Macy’s Herald Square is the flagship store for the brand and stands as a primary shopping destination in New York City. For those planning a visit to this historic retail landmark, knowing the current operating schedule is essential for a productive trip.

Weekly Schedule for Macy’s Herald Square

The standard operating hours for Macy’s Herald Square, located at 151 West 34th Street, vary slightly throughout the week to accommodate the high volume of foot traffic in midtown Manhattan.

  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

These hours are the most frequent schedules for the 2024–2025 season. However, visitors should be aware that hours can fluctuate significantly during public holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Day. Typically, the store remains closed on Christmas Day. For major events like the Macy's Flower Show or during the peak holiday shopping season in December, the store often extends its closing time to 11:00 PM to serve late-night shoppers.

Strategic Location and How to Get There

Macy’s Herald Square occupies an entire city block, bordered by 7th Avenue to the west, Broadway to the east, 34th Street to the south, and 35th Street to the north. Being in the heart of the 34th Street District, it is incredibly accessible via multiple modes of transportation.

Subway Access

The store is situated directly above the 34th Street–Herald Square station. This is one of the busiest hubs in the city, making it easy to reach from almost any neighborhood.

  • B, D, F, M Lines: These orange lines stop right at the Broadway and 6th Avenue entrance.
  • N, Q, R, W Lines: These yellow lines provide direct access to the Herald Square station.
  • 1, 2, 3 Lines: These red lines stop at the 34th Street–Penn Station stop, which is just a one-block walk from the 7th Avenue entrance of Macy’s.
  • A, C, E Lines: These blue lines also stop at Penn Station (8th Avenue), requiring a two-block walk eastward to reach the store.

Regional Trains

For those traveling from outside the city, Macy’s is exceptionally convenient. It is a short walk from Penn Station, which serves Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), and NJ Transit. Visitors arriving from New Jersey can also take the PATH train to the 33rd Street station, which puts them right at the doorstep of the store.

Bus Routes

Several MTA bus lines service the area directly. The M4, M5, M7, M34 SBS, and Q32 lines all have stops within a block of the store. The M34 Select Bus Service is particularly useful for those traveling cross-town along 34th Street.

Navigating the 11 Floors of Macy’s Herald Square

Spanning approximately 1.25 million square feet of retail space, Macy’s Herald Square is more than just a store; it is a vertical city of commerce. Navigating its 11 floors requires a plan.

Lower Level (Floor 1B)

This level is primarily dedicated to home basics, men’s accessories, and the Macy’s Backstage section. In our observations, this floor is excellent for finding discounted items and everyday essentials. It also houses several public restrooms and the entrance to the "Chef Street" food area.

Floor 1: The Main Floor

This is the grand entrance floor where visitors are greeted by the massive fragrance and cosmetics departments. It is also the home of luxury watches, fine jewelry, and high-end handbags. During the holidays, this floor features some of the most elaborate decorations in the world.

Mezzanine Level

The Mezzanine is an intermediate level located between the first and second floors. It contains the Visitor Center, where international and out-of-town guests can often obtain a 10% Visitor Savings Pass (valid identification required). This level also features additional jewelry sections and a Sunglass Hut.

Floor 2: The World’s Largest Shoe Floor

The second floor is a legendary destination for shoe enthusiasts. It covers a massive area dedicated exclusively to women’s footwear, featuring everything from athletic sneakers to luxury designer heels. Brands like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton have dedicated boutique spaces here.

Floor 3: Women’s Contemporary Fashion and Men’s Clothing

This floor begins the transition into apparel. It features a heavy concentration of women’s contemporary brands and denim. On the opposite side of the floor, visitors will find a significant portion of the men’s department, focusing on casual wear and collections.

Floor 4: Activewear and Personal Stylists

The fourth floor is home to women’s activewear and the "My Stylist" administration office. The personal stylist service is a complimentary offering where experts help shoppers curate outfits or find gifts. In our experience, booking an appointment here is a massive time-saver for those overwhelmed by the store's scale.

Floor 5: Dresses and Men’s Suiting

This floor caters to more formal needs. It includes a massive selection of women’s dresses for all occasions. For men, this is the destination for tailored suits, dress shirts, and ties.

Floor 6: Lingerie, Sleepwear, and Home Textiles

The sixth floor focuses on intimate apparel, hosiery, and sleepwear. Additionally, it begins the home goods section, focusing on bedding, bath towels, and textiles.

Floor 7: Kids, Toys, and Casual Dining

The seventh floor is family-oriented. It houses the children’s clothing departments and a large Toys “R” Us shop-in-shop. This floor is also a popular spot for a break, featuring a McDonald’s and several quick-service food options.

Floor 8: Home Goods and Seasonal Attractions

Floor 8 features kitchenware, tabletop items, and small electrics. More importantly, this is where "Santaland" is located during the holiday season. It is a massive, immersive North Pole village that requires reservations well in advance.

Floor 9: Furniture and Luggage

The top retail floor is dedicated to large-scale items. Visitors can browse mattresses, furniture galleries, and a comprehensive luggage department. This floor is generally quieter than the lower levels, making it a good place to escape the crowds.

Historic Features and the Modern Experience

One of the most unique aspects of Macy’s Herald Square is its blend of history and modern retail. A visit to the store is incomplete without experiencing the historic wooden escalators.

The Wooden Escalators

Dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, these escalators are National Historic Landmarks. They are still operational and can be found on the upper floors (look for floors 4 through 9). The rhythmic clacking of the wooden treads offers a nostalgic contrast to the high-tech digital displays found elsewhere in the store. In our testing of the store's layout, using these escalators is often faster than waiting for the elevators during peak hours.

The Architecture

The building itself was completed in 1902 and is an architectural marvel of its time. The facade on Broadway features impressive sculptures and clock faces that have seen over a century of New York history.

Dining Options Within the Store

Shopping at this scale can be exhausting, and Macy’s has integrated several high-quality dining options to keep visitors energized.

  1. Stella 34 Trattoria (Floor 6): This is a sophisticated Italian restaurant offering stunning views of the Empire State Building through its floor-to-ceiling windows. It specializes in Neapolitan pizza and fresh pasta. We recommend making a reservation, as the window seats are highly coveted.
  2. Rowland’s Bar & Grill (Floor 1B): Named after the store's founder, Rowland Hussey Macy, this American gastropub offers a more relaxed atmosphere with classic New York fare like burgers and salads.
  3. Starbucks (Floor 2 and Floor 3): For a quick caffeine fix, there are multiple Starbucks locations within the store. The one on the second floor is particularly useful for those browsing the shoe department.
  4. Pinkberry (Floor 7): A great spot for a quick frozen yogurt treat, especially for those shopping with children.
  5. Juice Press (Floor 4): Offers healthy smoothies and cold-pressed juices for the wellness-conscious shopper.

Annual Events at Macy’s Herald Square

Macy’s is synonymous with American holiday traditions, and the Herald Square store is the epicenter of these events.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The parade concludes right in front of the Herald Square store on 34th Street. While the store itself is closed on Thanksgiving Day, the area is the site of the famous performances and the arrival of Santa Claus, marking the official start of the Christmas season.

The Holiday Window Displays

Starting in mid-November, the Broadway side of the store features elaborate, animated window displays. Each year follows a different theme, often involving "Tiptoe" the reindeer or other festive characters. Viewing these windows is a free NYC tradition, but be prepared for significant crowds on the sidewalk.

Macy’s Flower Show

Every spring, the main floor and parts of the mezzanine are transformed into a botanical wonderland. Millions of live flowers and exotic plants are imported to create themed displays. This event usually lasts for two weeks and is a highlight for locals and tourists alike.

Santaland

Located on the 8th floor, Santaland is a 13,000-square-foot Christmas village. It is a walk-through experience that leads to a private meeting with Santa Claus. Due to its popularity, Macy's implemented a mandatory reservation system several years ago. Reservations typically open five days in advance and book up within minutes.

Expert Shopping Tips for Visitors

To make the most of a visit to Macy’s Herald Square, consider these professional tips gathered from frequent shoppers and retail experts.

Best Times to Visit

To avoid the largest crowds, aim to arrive right when the store opens on a weekday morning (usually 10:00 AM). The hours between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM are typically the busiest, especially on weekends. Friday and Saturday evenings can also be quite crowded as tourists flock to midtown.

Using the Macy’s App

The store is massive, and it is easy to get lost. The Macy’s app features an in-store map with "Wayfinding" technology that can guide you to specific departments or even specific brands. It also allows you to check prices and availability in real-time.

Visitor Discounts

If you are visiting from more than 100 miles away or are an international traveler, visit the Mezzanine Visitor Center. By showing your passport or out-of-state ID, you can often receive a savings pass that provides 10% off most purchases. Some exclusions apply (such as cosmetics and certain luxury brands), but it is a significant saving on clothing and home goods.

Tax Refunds for International Visitors

While the US does not have a federal VAT refund system, some states have specific rules. New York does not currently offer sales tax refunds for international tourists, but the 10% visitor discount is designed to help offset this.

What is Near Macy’s Herald Square?

Macy’s is a perfect anchor for a day of sightseeing in Midtown South.

  • Empire State Building: Just one block east on 34th Street and 5th Avenue.
  • Madison Square Garden: Located one block west at 7th Avenue and 31st-33rd Streets.
  • Hudson Yards: A 15-minute walk west along 34th Street brings you to the Vessel and the Edge observation deck.
  • Times Square: A 10-minute walk north along Broadway.
  • Korea Town: Centered on 32nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, offering incredible food options just two blocks away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What time does Macy’s NYC open? Macy’s Herald Square typically opens at 10:00 AM from Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, it opens slightly later at 11:00 AM.

Is Macy’s Herald Square open on holidays? The store is generally open on most holidays with modified hours, but it is traditionally closed on Christmas Day. It is open on Thanksgiving for the parade but usually closes for shopping on that day.

Does Macy’s Herald Square have a public restroom? Yes, there are public restrooms located on multiple floors. Key locations include the Lower Level (1B), Floor 2 (Women’s), Floor 7, and Floor 9. The Mezzanine also has facilities.

Can I store my luggage at Macy’s NYC? Macy’s Herald Square does not currently offer a formal luggage storage or coat check service for the general public due to security protocols. It is recommended to use luggage storage services available at nearby Penn Station or through independent apps.

How many floors does the NYC Macy’s have? The store has 11 levels in total, ranging from the Lower Level (1B) to the 9th floor. Each level is dedicated to specific categories of merchandise or services.

Summary of Macy’s NYC Visitor Information

Macy’s Herald Square remains a cornerstone of the New York City experience. Whether you are looking for the latest fashion trends on the 2nd-floor shoe department, enjoying a meal with a view at Stella 34, or simply riding the historic wooden escalators, the store offers something for everyone. Remember that the standard hours are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays, with extended hours until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Always check the official schedule during holiday weeks to ensure you have the most up-to-date information for your visit.