If you’re not sure where to begin your New York shopping adventure, an excellent place to start is the iconic department store, Macy’s. The 11-floor flagship store located in Herald Square -- just south of Times Square and a hop, skip, and a jump from the Empire State Building and Penn Station -- is home to an enormous selection of fashion items, the hottest new items, products for family and home, great sales, and much more. Broadway at 34th St., 212-494-2922; www.macys.com.

A New York City landmark since 1978, Rudy’s Music has served the needs of musicians from around the world at their famed “Music Row” location on West 48th Street with an exceptional selection of acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars, amps, effect pedals, and other music-related merchandise. Recently, they added a new guitar shop in SoHo, where you can expect to find the same quality and service that has set them apart for all these years. Times Square: 169 W. 48th St., 212-391-1699; SoHo: 461 Broome St. (Greene-Mercer Sts.), 212-625-2557; www.rudysmusic.com.

Crocs have been one of the most popular -- and innovative -- casual shoes for men, women, and children to arrive on the scene in the last few years, and New York City is home to two stores dedicated to this unique brand of footwear. Ideal for a long day of sightseeing, they’re not only stylish, but also soft, comfortable, lightweight, non-marking, and odor-resistant. 270 Columbus Ave. (72nd-73rd Sts.), 212-362-1655; the South Street Seaport Mall (Pier 17 building, 1st floor), 212-233-0210.

The famed toy emporium FAO Schwarz’s flagship store has evolved from a simple toy supplier into a must-see destination, boasting surprises around every corner. Visit the Barefoot Bookshop on the second floor, where kids can listen to storytellers read their favorite books or participate in kid-friendly yoga on soft mats; or kick off your shoes and let your inner Beethoven come alive on the Big Piano. With a personal shopping department and real-life toy soldiers to greet you, FAO Schwarz is the perfect addition to your New York City experience. 767 Fifth Ave. (58th St.), 212-644-9400; www.fao.com.

Located just blocks from the Empire State Building, Penn Station, and Macy’s, B&H Photo Video is the world’s largest camera and video super store, a favorite among both professionals and amateurs alike. There are over 130,000 items in the store, containing every brand and product imaginable including a full line of still, digital, video, home and portable entertainment, pro audio equipment, computers and accessories, as well as interactive multimedia displays and in-store demo rooms. 420 Ninth Ave. at 34th St., 212-444-6615; www.bhphotovideo.com.

At The HBO Shop, you’ll find a vast array of HBO’s unusual, useful and beautiful products. A full line of The Sopranos memorabilia awaits: you can purchase t-shirts and aprons embossed with the logo from Satriale’s, the pork store in the series. There are Bada-Bing! items, coffee table books, posters, caps, humidors, beautiful steel-handled umbrellas, and a very cool 300-count poker chip set. The HBO Shop is also a dream come true for fans of their latest megahit, True Blood, showcasing items inspired by the show, including T-shirts, Merlotte’s coffee mugs and aprons, bottle openers, posters, and more. There’s also a full line of DVD sets, t-shirts, and more from all their top shows, including Big Love, Flight of the Conchords and Entourage. 1100 Ave. of the Americas (42nd St. & Sixth Ave.), 212-512-SHOP; www.hbo.com/store.

Experience one of the world’s largest selections of fine writing instruments at Art Brown International Pen Shop. They have been in business since 1928 with a staff that will help you find the right pen for your need. Whether for yourself, a gift, or for corporate giving, they can direct you to a perfect writing instrument. They also carry a full line of stationery and greeting cards, which can be personalized. 2 W. 45th St. at Fifth Ave., 800-772-PENS; www.artbrown.com.