieval core, York is one of England’s must-see cities. Don’t be fooled, though, this isn’t a place stuck in the past. Its walkable center is filled with indie restaurants , quirky shops and inventive drinking dens – a testament to York’s vibrant present-day pulse.  

Arrive at the handsome station (it’s around two hours from London) and dive into our suggestions of the best things to do in York; you’ll soon be swept off your feet by the city’s picture-postcard sights as well as its fun, maverick side. 

Let York Minster draw your gaze towards the heavens

One of York’s great treats is how often, when turning a cobblestone corner or squeezing down an age-old alley, you bump into its soaring cathedral, York Minster . Renowned as one of the world’s medieval Gothic masterpieces, it’s worth getting up close to the interior craftsmanship. Here you’ll find 700-year-old vaulted ceilings and nose-picking gargoyles illuminated by the building’s 128 stained-glass windows.

A trip to the interactive museum in the undercroft reveals details of York’s 2000-year-old history and its tower reaches dizzying heights above the city's rooftops. You can climb to the top for some stunning views of York but be warned – the ancient stairwells are claustrophic and those with a fear of heights should probably stick to admiring the stained-glass windows from the inside.

Step back in time in the Shambles

One of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe, many of the Shambles’ wonky timber-framed houses date back to the 15th century. Despite its much-photographed charm, this street once housed the city’s butchers and slaughterhouses. The overhanging buildings, which in places almost kiss above the narrow cobbled lane, were designed to shelter shelves of meat from the sun. Nowadays, it’s worth visiting to briefly become part of the hubbub and browse the eccentric collection of independent shops. Slip down an alleyway for lunch in Shambles Market .

Hunt for ghosts

With a centuries-old history littered with turmoil and treachery, it’s little wonder York has a penchant for ghost stories. Even skeptics will be hard-pressed not to enjoy one of the city’s highly rated ghost walks. Led by knowledgeable performers, The Bloody Tour of York , Shadows of York , and The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour all promise plenty of macabre fun. Like your phantoms a little more tangible? As an antidote to mass-produced knickknacks, York Ghost Merchants sell diminutive handcrafted spooks from its theatrical shop on the Shambles.    

Spot trains at the National Railway Museum

Until the 1960s, the vast exhibition halls of the free-to-enter National Railway Museum were part of York’s busy railway works. Now they tell the story of extraordinary engineering feats and house gleaming locomotives and plush royal carriages. Young rail enthusiasts will delight in discovering you can climb aboard many of the exhibits, including a Japanese bullet train. For a small charge, take a ride on the world’s fastest steam locomotive. You can explore more of North Yorkshire and beyond by train if the idea of gazing upon beautiful countryside from the comfort of a reclining seat is right up your track.

Head down the pub for a quick drink (or two) 

Famed for its diverse drinking dens, it would seem rude not to pop into one of York’s many pubs. Some of the city’s oak-paneled taverns have been serving up booze since Tudor times, although if you want to time warp back to the 12th century, take a pew at the House of the Trembling Madness on Stonegate. For a more contemporary feel, and a selection of 40 taps, there’s Brew York’s mural-festooned beer hall. Fancy a pint with a view? At the Lamb and Lion Inn , you can spy the Minster from the beer garden; the King’s Arms overlooks the meandering River Ouse. 

Walk the city walls

Perfect for history buffs, couples and snoopers alike, a stroll along York’s City Walls allows you to peer down onto timeworn snickleways (alleyways) and courtyard gardens from atop the longest medieval ramparts in England. Free to walk, and containing four grand ‘bars’ or gates to the city, these 13th-century fortifications are, in fact, the new kids on the block; the Roman walls lie underneath, protruding briefly in York’s tranquil Museum Gardens . 

It takes a couple of hours to wander the 3.4-kilometer loop, peeping through arrowslits and digesting information boards. You can even pause for a flat white at the cafe within the cannon-scarred Walmgate Bar. Alternatively, ramble a shorter section; the portion between Bootham and Monk bars has superb Minster views. 

York Art Gallery offers Old Masters, modern wonders and ceramics

York Art Gallery offers a welcome respite from the city clamor. The main exhibitions are free to admire; in The Burton Gallery, artworks by Italian Old Masters rub shoulders with 20th-century abstract paintings. Look out for L.S Lowry’s depiction of York’s handsome Clifford’s Tower surrounded by his distinctive matchstick mob. The real draw, though, is the gallery’s Centre for Ceramic Art . Here, prehistoric pots through to glazed delftware are curated to form a 17-meter-long ceramic rainbow. 

Learn more about Vikings and Victorians at York’s museums

Championing immersive experiences long before that was a thing, York’s museums excel at transporting you into the past. At the JORVIK Viking Centre , you’re treated to a smells-and-all ride through the cultural melting pot that was 10th-century York. The animatronic dioramas are based on evidence unearthed while excavating the Viking settlement below the building. 

At the York Castle Museum , visitors are likewise encouraged to see artifacts in context: cue a stroll down a dimly lit Victorian Street and hear what life was like for captured highwayman Dick Turpin in the cell that held him (the building was once York’s notorious prison). 

For a more refined slice of history, the Fairfax House is a rarified gem. Padding through this restored Georgian townhouse gives a glimpse into the lives of 18th-century gentlefolk, as well as a few lessons in interior design. Touring the Treasurer’s House , on the other hand, feels like falling down a rabbit hole into a curious oversized doll’s house, filled with furnishings through the ages.

Enjoy afternoon tea

York has no shortage of places to dine on dainty sandwiches and cream-laden scones, washed down with a fragrant brew. At The Grand , tiers of nibbles are served in 5-star surroundings, whereas afternoon tea at Forest at Galtres Lodge involves a tea pairing menu and miniature Yorkshire puddings. It’s even possible to enjoy a sophisticated cuppa aboard a restored train carriage at the National Railway Museum. 

Most locals, though, would cry sacrilege if Bettys wasn’t on your list of locations to sate a mid-afternoon peckishness. Be prepared to queue, but wolfing down one of their fat rascal fruit scones amid scurrying, white-aproned staff is something of a York rite of passage. 

Get a taste for York’s chocolate past

While other northern cities were busy with textiles and steel, York’s Victorian industrialists were building confectionary empires; Kit-Kat and Terry’s Chocolate Orange were both created in the city’s sweet-smelling factories. 

While not inexpensive, York’s Chocolate Story does a good job at immersing visitors in this history: the interactive tour includes plenty of toothsome treats. At York Cocoa House there are workshops and tasting tours. This independent factory aims to carry the baton for York’s chocolate heritage, with a modern-day focus on eco-conscious and fair-trade practices. 

Sample street food at Spark:York

It’s hard not to fall for Spark:York’s inclusive community feel. This split-level market, created from brightly daubed shipping containers, brings together local indie restaurants and bars on a once disused civic space. Groups can mix and match their orders, choosing from hand-stretched pizzas, incredible fried chicken, and plant-based tacos and burgers. Kids will love the ice-cream cookie sandwiches served by Melk ; their parents may opt for a craft beer. 

You might also like:  Yorkshire's best castles, cathedrals and stately homes Gin, rum and vodka: Yorkshire’s best distillery experiences Say cheese! How the Yorkshire Dales are reviving cheesemaking traditions  

This article was first published Oct 11, 2021 and updated Jan 1, 2022.

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Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In York

Shopping in York is a really special experience. This is one of the oldest cities in England and it offers historical charm as well as lots of great shopping and food experiences to enjoy. This is a city that has survived many of the worst tragedies of English history as well as the ravages of the Second World War.

If you have come to York to visit and enjoy all that it has to offer you, make sure that you drop off your luggage in storage to keep them safe during your visit to York. This is one of the safest cities in England, but you do not want to be dragging luggage with you as you take in the sights and the high street stores of this lovely English city.

If you have stored your bags, you are ready to start your shopping adventure and there is a lot to choose from as soon as you start exploring.

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Parliament Street

This lovely street is right at the center of York and offers you access to historical sites as well as gift shops and independent shops. This area is confined to foot traffic only, which makes shopping here really enjoyable and Parliament Street offers you full access to the city centre. Visit Marks & Spencer or enjoy a stop-in at stores and cafes of all kinds here.

Parliament Street is the high street in York and this means that the location is both historical and modern all at once. There is no shortage of things to see and do here and the food options are really convenient. There is something for everyone on this street and in this shopping area and you will be glad that you took the time to drop in here.

This is an area that lets you know that you are in the UK and you will love that you can get access to everything from luxury handmade chocolates to scarves and hats here. This location is near one of the best shopping opportunities in York as well, which we will discuss next.

Shambles Market

This shopping in York experience is quintessentially European. There are 70 or more stalls that offer the perfect retail therapy for those who are looking for the perfect gift and the right enjoyable winding streets and outdoor shopping centre feel. Come here to visit really fun local favorites like The Shop That Must Not be Named and independent businesses that sell everything from vintage clothing to handmade goods.

This is a wonderful place to visit specialist stores of all kinds and the free entry to the area is a really nice benefit of choosing this kind of shopping park experience. You can enjoy live music here as well as that high street feel that you have been looking for. Shambles is a really special location that also offers some really great street food and a fun and very European environment. The energy on this street is very local without being boring.

Grabbing a quick bite or a coffee and walking around this area can be really enjoyable and you will be wise to consider starting your day here if you want breakfast that you can take with you as you shop. This can be the perfect jumping-off place for your shopping adventures as well as your food adventures for the day.

Coney Street

This street is adjacent to Shambles Market and offers some bigger and more common retail brands for your shopping needs. This is a nice balance for your shopping needs if you want to pick up a unique gift as well as something that you can save a little money on. Coney Street is so close that many people consider this part of the Shambles Market shopping experience, but the tone of the two streets is definitely different.

Being able to get a few items that do not need to be custom-made can be simple when you stop into this side of the shopping area near Shambles Market. You will probably not need to go around the corner to check out Coney Street, but it can be good to know that there are some major retailers available for your needs nearby.

York Designer Outlet

This is a really lovely designer outlet that offers you access to quality shopping of all kinds. You can save as much as 50 or 60% when you shop here and you will love that you are able to access this 35,000 square foot mall within the historical city walls. This is a shopping park but it does not really feel like one.

This location has a really nice kid's playground, food options, and sometimes hosts special events as well. This is a great shopping location for big brands of all kinds and you will love that you can enjoy year-round shopping here too. The York Designer Outlet location is beautiful as well which is a really enjoyable addition to the shopping experience here.

Coppergate Shopping Centre

If you love the idea of little shopping alleys that are located near to the center of the city, you need to stop in here. This little alley hidden away within the streets in York offers access to art stores and other local shopping that you cannot enjoy when you are visiting high street favorites. You will love that you can shop for clothing as well as other kinds of retail here.

This is the home of the Jorvik Viking Centre where you can have a Viking experience and Old St. Mary's Church . Visiting the little boutiques here will feel like you have turned back time and decided to shop in the historical past of York. If you have made the time to stop in at Jorvik Viking Centre, the whole experience will make you nostalgic for the York of old!

Shopping here is a really special experience and you will be glad that you made the small trip to stop in here during your time in this beautiful part of England.

This location is one of the most historical areas in the center of the city and it is a direct walk from York Station to get here. This city looks much like it always has and you will have easy access to explore the York Armory from here when you get done shopping. This location offers everything from Betty's Tea Room to boutiques that sell local wares and jewelry. This is also a great place to enjoy the best food that York has to offer.

You can use this stop as a warm-up before you head over to visit York Minster. This is a beautiful historical location that offers gifts and more and you will love that you can shop all day here and have a yummy lunch all in the same area. This location is packed with great things to do and you will love that there is a store for everything here.

Monks Cross Shopping Park

This is another large shopping mall-style shopping experience that offers you the chance to buy everything from accessories to clothing boutiques and more. There are some food options within the mall but you can also wrap up your shopping and head to the city centre for a delicious meal.

Mall shopping can be the perfect experience for some people and you will probably find every major retailer here for your enjoyment. This location is also near Vangarde Shopping Park and is known for its high-end shopping options. If you love major retail shops for your shopping needs, you will want to take the time to stop at both of these local favorites. And it's accessible by public transport if you're wondering how to get around York .

Murton Sunday Market

This shopping opportunity is held at the York Auction Center. You will find that this is another really fun local buying experience and there are locals selling everything from handmade goods to antiques here. This shopping experience is located in one of the older buildings in the city and you will love the busy market fair experience here.

This is technically what UK residents call, "a car boot sale" which means that independent shops sell alongside locals just trying to get rid of their sofa that they don't need anymore. You will love that this atmosphere is both like Shambles Market and not. If you love meeting people who actually live in the city that you are visiting, this market is the place to visit.

If you want to explore a real farmer's market where you can buy vegetables and flowers as well as gifts, this is the perfect experience for your visit. There are many places in Europe that will offer you local shopping experiences like this, and you can always find special experiences like this if you are wanting to take them in. There are amazing shopping experiences like this in every major city in Europe, whether it is York or Venice that you are visiting.

Bishopthorpe Road, referred to by locals as Bishy Road, is a local shopping location that you can opt to visit during your time visiting York. There are florists, butchers shops and more here, and you will be able to get everything from gifts to food and coffee here. This is a great place for local crafts and that at-home feeling that comes with shopping at most market locations.

While locals are more likely to know about this shopping opportunity than tourists, this is a great place to stop while you are in York to make sure that you do not miss out on the things that make this part of the UK so special. High street shopping is special too but there is something about taking the time to visit the shops here that is magical and lets you know just where you are.

Clifton Moor Shopping Park

This is a strip mall that offers lots of unique shopping that is more basic and more chain store-focused. You can get everything from home goods and hardware here to clothes and shoes. There are even fishing stores here and a music shop! This is a location that is not as easy to get to without a ride in a car, so consider getting a ride share or a cab to bring you over to this location.

This kind of shopping is not as unique as what you will find in other parts of the city but it can be very useful if you need some practical items and don't want to have to struggle to find them at local boutiques. You can also enjoy a movie here at the theater or go bowling if you want to break up your day with some classic fun.

York is a City Full of Shopping Opportunities

From high street favorites to local car boot sales that offer access to craft goods, there is shopping for everyone in this beautiful city. York is full of history and beauty and it has the right shops for every kind of retail therapy need. You can choose to add local tourist experiences to your shopping day and you can trust that every little boutique that you stop in at will have handmade items that are made by York locals.

The country outside of London is just as special as the big city and you might even love your time here more than your time in the big city. York is a little-known gem in England and the shops are only part of what makes it so special. If you have come here, you will want to consider staying in one of the local B&Bs or hotels and really seeing all that York can offer you during your stay. You will not regret a moment of your time in this beautiful city.

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The Hidden Gems Food Tour

An authentic york food tour that avoids the tourist traps.

The Hidden Gems Food Tour is our signature culinary walking tour in York. It’s your chance to take your taste buds on an adventure through the historic streets of the city with a knowledgeable local guide. You’ll avoid the crowds, dodge the tourist traps, and uncover five of York’s lesser-known foodie treasures. 

Artisan chocolatiers, outstanding galettes, authentic gelato, Asian treats: York has all of this and much, much more. The Hidden Gems Food Tour is your ticket to discovering the lot - while supporting local independent businesses that showcase the best of our remarkable city! 

Across five stops, you'll be treated to a mouthwatering mix of treats and drinks, carefully chosen to tickle your taste buds and have you planning your trip back as soon as you leave. Say goodbye to generic eateries and discover the authentic flavours that York has to offer. Whether you’re in the city for a few hours or a long weekend, our Hidden Gems Food Tour is a must! 

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10  hungry people, £65 / per person.

New York City’s Best 50 Souvenirs and Gifts (a Local’s Guide)

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“What souvenirs should I bring back from New York City?” It was a question that often stumped me. As a longtime New York City local, I never thought about what to bring home, because I was home . But when I started this blog, I started to pay closer attention to the bounty right here in my own backyard and to slowly compile my list of New York City’s Best Souvenirs.

What Gifts and New York City souvenirs made the Top List and Why You Should Trust my Suggestions

When creating this master list of the best and top 50 New York City souvenirs, I wanted to include (i) iconic and unique NYC souvenirs that represent the city (ii) food souvenirs; (iii) souvenirs for kids and (iv) NYC themed gifts for friends and family back home. I also wanted the NYC souvenirs to be affordable, so no NYC gift listed here is over $50 and most are well under $10.

This is the most comprehensive list of unique NYC souvenirs you will find. I know because I googled to see what else is out there and only came across generic listicles using stock photos, defaulting to lazy recommendations like “something from the MOMA store.” Yeah, not helpful, thanks.

I have personally vetted each souvenir in my best of NYC list, taken nearly every photo, taste-tested, researched and visited each place. I’ve written and linked to the many NYC posts I’ve already written and added a couple dozen more to make this top 50 NYC souvenir guide.

Top 50 Best NYC Souvenirs and Gifts, a Comprehensive List

As I live right here in New York City, I will continue to update this list, so check back for new additions. If there is a cool NYC souvenir you think deserves to be on the list, please share in the comments!

1. The Classic I Love New York T-Shirt: the Most Iconic NYC Souvenir

• Iconic NYC souvenir
• Available at souvenir shops and here online for women , men/unisex and kid

You’ve heard the famous slogan, remember the catchy jingle and may even have a souvenir mug at the back of your cupboard with the recognizable around-the-world phrase “I love New York.” So kitschy it’s cool, you can’t go wrong with this tee, available in the classic white or colors, traditional or tapered fit.

2. New York Yankees Cap Souvenir

• Iconic NYC gift souvenir
• Suitable for Adults, teens, kids
• Available at Yankee stadium, souvenir shops and here online

The New York Yankees may or may not be your favorite baseball team, but one thing everyone can agree on– the Yankees logo is one of the most recognizble sports logos worldwide. If you travel anywhere in this world with a Yankees hat , people will know exactly what that is.

3. Patience and Fortitude Bookend Souvenirs from the New York Public Library

• Iconic symbol of the NYPL and NYC
• Good gift for book lovers

The pair of lions that guard the entrance of the New York Public Library, named Patience and Fortitude, are a well known symbol of the city– and make a great souvenir in the form of classic bookends. Read about what to do at the NYPL and what other souvenirs to find there here .

4. Strand Bookstore Tote Souvenir

• Not just for tourists, used by locals too
• Available at Strand Bookstore

The Strand Bookstore, founded in 1927 and still family owned, is the only remnant of New York’s Book Row still standing. Every book lover will appreciate the Strand Book Tote bag, available in many designs, including those with the famous slogan “18 miles of books.”

These totes aren’t just for tourists, you’ll see the Strand tote bags slung over the shoulders of locals on the bus, stuffed with produce at the farmers markets and even at times used to lug actual books.

5. The Iconic New York Bagel Souvenir

• Food souvenir, perishable, so purchase at end of trip (can be frozen)
• Good gift for carb lovers

I wrote all about my love for bagels, including how to order one and what a flagel is, in an earlier post here. New York City bagels top my list of best food souvenirs because they are truly unmatched. Pick up at your favorite bagel shop (or try my favorite, Ess-a-bagel).

6. New York City Ceramic Anthora Coffee Cup Souvenir

• Suitable for everyone (sippy cups available for kids)
• Available at the MOMA, City Store and here (ceramic Anthora coffee cup) online

Back in the day, you could spot a NYC takeout coffee cup (known as the “Anthora” design) by its iconic blue, white and gold colors. While it’s harder these days to find a traditional Greek Anthora cup (blame Starbucks), they remain a great nostalgic piece of NYC history and an iconic only-in-NYC souvenir.

7. FDNY (Fire Department of New York) Souvenirs

• Buy souvenirs from the Fire Museum or an authorized gift shop like City Store to ensure it benefits the FDNY (souvenirs are NOT sold at firehouses)
• Excellent gifts for kids

When you were a child, did you have dreams of being a fireman? Or a firetruck? Live out those dreams and honor the brave men and women of the FDNY by visiting the fire museum for a great learning experience and pick up some fun fireman related souvenirs like a truck, cap and kid size fire jacket.

Note: Although it’s fine to take unobtrusive photos of local firehouses from the outside, under no circumstances should you ask for a tour, these are working fire houses, not tourist attractions.

8. New York City Souvenir Black and White Cookie

• Iconic New York City Souvenir
• Food Souvenir
• Comes wrapped for easy transport and better shelf life

These delicious cookie-cakes can make a great New York City souvenir, but only if you get them at the right place (William Greenberg is my favorite). I wrote all about the black and white cookie in an earlier post here .

9. Quirky Gowanus Canal T Shirt Souvenirs

• Fun Brooklyn gift for adults/teens
• Available at local gift shops in Gowanus Brooklyn and here online

The Gowanus Canal, a tidal estuary in Brooklyn that flows into the New York Harbor, was built during the Civil War for transportation purposes. It’s now a Superfund site and c onsidered one of the most polluted waterways in the country.

Despite the cleanup still ongoing, scores of artists and eclectic shops have set up in the area and apartment prices are sky high. The hardy tourist can explore this canal via a guided canoe tour, or just take a stroll through the neighborhood and buy a tongue-in-cheek souvenir like these Gowanus canal T-shirts .

10. Roosevelt Island Souvenir Replica Tram Car

• Unusual NYC Souvenir idea

The Roosevelt Island tram is positively thrilling– it feels as close to an adventure as you can get in Manhattan, soaring 3100 feet in the air over the East River (yes we do have actual islands that are part of Manhattan!) Check out my post for how and where to catch the tram, what to do on Roosevelt Island and a full review of the gift shop .

The gift shop right off the tram exit has a very unique NYC souvenir– a replica bright red tram car.

11. Roosevelt Island Asylum for the Insane Mug Souvenir

• Unique and unusual NYC gift
• Available at Roosevelt Island gift shop

I couldn’t help but add a second Roosevelt Island souvenir because of a bit of sometimes forgotten NYC history.

The New York City Lunatic Asylum, opened in 1841 (when Roosevelt Island was called Blackwell Island), was the subject of an exposé by Nellie Bly in her 1887 book  Ten Days in a Mad-House . You can still see the original octagon shaped entrance on the island, now serving as the entry to luxury apartments.

12. Manhattan Special Espresso Coffee Soda- Cult Following Souvenir

• Great for coffee lovers
• Available at some local bodegas and here online

Founded in 1895 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Manhattan Special Espresso Coffee Soda is made with espresso beans, seltzer water and sugar. The soda has a cult like following , best enjoyed straight up, with milk or Sambuca.

13. Dinosaur Puppet Souvenir from the American Museum of Natural History

• Good gift for teens and kids
• Available at the museum gift shop

The American Museum of Natural History is chock full of artifacts and exhibits, but bar none the most memorable are the full-size dinosaur exhibits. I loved this cute dinosaur puppet souvenir in the gift shop.

14. A Souvenir Beaker Styled Measuring Cup from the New Gilder Science Center

• Useful souvenir (can be used as actual measuring cup)
• Just opened Gilder Science Center (March 2023)

The brand new Gilder Science Center (connecting to the American Natural History Museum) is a must do for the fantastic Gaudi-esque building and cool exhibits.

15. Lloyd’s Carrot Cake Souvenir (Harlem)

• Lesser Known NYC food souvenir
• Available at the two Lloyd’s locations

Read all the details about where to go to get this scrumptious carrot cake and read the story behind this black owned family business in my recent blog post dedicated to this shop. Available by the whole cake or slice, with or without raisins and nuts. Although carrot cake is Lloyd’s specialty, they have other cake flavors available as well.

16. El Barrio East Harlem Souvenir Hoodie

• Local East Harlem Souvenir
• Hoodie available at the gift shop at El Museo del Barrio

East Harlem, also widely known as El Barrio (“the neighborhood”) is a mix of thriving cultures, a nice change from the more staid Upper East Side that it borders.

For a first timer, I recommend visiting the amazing Conservatory Gardens of Central Park at 105th Street, hitting the latest exhibit at El Museo del Barrio across the street (and grabbing this cool souvenir hoodie) then trying one of the great restaurants (my favorites are Taco Mix and Sidewalk Tacos, Earl’s Cheese, Bar Goyana, Cascalote Latin Bistro and Lloyd’s Carrot Cake).

17. Metropolitan Museum of Art Replica Etruscan Bracelet Souvenir

• Unique NYC gift
• Available at the Met gift shop

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the “Met”) is a must see for tourists. As a local, I visit often sometimes just to see one thing or breathe in the atmosphere. Read all about my top picks on what to see at the Met and a rundown of the best souvenirs here.

I’ve browsed through the jewelry exhibits and lusted after gorgeous designs of the the ancient artifacts. While the Met’s jewelry collection isn’t available for loans, you can find a beautifully made replica souvenir at the Met’s gift shop.

18. William, the Met’s 4000 Year Old Blue Mascot

I don’t often buy “tchockes,” but made an exception for adorable William. William has been the Met Museum’s unofficial mascot since 1917 (though he is actually over four thousand years old). Now he is my mascot too, and takes pride of place in my bookcase ( see my post on the Met here ).

19. Chinatown Souvenirs

• Lesser known NYC souvenirs
• Fun to browse Chinatown for unique finds

Chinatown is a fun area to dine and browse for unique NYC souvenirs and see what you come across. If I was going to recommend something specific to look out for, I love the tea sets, plates, and colorful decorative souvenirs like the Chinese New Year Dragon.

Along Canal Street you can find lots of handbags, jewelry and scarves on the cheap of dubious origin.

20. New York Souvenir Babka (especially Chocolate Babka)

• Iconic NYC food souvenir
• Available at many bakeries

A staple at New York’s traditional Jewish bakeries, babka is a delicious cross between a cake and a bread, and comes in regular and chocolate versions. Check out my prior post where I taste tested five of the city’s noted chocolate babka’s here .

21. FAO Schwarz Bear Toy Soldier Souvenir

• Iconic NYC kid’s gift
• Available at souvenir shops and here online

FAO Schwarz is a unique, only-in-NYC shopping experience (read my two part post here ), decked out with life-size props, spot lighting and music, and a big piano musical keyboard, all creating a theatrical shopping experience. For an iconic souvenir, pick up the FAO Schwarz toy soldier bear.

22. S&S Cheesecake (Bronx)

• Lesser known NYC food souvenir
• Bronx location

S&S Cheesecake is still family owned, using the same original 1960 recipe for their luscious cheesecake. It’s a local institution, and truly qualifies as a hidden gem, known little outside of the city. While the shop is a bit out of the way for a tourist on limited time, it is located directly off the train stop.

23. Levain’s Cookies: a Great Hostess Gift from NYC

• Crowd favorite for a gift from NYC

Levain’s remains my personal NYC cookie favorite (I wrote about them here) and my go-to hostess gift. Thse mammoth cookies are baked to perfection– crispy on the outside, properly gooey on the inside.

24. Orwasher’s Rye Bread

• Available at Orwasher’s Upper East Side bakery or specialty groceries throughout the city

When you buy a local rye bread in New York (with seeds or without), you’ll immediately taste the difference from those packaged mass produced brands. Check out my post on legendary Orwasher’s bakery.

25. Harlem Candle Company Souvenir

• Locally owned Harlem based company
• Available at Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Macy’s and here online
• My current favorite scent is the Speakeasy candl e.

I’ve been friends with Harlem Candle founder Teri Johnson for nearly ten years now, as we are both in the same travel writing community. Teri served as my mentor in those early days, and has shared her own amazing collection of souvenirs (that’s me in the photo below taking pictures in her Harlem apartment).

I remember the early days when Teri was pouring candles and creating intoxicating scents from her Harlem apartment. Since then, her candles have taken off and grown into a multi-million dollar business, trading local markets for luxury retailers.

Teri not only creates candles that look gorgeous and smell divine, but she also generously supports other aspiring women, whether in the travel or business world.

26. Central Park Musical Souvenirs

• Only in NYC souvenir, an experience like none other
• Bring cash to buy Carlos’ CD

I wrote all an extensive post about my favorite Central Park musicians and how and when to see their free concerts in the park here. Take a bit of the experience home with you by picking up one of Carlos’ CDs or merch from Abraham’s band , Infinity Song.

27. Central Park Imagine Blanket Souvenir

• Use your souvenir for a picnic in Central Park
• Available at the onsite gift shop at the Dairy

I loved this souvenir so much I bought it for myself. Based on the Park’s Imagine mosaic, this blanket is perfect for park picnics.

28. Handcrafted Artisan Pin from Local Artist

• Support a local NYC emerging artist
• Cool, original art. Small pieces like pins are great to attach to backpacks and bags

Lubay is a charismatic and super talented local artist who often sets up shop at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park, where he sells his original paintings and handmade pins. Find Lubay on Instagram here .

29. Brooklyn Blackout Cake

• Available at many bakeries throughout the city

If you are a chocolate fanatic may I introduce you to the chocolate-y goodness of Brooklyn Blackout cake, a rich chocolate cake filled with chocolate pudding. I wrote more about Brooklyn Blackout Cake in this post.

30. Fish Eddys NYC themed Dish Towel

• Great all purpose gift item from NYC

Fish Eddys is a housewares store known for its one of a kind vintage dinnerware, sourcing its stock from defunct restaurants. It can be fun to rifle through their found stock, but for a less fragile souvenir, pick up one of their new items like these NYC themed dish towels.

31. NYC Sewer Coasters Souvenir

• Available at City Store
• Quirky NYC souvenir

I love souvenirs that are useful on a day to day basis, and these NYC sewer coasters fit the bill.

32. New York Pastrami Souvenir

• Grab a loaf of Orwashers rye, some pastrami and make sandwiches at home for a fraction of the price of one sandwich

To sample delicious New York City pastrami, hit any of the classic Jewish delicatessen s and place your order to go by the pound. Famous spots like Katz’s deli often have mad crowds, whether it’s worth the wait is up to debate. I prefer to seek out a neighborhood deli (like Pastrami Queen in my photo above, a favorite of the late Anthony Bourdain) that never has a long wait.

33. Magnolia Banana Bread Pudding

• Popular NYC cult food item

Magnolia Bakery may be better known for their cupcakes, but I know plenty of people who are obsessed with Magnolia’s Bread pudding, including a friend who has been known to pack several containers in her suitcase to take back to Germany. They usually have a the original banana bread pudding along with a special limited time flavor, which keeps pudding addicts coming back for more.

34. King Kong Souvenir

• Iconic NYC souvenir for kids

This cute King Kong plush toy is designed to dangle wherever you attach him and makes a great kid gift after visiting the Empire State Building (available in their gift shop).

35. Mini Binoculars Souvenir from the Edge

• Use your souvenir on the spot
• Available at the Edge gift shop or pick up a pair of mini foldable ones online here

If you aren’t afraid of heights, the best views in my opinion are from the Edge in Hudson Yards. To better hone in on the details, pick up a souvenir pair of Edge branded mini binoculars.

36. Cannolis (or DIY Cannoli kit) from Veniero’s or Ferraro’s

• NYC food souvenir
• Bring home fresh cannolis or a DIY frozen cannoli kit to assemble at home

I love cannolis and there are lots of places to get excellent ones in NYC. My two favorite places are old school Italian bakeries, Veniero’s Pasticceria (since 1894) and Ferrara’s (since 1892). I’m not going to quibble over which is better, I recommend going to both.

37. NYC Bialy Souvenir

• Available at most bagel shops

A near cousin to the bagel, bialys are similar in circumferance but easily distinguished by the flatter shape and a depression (typically filed with onions or other toppings) instead of a hole. Unlike bagels which are boiled, bialys are only baked, resulting in a –less dense and somewhat fluffier texture.

38. NYC Knish Souvenir

• Available at Yonal Schimmel Knish Bakery for the biggest variety, or any bagel shop

A knish is a traditional snack food where a thin pastry coating envelops a filling (typically mashed potatoes, but it can vary).

39. NYC Water Tower Salt and Pepper Shakers Souvenir

• Quirky but practical NYC gift or souvenir

Love them or hate them, those water towers looming on NYC buildings are a part of the New York skyline. These practical water tower salt and pepper shakers make for a quirky but useful NYC souvenir.

40. Eloise at the Plaza Souvenir

• Iconic only-in-NYC souvenir
• Available at Eloise Shop at the Plaza Hotel

“I am a city child. I live at the Plaza.”  So says the pint-size heroine of one of the greatest children’s books ever written,  Eloise at the Plaza .

I’ve previously written about a special Eloise tea at the Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel, followed by shopping for Eloise themed souvenirs at the gift shop (favorites are Eloise’s pinafore dress, bathrobe and handbag).

41. NYC Pizza Dough DIY Souvenir

• NYC DIY food souvenir
• Keep the dough packed in a cooler back to stay fresh

I can’t recommend bringing NYC pizza home as a souvenir– unless you live in the tri-state area and are eating it on the way home.

But a little known secret among New Yorkers: many pizza shops will sell you the dough right from their shop. Some will even sell the sauce and cheese. My friend Dani noted that a couple from Germany on her Pizza Walking tour picked up dough from Best Pizza in Brooklyn to bring home to Europe.

42. NBC Pillow Souvenir

If you’ve every watched the Today Show, you will know that it is filmed in New York, at the famed Rockefeller Center. The Today Show encourages viewers worldwide to join in the broadcast live, with no need to secure advance tickets, just stand outside and join in the fun.

Right nearby in the plaza you can visit the NBC experience store for a NBC themed souvenir, like this cute NBC peacock pillow.

Thanks to Anna for this idea!

43. Limited Edition Beer from Brooklyn Brewery Souvenir

• Limited edition, only in NYC souvenir beers
• Fun tours and tastings
• Take home options best for those who arrive by car

Brooklyn brewery is a fun visit, complete with tours and tastings. While you’ll find their beers nationwide, the brewery location has special limited edition bottles you can’t find anywhere else and make a nice souvenir for the beer lover.

4. NYC Broadway Musical Souvenir

Seeing a Broadway show is a special NYC experience, whether you bought your tickets in advance or scoured the discount sites last minute. To max out the experience, along with your playbill, why not bring home a souvenir unique to the show. Every large show will have a show specific gift shop with memorable items to bring home (like the cute Lion King plushies above).

45. U-Bet Chocolate Syrup

• Available at Economy Candy, some grocery stores and here online

Long before Tiktokers “discovered” the charm of Lexington Candy Shop and their old school soda jerks, my readers knew exactly where to find the best egg cream when I published my blog post in 2014 (beating the craze by seven years!). To replicate the perfect egg cream soda like they make at old fashioned soda counters, pick up some Fox’s U-Bet syrup.

46. A Bag of Nostalgic Candy from Economy Candy

• NYC edible food souvenir
• Great treat for kids or kids at heart
• Available at Economy Candy (since 1936!) on the Lower East Side

Whirly pops ? Candy cigarettes ? Marathon bars? Say no more, get your own dose of nostalgia at the always fun to browse Economy Candy Shop (preview the shop in my post I wrote here).

47. NYC Christmas Ornament Souvenir

• Great for collectors of souvenir Christmas ornaments
• Available at souvenir shops, museum gift shops and here online

Of my readers who collect specific types of souvenirs, the number one collection category is Christmas ornaments, you’ll find plenty to choose from at every tourist site.

48. NYC Kitschy Mini Trinket Souvenirs

• Fun inexpensive NYC themed toys for kids
• Can be used desk gadgets or ring holders
• Available at souvenir shops and online

I’ve bought a little yellow NYC taxi car as gifts for kids and also as a fun addition to an adult gift bag. Any souvenir shop will have a version of them but I’m partial to this one with working lights . I like these mini Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building for holding rings.

49. LiLac Chocolates

• Locations throughout the city

L4-Lac, Manhattan’s oldest chocolate shop, has been making small batch chocolates by hand since 1923. Sample one of the best sellers– nonpareils, butter crunch or salted caramels.

50. NYC Starbucks Mug

• For coffee lovers and Starbucks souvenir mug collectors
• Available at NYC Starbucks shops (designs may vary)

For those of you who collect Starbucks mugs when you travel– you know who you are , and we may have a guest post on said mugs written by a well-traveled writer friend– I am including the New York City mug as a nod to your obsession.

What Did We Miss? Comment below!

Souvenir Finder is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.   There is no extra cost to you for using these links, thank you for your support and allowing me to provide you with high quality content at no charge to you.

Henrika Meyer

Tuesday 6th of June 2023

What an absolutely fabulous list of NYC souvenirs. The guide is well organized, fantastic variety and the the photos add an easy to locate visuals. And I love the locals perspective.

Kristin Francis

Thank you, it was a lot of thought and work into this post! I hope it will help you plan your next nyc vacation!

41+ Best New York Souvenirs & Authentic NYC Gifts (From A Local)

By Jessie Festa & Dale P. This guide to the best gifts from NYC contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking for the best New York souvenirs that go beyond cheesy foam Statue of Liberty crowns and “fuggedaboutit” t-shirts?

This list of the best New York City gift ideas — written by two New Yorkers — is here to help!

Below you’ll find the best NYC souvenirs to bring home from a trip, whether you’re looking for a memento for yourself or gifts for family and friends.

New York is known as being one of the best shopping cities in the world, so you’ll find no shortage of souvenir choices from local makers, markets, boutiques, novelty shops, and more.

Whether you are looking for something classic, unusual, kid-friendly, cultural, affordable, or luxurious, this guide to New York’s best souvenirs and gifts has you covered, and even includes ideas for items that truly tell the story of your unique trip.

Note that the guide begins by discussing where to buy New York souvenirs — including places where you truly can’t go wrong no matter what you purchase. From there, it moves into specific items that make for great gifts from New York.

Quick tip: One of the best places to find local NYC souvenirs is Chelsea Market, which features a wide array of locally-made food items as well as an artisan market for creative handmade goods. Book a Chelsea Market tour to taste your way around this market and discover the top treats to take back for your loved ones. Also, New York’s best souvenirs are photos from your trip. Book a Private Photo Journey , a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or get a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through an NYC Influencer Shoot or Professional New York City Shoot . Email [email protected] with inquiries.

Table of Contents

Best Places To Buy Souvenirs In New York

Before we dive into what to buy in NYC, we want to tell you the best places to buy amazing souvenirs! Here’s our list:

MoMA Design Store

One of the best New York souvenir shops is the MoMA Design Store. Housed in the Museum of Modern Art , this store is the perfect place to find an art-inspired momento.

Holiday Markets

If you’ll be visiting New York in winter, don’t miss the holiday and Christmas markets that pop up around the city from mid-November through early January.

The holiday markets in Bryant Park, Union Square, and Columbus Circle are some of the best places to buy good New York souvenirs around the holidays, including many that are unique and handmade.

Chelsea Market

Sprawling Chelsea Market is one of the best places to buy souvenirs in New York City. With dozens of food vendors and retail stalls, you can pick up tasty snacks to bring home from New York — or peruse art, jewelry, and other gifts.

The Strand Bookstore

The Strand , an independent bookstore that has been around for nearly 100 years, is a great place to shop for souvenirs in New York. A canvas tote bag from the Strand is one of the best souvenirs from NYC for book-lovers. You can also find many books about New York that make for excellent gifts.

New York Transit Museum

If you’re looking for cool souvenirs from New York, check out the gift shop at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn . You can find all sorts of quirky New York subway-themed souvenirs, like t-shirts, keychains, phone cases, and more.

Manhattan ‘s Chinatown neighborhood is a unique place to shop for souvenirs and find some of the cheapest souvenir shops in NYC. Although it has a notorious reputation for selling “designer” handbags, sunglasses, and watches at low prices, it’s a wise idea to steer clear of these because they are knockoffs of questionable quality.

Instead, spend some time roaming the side streets of Chinatown and you’ll discover small, locally-owned shops selling everything from porcelain to tea and beyond.

Artists & Fleas

One reason why New York is so popular is its creative locals. With that in mind, possibly the best place to buy NYC souvenirs is Artists & Fleas , particularly if you love buying straight from local makers. Here you’ll peruse artisan wares — from handmade accessories to clean beauty to unique jewelry and beyond — that show off the creativity of local New Yorkers.

Essex Market

Located on the Lower East Side, Essex Market is a food market where you can pick up delicious edible treats that you won’t find in typical New York City souvenir shops. You can find locally-made products like chocolate, coffee, tea, and cheese.

Tenement Museum Store

NYC wouldn’t be what it is without its immigrants, and the Tenement Museum is the best place to learn how immigration throughout history has helped to shape the city.

Not only is exploring preserved tenement buildings from the late 19th century a highlight, but so is their gift shop, which sells books written by immigrants, jewelry inspired by immigrant stories, and apparel and accessories that celebrate the Lower East Side neighborhood where the museum is located.

Industry City

Whether you’re looking for New York food souvenirs, locally-made accessories, or gifts that support local makers, Industry City in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood is a must. This experiential complex on the water showcases food, drink, art, entertainment, and creativity. Not only is it a great place if you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in NYC , but also if you’re searching for truly authentic New York City souvenirs.

FAO Schwarz

While the items sold at this iconic NYC toy store aren’t all locally-made, if you’re looking for New York souvenirs for kids, the little ones in your life will undoubtedly love the finds at FAO Schwarz — which is the oldest toy store in the United States !

Housing Works

Housing Works is an NYC-based nonprofit fighting AIDS and homelessness. They operate various shops around the city, from book stores to thrift shops and more, and buying from them allows you to support a great cause.

The Taste NY store in Grand Central Terminal features all sorts of delicious locally-made products, from wines to cheeses to olive oils to chips and beyond. Note that this store has locations all around New York State , so keep your eyes peeled if you head out on an Upstate New York road trip from NYC and are looking for food-related souvenirs.

Want beautiful photos taken of you in scenic New York spots? Book a Private Photo Journey , a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or get a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through an NYC Influencer Shoot or Professional New York City Shoot . Email [email protected] with inquiries.

Best New York Souvenirs & Authentic NYC Gifts

Now that we’ve gone over some of the best New York souvenir shops in the city, let’s discuss what to actually buy. The following list contains a mix of classic NYC memorabilia, locally-made gifts, and truly unique New York souvenirs you won’t find on any other lists!

NYC Souvenirs That Share Your Trip Story

1. new york city photos.

Skip the New York City souvenir shops and typical New York themed gifts and have something made just for you: photos of your incredible time in NYC!

Shameless plug: Jessie’s company, NYC Photo Journeys, offers private NYC photo tours that allow you to visit scenic spots with a local guide and photographer. Not only do you get a tour, but you’ll leave with stunning photos of your group to keep. It’s a great way to create — and preserve — memories from your trip to New York .

Alternatively, if you don’t care so much about the tour and just want to focus on getting as many gorgeous photos as possible, you can opt for a professional NYC photoshoot , which also includes a pre-shoot call to go over your goals for the session!

2. Your own 3D-printed bobblehead

One very unique NYC attraction is Gulliver’s Gate on Staten Island , within walking distance of the ferry terminal. Here, you can explore an entire world created with thousands of 3D-printed miniatures.

After seeing the seven continents as well as iconic New York City spots like Grand Central Terminal and Times Square , you can opt to have your own 3D-printed bobblehead created. Talk about unique NYC souvenirs!

3. Commission a poem

If you’d like to support local artists while creating a keepsake, consider commissioning a poem from the Poetry Society of New York .

While you can hire them for events, you can also hire a poet to help you create an impactful gift that shares the story of your trip to NYC!

4. Turn your photos into NYC memorabilia

While you can of course purchase New York memorabilia, another idea is using your own photos to create personalized NYC souvenirs that remind you of your trip. Platforms like Canvas Pop and ShutterFly allow you to create everything from Canvas prints to photo albums to mugs.

Alternatively, you can use a free tool like Canva to turn your photos into cool designs. For example, click here to check out their postcard templates or search something like “vintage postcards” in their search bar.

This is a great way to use the photos you get from an NYC Photo Journeys tour or shoot !

5. DIY NYC souvenir

Instead of buying good souvenirs from NYC, why not make them? Booking a local class where you actually create something is not only a great way to leave with an authentic souvenir, but also a fun way to explore local culture — not to mention it’s a smart option if you’re  visiting NYC alone and want to meet other people.

A few of the many class options to choose from in NYC include East Village Hats (hatwork), La Mano Pottery (pottery), Raaka (chocolate), Painting Lounge (sip and paint), and Brooklyn Brainery (everything).

NYC Souvenirs That Celebrate Art & Culture

6. coffee table book.

One of the best souvenirs from NYC to remind you of your visit long after you return home is a coffee table book filled with New York photography.

Check out places like the MoMA Design Store as well as local book shops like Assouline or Rizzoli to find stunning coffee table books you can buy and bring home with you.

7. Flea market finds

Are you looking for unique Brooklyn souvenirs to take home? Go hunting for treasures at Brooklyn Flea , the largest flea market in New York City.

Open on weekends in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, this flea market is the place to go to pick up one-of-a-kind vintage clothing, home decor, art, antiques, and collectables.

You’ll find many unique gifts from New York there!

8. Records by local musicians

If you love music, consider supporting New York’s local musicians through your souvenir purchase.

While there are a number of record stores that sell music by local artists — like Record Grouch in Brooklyn — you can also see a live show at one of the many venues across the city and grab a copy of their tunes afterward.

A few neighborhoods known for their live music offerings include the Lower East Side, the West Village, Harlem, and Williamsburg.

9. Keith Haring merchandise

Nothing says New York like the bold, graffiti-inspired pop art of Keith Haring. This prominent NYC artist whose colorful work became famous in the 1980s was committed to making art accessible to all.

Although his physical Pop Shop in SoHo is no longer open, the Keith Haring Foundation runs an online store selling merchandise like t-shirts, tote bags, and other accessories featuring his vibrant work.

10. Humans of New York book

The Humans of New York book is one of the best New York gift ideas. It started as an online photography project by Brandon Stanton. He quickly grew an audience of millions on his Facebook page, where he shared heartfelt stories paired with authentic portrait photos of New Yorkers.

His book Humans of New York is a great gift that captures the essence of the city through moving photos and stories.

11. Art or photography prints

Searching for cool things to buy in New York? Pick up some unique art or photography prints to hang in your home!

Art can be one of the more expensive things to buy in New York, but the good news is there are options for every budget. Flea markets, art fairs, and college student shows are all sources of affordably-priced art in New York City, while art museum gift shops sell great high-quality prints.

You can also wander around Washington Square Park to find really unique art made by locals, and usually at budget-friendly prices.

These art pieces and prints are some of the things you can only buy in New York. They’re truly unique!

Food & Drink Souvenirs From New York

12. historic chocolate.

Li-Lac Chocolates dates back to 1923 and is Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house. Today, their chocolate is still handmade in small batches, using the original recipes that New Yorkers have loved for over a century.

13. The Ellis Island Immigrant Cookbook

New York is known for its food: the many unique NYC restaurants , Instagram-worthy eateries , the boozy brunch spots , and, of course, the endless opportunities to try flavors from around the world.

The Ellis Island Immigrant Cookbook by Tom Bernardin not only allows you to bring these flavors home but also discover the story of NYC through your tastebuds.

This helps to make this book one of the best food souvenirs from New York you can buy! You can grab your copy at the Tenement Museum gift shop, among other places.

14. Murray’s Cheese

Visiting Murray’s Cheese is one of the top things to do in the West Village , as the shop has been around since 1940 and sells the best cheeses in the city, many of which are locally sourced. If you’re looking for an edible souvenir from New York, this is sure to be a hit.

Murray’s cheeses are some of the most famous products made in New York.

15. Locally-made cookies

One of the best food souvenirs from New York that you can bring home is a box full of cookies from a popular NYC bakery. Cookies are easier to transport than many other foods, and will be good for a couple days after you get home.

Some of the best, most decadent cookies in the city can be found at Levain Bakery, Chip City, and Milk Bar.

If you’ve never heard of a bialy, it’s a round bread that comes from Polish Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine.

It may look like a bagel at first, but it’s actually boiled and doesn’t have a hole in the middle. Instead, the center has an indent that typically features ingredients like roasted onions or garlic — though some bakers like to get creative with other options like sesame, sun-dried tomato, and olive.

One of these bakers is Kossar’s Bakery & Bialys , which dates back to 1936 and is the oldest bialy shop in the USA.

Head to this Lower East Side bakery to fill a bag with their delicious bialys — though make sure to buy them on the last day of your trip and share them with loved ones as soon as you get back. Like most bread products, bialys are best eaten while fresh!

17. Pizza dough

Often, the best NYC gifts are the ones people will actually use — or eat! While it would be tough to bring home an actual pizza and have it still taste good, you can instead head to a pizzeria and get dough to take with you.

One of the things that makes New York pizza so amazing is the dough, so you’ll still be able to share a taste of quintessential New York by making a homemade pizza at home.

As with the bialys mentioned above, make sure to buy the dough on the last day of your trip and cook it as soon as you’re back for maximum freshness.

18. Rooftop Reds wine

Located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Rooftop Reds is the world’s first rooftop vineyard . It’s the perfect spot to sip a glass of dry rose on a warm day while taking in views of Lower Manhattan. And if you’re looking for New York souvenirs related to food and drink, it’s a top pick!

Keep in mind, this isn’t NYC’s only winery. A few others of note include City Winery in the Meatpacking District, Brooklyn Winery in Williamsburg , and Red Hook Winery in Red Hook .

19. Long Island City beer

More of a beer drinker? New York City is home to numerous breweries, particularly in the neighborhoods of Bushwick (Brooklyn) and Long Island City ( Queens ).

In fact, one of the top things to do in Long Island City is sip your way through the LIC Brewery Trail, which features at least six unique breweries within walking distance — not to mention locally-famous SingleCut Brewery in the adjacent Astoria neighborhood.

Breweries on the trail include:

• Fifth Hammer
• ICONYC Brewing
• Rockaway Brewering Company
• Big aLICe Brewing
• LIC Beer Project

Wander the trail, choose your favorite, and buy a six-pack to take home to a fellow beer lover (or, of course, to enjoy yourself).

20. Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur

While we’re on the subject of food and drink souvenirs from New York, we have to highlight Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur — a bold liqueur made with real ginger that can really spice up your at-home bar cart!

Their tasting room is located in Brooklyn’s Industry City, so head there for one of their delicious craft cocktails before getting a bottle (or two!) to take home as a souvenir.

21. Whiskey from Kings County Distillery

Kings County Distillery is NYC’s oldest whiskey distillery, and was the first to open after Prohibition in 2010. A bottle of one of their bourbons, ryes, or whiskeys makes for some of the best gifts in NYC.

Bonus: You can tour their facility when you visit or enjoy a cocktail or flight in their tasting room.

22. Everything bagel seasoning

New York is famous for its bagels, but it can be hard to take those home with you, especially if you’re flying or limited on luggage space.

While you should definitely sample as many freshly made bagels as possible while in New York, pick up some everything bagel seasoning before you go.

This seasoning is incredibly popular in NYC, and makes even a plain store-bought bagel taste like a real New York bagel once you get home.

It’s one of the best things to buy in NYC for foodies!

23. Candy from an iconic NYC shop

One of the best NYC souvenirs for kids is candy from Dylan’s Candy Bar . This chain of boutique candy stores was founded in New York City, and is a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. Stop in to fill up a box with candy to bring home as a reminder of your sweet adventures in NYC.

24. Locally-roasted coffee

The best souvenir shops in NYC may just be the coffee roasters, each of which has its own unique selling point.

One to get on your radar is Café Grumpy , which began as a beloved Brooklyn cafe since 2005 and now has locations around NYC.

Not only do their cafes have a chill and welcoming vibe, but they sell delicious single origin coffees as well as blends that make for the perfect gifts.

Try their Heartbreak Espresso, which blends beans from Ethiopia and Central America.

25. Andrew’s Honey

Honey laundering is an international issue, and you have to be careful when grabbing that plastic bear off the grocery store shelf.

Luckily, Andrew’s raw local honey isn’t just ethically-made, but it also shares the stories of various New York neighborhoods.

In fact, each honey is named after a specific NYC hood, with honey harvested on rooftops from that specific location for a hyper-local treat that also makes for the perfect NYC souvenir.

Uniquely New York Souvenirs

Still wondering what to buy in New York? Here’s a list of truly unique NY gifts!

26. Literie candle

A unique souvenir from New York is a Literie candle. This New York-based brand creates candles that evoke scents from New York City, ranging from the floral “Afternoon in Central Park” and “28th Street Flower Market” to the funny “Pizza from a Guy Named Joe”.

This is the perfect memento to bring home to remind you of New York!

27. Bond No. 9 perfumes

Those looking for luxurious NYC gifts who don’t mind spending money on more expensive souvenirs should head to Bond No. 9 — which has locations in SoHo, the West Village, and the Upper East Side — to peruse their selection of New York-inspired perfumes.

Along with a number of fragrances named after New York City’s many neighborhoods and iconic streets , there are options like “Off-Broadway”, “New York Spring Fling”, and “New York Nights”.

28. New York themed toys

If you’re looking for good souvenirs from New York specifically for children, consider some fun toys that also share the culture and character of the city.

For instance, at the Tenement Museum , you can buy everything from FDNY fire trucks and pull-back taxi cabs to One World Trade Center building kits and subway map puzzles to paper dolls that help kids understand the history of immigration in NYC.

29. NYC-inspired phone case

A phone case is a simple and inexpensive NYC souvenir. Every souvenir shop in the city sells them, but if you’re looking for something special, check out the MetroCard-themed phone cases at the New York Transit Museum gift shop or get an art-inspired phone case from the MoMA Design Store.

30. NYC charm bracelet

Jewelry brands like Kate Spade, Alex & Ani, and Jet Set Candy all sell beautiful NYC charm bracelets if you are looking for a souvenir that you can wear every day. These also make a great gift for someone visiting New York or moving there.

31. NYC coordinates bracelet

If you love unique jewelry, one piece that makes a statement about New York without being too tacky is a GPS coordinates bracelet from Isabelle Grace Jewelry.

While their actual shop is located in Massachusetts, they make stunning handmade jewelry that can be customized to your liking.

While Jessie has their Coordinates Cuff , they also sell a Coordinates Charm Necklace that makes for a meaningful NYC themed gift.

Classic Souvenirs From NYC

32. i heart ny t-shirt.

You can’t go wrong with this classic New York City souvenir. Sure, it’s a little cheesy, but the “I Heart NY” t-shirts sold in every NYC souvenir shop are iconic, and the perfect memento to bring home from your trip to New York.

The same slogan also appears on hoodies, baseball caps, tote bags, keychains, coffee mugs, and more.

33. Tote bag

A tote bag is a practical souvenir that is also one of the best New York gifts for friends at home, especially since most people use them for one reason or another.

You’ll see people carrying tote bags from the Strand Bookstore all around the city. The New Yorker magazine also offers a canvas tote bag that is very popular.

34. Christmas ornament

New York City is magical during the holidays. If you’re visiting then, one of the most memorable souvenirs you can buy is an ornament to bring home and hang on your Christmas tree.

You can find beautiful ornaments at New York City’s holiday markets, as well as the gift shops at places like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Modern Art .

This is one of the top classic New York gifts you can buy!

35. Snow globe

A classic New York souvenir is a snow globe. If you’re exploring NYC on a budget , these are small and inexpensive souvenirs that are fun to collect when you travel. You can always be reminded of the city’s sights and skyline with an NYC snow globe of your own.

36. New York City map

One way to bring New York City home with you is with a map. Luckily, you can find loads of unique New York map prints — from vintage city maps to colorful subway maps — that are perfect for framing and hanging in your home.

Chelsea Market has a selection of maps to browse, among other great souvenirs.

37. Statue of Liberty or taxi figurine

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic sights in NYC; so, of course, one of the best buys in New York is a replica of this famous statue that represents the city’s core values of diversity and openness.

Yellow taxi cabs are another symbol of New York, and a great memento to bring home. You can find taxi figurines at souvenir shops all around the city.

38. New York Yankees baseball cap

Sported by everyone from famous celebrities to taxi cab drivers, New York Yankees caps are an ubiquitous sight on the streets of NYC.

These iconic navy baseball caps are one of the best souvenirs from New York City, and make a great gift for any sports fans.

Not a baseball fan? You also get gear from other New York teams like the Islanders (hockey), Rangers (hockey), Giants (football), Jets (football), Knicks (basketball), and Nets (basketball).

39. Broadway playbill

Going to see a Broadway show is an iconic New York experience that everyone needs to have at least once. And Broadway playbills make a great memento from your time in New York, so save yours to take home!

There are also many souvenir shops around Times Square that sell Broadway memorabilia if you’re looking for merchandise related to your favorite shows.

40. New York University gear

New York University is located in the heart of NYC near Washington Square Park. You’ll see many people around the city, even those who are not alums, wearing NYU t-shirts or hoodies. Join in on the fun and stop by the NYU Bookstore to pick up some gear to bring home with you.

41. Coffee mug

If you’re looking for cheap NYC souvenirs, you can’t go wrong with a coffee mug. They don’t cost much, and you’ll get plenty of use out of them. For something classic, you can buy the “We Are Happy to Serve You” coffee cups you see all around New York in mug form.

Final Tips For Finding The Best Souvenirs From NYC

To find really good souvenirs from New York City that also have meaning, opt for local artisan shops. Along with perusing NYC markets and pop-up shops, check out websites like Made In NYC and Black-Owned Brooklyn to find locally-made goods. Not only will you be taking home a piece of New York culture, but you’ll be supporting local businesses.

Additionally, museum gift shops often have really unique New York souvenirs related to the institution’s focus. Along with the museums mentioned above, a few others with notable gift shops include the Jewish Museum, the New Museum, and the Museum of Natural History, to name a few.

Finally, consider how you can physically keep a piece of your experience in New York. That could mean buying a cookbook at a restaurant you eat at, taking an art class and creating something to hang up at home, or simply keeping your MetroCard as a keepsake.

Unique Tours In NYC

Looking for unique things to do in New York City? The following tours can help take you beyond the guidebook:

Private NYC Photo Tours & Custom Shoots (Jessie’s company!)

Second-Hand & Vintage Shopping Tours in NYC (a great way to find some cool NYC gifts!)

Secrets of Central Park

NYC Salsa & Latin Dancing Experience

Cupcake Walking Tour in NYC

NYC Lower East Side Culture & Food Tastings Tour

High Line Park & Greenwich Village Food Tour

Click here for a full list of NYC tours!

Best Hotels In NYC

Looking to stay overnight in NYC?

There are so many incredible hotels, like NoMo SoHo , the Williamsburg Hotel , and The Ludlow .

Click here for a full list of New York City hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays. It is set to SoHo, but you can easily change it to your specific NYC neighborhood.

And if you’re interested in  living in a hotel in NYC , there are numerous extended stay hotel options too!

Travel Insurance For NYC

When visiting New York City — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Unique Things To Do In NYC (Free Guide!)

Enjoyed this list of the best things to buy in New York? Then we invite you to grab a copy of Jessie’s   NYC Top Picks From A Local Guide . The printable PDF guide takes you beyond the popular attractions to uncover a more local and lesser-known side of New York City.

Just a few highlights from the guide include:

• Where to get creative java drinks and delicious dishes
• How to discover opportunities for exploring nature in New York City
• Ways to get off-the-beaten-track to discover a side of the city many tourists miss

Note: If you’re thinking “I just want a local to plan my trip to NYC ” Jessie also offers custom travel planning services. Keep in mind, she is a New Yorker as well as a licensed sightseeing guide, so she can speak to both tourist attractions and lesser-known experiences.

What best New York souvenirs & authentic NYC gifts would you add to the list?

Related posts:, about dale p..

Dale is a native New Yorker and an NYC-based travel writer and blogger. She loves sharing insider tips about New York City travel and other destinations with others.

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I'm a conscious solo traveler on a mission to take you beyond the guidebook to inspire you to live your best life through travel. Come join me!

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What a great and extensive list of souvenir ideas! I won`t have to worry about what to buy next time I visit.

What a fantastic travel blog. Many of these wonderful places are a dream to travel to. Thank you for sharing and show us things of importen value

Thank you what a great blog post, I would never thought of have of these things. From Boston bringing home some things for family and wouldn’t have thought of LIC beer!

Hello from On Screen Solution! This curated list of authentic NYC souvenirs is a treasure trove for travelers seeking meaningful mementos beyond the typical tourist fare. Discover unique gifts that capture the essence of New York City, curated by locals for a truly unforgettable experience.

Thank you for this insightful guide! As the CEO of ‘On Screen Solution,’ I appreciate your recommendations on the best NYC souvenirs, making it easier for travelers to find the perfect memento or gift for loved ones.

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Hop-On Hop-Off tours of York

The official open-top tour of york, every 15 minutes, 7 days a week..

The Citysightseeing York tour will capture the hearts of all ages! With so many things to do and attractions to see, York is the perfect place to hop-on to one of our open top buses and explore the English heritage. We’ll take you to the finest attractions that this thriving city has to offer! Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can complete a full loop of the bus tour first and then hop off at all the attractions you want to see.

Discover 2000 years of history

You’ll never be short of things to do in York. Take our tour and be inspired by the beauty this city has to offer. Hop-on our open-top bus at Exhibition Square and get ready to start the adventure through time!

One of the main attractions that can’t go amiss is Clifford’s Tower at Stop 7. It stands proudly at the highest point in York and really is a sight to behold.

Fishergate Bar, one of York’s gateways, was built in the early 14th century by the mayor of York. Take a trip closer to the River Ouse and visit South Bank at Bus Stop 13. Wander around Rowntrees Park nearby, which serves as a memorial for employees of the confectionery factory nearby who died in the First World War.

Right by the River Ouse you’ll find Museum Gardens at Stop 21. The tranquil atmosphere makes it the perfect picnic location on a sunny day, where you can appreciate all the beautiful flowers and immaculate fresh lawns. Take a walk and you’ll even see the ruins of the medieval St Mary’s Abbey, which dates back to the mid-11th century.

Join us around York and enjoy the views!

About the tour

from 9am to 5:30pm

09:00 – 5.30pm

up to every 15 minutes

audio commentary in 8 languages

Yorkshire dialect commentary 

FAIR T'MIDDLIN'

Schedule: 09:00 – 5.30pm

Loop: 60 Minutes  

Frequency: up to every 15 minutes

21 stops around the city, including all main sights and attractions.

Kids commentary 

Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can complete a full loop of the bus tour first and then hop off at all the attractions you want to delve into.

live guides 

During the summer our tour guides paint a colourful picture of York over the last 2000 years and bring their own unique knowledge to the tours too. 

discounts in and around York

You can save money on local attractions when you explore the historic city of York with our Transdev Treats voucher

Create your own itinerary to explore York, hopping on and off whenever you wish.

Sunday is York locals day

Every Sunday get discounted tickets when you show your York Card. It’s only £10 for an adult ticket and £20 for a family ticket – we’re making it as easy as possible to enjoy our city and save some pennies too!

rainy day guarantee

With our Rainy Day Guarantee, when you book online you can use your ticket any day during the week after your booking if it’s raining on your tour day.

did you know?

We offer a rainy day guarantee. 

When you book online you can use your ticket any day during the week after your booking if it’s raining on your tour day.

Transdev Treats

More than tours....

We love to work with local schools, businesses and organisations. Find out more about the packages and collaboration opportunities we offer.

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This Summer in Paris: More ‘Open’ Signs, Thanks to the Olympics

With millions of visitors expected in the city, restaurant and shop owners are hoping they made the right decision to forgo their cherished annual vacations.

By Lindsey Tramuta

Anyone who’s visited Paris in late July and August knows the word “fermé.” It adorns the darkened windows of chic indie boutiques and cozy bistros whose owners, along with other locals, have fled the city on their annual vacations.

This summer, with Paris expected to draw nearly 15 million visitors between July 26 and Sept. 8 for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, that ritual is anything but certain. Many shopkeepers, bakers, restaurateurs and tour guides — citing patriotism as well as profit — say they’re planning to stay open.

It’s a decision that comes with unpredictability. The 2012 London Olympics have cast a long shadow in Paris. Before those Games, warnings of overcrowded roads, congested transit and security concerns emptied out much of the popular city center and the West End, causing a tourism slump in those areas. Small-business owners in Paris are hoping history does not repeat itself.

The French capital is in a better position than the British capital was, insisted Pierre Rabadan, Paris’s deputy mayor for sports . Most of the events in London were held in one section of the city, he said, while in Paris, they’re taking place all over. “So when businesses have asked if they should stay open,” he explained, “we tell them we’re trying to create the conditions for this to be a real opportunity and for the city to function normally.”

With streets restricted, Metro stations closed and public transportation likely to be jammed, “normally” might be a stretch. But if you’re traveling to Paris for the Olympics or Paralympics, you will most likely find more dining and shopping options than you would otherwise see at that time of year. Here’s what to expect.

Preparations and a few disruptions

“If you want to have your ‘Emily in Paris’ trip to Paris this summer, you absolutely can,” said Olivia Grégoire, France’s minister in charge of tourism . Most popular attractions will remain open as normal, but a few closures could complicate plans.

The Place de la Concorde was set to be blocked off, even to pedestrians and cyclists, as of June 1, and three nearby Metro stations will close until Sept. 21.

The Eiffel Tower will remain open except for the eve and day of the opening ceremony, on July 26. The region’s airspace will also be closed for six hours before and during that event. And because the opening ceremony is set to take place on the Seine, river cruises, among the city’s most popular sightseeing experiences, will stop seven days before the ceremony and resume on July 27 at noon.

Owners of businesses that focus on tours and cultural experiences are banking on early-summer visitors to soften the blow that might come from a drop-off during the Games, after the Paris Tourist Office reported that participation in cultural activities was down 15 percent during the London Olympics.

Fat Tire Tours , a leading bike tour company, will run special Olympics-themed tours in early summer, then pivot to bike rentals during the Games to compensate for an expected drop in tour bookings.

Jane Bertch, a co-owner of La Cuisine Paris cooking school, which offers English-language classes in a location near City Hall, said she had noticed a sharp drop in bookings for late summer, but will “run as many classes as possible.”

Rising to the challenge

The Olympic crowds will bring appetites for Paris’s renowned cuisine, but for months, restaurateurs worried that restrictions on motorized vehicles in security zones around the city’s 25 competition venues could curtail deliveries. City officials have calmed some of those nerves.

“We don’t want restaurants to close during this monumental event because they’re worried about deliveries,” said Grégoire Ambroselli, a co-founder of the food logistics start-up Choco , during an Olympics-related conference in March.

Now, armed with more clarity on how to adapt to delivery challenges, most restaurants and bakeries report they will stay open during the Games, with one big caveat: Many plan to take a break between the closing ceremony, on Aug. 11, and the start of the Paralympics, on Aug. 28.

Maslow , a soaring, centrally located vegetarian restaurant facing the Seine, wouldn’t dream of closing, given its proximity to the Olympic action. But that decision comes with some unease. “We’re staying positive because the energy will be incredible, but we’re a bit worried about how hard it will be for our staff to get to work,” said the executive chef, Mehdi Favri, who is also a co-owner.

Commuting has ranked high among businesses’ concerns. However, locals have faced similar hurdles getting to work before. In 2019, trains across France and public transport in Paris were severely disrupted for nearly two months during a nationwide pension reform strike, forcing workers to walk or cycle long distances.

André Terrail, the owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant La Tour d’Argent , which overlooks the Seine, doesn’t think the Olympic commutes will be quite that complex but admits such challenges, in general, are the price of doing business in Paris. “It’s going to be complicated. We’re all going to be running around. But it’s also going to be amazing,” he said. “If other host cities have found solutions, so will we.”

Etheliya Hananova, a co-owner and sommelier at the contemporary French restaurant Comice , is perhaps the most enthusiastic about the summer ahead — enough to remain open seven days a week for three weeks through Aug. 10. “It’s one of the biggest events in the history of Paris. We’re here to be part of the welcoming committee,” she said.

The scaling-back of the opening ceremony on the Seine has given the antique booksellers, or “bouquinistes,” that line its banks a reprieve, and many plan to stay open. Shoppers will also be able to browse in department stores such as Galeries Lafayette , Printemps and Le Bon Marché . For those seeking something unconventional, the St.-Ouen flea market will sprawl out as usual, offering antiques, vintage clothing and more.

Outside the tourist areas, popular restaurants and bars like Holybelly , Folderol , Kubri , Abricot Le Mary Celeste and Fulgurances aim to draw visitors seeking a break from the crowds. “We’ve decided to open more — six days a week,” said Rebecca Asthalter, a co-owner of Fulgurances . Likewise, independent boutiques such as Landline , which sells home goods in a residential neighborhood east of the Bastille, are hoping travelers branch out to calmer parts of the city.

Back in the thick of the action, Marin Montagut, an artist and illustrator who sells hand-painted table accessories, stationery, silk scarves and candles from an apothecary-style boutique near the Luxembourg Gardens, is planning a Paris-inspired display of his wares. “I’m looking at this like it’s the World’s Fair. I want to honor the city and be open to all,” he said. “If I’m not optimistic during this period, when will I be?”

Amy Virshup contributed reporting.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Inside the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics

News and Analysis

Three Chinese swimmers who failed drug tests before the 2021 Olympics had tested positive for a powerful steroid several years earlier . They were not suspended in either incident, and all are expected to compete in Paris.

Bill May, the 45-year-old artistic swimmer who was vying for a chance to be the first man to compete in the sport at the Olympics, did not make the U.S. team’s final roster .

Seeking to undermine the Paris Olympics, Russian propagandists  are spoofing broadcasters and mimicking French and U.S. intelligence agencies to stoke fear about security at the Games.

A Guide to the Games and the Athletes

When Olympic Dreams Die: There will be no shortage of drama when the Paris Games begin in July, but most hearts will be broken in June’s cutthroat qualifying trials .

Katie Ledecky: As she prepares for the Games, the seven-time Olympic gold medalist talks about the doping accusations against her competitors  and how she stays focused while swimming 1,900 miles a year.

More ‘Open’ Signs: With millions of visitors expected in Paris, many shopkeepers, bakers and restaurateurs are forgoing their annual summer vacations . Parisians who are less enthusiastic about hosting the Games  took to TikTok.

Escaping the Games: Even if you’re visiting France for the Games, you may want to take a cultural break like a local. Here are some suggestions .

Body of American tourist found on scenic Greek island, latest in a string of missing or dead foreigners

An American tourist was found dead Sunday on a beach on the Greek Island of Mathraki, the latest in a series of foreign tourists found dead or reported missing in the scenic vacation paradise in the past week, authorities said.

The remains of the missing American were discovered at about 1:30 p.m. local time on a beach near the old port of Mathraki Island, the president of the community of Mathraki Island told ABC News.

The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

The man was last seen Tuesday at a tavern in Mathraki, west of Corfu Island, where he was staying with a Greek American friend, investigators told ABC News.

The friend called the police after he returned home Thursday and found the door of the house open, the lights on, and the air conditioning unit running, but there was no sign of the missing American or his identification and travel documents, according to investigators.

Mathraki has no police station or coast guard. Law enforcement officers from Corfu were called in to assist with the investigation.

A coroner was headed to the island Sunday to conduct a preliminary investigation, the president of Mathraki Island said. The body is expected to be taken to nearby Corfu Island, where an autopsy will be performed, officials said.

It's the second time in a week that an American tourist has been reported missing on the Greek Isles.

A search continued Sunday for a retired Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy who has been missing since Tuesday on the Greek Island of Amorgos, officials said. The retired deputy, identified by Greek authorities as 59-year-old Albert Calibet of Hermosa Beach, California, was reported missing when he failed to return from a hike, officials said.

Drone video obtained by ABC Los Angeles station KABC showed rescue crews searching the rocky terrain where they believed Calibet was hiking.

"We're sick to our stomachs, knowing he's out there somewhere," Calibet's girlfriend, Debbie Leshane, told KABC.

Leshane said Calibet called her just before leaving to go on a hike. She said they spoke for about six minutes and that Calibet later sent her a photo about 9:20 a.m. local time Tuesday from the trailhead sign. She said that was the last she heard from him.

Related Articles

MORE: Earliest-ever heat wave in Greece closes Acropolis and public schools

On Saturday, a missing 74-year-old Dutch tourist was found dead on the eastern Greek island of Samos, according to The Associated Press .

The body of the Dutch tourist, whose name has not been released, was discovered by firefighters using a drone. He was found lying face down in a ravine 330 yards from the spot where he was last seen walking.

MORE: Second American reported missing from Greek islands, authorities say

Officials said the Dutch tourist was reported by observers to be having some difficulty hiking in the triple-digit heat that has enveloped the islands.

Some of the five tourists missing or found dead were believed to be hiking in blistering temperatures.

On June 9, Dr. Michael Mosley, a noted British TV anchor and author, was found dead on the the island of Symi. A coroner concluded that he had died around June 5, shortly after going for a hike over treacherous, rocky terrain.

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15 dad-worthy restaurant specials for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a day to show dads just how special they are, so it makes sense that many restaurants are serving up limited-time menus to help celebrate their big day. Planning to take the dad in your life out for a delicious meal? Here are some restaurant specials to consider.

Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins  has created the following festive ice cream cakes for Father’s Day this year:

• Best Dad by Par Cake: Inspired by many dads’ favorite activity, golf, this cake features layers of ice cream and cake and a colorful golf scene on top.
• Cold One Cake: This beer mug cake features layers of ice cream and chocolate cake, along with realistic frosting detailing.

Bonefish Grill

Participating Bonefish Grill locations are serving a brunch menu between 11 a.m. — 3 p.m. on June 15 and 16, plus a full menu all day. Additionally, guests can enjoy a 16-ounce bourbon-glazed rib-eye steak and tempura shrimp with a Jefferson’s ocean old fashioned through June 24.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Carrabba’s Italian Grill has a special limited-time menu through June 16. Here are a few of the highlights:

• Cocktail: Italian old-fashioned
• Appetizer: Spicy Palermo wings
• Entrée: Tuscan-grilled rib-eye with bourbon butter
• Dessert: Sogno Di Cioccolata “Chocolate Dream”

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is serving the following specials to help dads celebrate their big day. It will also serve a full dinner menu all day:

• Menu Special: 11-ounce Snake River Farms Gold Label Wagyu strip steak
• Drink Special: Limited-edition Eddie V’s Single Barrel Select Blanton’s Bourbon

Famous Dave’s

The Father’s Day Feast special at Famous Dave’s comes in two sizes serving either four to five ($69) or eight to 10 guests ($129). It includes the following items:

• Southside rib tips
• Texas beef brisket
• Georgia chopped pork Wilbur beans
• Dave’s cheesy mac and cheese
• Cornbread muffins

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Between June 14 — 17, Fleming’s has a special Father’s Day three-course menu . Guests can choose from the following options, which both come with salad and dessert:

• Filet mignon with crab-stuffed shrimp scampi or lobster tail scampi (starting at $93).
• 20-ounce USDA prime bone-in ribeye and lobster tail ($117).
• 35-ounce USDA prime tomahawk and lobster tail ($148).

Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria

Hosting a Father’s Day gathering? Grimaldi’s has two bundle deals (available June 14 — 16 for dine-in and to-go orders) to satiate everyone’s cravings:

• $31 deal: 16-inch traditional cheese pizza, small house or Caesar salad and a dessert.
• $38 deal: 18-inch traditional cheese pizza, large house or Caesar salad and a dessert trio.

Krispy Kreme

Participating Krispy Kreme locations will sell a limited-edition Father’s Day doughnut collection between June 14 — 16, featuring a blue-and-white drizzle doughnut (an original glazed doughnut with white and blue icing) and a Chocolate Iced Bowtie doughnut (an original glazed doughnut with chocolate icing and a blue icing bowtie).

Mountain Mike’s Pizza

Between June 13 — 16, Mountain Mike’s will serve a heart-shaped pizza for Father’s Day.

Omaha Steaks

Omaha Steaks has the following specials in store for dad’s special day:

• Father’s Day Favorites Pack
• Dads Love Ribeyes
• Father’s Day Surf & Turf
• Father’s Day Party Pack
• Ultimate Steak & Wine Tasting Experience

Paris Baguette

Through June 16, Paris Baguette will be selling a Cheers to Dad beer mug cake that looks like a cool mug of beer. The cake features four layers of vanilla sponge cake and a filling of chocolate soft cream and chocolate crisp pearls.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

To celebrate dad’s big day, Perry’s will serve a 22-ounce bone-in caramelized prime rib that’s coated in Perry’s steak butter and served with truffle merlot demi-glace and horseradish cream. The $69 special is available on June 16 and pre-ordering is available through Father’s Day.

Ruby Tuesday

On Father’s Day, Ruby Tuesday will have a rib-eye, ribs and crispy shrimp combo for $23.99. The restaurant will also serve $6 Woodford Reserve old-fashioned drinks between June 14 — 16.

The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille will have a full dinner menu available all day on Father’s Day and will serve a 22-ounce prime bone-in rib-eye with caramelized shallot jus and truffle butter on June 16. The special is available exclusively in-restaurant. In addition, the restaurant has a drink special: Caymus 50th anniversary cabernet sauvignon.

Tiff’s Treats

Tiff’s Treats is offering the following Father’s Day packages through June 17:

• Father’s Day Package — 1 Dozen: 12 cookies with “Happy Father’s Day” packaging and a balloon.
• Father’s Day Package — 2 Dozen: 24 cookies with “Happy Father’s Day” packaging and a balloon
• Father’s Day Treat Package: 12 cookies, Tiff’s Trio, “Happy Father’s Day” packaging and a balloon
• Father’s Day Cookies and Cupcakes: 12 cookies, a Baked by Melissa bite-size cupcake six-pack, “Happy Father’s Day” packaging and a balloon 

Chrissy Callahan covers a range of topics for TODAY.com, including fashion, beauty, pop culture and food. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching bad reality TV and consuming copious amounts of cookie dough.

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‘buffy’ alum charisma carpenter sparks ‘ajlt’ casting rumors after ‘friendly’ set visit with kristin davis .

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And just like that … Charisma Carpenter might soon be starring on “And Just Like That.”

The “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” alum, 53, had a “friendly visit” on the New York City set on May 29, a source close to the show tells Page Six, sparking speculation of her casting on HBO’s “Sex and the City” spinoff.

We’re told that Carpenter spoke with producers, crew members and series star Kristin Davis, who plays the beloved character of Charlotte York. 

Our insider points out that there are typically no “AJLT” set visits without some type of appearance being discussed. 

Carpenter, for her part, raved about her day on set in an ensuing Instagram post. 

“A very cool set visit today w characters I have watched and loved for decades,” she captioned a carousel of behind-the-scenes photos . “Thanks friend! You know who you are! Xoxoxo.”

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Carpenter added, “Big Charlotte eyes, excitement!”

Fans flooded her comments section with excited reactions to a potential gig on “AJLT.” 

“Omg are you in it next season?!?” one person asked, while another wrote, “If this means what I think it means, you’ve just made by day!”

Another chimed in, “WHAAAAAATTTTTT OMG! Cannot wait to see you on the show.” 

Reps for Carpenter and HBO did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment on casting speculation. 

The actress — best known for her work on “Buffy,” its spinoff “Angel,” “Charmed” and “Veronica Mars” — has long been a “Sex and the City” franchise enthusiast. 

Before “And Just Like That” premiered in December 2021, Carpenter divulged that she is a big fan of Samantha Jones, the super sex-positive PR guru played by Kim Cattrall, who did not appear in Season 1 but made a cameo in its sophomore installment. 

“Samantha was (the one) sexing in the city the most. With ALL THE BEST DIALOGUE. That character dies, the show as we knew it does too,” Carpenter wrote via X (formerly Twitter) in January 2021. 

“#mytwocents,” she added. 

Perhaps she manifested Cattrall’s triumphant — albeit brief — comeback, as well as her own spot on “AJLT.” 

Production for Season 3 is currently underway. 

The show made headlines last month when Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays fashionista Carrie Bradshaw, wore an odd hat that fans described as “unhinged” — and even compared to a “pillowcase” — during filming. 

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