Believe it or not, besides being the entertainment, cultural melting pot, and restaurant capital of the world, the Big Apple also offers some of the finest antiques in the world. From bargain items to consignment pieces, to objects recently being sold at Christie’s for 8.5 million, when it comes to antiques, there is no shortage of things to buy in New York City. In Brooklyn and Manhattan there are literally thousands of shops. And because the City is always growing and changing, more and more are no doubt adding themselves into the mix every day. Another thing you can count on in New York is a diverse mix of antiques. The range of finds here is impressive and vast. Here you’ll find antiques from every genre, century and geographic location.

There are also more antique shows than you can shake a stick at, starting with New York Antiques Week, a two-week schedule consisting of shows that serve every price range and fancy. Along with these shows are lecture series and free tours. The big deal show here is the New York Winter Antiques Show, at the Seventh Regiment Armory at Park Avenue and 67th Street. This show starts on the third Thursday in January and runs for 10 days. Here you’ll revel in 75 leading dealers and items from the U.S., Europe, Canada and Asia. It’s a show not to be missed. If you’re interested in Americana, your focus during Antiques Week should be the American Antiques Show, sponsored by the American Folk Art Museum and held at the Time Warner Center. This show brings together 45 of the nation’s finest dealers of American furniture, artifacts, photography and other pieces. And if you’re a collector of ceramic art, make sure you attend the New York Ceramics Fair, held at the National Academy Museum.

If shows aren’t your scene, New York City is filled with neighborhoods boasting a diverse range of antique and consignments shops of their own. Consignment shops include those run by Housing Works, in several locations around the city. The City is also home to numerous flea markets, some seasonal, and some held year round. Whether you travel to New York City to take in a Broadway show, a few choice antiques, or both – New York City offers something for everyone.