Macy's Herald Square
The iconic Macy's Herald Square, a historic NYC landmark offering vast retail, unique wooden escalators, and festive seasonal displays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier shopping
Macy's Herald Square
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier shopping
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The iconic Macy's Herald Square, a historic NYC landmark offering vast retail, unique wooden escalators, and festive seasonal displays.
"Macy's is more than just a department store—it's an experience, especially if you're visiting the Herald Square location."
🎯 Use the Macy's App
Navigate the massive store and find deals easily with the official Macy's app. :iphone:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking across many floors. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Wooden Escalators
Various floors
Ride the oldest working wooden escalators in NYC, a charming piece of history dating back to the 1920s.
Holiday Lane & Santaland
9th Floor
Experience the magic of the holidays year-round or during the festive season with dazzling decorations and Santa visits.
Macy's Flower Show
Main Floor
Witness a breathtaking floral spectacle each spring, transforming the store into a vibrant, artistic display.
Iconic Storefront & Jumbotron
Exterior
Admire the grand facade and catch dynamic displays on the Jumbotron, a true New York City sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Grand Scale
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Use the Macy's App
Navigate the massive store and find deals easily with the official Macy's app. :iphone:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking across many floors. :athletic_shoe:
⏳ Allow ample time
This isn't just a store, it's an experience. Plan for hours, not minutes. :clock1:
💰 Check Macy's Backstage
Find discounted designer items on the 8th floor for great bargains. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Use the Macy's App
Navigate the massive store and find deals easily with the official Macy's app. :iphone:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking across many floors. :athletic_shoe:
⏳ Allow ample time
This isn't just a store, it's an experience. Plan for hours, not minutes. :clock1:
💰 Check Macy's Backstage
Find discounted designer items on the 8th floor for great bargains. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the History
Don't miss the chance to see and ride the historic wooden escalators. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Macy's Herald Square is celebrated as an iconic New York City institution with a vast selection and a charming, historic feel, particularly noted for its wooden escalators and seasonal displays. While many appreciate the sheer scale and variety, some find the store's layout confusing and navigating it requires patience.
"Loved visiting Macy’s during the holidays. The window displays are beautiful, and the karaoke window is worth the short wait. You can choose one of three Christmas songs and sing right on the street.
On Black Friday, the discounts were great, and the extra seasonal staff really helped keep the crowds organized. Don’t miss the historic wooden escalator, over 100 years old - a unique piece of history.
The store has an amazing festive atmosphere. Definitely explore all the floors, there’s so much to see. There’s also a public restroom, and you can apply for a Macy’s card if you want extra discounts and deal alerts."
Alena Baza
"Wow this was amazing! I never been in to a Macy’s like this it’s truly one of a kind. The staff were very nice and it beautifully decorated. I loved the Santa land and walking around the market on the lower floor. The wood escalators were so cool. We went into the fancy dress area and they have such a massive selection. Beautiful dresses!"
McKenzie
"Wow! what a collection of branded items.
I could only explore up to 5th floor and it took me almost an hour.
Due to the holiday season, it’s well lit with lights and decorated very nicely. Every floor has its own fashion and specific items with great brands.
And amazingly, almost every brand has some sale on the items.
It looks like they have everything for everyone!!!
They are also the home for Thanksgiving parade for Macy’s.
1st floor: all about watches
2nd floor: Shoes
3rd: clothes
5th: All the pretty dresses
And if you are wondering that I missed 4th floor, I didn’t. I left it all to you guys to explore😇😇😇"
prabesh pokhrel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Macy's Herald Square is easily accessible via multiple subway lines. Take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, B, D, F, or M trains to the 34th Street-Herald Square station, which is directly connected or a short walk away. Buses like the M5, M7, M16, M20, M34, M34A, and Q32 also stop nearby. If arriving by Amtrak, Penn Station is just a few blocks west.
Yes, Macy's Herald Square is conveniently located about a 10-15 minute walk west of Penn Station. If you're arriving via Amtrak, it's a straightforward walk or a short taxi/rideshare trip.
For the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, arriving via Amtrak to Penn Station is recommended. From there, you can walk or take a short subway ride towards the parade route. Be prepared for significant crowds and street closures, so plan your route in advance.
While there are parking garages near Macy's Herald Square, driving and parking in Midtown Manhattan can be expensive and challenging. Public transportation is generally the most efficient and cost-effective way to reach the store.
Absolutely! From Times Square, you can take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E subway lines downtown to the 34th Street-Herald Square station, which is right at Macy's.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Macy's Herald Square is a department store and is free to enter. You only need to purchase items if you wish to buy something.
Macy's Herald Square typically opens around 10 AM and closes around 9 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, with slightly shorter hours on Sundays. However, these hours can vary, especially during holiday seasons. It's always best to check the official Macy's website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Entry to Holiday Lane and Santaland is generally free. However, photos with Santa or special experiences may have associated costs. It's advisable to check Macy's website for specific details and booking information closer to the holiday season.
Yes, Macy's generally accepts returns for most items with a valid receipt within a specified return period. Policies can vary for certain merchandise, so it's recommended to review Macy's return policy on their website or in-store.
Macy's frequently hosts special events, including fashion shows, celebrity appearances, and seasonal celebrations like the Flower Show and Holiday Lane. They also have major sales events throughout the year. Check their website or sign up for their email list to stay informed.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Services
Macy's Herald Square offers a wide range of brands, from popular mid-tier labels to designer collections in clothing, accessories, beauty, and home goods. You can find brands like Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Clinique, and many more, alongside their own private labels.
Look for sales events, use Macy's coupons or loyalty program rewards. Macy's Backstage on the 8th floor offers discounted items, and their website often features online-exclusive deals.
Yes, Macy's often offers personal shopping services. You can inquire in-store or check their website for details on how to book a styling appointment to get personalized fashion advice.
While Macy's Herald Square primarily focuses on retail, it does have dining options, including cafes and sometimes a restaurant or food court. The specific offerings can change, so it's best to check the store directory upon arrival.
Macy's Backstage is an off-price retail store located within select Macy's locations, including Herald Square. It offers a curated selection of branded merchandise at significantly reduced prices, similar to an outlet store.
📸 📸 Photography & History
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed inside Macy's Herald Square. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other shoppers and staff, and avoid intrusive photography.
Macy's Herald Square is famous for having some of the oldest working wooden escalators in New York City, dating back to the 1920s. Riding them is a unique historical experience. 
Yes, Macy's Herald Square is a New York City landmark and has historical significance as one of the largest department stores in the world and a key part of the city's retail history. It's also famously the starting point of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
You can often find historical information displayed within the store, particularly near the older sections like the wooden escalators. Additionally, many New York City history blogs and websites feature details about the store's past.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved annual tradition that marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in New York City. It features giant balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and celebrity performers, culminating at Macy's Herald Square.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The sheer size of the store can be an adventure in itself for kids, but be prepared for crowds, particularly during peak times. Bringing a stroller or carrier can be helpful for younger children. Beyond the holidays, the store's vastness means there's something for everyone. Consider making a game out of finding the historic wooden escalators, which can be a fun and unique activity for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
Keep an eye out for Macy's frequent sales events, coupons, and loyalty program rewards, which can significantly reduce prices. While the flagship store can have higher price points, the variety ensures you can find items across different budget ranges. Utilize the Macy's app to compare prices and find deals. Remember that Herald Square is a prime shopping district, so while Macy's offers value, exploring other nearby discount retailers might also be worthwhile for extreme budget travelers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 The store's grand facade and the Jumbotron on the exterior provide iconic New York City photo opportunities. During the holidays, the elaborate decorations of Holiday Lane and the Flower Show in spring offer vibrant and colorful scenes. +2Remember to be respectful of other shoppers and staff while taking photos. The store's interior, with its multiple levels and diverse merchandise, also presents opportunities for interesting interior shots, capturing the bustling atmosphere of a major department store. The outdoor seating area across the street offers a great vantage point for capturing the store's exterior and the surrounding Herald Square activity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Wooden Escalators
+2These escalators are not just a novelty; they are a testament to the enduring quality of early 20th-century engineering. Made from sturdy oak and ash wood, they have withstood decades of heavy foot traffic. While modern escalators are typically made of metal, these wooden marvels continue to transport shoppers between floors, adding a distinctive charm to the shopping experience. Many visitors specifically seek them out as a must-see attraction within the store.
Finding them can be part of the adventure, as they are spread across different sections of the massive store. Keep an eye out for their distinctive wooden steps and handrails. For many, a visit to Macy's Herald Square isn't complete without a ride on these historic elevators, making them a true highlight for history buffs and curious shoppers alike.
Seasonal Spectacles: Holiday Lane & Flower Show
+1Each spring, the store hosts the Macy's Flower Show, a highly anticipated event that turns the main floor into a breathtaking floral exhibition. With themes that change annually, such as 'Energy and Bold Modernism,' the show features thousands of flowers arranged in stunning displays, showcasing incredible artistry and horticultural talent.
These seasonal events draw significant crowds and offer a unique, festive atmosphere. They are a major draw for both tourists and locals, providing memorable photo opportunities and a delightful escape from the everyday. Planning your visit around these events can add an extra layer of magic to your trip to Macy's Herald Square.
+2Navigating the Retail Giant
This sheer scale means that navigating the store can be a challenge, with departments sometimes spread across different levels or sections. For instance, men's and women's shoe departments might not be on the same floor, which can be confusing for shoppers. To make the most of your visit, it's highly recommended to utilize the store's directory, available online or through their mobile app. This will help you pinpoint the exact location of the departments or items you're looking for, saving you time and frustration. Don't hesitate to ask store associates for assistance; they are accustomed to guiding visitors through the vast space.
Despite the potential for getting lost, the expansive layout also means there's an incredible variety of merchandise to explore, from high-end fashion and cosmetics to home goods and seasonal items. The sheer size contributes to the iconic status of Macy's Herald Square, making it a destination in itself for shoppers who enjoy a comprehensive retail experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit