Macy's® Herald Square

The Basics

The Macy’s®department store on 34th St opened in 1902. It is now known not only as a shopping destination but also as the host of the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade and the setting of the much-loved movieMiracle on 34th Street. The store offers shoppers 10 ½ levels of fashion, beauty, homewares, and more, plus a variety of restaurants. During the holidays, the store’s elaborate window displays attract thousands of visitors.

Movie buffs can learn about the store’s film legacy on a movie-themed tour of the city, while visitors interested in architecture can take a tour of the historic building. During the holiday season, join a themed walking tour to see the store’s windows—and the city—lit up with Christmas lights. Alternatively, stop by the store on a hop-on hop-off bus tour to enjoy plenty of time for shopping.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The department store offers alterations, stylists, and a jewelry-repair shop.

• Keep an eye out for the wooden escalators, which were installed in the 1920s.

• The store is wheelchair accessible.

• Herald Square, just outside of Macy’s®, is a pedestrian plaza filled with trees, food kiosks, and outdoor seating.

How to Get There

Macy’s®is located at 151 W 34th St, near Penn Station. To reach the store by subway, take the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W trains to 34th St–Herald Square or the A, C, or E to Penn Station, two blocks away. You can also reach the store on the Sixth and Seventh Avenue bus lines.

When to Get There

Macy’s®is open all year round and hosts a number of special events throughout the year. The Thanksgiving Day parade is the most famous, but the spring flower show, held at the end of March, is also popular. The store is particularly crowded during the holidays.

Scale the Empire State Building

Just down the street from Macy’s®, you’ll find another iconic New York landmark: the Empire State Building. Immortalized in movies such asKing Kong andSleepless in Seattle, the art deco edifice was once the world’s tallest building—and the views from the top are just as impressive as they were when it first opened in 1931.

Ways to explore

Macy’s Herald Square is the setting of the much-loved film Miracle on 34th Street, and movie buffs can learn about the store’s Hollywood legacy on a silver screen-themed tour of the city. Visitors interested in architecture can choose an itinerary focused on the design of the historic building, dating from the beginning of the 20th century. Over the holiday season, join a Christmas-themed guided walk to see the store’s windows—and the city—lit up with seasonal decorations. Alternatively, stop by the store on a hop-on hop-off bus tour to enjoy plenty of time for shopping.

Accessibility

The department store is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None, but head to the seventh floor where the children’s and toy departments are located if visiting with kids.

What to pack

Cash or credit cards, camera

What to wear

Wear comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Most purchases can be returned within 30 days, but you must show the original receipt.

Amenities

Restrooms, ATM, dining outlets, personal stylist services, visitor services with guided tours

Address

The department store is located at 151 W 34th Street in the heart of Midtown. It’s easy to reach on foot from many of New York City’s most famous attractions, or with public transportation.

Driving

Midtown is one of the most stressful areas for drivers in Manhattan, characterized by heavy traffic and limited parking. Avoid driving to Herald Square and opt for walking or taking public transportation instead.

Public transportation

To reach the store by subway, take the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W trains to 34th St–Herald Square, or the A, C, or E to Penn Station, which is two blocks away. You can also reach the store on the Sixth Avenue and Seventh Avenue bus lines.

Best times to visit

The store fills with shoppers over the midday lunch hour and after offices close. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are quieter than Saturdays and Sundays, when the department store gets crowded with shoppers and tourists.

Best months to visit

The busiest month to visit Macy’s Herald Square is December. This is also the most festive time, when the department store’s interiors and streetside windows are decorated for Christmas.

Special events

The department store is open year-round and hosts special events throughout the year. The Thanksgiving Day parade is the most famous, but the spring flower show is also a popular event. The store is crowded over the holidays.