Barbara Herman

Don’t let the haters tell you otherwise—New York actually smells great and the best perfume stores in NYC are a big reason why. Just as you color your hair between seasons, there is no better time to swap out that tired body mist you’ve been spritzing every morning for a scent that is fresh, new and special to you. It seems like a new designer fragrance comes out every week, but if you’re looking for a signature scent that you won’t smell on everyone else, these perfume shops offer lesser-known and exclusive options. From retailers that offer cool classes where you can customize your own aroma to stores that source and sell bottles from around the globe, you definitely won’t find these aromatic options in any given department store. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to shopping in NYC