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What can you say about the world’s largest store? Food to futons, the selection is vast. And Macy’s is a major part of the New York scene, from the annual spring flower show to Tap-O-Mania, when thousands of tap dancers converge on Herald Square.

The epicenter of designer boutiques in New York used to be 57th Street between 5th and Madison avenues, where shops such as Burberry are still found. But as stores like Nike and Levi’s have invaded this territory, the designers, Giorgio Armani to Yves Saint Laurent, have moved to Madison Avenue, where the exclusive shops and boutiques now run from 59th almost to 79th Street.

Flushing’s Chinatown offers bakeries, food, gifts, restaurants, herbal remedies, and acupuncture. Queensborough Library has material in 40 languages.

On one of the streets of old Chinatown is this cheerful, modern shop best known for dim sum, to be enjoyed on the spot or to go.

An other-worldly setting provides the backdrop for whimsical, with-it clothing, continuing the legacy of the late Italian designer.

Lamps, furniture, toys, jewelry, posters – whatever the item here, you can be sure it will be the epitome of good design.

Shops in America’s largest Polish community are laden with home made kielbasas and babkas , statues of saints, Polish books, music, and cosmetics.

The 1898 Rhinelander Mansion is the backdrop for the king of preppy fashion, who spent $14 million renovating the old mansion. Sportswear is in a separate shop across the street.

Around the corner from Indian 74th Street, loudspeakers play Latin American rhythms, street vendors sell hot churros (fried dough), and shops offer music, foods, gaucho boots, hats, and piñatas.