Where to Take Out-of-Town Visitors Shopping Near Times Square

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Welcome to Racked's first annual Travel Week, where roughly half of our content will be devoted to everything you need to know about traveling to and from New York City—whether you're entertaining out-of-towners, killing time at the airport, or planning the ultimate staycation.

We've all been there: Your parents/brother/old college roommate is coming for a visit, and you're playing the tour guide. They want a taste of New York City, but you're having nightmares about trudging through the city's tourist traps. No need to fear—there is a happy medium.

Try as you might to dissuade them, your visitors will insist on visiting Times Square. You won't win this battle, but it's okay. Believe it or not, there are a few places that aren't terrible—in fact, they're quite pleasant.-Courtney Iseman

If you have all day
Muji: Hopefully, Japanese brand Muji will some day spread all over the country, but for now, there are just a few in New York. While your guests marvel over cute little oddities like stackable wooden penguin games, you can stock up on home goods, office supplies, and clothing that's simple, stylish, and often weather-proof. Everything has a low-key, minimal design, and a lot of the games and office supplies are plenty quirky and fun. 620 Eighth Avenue between W. 40th and 41st Streets.

W Hotels the Store: W Hotels has a solid reputation for its bedding—so much so that it's for sale, so you can feel like you're sleeping in the luxe hotel every night. Find that and lots more at the hotel;s store, which is packed with other souvenirs of the high-end variety, like Michael Kors watches, cashmere slippers, and Bliss beauty products.1567 Broadway between W. 46th and W. 47th Streets

International Center of Photography Museum Store: You don't have to be a photography junkie to find at least a few things that pique your interest here. All sorts of intriguing images are displayed and celebrated, from fashion and art to travel and journalism. Snatch up an out-of-print Terry Richardson book or go for something a little more playful, like a pinhole camera kit. 1133 Sixth Avenue between W. 43rd and W. 44th Streets

Inglot: If you're a makeup fanatic, explore cult favorite Inglot's Times Square home. Its range of colors and functions is comparable to M.A.C., but diehards argue that the quality is even better. Pop into the Broadway outpost of the European brand and find that even when bustling, someone will be on hand to help you try some different shades and find the most complementary look. 1592 Broadway at W. 48th Street.

If you have three hours
Hell's Kitchen Flea Market: When you have just the afternoon, this flea market will give you a taste of everything in one visit. Sift through piles of vintage jewelry, haggle for a bargain on a killer antique coffee table, find your next perfect secondhand denim jacket, stock up on pre-loved classic novels, and snack on the fresh offerings from food carts and produce vendors. West 39th Street between Ninth and Tenth Avenues .

If you have thirty minutes
Delphinium Home: Venture a couple of avenues west to this haven of quirk. An organized clutter of tchotchkes, home goods, and gifts, this is the kind of store you can get lost in, checking out whimsical twists you've never seen before on even the most everyday items—is that a rubber duck or a pepper shaker? 358 W. 47th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues
· All Neighborhood Shopping Guides [Racked NY]
· All Travel Week 2013 Posts