Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans near Hudson Yards
Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans near Hudson Yards
1. Academy Records & CDs
A Flatiron mainstay since the ’70s, Academy is a short stroll south of Hudson Yards and a dependable place to unearth clean, fairly priced used LPs across rock, soul, jazz, classical, and soundtracks—perfect for rounding out a collection after a High Line walk.
✓ Why Go:
Well-curated secondhand bins, deep genre breadth, and knowledgeable staff make it ideal for collectors who value condition and discovery.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late afternoons for calmer stacks; weekend opening hour for freshest trade-ins.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the new-arrivals wall first, then the dollar bins by the door—classical and jazz steals rotate fast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised as organized, fair, and old-school in the best way; many call it their go-to NYC used shop.
2. Jazz Record Center
Hidden upstairs in a Chelsea loft, this specialist shop is hallowed ground for jazz on wax—Blue Note to Impulse!, books, magazines, and memorabilia—minutes from Hudson Yards.
✓ Why Go:
For focused jazz digging with expert staff and a carefully graded selection you won’t find in generalist shops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday Tuesday–Saturday when the elevator traffic is light and you can linger at the listening station.
✓ Insider Tip:
Buzz up to Room 804; scour the wall pieces for rare pressings—ask about their mail-auction highlights.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Collectors rave about the depth and honesty of grading; a pilgrimage stop for serious jazz heads.
3. Rock and Soul DJ Equipment and Records
A Midtown institution near the Garment District where vinyl culture meets DJ culture—turntables, cartridges, mixers, and a curated record selection just east of Hudson Yards.
✓ Why Go:
One-stop shop to upgrade your setup, snag 12-inches, and even book a lesson if you want to try your hand at mixing.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for personalized gear advice; late Fridays for new release drops.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about open-box deals and beginner bundles—often the best value for a first serious turntable.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for its welcoming vibe and knowledgeable team; many describe it as the city’s DJ hub.
4. B&H Photo Video
Just north of the Hudson Yards 7-train, B&H’s flagship stocks turntables, cartridges, preamps, cleaning kits, and speakers—ideal for fine‑tuning a listening room.
✓ Why Go:
Hands-on demos across multiple price points plus accessories you didn’t know you needed, all under one roof.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early afternoons Monday–Thursday; avoid Sunday closures and peak evening rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring your cartridge model—staff will match compatible styli and alignment tools on the spot.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Seen as a well-oiled operation with pro-level guidance and deep inventory.
5. Chelsea Flea
Weekend outdoor market a short walk from Hudson Yards where vintage dealers regularly roll out crates of classic rock, soul, and oddball private press alongside poster art.
✓ Why Go:
True crate-digging energy—haggle-friendly, serendipitous, and photo-ready amid antiques and ephemera.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Saturday and Sunday 8–10am for the first pick before casual crowds arrive.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring cash and a tote; ask vendors about back‑stock under the tables—sleepers often live there.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals love the hunt and the neighborhood vibe; finds range from $3 gems to collectible scores.
6. House of Sound
An appointment-only Chelsea townhouse showcasing McIntosh, Sonus faber, Pro‑Ject and more—immersive listening rooms that turn vinyl playback into art.
✓ Why Go:
To hear hi‑fi at its best in thoughtfully tuned spaces and understand how upgrades transform your records.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays by appointment; book ahead for a private tour tailored to your music tastes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a favorite LP to audition—hearing your own reference on high-end rigs is eye-opening.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Described as a bucket‑list audiophile experience—elegant, low‑pressure, and sonically revelatory.
7. Audio46 Headphones
Midtown’s headphone specialist for open‑back cans, DACs, and portable amps—great for late‑night spins when speakers are a no‑go.
✓ Why Go:
Extensive try‑before‑you‑buy demos across brands, from budget to reference-grade audiophile gear.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for longer audition sessions in quieter demo rooms.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring your own music files or a favorite LP-to-digital rip to compare models consistently.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers appreciate patient staff and honest guidance; many find their ‘endgame’ headphones here.
8. Turntable LP Bar & Karaoke
Koreatown hangout where vinyl décor, private karaoke rooms, and fried chicken pair with crate‑diggers’ energy—an easy hop from Hudson Yards after a shopping day.
✓ Why Go:
Celebrate new pickups with friends, spin requests, and sing along—music culture without the pretense.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings Thursday–Saturday; book rooms in advance for groups.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff for vinyl‑inspired cocktails and happy‑hour deals before your session starts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Called fun, lively, and nostalgia‑soaked; a crowd‑pleaser for music‑centric nights out.
9. Rough Trade
Rockefeller Center’s expansive flagship blends new releases, used vinyl, merch, and in‑store performances—NYC’s most event‑driven record shop within an easy subway ride.
✓ Why Go:
Top-tier curation plus frequent signings and mini‑gigs that connect collectors directly with artists.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for browsing; evenings when in‑stores are scheduled for the buzz.
✓ Insider Tip:
Scan both street‑level and rink‑level locations—special drops and hardware pop up downstairs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans love the scale, energy, and constant programming—‘vinyl heaven’ in Midtown.
10. Vinyl Nights at Bella Abzug Park
Seasonal outdoor DJ sessions a few blocks from Hudson Yards where selectors spin strictly vinyl—disco, boogie, hip‑hop—turning the plaza into an open‑air dance floor.
✓ Why Go:
It’s record culture in the wild: hear how great records move a crowd and discover tracks to hunt later.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer Thursdays/Saturdays at sunset; check dates in advance as programming shifts by season.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring water and comfortable shoes; note the nearest 7‑train entrance for quick arrivals and exits.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals call it joyful and inclusive—pure New York nostalgia powered by wax.
