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The Garment District, also called the Fashion District or Fashion Center, is home to many of the world’s most famous fashion designers and showrooms. The area is an amazing resource for fabrics, beads and trims, however, don’t expect to walk in off the street to Donna Karan or Calvin Klein’s showroom or sample sales. The best way to possibly get access to private showrooms is through a private tour, otherwise, make sure to check NYC Sample Sales while you’re in town.
Many (many) years ago, this NYC area was called the Tenderloin and the Devil’s Arcade and was infamously known for it’s abundance of prostitution, bootlegging, betting and racketeering. Lucky for us, it’s all about fashion & accessories today!
Garment District Things to Do
Fashion Walk of Fame (35th to 41st Streets, on 7th Ave) – 26 plaques (much like a Hollywood Star) honoring some of fashions’ great designers. Names include Norma Kamali, Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Halston and Donna Karan
Parsons School of Design (40th St/7th Ave, West side) – as seen on Project Runway and Tim Gunn, who was Chair of Fashion Design and a faculty member for many years. Parsons’ alumn include Anna Sui, Donna Karan, Jason Wu, Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford. The school’s main campus is in Greenwich Village, but here is one of their smaller centers.
Garment District Kiosk (39th St & 7th Ave) – pick up some brochures, maps and coupons.
The Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) (27th St @ 7th Ave) – Free to visit and they do a lovely job of providing entertaining and educational exhibits highlighting fashion as it relates to history, politics and culture. Closed Sunday, Monday and holidays.
Free Garment Tours by a Garment Center pro are offered on the Garment District site.
Garment District Shopping Tours
The NYC Garment Center “Insider” Shopping Tour takes you on a behind-the-scenes shopping experience of the neighborhood where fashion was born. Shop Gotham escorts you to six appointment-only designer showrooms in the Fashion District.
Garment Center Shopping Tour Ticket Options:
A combination of Wholesale Showrooms not accessible to the public and hidden Sample Sales – where discounts on women’s designer and “better wear” will be from 50-80% below retail. The perfect off the beaten path tour for fashionista bargain hunters, shopaholics and visitors interested in seeing this legendary design center at work.
New York City Shopping Tours
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Garment District Sightseeing Passes
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Garment District Restaurants
MacarOn Café (161 W 36th St) – Parisian and organic café, a local fashion designer favorite for lunch.
Angelina Bakery – local favorite for gelato, desserts, nutella donuts, pastries and baked goods.
Parker & Quin @ The Refinery Hotel – a solid all-around menu, covering every meal with smoothies, breakfast, steaks, sandwiches and everything in between.
Ben’s Kosher Deli – a local favorite for years and great for families. Expect a huge menu and even bigger portions of matzoh ball soup, pastrami, chopped liver and potato pancakes with applesauce.
Keens Steakhouse – old school NYC steak house, heavy menu with a heavy price tag, but meat lovers think it’s worth every dollar.
The Deco Food + Drink – fairly new food hall that “brings the best of the five boroughs” to the Garment District. Cuisines include Afghan, Mexican, Hawaiian, Chinese, Brazilian plus a bar spotlighting New York brews and spirits in a casual Art Deco-inspired setting.
The Garment District has millions of people working daily up in those skyscrapers, so you’ll see dozens of coffee shops, delis, diners and other casual lunch spots. They should almost all be good, since nothing lasts in NYC that isn’t, especially when it comes to the demanding commuter crowd.
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Mood Fabrics (225 W 37th St, Suite 3, 7th/8th Aves) – NYC’s fabric mecca with 25,000 square feet of bolts upon bolts of fabric. Mood is THE place to go in NYC for fine designer fabrics.
Bead District (37th St/ 6th Ave) – beads, beads and more beads. Most of the bead stores on and around 6th & 37th are open to the public and stocked to the brim with bright, brilliant and glittering gems, accessories, and trinkets.
Trimmings Stores (37th to 39th Sts, 7th to 8th Aves) – dozens of buttons, laces, leather, along with additional fabric stores.
M&S Schmalberg Custom Fabric Flower Factory
242 West 36th St, 7th Floor
Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm
FREE factory tours for all visitors
M&S Schmalberg is a 4th generation, family owned company. Our flowers, hand-made in our New York City factory, have complemented the apparel, bridal, accessory, millinery and home furnishing industries for over 100-years. M&S Schmalberg flowers have been featured in countless magazines and on the runway all over the world.
Using the same delicate process since 1916, we are able to provide exquisite quality and a level of artisanal customization that cannot be matched. Some of our flower molds date back to the turn of the century. Styles can be made in any fabric; including silks, leathers, suedes, cottons, velvets, felts and even exotic snake and alligator skins. As a garment district factory, we are capable of producing large production orders as well as special one of a kind couture pieces.
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Garment District Hotels
Hilton New York Fashion District
The Hilton New York Fashion District is probably the most popular hotel in the area and home to Sandbar Rooftop, a phenomenal 23rd floor rooftop bar with sweeping Empire State Building views. The beachy-Hamptons themed rooftop is a local hotspot all year round, since it is both indoors and outdoors.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Midtown Manhattan
Opened January 2018, the 39-story, pet-friendly Embassy Suites by Hilton Midtown Manhattan offers a huge outdoor 3rd floor patio, the SkyLawn terrace lounge and bar, as well as a fitness center, free daily breakfast and a daily happy hour. Reviewers note it as being close to the 34th St Subway, Empire State Building and the great views from the top floor rooms.
More Garment District Hotels
The Archer Hotel – 45 West 38th Street, New York City, NY 10018
You’ll want to check Midtown West Hotels and Times Square Hotels to be in or near the Garment District.
Refinery Hotel
A top boutique Manhattan hotel, and prime location for viewing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with 20 rooms that overlook the parade route. The Refinery offers 197 Guest Rooms with elegant furnishings that build upon the hotel’s industrial past. Each room has dark brushed oak hardwood floors, a walk-in rain shower and full entertainment facilities: Wi-Fi, iHome docking
stations, LCD HD TVs and full cable.
- Discount Rates: Refinery Hotel
- 63 West 38th St (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
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Garment District Subways
- 1, 2, 3 along Broadway and 7th Ave
- A, C, E along 8th Avenue
- N, R, Q, W
- B, D, F, F, V
- 7 or Shuttle (S) from the east side (Grand Central)
- General Address: Garment District Alliance, 209 West 38th St, NY, NY 10018
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Garment District Neighborhood Guide Maps
NYC Insider Printable Guides
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Manhattan Weekly brings you the latest on NYC, Events, discounts, specials, Broadway and more. New subscribers to our newsletter receive a free NYC Insider Mini Guide. If your trip is several months away, this a great way to start getting a feel for the City, when tickets are going on sale to big events, which stores are having sales, tons of my insider tips and much more.
“Your guide is a lifesaver! I purchased it almost a week ago for my upcoming trip after searching on a lark for NYC sample sales. Once I stumbled on your page, I found the resources invaluable. I have done a fair bit of planning in preparation for my ‘real’ first time trip to Manhattan (last time was a shoot in and go back out weekend) and was amazed at how organized and easy this guide was to follow. The map points along with listings are terrific, they even have cross streets for easier navigation.”
Harlem
Our Harlem neighborhood guide will show you the wonderful cultural, food, music and historic value of this landmark area, which has long, strong and proud NYC roots. The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s began the golden age of African-American culture, literature, music, artists, theater and art, which continues to strengthen today. If you want to eat authentic soul food, hear mind-blowing jazz and gospel and clothing shop with Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, then Harlem is on your bucket list!
Upper West Side
The Upper West Side is a residential neighborhood filled with young professionals and families. It is a great place to stay if you are looking to avoid the heavy crowds of Midtown, explore Central Park, The Museum of Natural History, the Beacon Theatre, Lincoln Center, the West Side Highway and still be about 20 minutes from most of Manhattan.
Central Park
Central Park offers 843 gorgeous acres to explore and 100s of things to do, which is why we consider it an unofficial neighborhood. Central Park draws 38 million visits a year and is home to the Central Park Film Festival, SummerStage, Shakespeare in the Park, Ice Skating, Central Park Zoo, Bow Bridge, biking, playgrounds, the Carousel and much more.
- Explore: Central Park Guide
- To Do: Central Park Zoo, Carousel, TV and Movie Sites, Ice Skating, Loeb Boathouse
Times Square & Broadway
Times Square New York and the Theater District are some of New York City’s most popular tourist attractions. Of course, Broadway, also known as the Great White Way, is most definitely for locals as well. Spend a bit of time here and make sure to see the lights at night, the Hershey’s and M&M Stores, as well as catch a great Broadway Show.
Midtown West, Koreatown, Hell’s Kitchen
Midtown West is a huge tourist area with great neighborhoods like NYC’s famous Diamond District, Hell’s Kitchen and Koreatown. Hell’s Kitchen, is the most western section and an “up-and-coming” residential area of New York City with new shops and restaurants opening often. Koreatown, just a block from the Empire State Building, is known for their restaurants and karaoke bars and clubs.
Garment District / Fashion Center
The Garment District, also called the Fashion District or Fashion Center, is home to many of the world’s most famous fashion designers and showrooms. The area is an amazing resource for fabrics, beads and trims, however, unless you are trade, don’t expect to walk in off the street to designer showrooms. The best way to possibly get access to private showrooms is through a private tour or a NYC Sample Sale.
Chelsea & Hudson Yards
Chelsea NY is known for art galleries, nightlife and gay-friendly culture. It is a lively, vibrant neighborhood with some of New York City’s top restaurants, clubs, art and things to do outdoors and along the Hudson River. While Chelsea boundaries are West 14th-34th Streets, from 7th Ave to the Hudson River, the new Hudson Yards occupies it’s most North and West streets, West 30th to 34th Streets between 10th and 12th Avenues.
- Explore: Chelsea & Hudson Yards Guide
- To Do: The Highline, Art Galleries, Chelsea Market, Chelsea Piers, Little Island, Edge, The Vessel, The Shops at Hudson Yards
Meatpacking District
The Meatpacking District, also known as the Gansevoort Market, is only a few blocks, so you cannot get lost, but it is packed with upscale restaurants, night clubs and designer shopping. Like many NY neighborhoods, the MP District retains it’s historical architecture, as it is lined with cobblestone streets and old warehouses, but, today, these same buildings house very modern shopping and dining. The heart of the Meatpacking District is Little West 12th Street.
Greenwich Village & NoHo
Our Greenwich Village NYC Guide provides insight into one of NYC’s most cherished neighborhoods. The Village is full of history, celebrity, politics, landmarks and so much more. The NYU campus, Washington Square Park, gorgeous brownstones and cobble stone streets, amazing restaurants, tons of trees and much more make this area a local favorite.
West Village
The West Village is filled with tree-lined streets, beautiful old brownstones and hundreds of shops, restaurants and cafés. It is truly a quintessential NYC neighborhood, inhabited by locals and celebrities who can afford to live anywhere they choose. If you’re a Friends or Sex and the City fan, then you are already quite familiar with the West Village…now it’s time to come experience it!
SoHo
SoHo (SOuth of HOuston – pronounced How-ston) is another NYC neighborhood filled with the best shopping and restaurants. Traditionally known as a haven for artists and their lofts, it has become more upscale over the years and a much sought-after place for New Yorkers to live.
- Explore: SoHo Guide
- To Do: New York Fire Museum, Shopping, Art Galleries, Brunch & Restaurants, Broken Kilometer & Earth Room
Tribeca & The Battery
Tribeca Tribeca (TRI-angle BE-low CA-nal) NYC, is home of the namesake Film Festival, Robert De Niro’s pet project, created to promote commerce downtown after 9/11. He also owns several hotels and restaurants in the area and is spotted quite frequently. Tribeca was also the home of JFK Jr and Caroline Bessette Kennedy before their tragic death in 1999 and is filled with old warehouses, now converted into lofts, beautiful views of the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty along the West Side Highway, excellent restaurants, families, parks and NYC history.
- Explore: Tribeca & The Battery
- To Do: Hudson River Park and River Promenade, Statue of Liberty Views, Upscale & Casual Dining
Financial District and Wall Street
The Financial District (FiDi), at the southern tip of NYC, is one of NYC’s most bustling business and tourist areas, from Monday to Friday and is near dead on the weekends. Sights include the 9-11 Memorial & Museum, Wall Street, One World Observatory, The American Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull, the Fearless Girl and views of the Statue of Liberty.
Upper East Side NYC
The Upper East Side is an upscale, residential neighborhood and home to Museum Mile, some uber-upscale shopping and Gracie Mansion. The homes on Fifth Avenue, along Central Park, are some of the most exclusive in all of Manhattan. You’ve likely seen the Upper East Side on Gossip Girl, Sex and the City, The Real Housewives of New York, I Love Lucy, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and dozens of other times on your screens.
Midtown East
Midtown East is a huge tourist, commercial and residential area. Around 5th Ave, the neighborhood is home to many tourist attractions, such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock and Radio City Music Hall. Bryant Park, the New York Public Library and Grand Central Station are close together just south. Moving towards 3rd Ave and further east, the area is more residential, and generally, the restaurants are better and more affordable, with the UN being the only attraction in that part of the neighborhood.
Union Square, Flatiron, NoMad, Gramercy
Union Square (my hood!), the Flatiron District and NoMad all have a mix of residence and business tenants. Additionally, colleges such as NYU, The New School and FIT dominate the area, making it very fun and lively. It is one of the best dining and nightlife areas in Manhattan, with something for every palate and budget and offers fabulous hotels of all kinds.
East Village
While originally part of the Lower East Side, an immigrant neighborhood, the East Village, has separated itself and become home to some of the City’s best restaurants, shops and nightlife. It is full of character, diversity, fine dining, shops and live music, and includes a subsection named “Alphabet City.” East Village culture ranges from tattoo parlors and “dive bars” to some of New York City’s nicest hip and trendy hotels.
- Explore: East Village
- To Do: Blue Man Group & Stomp, St. Mark’s Place, Nightlife, Speakeasies, Curry Lane
Lower East Side NYC
Traditionally, the Lower East Side was a working class immigrant neighborhood (think “Gangs of New York”). Today it is a wonderfully ethnic and diverse neighborhood and serves as a shopping, dining and nightlife destination for many NYC locals. Even with all its modern upgrades, the LES retains a large amount of its history, especially it’s Jewish, Polish, Irish and Italian cultures. The LES also has one of the best selections of hotels in NYC – tons of boutique hotels with amenities, rooftops, skyline views and seconds from 1000s of cool restaurants and hot spots.
Chinatown NYC
Chinatown NYC is a small, but very densely packed area of shops and restaurants. It is really fun to walk around, enjoy the culture, pick up some souvenirs, and most definitely, eat some delicious and affordable Dim Sum, dumplings, pork buns and other amazing Chinese cuisines.
Little Italy NYC
Little Italy NYC Guide is a just a few blocks, with tons of outdoor restaurants and owners promising free wine and sangria to lure you in. Puglia is a favorite restaurant for families with their live singing and kids standing on their chairs waving napkins. Visit the new Italian American Museum, which tells the story “from Columbus to Cuomo,” the original Old St. Patrick’s Church and NYC Police Headquarters.
NYC Boroughs
Explore the diverse neighborhoods of NYC Boroughs with our comprehensive guide to Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. New York City is a melting pot of cultures and neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the five boroughs of NYC is a must-do experience.
- Explore:NYC Boroughs Guide
- To Do: Williamsburg, Park Slope, Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Museum, Barclay’s Center, Brooklyn Flea, Coney Island, Dyker Heights, Astoria, Jackson Heights, Unisphere, Citi Field, US Open, Mets, MoMA PS1, Yankees, Bronx Zoo, NY Botanical Garden, Staten Island Ferry
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After a good snow, New York City becomes a mecca of winter sports activities; from cross-country skiing to sledding, ice skating and, of course, building giant snowmen (and snow-women).
