New York City Midtown East

High-priced boutiques and enormous chain stores line Fifth Ave. south of Central Park. Whether or not you’re planning on buying anything, these franchise flagships and one-of-a-kind emporiums provide highly entertaining shopping experiences that don’t cost a cent to enjoy.

Apple Store, 767 5th Ave. (☎212-336-1440; www.apple.com), at 58th St. S N, R, W to 5th Ave./59th St. The store isn’t just a supply depot for Apple lovers; it’s a sleek, always-open shrine to all things Apple. Above ground, it’s just an enormous glass cube with a giant glowing apple and an elevator inside. Below, you’ll find row upon row of iPods (a must-have for New Yorkers) and all the other Apple gear. Plus, there’s free Internet access on all the display models. Open 24hr.
Tiffany & Co., 727 5th Ave. (☎212-755-8000), at 57th St. S N, R, W to 5th Ave./59th St. Like Holly Golightly, you may not be able to afford the precious gems at this sparkling jewelry sanctuary, but the library-like 5-story emporium is worth seeing nonetheless. For the ultimate in vicarious living, blind yourself with the engagement rocks on the 2nd floor. Open M-F 10am-7pm, Sa 10am-6pm, Su noon-5pm.
Bergdorf-Goodman, 754 5th Ave. (☎212-872-3000), at 58th St. S N, R, W to 5th Ave./59th St. This marble- and chandelier-bedecked haven of clothing and pomp is a favorite of celebrity shoppers. The men’s store—also a worthwhile visit—is across the street. Open M-F 1am-8pm, Sa 10am-7pm, Su noon-6pm.
FAO Schwarz, 767 5th Ave. (☎212-644-9400; www.fao.com), at 58th St. S N, R, W to 5th Ave./59th St. A kid’s paradise and a respite for adults tired of having to act like grown-ups. Toy soldiers guard the doors to this famous toy store filled with everything from old-fashioned marbles ($0.50 each) to an enormous floor piano, seen in the movie Big (just $250,000). Open M-W 10am-7pm, Th-Sa 10am-8pm, Su 11am-6pm.
Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 5th Ave. (☎212-753-4000), between 49th and 50th St. S N, R, W to 5th Ave./59th St. This chic institution has aged well, continuing to combine inflated prices with smooth, solicitous courtesy. Keep an eye out for end-of-season sales. Open M-F 10am-8pm, Sa 10am-7pm, Su noon-7pm.
Hammacher Schlemmer, 147 E. 57th St. (☎212-421-9000; www.hammacher.com), between 3rd and Lexington Ave. S 4, 5, 6, N, R, W to Lexington Ave./59th St. Selling “the best, the only, and the unexpected” since 1848, Hammacher Schlemmer was the first to carry such items as the steam iron, the electric razor, the microwave, and the cordless telephone. Today it sells tomorrow’s innovations, like a transparent kayak ($1460) and a 7-person “conference bike” ($19,000). Open M-Sa 10am-6pm.
Lord and Taylor, 424-434 5th Ave. (☎212-391-3344), between 38th and 39th St. S B, D, F, V to 42nd St./Ave. of the Americas (6th Ave.); 7 to 5th Ave./42nd St. This classic department store was the first in the world to feature elaborate window displays during the holidays. It inaugurated this holiday tradition by filling its windows with mock blizzards during an unusually balmy winter in 1905. Today, the hectic store features 10 floors of fashion frenzy, caring service, and free early-morning coffee (by the 5th Ave. entrance). Open M-F 10am-8:30pm, Sa 10am-7pm, Su 11am-7pm.