Macy's in Herald Square, New York

Step into Herald Square, and you’ll find a retail heavyweight that has been dazzling New Yorkers since 1902. Macy’s flagship store isn’t just big—it’s the kind of big that makes you wonder if someone accidentally ordered the “extra-large city block” option. From the moment it opened, the place was already ahead of its time, proudly installing one of the very first modern escalators and setting the tone for every shopper who ever wanted to be whisked upward in style. With more than 1.2 million square feet packed under one roof, it still ranks among the largest department stores in the United States and earned the National Historic Landmark status back in 1978.

Inside, the scale only gets more impressive. Eleven levels of fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and designer labels unfold like a vertical universe of retail possibilities. You can wander from trendy streetwear to luxury couture in a single elevator ride, pausing along the way for anything from a caffeine boost to a sit-down meal. Macy’s hosts events throughout the year as well, so you may stumble upon a mini-concert, a product launch, or a holiday-themed spectacle when you least expect it.

Speaking of holidays, the store is practically a Broadway production in its own right every December. Its animated window displays along the Broadway side attract crowds who gather to admire whatever whimsical theme Macy’s dreams up for that season. Each year brings a fresh set of scenes, crafted with enough charm and detail to stop even the most hurried New Yorkers in their tracks.

And of course, part of Macy’s fame comes from its sales—serious discounts that often outshine those at other major department stores in the city. Whenever your shopping spirit needs a break, the food options scattered throughout the building make refueling easy, from quick bites to full meals. In short, this is one place where you can shop, snack, explore, and repeat without ever stepping outside.