Saks Fifth Avenue Flagship

The Basics

Saks Fifth Avenue occupies a prime piece of NYC real estate; it’s only steps away from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center. Due to its art-deco architecture, Saks Fifth Avenue is included on many walking tours of midtown Manhattan. Some seasonal holiday tours also swing by Saks and give you free time to check out the store’s lavish holiday window displays.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Saks Fifth Avenue is a must-visit attraction for fashion-conscious travelers.

• The department store is home to a café, a French brasserie-style restaurant, a brow bar, a hair salon, and a skin and laser spa.

• Saks Fifth Avenue is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

How to Get There

Saks Fifth Avenue is situated on Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th streets. The nearest subway stations are 47–50th Streets Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, and M trains) and Fifth Avenue/53rd Street (E and M trains).

When to Get There

Saks is busiest in the evenings and on weekends—particularly during end-of-season sales in July and late December—and in the run-up to Christmas, when festive shoppers come out in force. Come on a midweek morning for the most peaceful shopping experience.

The Holiday Season at Saks

Saks’ festive displays are legendary; locals and visitors alike flock to the department store to check out the spectacular holiday-themed installations. As well as elaborate window displays, the store hosts a festive light show, which typically takes place every 10 minutes from early evening to late night. The windows and light show are usually unveiled around Thanksgiving and stay in place until the beginning of January.

Ways to explore

If you're a fashion lover, it's worth making a pilgrimage to Saks Fifth Avenue—even if you just plan to browse and people-watch, rather than pick up any pricey wardrobe staples.

In addition to independent shopping trips, Saks Fifth Avenue also features as a stop on some walking tours of Midtown Manhattan, thanks to its notable art deco architecture and proximity to attractions, including St. Patrick's Cathedral and Rockefeller Center. Some seasonal Christmas tours also swing by Saks and give you free time to check out the store's lavish holiday window displays.

Accessibility

The Saks Fifth Avenue Flagship is generally wheelchair accessible, though some browsing areas may be crowded.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Handheld bag, credit cards

What to wear

Wear something stylish if you want to blend in with the well-heeled crowd; choose items that are easy to change out of if you plan to shop.

Not allowed

Disruptive behavior, consuming drugs or alcohol

Amenities

Cafés, restrooms, spa facilities, alterations services, personal styling services

Address

Saks Fifth Avenue is located on Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. To get there, use public transportation options, taxis, or rideshare services. Tours with included transit also make it easy to visit.

Driving

Owing to traffic congestion and limited or expensive parking, driving in Midtown Manhattan is not recommended. Instead, make use of taxi and rideshare services.

Public transportation

Take the E or M trains to Fifth Avenue/53rd Street; the B, D, F or M trains to 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center station; or the 6 train to 51st Street. Grand Central Terminal is also nearby.

Best times to visit

Saks is generally open from 11am to 7pm daily, except Sundays when it opens at 12pm and closes at 6pm. Visit early or in the late afternoon to miss the lunch and post-work crowds.

Best days to visit

The Saks Fifth Avenue Flagship is open daily. Weekdays are generally a better bet than weekends if you’re after a calmer shopping experience.

Best months to visit

Visit during the spring or autumn to miss the summer high-season crowds of shoppers and tourists at Saks. Alternatively, drop by during the holiday season—just expect it to be very busy.

Special events

Saks Fifth Avenue’s Christmas window displays and light shows are an annual highlight, and an unmissable part of the festive season.