Manhattan Has A Lot of Thrift Stores — These Are the 12 Best

New York City and its boroughs have some of the best shopping in the world. From high-end Fifth Avenue to quirky mom-and-pop shops in Brooklyn, you can spend hours just browsing.

But when it comes to thrift shopping, it can be helpful to know where to go if you're looking for a particular item or if you just want to find something unique for a gift or your empty bookshelf.

Manhattan has so many thrift shops, it can be daunting, so we rounded up 12 of the best thrift stores you need to check out during your next thrifting spree. We based this list on shopper reviews on Yelp and Google. (Here are the 14 best thrift stores in New Jersey for sustainable shopping.)

Upper EastSide Thrift Store sells clothing, jewelry, toys, and household items. A secondary location a few blocks away offers much of the same but these stores are worth the visit. Shoppers commend the store on its great customer service and cleanliness.

The Missing Link in Chelsea is a curated vintage accessories store with a range of cuff links and hats, some dating back to the 19th century. Their inventory holds over 15,000 pairs of cuff links, tie bars, and stud sets. Reviewers rave about the shop's owner, calling him friendly and knowledgeable.

AuH2O in the East Village is a great place to find some clothes, with most pieces ranging from $5 to $40. Most items are under $25, and they have permanent $5 and $10 racks. Shoppers say this store is cute and unpretentious with an amazing selection.

Matiell Consignment Shop offers designer clothes, with brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci. Matiell specializes in suits as well as jewelry and accessories. Shoppers say the customer service is above and beyond.

At the outdoor Chelsea Flea, you'll shop from over a hundred vendors and find all kinds of items, from vintage clothing to antique furniture and everything in between. Note that there is a $1 gate fee but it's worth it.

East Village Vintage Collective is a small, cute shop selling unique and vintage items like old magazines, neon signs, records, books, and more. The store also sells women's clothing and has a small selection of men's clothing. Shoppers like their customer service and prices.

Housing Works has five locations in Manhattan and supports the unhoused and those who live with HIV/AIDS. The stores sell clothing, books, home decor, and a huge selection of furniture. Shopping here means making a difference.

Beacon's Closet has multiple locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn and supports multiple charities. You'll find everything from Levi's jeans to Prada. One reviewer said walking into Beacon's Closet was like "walking into a cool kid's closet."

Trintage in Harlem has vintage pieces that fit current trends. Trintage is a women-owned business where you can find women's clothing and accessories from around the world. Reviewers love the customer service and selection of items.

Stepping into Cobblestones is like stepping back in time. The owner opened this store in 1981, selling vintage pieces such as cocktail dresses, leather gloves, purses, and more. Shoppers say the owner is very friendly and helpful.

Proceeds from sales at Cure Thrift Shop go toward diabetes research. At this quirky shop, you'll find furniture, household items, and clothing. Their prices can be higher than other thrift stores you'll visit but there are still great deals to be found. Reviewers like how well-curated this store is.

El Barrio Thrift in East Harlem is the place to visit if you're shopping for your home. While they do carry some clothes and other items, it's the furniture and home decor that will keep you coming back. (Before you go shopping, here are some tips to help you spot fake designer goods.)