Shop Brooklyn with a local “hipster” in Williamsburg, New York's hottest shopping enclave. A hip infusion of boutiques has transformed this 'hood into a retail mecca for fashionistas and New Yorkers in the know.
Scan shops stocked with French label fashions and designer jean discounts, a showroom of home design hopefuls, a famed west coast vintage store and more! Photo opportunities of the sweeping Manhattan vista, specialty culinary tastings, and emerging Brooklyn based designer finds complete a unique experience that will make all your friends at home jealous.
Tour highlights include:
Scan shops stocked with French label fashions and designer jean discounts, a showroom of home design hopefuls, a famed west coast vintage store and more! Photo opportunities of the sweeping Manhattan vista, specialty culinary tastings, and emerging Brooklyn based designer finds complete a unique experience that will make all your friends at home jealous.
Tour highlights include:
- Unique tastings
- Transportation via subway
- Neighborhood history and hearsay
- Maps marked with tour stops and other faves
- Participating retail & restaurant discounts
What Is Not Included?
Subway transportation to Brooklyn is included in the price of the tour, but subway transportation back to Manhattan is not included.
Meeting Location
East Village near 1st Avenue and 14th Street (Manhattan, NY)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- Tickets must be purchased in advance to guarantee your spot(s) on the tour. Please book well in advance to make sure you get the day and time you prefer!
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- We shop rain or shine. We don't like to freeze, get drenched, or melt either, so be assured that we are always prepared to adjust tour routes for comfort's sake.
- If a tour is sold out, can I get on a waiting list?
- Unfortunately there are no waiting lists for our tours. Check out another day and time for availability!
- Are there any special ticket prices for children?
- No, unfortunately we do not offer special child tickets. It is at your discretion whether you bring your child, however children under 5 are not recommended due to the amount of walking we do, and the types of stores we visit.
- How long is the tour?
- The tour will last about 2 1/2 hours from start to finish with some variation depending upon group size.
- Is transportation included?
- A one way Metrocard on the NYC Subway is included in the price of the tour. We will meet in a Manhattan location and travel to Williamsburg together. The rest of the tour we will be walking, so wear appropriate shoes and dress according to the weather. After the tour is finished, the guide will be happy to provide any necessary information you may need to find your way back to Manhattan, or anywhere else you may choose. However, your subway fare back to Manhattan is not included in the price of the tour.
- Where does the tour finish?
- The tour will finish with a final tasting on Driggs Ave. near North 9th St. There is seating and a restroom. Your guide will help you find the nearest subway stop back to Manhattan; but subway fare back is not included in the price of the tour!
- How many people are on the tour?
- The tour will operate with a maximum of 10 people. This allows the guide to interact with you on a more personal level and give more attention to each participant.
- What should I bring with me on the tour?
- Cash/credit cards if you want to shop, a camera for photo opportunities, and a bottle of water in case you get thirsty. We do not recommend carrying anything heavy - keep those hands open for shopping bags!!
- How much money should I bring?
- All stores vary in prices. Know you will be tempted - but how much you purchase is completely up to you (we are not responsible for regrets while looking at your credit card bills!). The tastings on the tour are provided.
- What types of places/stores do we visit?
- We will be visiting boutiques in the neighborhood of WIlliamsburg, Brooklyn. Stores range in prices, styles, and objects, but all are one of a kind and unique, and are chosen specifically to appeal to everyone. Your expert shopping guide is happy to give you any information if you are looking for something in particular.
- Can I use cash at the stores we will be visiting?
- Yes. In fact one stop on the tour is cash only. All others accept cash and charge, although we do not recommend traveler's checks.
- What kind of food will we taste on the tour? How much?
- We will stop in two specialty shops that will provide tastings that are included in the price of the tour. These are both dairy based; unfortunately no substitutions can be made.
- Are there any beverages provided during the tour?
- No. Feel free to bring a bottle of water or beverage of your choice.
- Are there restrooms along the way?
- Yes, restrooms are available at a few of the locations we will be visiting. If you need to stop, please let the tour guide know and we will accommodate you as best as we can.
- How much walking is involved?
- You will be on your feet for the full length of the tour, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes. However, we do walk at a leisurely pace.
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- Unfortunately wheelchairs are not recommended.
- Should I tip my tour guide?
- Tipping is customary and always appreciated if you had a good time with your guide.
- Will Halle be my guide?
- Although Halle gives most of the tours herself, she is never guaranteed to give a tour. However, any guide that takes her place has her absolute seal of shopping approval, and will deliver the same unique experience.
- Do I get a discount at every stop?
- No. Discounts are only applicable at participating retailers and restaurants. Your guide will alert you as to where you can use your discount card; those locations will also be marked on a map provided to you.
- Are tours only offered in English?
- Yes. However a private tour with a French speaking guide can be arranged by contacting the seller directly.
- May I bring a dog or pet on the tour?
- Pets may tag along at your discretion, although we don't advise bringing them as the stores all have different policies regarding animals. Legally pets need carriers on the subway.
- What can this tour offer a native New Yorker?
- There is always a stigma for Manhattanites to make the "trek" over to Brooklyn. This tour illuminates that by navigating, entertaining, and feeding your intellect as well as your insatiable New Yorker tummy! But we'll just fill you enough that you can still fit into the hipster jeans we suggest you buy at the stores you would not have found on your own 'cause you never come to Brooklyn!
- What if I want to spend more time in a particular store?
- As the tour is designed to help acclimate you to the area, you will be provided with a map of stores in the neighborhood which includes stops we hit. Your guide is happy to direct you back to any particular store after the tour.
- Why can't you give a tour to my group of 20 people?
- Our tours are interactive in the old-fashioned sense, meaning we like to have conversations with our guests, answer questions and get to know each person. This isn't possible with a large group. Plus, we can't take large groups into all of the little places that we think make our tours so cool.
- Can I book a private tour?
- Yes! We do private shopping tours of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Please use the "Contact this seller" link to book a customized shopping tour.
- Are gift certificates available?
- Gift certificates are not available at this time.
HalleShopsNYC
HalleShopsNYC has been helping customers with style in the city since 2005!
HalleShopsNYC offers a specialty Brooklyn group shopping tour, as well as private customized shopping tours. Both tours are great for moms and daughters, bachelorette or birthday parties, singles and couples. Corporate clients have included destination management companies and vacation wholesalers.
As a former shopping guide for a major tour company, Halle Petro (pictured), founder of HalleShopsNYC, has entertained hundreds of tourists and natives alike. Through tours and personal shopping, she has appeared on Ireland’s premiere Style show "Off the Rails," and her services have been featured in publications such as The London Times, The New York Sun, Metro, The Scotsman, and About.com.
HalleShopsNYC offers a specialty Brooklyn group shopping tour, as well as private customized shopping tours. Both tours are great for moms and daughters, bachelorette or birthday parties, singles and couples. Corporate clients have included destination management companies and vacation wholesalers.
As a former shopping guide for a major tour company, Halle Petro (pictured), founder of HalleShopsNYC, has entertained hundreds of tourists and natives alike. Through tours and personal shopping, she has appeared on Ireland’s premiere Style show "Off the Rails," and her services have been featured in publications such as The London Times, The New York Sun, Metro, The Scotsman, and About.com.
