Where are the best places to shop and visit in New York in one day?

I'm going on a bus trip this upcoming weekend to new york for the very first time, and i want the best experience i can get in the one day that i have there! we arrive at the rockefeller center, and i want to know where there are some good places to shop that aren't too expensive! or some good vintage stores, and what attractions i should go see. Also if you know any areas that have great scenery where i can take pictures. Thanks for any answers!! :) I know a day isnt enough to do a lot, but its all i have for this weekend trip!

Public Comments

1. Attractions: plenty! The best view is from Top of the Rock and not from the Empire State. My advice: if you want to see the most on one day take the Grey line Doible decker bus in Times square and do the downtown and uptown loop. Shops? everything is very expensive in NY but you can go to Century 21 which is an outlet shop just in front of Ground zero.
2. If you only have one day, then I guess the logical solution would be to stay in the Times Square/Midtown area, but you're really cheating yourself if you expect to take in much in a single day. If your goal is inexpensive shopping/vintage stores and time permits, outside of some cheap stores on 34th St (7th Ave.) (btw...look up and you'll see the Empire State building!), you can TRY to head downtown to the Village, where most of the shops you'd be interested in are located. Take pictures along the way. Again... in one day, you're going to seriously short change yourself in one spot or another.
3. Rockefeller Center is great for sight-seeing and picture-taking, but shopping is pretty expensive there. However, very short walk from there (50th street & 6avenue, thats where Rockefeller center is located) is shopping area around 32-35th streets between Broadway and 7th avenue. Walk around Daffy's - 34th st. (some great bargains, but time consuming), Macy's (the biggest department store, however, time consuming again..), H&M (trendy & affordable), Zara. If you want to get some souvenirs - there are stores nearby, too. If you have more time (and desire) - head to Canal street - the home to knockoff designer bags. For $$30-50 you can get a decent, designer-looking bag. But be ready to bargain, and it's crowded. Union Square (14th street & Broadway) is another shopping area, with DSW shoe store, Filene's basement, Strawberry's, Forever 21 & David Z. shoes. And if you get hungry while shopping - Whole Foods is right there (you have to go there, it's a great experience!) And whenever you go - wear comfortable shoes, scarf, warm coar and have fun!