Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans in Times Square
Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans in Times Square
1. Rough Trade
Rough Trade brings London’s legendary vinyl culture to Rockefeller Center, a quick stroll from Times Square. Two levels of new releases, curated staff picks, artist merch, and frequent in‑store signings make it a must for crate diggers.
✓ Why Go:
For the deepest new‑vinyl selection in Midtown with knowledgeable staff and frequent artist events—ideal for scoring exclusive variants and autographed sleeves.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late mornings (10:30–12:00) for roomy browsing; evenings if you want to catch signings or mini‑sets.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head downstairs for expanded used bins and audio gear; check the events calendar before you go for wristbanded signings.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans praise the curation and easy access from Times Square, noting fair pricing on new releases and a buzzy, community feel.
2. Bookoff New York
Steps from Times Square, this Japanese secondhand media shop is a treasure hunt of used CDs, Blu‑rays, books, games, and occasional vinyl—perfect for filling discography gaps without blowing your budget.
✓ Why Go:
Great for bargain‑bin discoveries, out‑of‑print CDs, and imports you won’t find at big box stores.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons on weekdays when restocks often hit the shelves and crowds thin.
✓ Insider Tip:
Scan the back wall cases for rarer pressings and Japan‑only editions; check color‑coded price stickers for markdowns.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crate diggers appreciate the steady churn of stock and wallet‑friendly finds near the theater district.
3. Rock and Soul DJ Equipment and Records
A Midtown institution since the 1970s, Rock and Soul mixes fresh vinyl with DJ essentials—turntables, mixers, cartridges, slipmats—so you can upgrade your setup after a Times Square dig.
✓ Why Go:
One‑stop shop for vinyl heads who also spin, with staff who actually gig and can steer you to the right gear.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon on weekdays for unrushed demos and hands‑on testing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about in‑store classes and rentals if you’re in town for a set; they sometimes stash collectible 12‑inches behind the counter.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the old‑school service and practical advice, calling it a cornerstone of NYC DJ culture.
4. Theater Circle
Next to the St. James Theatre, Theater Circle is a reliable spot for Broadway cast albums on CD, show posters, and music‑themed souvenirs—a fun crossover for record collectors who love show tunes.
✓ Why Go:
To grab cast recordings minutes before curtain or as a Times Square keepsake for your music shelf.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid‑day between matinee and evening rush (about 3:00–5:00 PM).
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff for older cast albums; they often have additional titles not out on the floor.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Musical‑theater fans call it a friendly, well‑stocked staple right in the heart of the district.
5. One Shubert Alley
Tucked in iconic Shubert Alley, this petite shop carries Broadway merchandise and cast‑album staples—perfect for pairing a night at the theater with music for the turntable or CD deck.
✓ Why Go:
Historic vibe plus a quick grab for show music a minute from many major houses.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening on non‑performance days for elbow room; on show nights, stop right at opening or after the post‑show rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you don’t see a title, ask—stock rotates quickly around big openings and revivals.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Nostalgic, charming, and convenient—visitors love its classic Broadway feel steps from Times Square.
6. Birdland Jazz Club
The “Jazz Corner of the World” sits a short walk from Times Square, hosting top‑tier jazz nightly. Hearing legends and rising stars here is the perfect counterpoint to a day of crate digging.
✓ Why Go:
To connect the dots between the classic jazz LPs you collect and the living scene—often with artists selling merch after sets.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Book the early set on weekdays for better sightlines; weekends sell out fast.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the schedule for album‑release shows—bands sometimes bring limited run vinyl to the merch table.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for superb sound, a warm room, and bucket‑list status for jazz lovers.
7. The Iridium
An intimate basement club near Times Square long associated with guitar pioneer Les Paul, The Iridium hosts rock, blues, and jazz with audiophile‑grade sound.
✓ Why Go:
If guitar records line your shelves, this room is sacred ground—many live albums have been recorded here.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights for closer seats and easier bar access; arrive 30 minutes before showtime.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for signed setlists and limited CDs in the lobby after select performances.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers rave about the talent‑dense calendar and excellent acoustics in a cozy space.
8. Radio City Music Hall
This Art Deco icon is a few blocks from Times Square and anchors NYC concert memories—from pop to orchestral spectaculars—with immaculate production and a legendary room.
✓ Why Go:
Catch a bucket‑list show and pick up venue‑exclusive merch to complement your record collection.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Plan around your artist’s tour date; arrive when doors open to explore the hall and the merch stands before lines build.
✓ Insider Tip:
Merch booths inside often carry city‑specific items—buy early, sizes sell out.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors are wowed by the architecture and production quality; a quintessential Midtown music experience.
9. Brill Building
On Broadway just north of Times Square, the Brill Building is where hitmakers of the early ’60s shaped American pop. While it’s an office building today, its marquee and lobby nod to a storied music past.
✓ Why Go:
Stand where songwriting history happened—great context for the 45s and LPs in your collection.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Daytime for photos and a quick peek at the lobby details between digs.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair this stop with Rockefeller Center or a spin through nearby record and merch shops to keep it walkable.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Music buffs call it a spine‑tingling pilgrimage spot right off Times Square.
10. B&H Photo Video
Just south of Times Square, B&H’s SuperStore has a serious hi‑fi corner—turntables, cartridges, preamps, headphones—so you can tune up your listening chain after a vinyl haul.
✓ Why Go:
Audition multiple decks and carts in one place and leave with the accessories every record fan needs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings; note Friday early closing and Saturday closure.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask an audio specialist to A/B cartridges; bring a favorite record to test if you can.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers praise the expert staff and deep inventory—worth the short walk from the Theater District.
