As you probably already know, most New Yorkers cannot afford to shop on Fifth Avenue.
Sure, Saks, Cartier, Dior, Prada, and Armani are all nice to look at. But, with sky-high rent to pay, I don’t have the budget for that type of stuff.
However, if you have champagne taste and a beer budget (like me), then this guide to the best Manhattan thrift stores is for you.
I’ve lived here for well over 30 years and have had plenty of time to seek out some of the best thrift shops in Manhattan.
I’ve even managed to get a new Kate Spade wallet for $25 and a new pair of UGG boots for $60. Yup, it doesn’t happen all the time.
But, if you look hard enough inside some of the best thrift stores in Manhattan then you can score some wicked awesome deals.
So, use this local guide to thrift shopping in NYC to understand how to score epic fashion deals like a local.
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Best Thrift Shops in Manhattan
1. AuH20
I’m so glad that after graduating from from NYU, Kate Goldwater decided to open up this funky fun thrift store in Manhattan.
It’s a great place to find rad, vintage clothes for under $30.00 or less in the East Village.
Most items are also on-trend but you can find lots of clothes from the ’80s and ’90s.
Yeah, I was just here shopping for a Back to the Future-themed event and everything was awesome.
I highly recommend this epic spot since it is one of the cheapest places to buy clothing in Manhattan.
Address: 84 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
Hours: They are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take the R or W train to 8th Street Station or the 6 train to Astor Place and walk to the store from there.
2. Buffalo Exchange
Easily one of the best consignment stores in Manhattan, Buffalo Exchange is an iconic chain in NYC
It’s a perfect spot for bargain hunters, but you’re gonna need to do a bit of digging.
Yeah, they have a great buy-sell-trade model that results in an eclectic assortment of vintage and designer apparel, as well as footwear, and accessories.
Plus, all of this merch is listed at prices that are significantly lower than retail items. So, get ready to find treasures like Tory Burch boots, a yellow Marc Jacobs handbag, and a Burberry coat.
As a bonus, they have five different outposts. Therefore, it’s now easier than ever to find one of the best thrift stores in Manhattan.
You can also swing by on Earth Day for their amazing $1.00 event where select items are just a dollar.
Local Tip: Stop by Veselka. It’s right around the corner and one of the foods you need to try in New York City.
Address: 332 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, except on Sunday when they close at 7:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take the L train to 1st Avenue and walk from there.
3. Beacon’s Closet
Without a doubt, Beacon’s Closet is one of my favorite thrift stores in Manhattan. First of all, they have a killer selection of shoes.
I mean, you can shop for everything from boots to sneakers to ballet flats, with options available for men and women.
I even got a brand new pair of UGG boots here for around $60.00, which was amazing.
Anyway, aside from the shoes they have a wide array of clothes since people can come to any of their Greenwich Village, Park Slope, Greenpoint, and Bushwick locations to buy/sell/trade items.
Just be aware that you will have to do a bit of digging since there are a ton of racks filled with slightly used clothing.
But, if you have the patience you can score some pretty sweet deals. You can even sell your old clothes to the store for a percentage of the resale value or credit toward your next in-store purchase.
Address: 10 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take the N/R/W train to 14th Street and Union Square station and walk to the store from there.
4. Cure Thrift Shop
Stylish denim and plaid shirts are just some of the epic things you’ll find at Cure Thrift Shop.
It’s a haven for budget-conscious fashionistas in NYC and is a budget shopping spot in NYC where you’ll find yourself surrounded by vintage baubles, furniture, classic typewriters, and antiques.
So, you will see old-fashioned cash registers and sewing machines strewn all over the place. It kind of adds to the charm of one of the best thrift stores in Manhattan.
Anyway, those searching for wearable treasures can head to the lower level to explore a collection of well-preserved apparel that is complimented by shelves brimming over with footwear.
Additionally, Cure Thrift Shop prides itself on the quality and variety of its donations.
So, all of their pieces are of the highest quality and include everything from retro chic items to more contemporary styles.
Plus, their dedication to customer satisfaction is unmatched. Just be sure to take a look at those price tags since some items can be priced close to what you’d pay at a traditional store.
But, that shouldn’t deter you since proceeds go towards the Diabetes Research Institute.
Also, don’t miss their semi-annual extravaganza, where you can stuff anything you like into a single bag and will pay just $15.00.
5. Crossroads Trading Company
This thrift shop in Manhattan is a place where you can exchange clothes and explore a variety of gently used, high-quality items.
Originally from Northern California, Crossroads has firmly established itself as part of the NYC fashion scene and now has outposts in Williamsburg and the Flatiron District.
So, get ready to look through a wealth of budget-friendly garments, shoes, and accessories, including some noteworthy pieces from luxury labels.
Because the inventory changes quickly, you’ll always have new things to look for, like a G-star jacket, shoes from Jeffrey Campbell, a Marc Jacobs dress, and YSL shoes for men.
Furthermore, the shop invites you to bring in your own lightly worn fashion pieces. Therefore, be sure to do a little spring cleaning before you stop by.
Address: 24 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, except Sundays when they close at 7:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take the N/Q/R/W train to 28th Street station and walk from there.
6. Housing Works
What I love about Housing Works is that there are a ton of locations all across Manhattan.
I have been to the ones on the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Soho, and Greenwich Village.
All are awesome in their own way. But, I like the thrift shop/bookstore in Soho best. I love that you can go thrift shopping upstairs and then enjoy the bookstore downstairs.
There’s even a cute little cafe on-site where you can get a nice cup of coffee. They also have some pretty nice stuff since I found a brand new Kate Spade wallet here for $25.00.
You’ll also feel good about shopping here since proceeds go towards fighting AIDS and homelessness.
So, enjoy one of the best things to do solo in NYC. Sure, the prices aren’t that low, but the merch is pretty top-notch.
Address: 126 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012
Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm and closes at 5:00 pm on Sundays.
How to Get There: Take the 4/6 to Bleecker Street and walk from there.
7. Goodwill
I know Goodwill gets a bad rep as a place where junk goes after people don’t want it. However, I love the Goodwill on the Upper East Side.
A lot people from the area drop off their used clothes and you can find some really good deals.
I just got a cool new pair of boots from Goodwill and flipping love them. The downside is that you’ll have to do some digging.
But, this is probably the cheapest thrift store in Manhattan since you can easily get pants and shirts for under $10.00.
The only downside is that there are just two fittings rooms at the location on the Upper East Side. So, queues to try things on can be long – especially on the weekends.
The men’s section upstairs also isn’t super huge. However, this is a solid place to go clothes shopping if you’re backpacking New York City on a tight budget.
Local Tip: There are three other locations scattered around the Flatiron District so you should be able to find one near you.
Address: 103 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take the 1/2 to 23rd Street station and walk from there.
8. INA NYC
With three locations scattered throughout lower Manhattan, INA NYC is a great place to go if you like high-end fashion but don’t have the budget for it.
So, expect to find top-quality, fashion-forward gear from designers like Chanel BALLY, Pucci, and more.
It’s not the place to go if you’re on a limited budget. But, it is a go-to spot for anyone who wants to save money on high-end clothes.
They also go through everything with a fine toothcomb. So, you don’t have to do a ton of digging at one of the best thrift stores in New York City.
Additionally, I love their location in Chelsea. I usually stop by after I visit the Rubin Museum of Art, which is one of the most unique museums in NYC.
Address: 207 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011
Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take the 1/2 to 18th Street and walk from there.
9. Vintage Thrift Shop
At Vintage Thrift Shop, you can find a revolving collection of impeccably maintained vintage designer and classic non-branded apparel.
Other unique finds at one of the best Manhattan thrift shops include domestic items, footwear, and personal accessories.
So, expect to find vintage Yves Saint Laurent tops, Givenchy heels, Fendi purses, Pucci ties, Versace, and timeless Salvatore Ferragamo heels.
You can also uncover 1990s Betsey Johnson dresses and vintage music shirts.
Each item is notable in its own way, with the excitement of finding hidden treasure being the main reason why most solo New Yorkers come here.
Just be sure to head to their second location if you want to look through a vast selection of men’s and women’s attire, as well as accessories displayed inside an authentic Tiffany display case.
Plus, both locations contribute all of their profits to the United Jewish Council of the East Side since they support efforts to sustain the Lower East Side’s heritage and community.
Address: 286 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010
Hours: Open Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Friday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.
How to Get There: Take the 4/6 to 23rd Street and walk from there.
Map of the Best Manhattan Thrift Stores
Best Thrift Stores in Manhattan FAQs
Is Thrifting in New York Good?
Thrifting in New York is great since a lot of super-rich people like to donate their amazing clothes to local stores. That makes thrifting one of the best almost free things to do in New York City.
What is the Best City for Thrifting?
Some of the best cities for thrifting are Riverside, CA, Atlanta, GA, Orlando, FL, Tampa FL, and Columbus, OH. So, do a bit of thrifting as part of an epic New York to Miami road trip.
What Day is Best to Shop Thrift Stores?
The best day to shop at thrift stores is on Monday and Tuesday mornings. This is because most people tend to donate leftover garage sale items on Sunday afternoons.
So, all the good stuff won’t be picked over, making it easy to find unique New York City souvenirs.
What is the Thrifting Capital of the United States?
The thrifting capital of the United States is New York, NY, followed by Las Angeles, CA, and Houston, TX.
That concludes this guide to the best Manhattan thrift stores.
Did your picks for the best thrift stores in Manhattan make the list? If not then let me know.
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