The Mecca of Megapixels: A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting B&H Photo Video in New York City
For photographers, videographers, audiophiles, tech enthusiasts, and creative professionals the world over, the name “B&H Photo Video” resonates with an almost mythical quality. It’s more than just a store; it’s a destination, a pilgrimage site, a sprawling cathedral dedicated to the tools of creativity and technology. Walking through its doors isn’t merely a shopping trip; it’s an immersion into a world of gear, expertise, and a unique operational rhythm found nowhere else.
While B&H boasts a world-class online presence, the physical experience of visiting their legendary New York City SuperStore offers something intangible – the ability to touch, feel, and compare an unparalleled selection of equipment, interact with deeply knowledgeable staff, and witness the store’s famous conveyor belt system whisking purchases away.
This article serves as your definitive guide to making that pilgrimage. We’ll delve deep into precisely where B&H is located, provide exhaustive directions via various modes of transport, explore the layout and atmosphere of the store itself, and offer tips to maximize your visit. Whether you’re a seasoned pro planning a major purchase or a curious tourist wanting to witness a New York institution, prepare for an experience unlike any other retail encounter.
I. The Legend and The Lure: Why Visit B&H in Person?
Before we dive into the logistical details, let’s establish why a physical visit to B&H is so compelling in the age of convenient online shopping.
- Unmatched Inventory Density: While the website lists vast quantities, seeing the sheer physical volume of gear concentrated in one place is staggering. Aisles upon aisles of cameras, lenses stretching towards the ceiling, lighting rigs assembled for inspection, headphones available for listening tests – the scale is immense. You can physically compare the weight and feel of different camera bodies, the ergonomics of various lenses, the build quality of tripods, all in one location.
- Hands-On Heaven: Nothing replaces the tactile experience. How does that new mirrorless camera feel in your hand? Is the focus ring on that lens smooth enough for your liking? Does that backpack comfortably distribute the weight of your kit? B&H encourages hands-on exploration. Demo units are readily available for countless products, allowing for immediate, real-world comparisons that spec sheets and online reviews simply cannot replicate.
- Expert, No-Commission Staff: B&H salespeople are legendary for their deep product knowledge. They aren’t just retail workers; many are active photographers, videographers, or audio engineers themselves. Crucially, they work on salary, not commission. This means their advice is geared towards finding the right product for your needs and budget, not pushing the most expensive item. You can have in-depth conversations, ask highly technical questions, and receive unbiased recommendations.
- The Atmosphere: There’s a unique buzz inside B&H. It’s a melting pot of professionals discussing complex workflows, enthusiasts eagerly comparing the latest releases, students seeking their first serious piece of equipment, and tourists marveling at the scale of it all. It’s a place where passion for technology and creativity is palpable.
- The Famous Conveyor Belt System: Watching the intricate network of overhead conveyor belts transport purchases from the sales counters to the pickup area is a spectacle in itself. It’s a fascinating piece of logistical engineering and a signature element of the B&H experience.
- The Used Department: B&H has a highly respected Used Department, offering a potential treasure trove of well-maintained second-hand gear at significant savings. Visiting allows you to physically inspect the condition of used items before purchasing.
- Serendipitous Discovery: While you might go in for a specific item, wandering the aisles often leads to discovering new tools, accessories, or brands you weren’t previously aware of, potentially sparking new creative ideas or solving long-standing workflow problems.
II. Pinpointing the Location: Where Exactly is B&H?
B&H Photo Video’s iconic SuperStore is situated in Midtown Manhattan, specifically on the West Side.
The Official Address:
B&H Photo Video
420 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Understanding the Neighborhood Context:
- Cross Streets: The store occupies a significant portion of the block on 9th Avenue, situated between West 33rd Street and West 34th Street.
- Neighborhood: It sits squarely in Midtown West, bordering the areas often referred to as Hell’s Kitchen (to the north and west) and Chelsea (to the south).
- Key Landmarks Nearby:
- Pennsylvania Station (Penn Station): One of NYC’s major transportation hubs (serving LIRR, NJ Transit, Amtrak, and multiple subway lines) is just one block east, between 7th and 8th Avenues, from 31st to 34th Streets. This makes B&H incredibly accessible for commuters and travelers arriving by train.
- Madison Square Garden: Located directly above Penn Station.
- Moynihan Train Hall: The beautiful expansion of Penn Station, located across 8th Avenue from the main Penn Station complex, primarily serving Amtrak. It’s also very close, just east of B&H.
- Hudson Yards: The massive modern development with shops, restaurants, the Edge observation deck, and the Vessel structure is located a few blocks west, towards the Hudson River.
- The High Line: The elevated park built on former railway lines has an entrance point near Hudson Yards, offering a pleasant walk southward.
- Jacob K. Javits Convention Center: Located further west, typically between 11th and 12th Avenues, from 34th to 40th Streets. B&H is a common stop for convention attendees.
- Times Square: While not immediately adjacent, it’s roughly a 15-20 minute walk northeast (or a short subway ride).
The location is central and exceptionally well-connected by public transportation, making it relatively easy to reach from almost anywhere in the New York City area and beyond.
III. Getting There: Detailed Directions to 420 9th Avenue
Reaching B&H is straightforward thanks to its proximity to Penn Station and multiple subway and bus lines. Here’s a breakdown by transportation method:
A. By Subway:
The New York City Subway is often the fastest and most efficient way to get around Manhattan. Several lines stop very close to B&H.
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Closest Station Complex: 34th Street – Penn Station
- Lines Serving This Station:
- A, C, E (Blue Line): Access via the station entrances along 8th Avenue (between 31st and 34th Streets).
- 1, 2, 3 (Red Line): Access via the station entrances along 7th Avenue (between 32nd and 34th Streets).
- Walking Directions from 34th St – Penn Station:
- From the A, C, E lines (8th Ave): Exit the station onto 8th Avenue. Walk west one long block along either W 33rd Street or W 34th Street until you reach 9th Avenue. B&H will be on your right (if walking along 33rd St) or left (if walking along 34th St), occupying the block between these two streets on 9th Avenue. The walk is approximately 5-7 minutes.
- From the 1, 2, 3 lines (7th Ave): Exit the station onto 7th Avenue. Walk west two long blocks along either W 33rd Street or W 34th Street, crossing 8th Avenue, until you reach 9th Avenue. B&H will be on the block between 33rd and 34th Streets on 9th Avenue. The walk is approximately 8-12 minutes. You can also walk through Penn Station or Moynihan Train Hall towards 8th Avenue to shorten the walk slightly.
- Lines Serving This Station:
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Alternative Nearby Station: 34th Street – Hudson Yards
- Line Serving This Station:
- 7 (Purple Line): This station is located further west, near 10th Avenue and Hudson Yards.
- Walking Directions from 34th St – Hudson Yards:
- Exit the station. You will be near Hudson Boulevard East/West and 10th Avenue.
- Walk east along W 34th Street towards 9th Avenue.
- B&H will be on your right just after you cross 9th Avenue, or as you approach it if coming from slightly south within the Hudson Yards complex. The walk is approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Line Serving This Station:
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Slightly Further Station Complex: 42nd Street – Times Square / Port Authority
- Lines Serving This Station: N, Q, R, W (Yellow Line), S (Shuttle to Grand Central), 1, 2, 3 (Red Line), 7 (Purple Line), A, C, E (Blue Line – closer via Port Authority Bus Terminal exits).
- Walking Directions from Times Square/Port Authority: This is a longer walk, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- From the Times Square area (Broadway/7th Ave & 42nd St), walk west towards 8th or 9th Avenue.
- Walk south on 9th Avenue from 42nd Street down to 34th Street. B&H will be on your left between 34th and 33rd Streets.
- Alternatively, from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (8th Ave between 40th and 42nd St), walk south on 8th Avenue to 34th Street, then one block west to 9th Avenue.
Subway Travel Tips:
* Use a MetroCard or the OMNY contactless payment system (tapping your credit/debit card or smart device).
* Check the MTA website (mta.info) or apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, Citymapper, or the official MYmta app for real-time service status, delays, and route planning. Weekend service changes are common.
* Pay attention to whether you need an uptown or downtown train, and whether it’s an express or local train (express trains skip some stops).
B. By Bus (MTA):
Several MTA bus routes run along the avenues near B&H. Buses can be slower than the subway due to traffic but offer street-level views and might be more convenient depending on your starting point.
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M34 / M34A Select Bus Service (SBS): Runs crosstown along 34th Street.
- Westbound M34/M34A: Get off at the stop at W 34th Street & 9th Avenue. B&H is right there on the southwest corner.
- Eastbound M34/M34A: Get off at the stop at W 34th Street & 8th Avenue. Walk one block west to 9th Avenue.
- Note: SBS routes require you to pay before boarding using machines at the bus stop. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.
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M11 Bus: Runs Northbound on 9th Avenue and Southbound on 10th Avenue.
- Northbound M11: Stops directly in front of B&H on 9th Avenue near W 33rd/34th Street. Look for the “9 Av / W 34 St” or similar stop ID.
- Southbound M11: Travels down 10th Avenue. Get off at the 10th Avenue & W 34th Street stop and walk one block east to 9th Avenue.
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M12 Bus: Runs Northbound on 11th/12th Avenues and Southbound on 8th Avenue (further south) and 10th/11th Aves (further north). Less direct for B&H.
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Other Crosstown Buses: Buses like the M42 (42nd St) or M23 (23rd St) would require a transfer or a longer walk.
Bus Travel Tips:
* Use MetroCard or OMNY. Exact change (coins, no pennies) is accepted, but bills are not.
* Bus routes can be affected by traffic; allow extra travel time.
* Use the MTA website or apps for real-time bus tracking (“Bus Time”).
C. By Train (Commuter Rail & Amtrak):
If arriving from outside NYC (Long Island, New Jersey, Westchester County, Connecticut, or further afield via Amtrak), Penn Station is your prime destination.
- Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): All lines terminate at Penn Station (or Grand Central Madison, requiring a subway transfer).
- New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit): Most lines terminate at Penn Station. (Some require transfers at Secaucus Junction or Newark Penn Station).
- Amtrak: Northeast Corridor and other routes serve Penn Station (many now arriving/departing primarily from Moynihan Train Hall).
Walking Directions from Penn Station / Moynihan Train Hall:
As described in the subway section:
1. Exit the station/train hall complex towards 8th Avenue.
2. Walk one block west along either W 33rd Street or W 34th Street to 9th Avenue.
3. B&H occupies the block on 9th Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets. It’s a very short walk (5-10 minutes).
- Metro-North Railroad: Serves areas north of NYC (Westchester, Hudson Valley, Connecticut). Terminates at Grand Central Terminal (42nd Street and Park Avenue).
- From Grand Central: You’ll need to take a subway or bus to reach B&H.
- Subway Option 1 (Fastest): Take the S (Shuttle) train one stop west to Times Square-42nd Street. From there, transfer to a Downtown A, C, or E train one stop to 34th Street-Penn Station. Then walk one block west to 9th Avenue.
- Subway Option 2: Take the Downtown 7 train west to 34th Street-Hudson Yards. Walk east along 34th Street to 9th Avenue.
- Bus Option: Take the Westbound M42 bus from near Grand Central along 42nd Street to 9th Avenue. Walk south on 9th Avenue to 34th Street. (Can be slow).
- Walk: It’s a longer walk (approx. 25-35 minutes) west along 42nd St to 9th Ave, then south to 34th St.
- From Grand Central: You’ll need to take a subway or bus to reach B&H.
D. By Car:
Driving to B&H in Midtown Manhattan is generally not recommended due to heavy traffic, congestion pricing (check current status and boundaries), and expensive parking. However, if you must drive:
- From New Jersey: Use the Lincoln Tunnel (exits onto Dyer Ave, feeding into the W 30s/40s near 9th/10th Aves) or the Holland Tunnel (exits further downtown, requiring driving north). The George Washington Bridge requires a longer drive down the West Side Highway (Route 9A) or through Manhattan streets.
- From Long Island/Queens: Use the Queens-Midtown Tunnel (exits onto E 30s, requiring driving crosstown) or the Queensboro Bridge (exits near E 59th St, requiring driving south and crosstown).
- From Upstate NY/Bronx/Connecticut: Use the Henry Hudson Parkway (West Side Highway/Route 9A), exiting around W 34th Street, or major arteries like the FDR Drive (East Side), requiring crosstown travel.
Parking Near B&H:
* Street Parking: Extremely limited, heavily regulated (meters, time limits, resident restrictions), and very difficult to find, especially during business hours. Do not rely on finding street parking.
* Parking Garages: Numerous commercial parking garages are located in the vicinity, particularly closer to Penn Station and Hudson Yards.
* Expect high rates: Parking in this area can easily cost $30-$60+ for just a few hours. Rates vary significantly by garage, time of day, and duration. Weekend or evening rates might be slightly lower.
* Finding Garages: Use apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to find garages, compare rates, and sometimes pre-book a spot (often at a discount). Look for garages on W 31st, W 33rd, W 34th, W 35th streets between 8th and 10th Avenues. There are large garages associated with Hudson Yards and Manhattan West developments.
* Validation: B&H does not typically offer parking validation.
Driving Tips:
* Be prepared for aggressive traffic, frequent stops, pedestrians, and cyclists.
* Pay close attention to street signs regarding turns, one-way streets, and bus lanes.
* Factor in significant extra time for traffic delays.
* Be aware of current congestion pricing rules and tolls.
E. By Taxi or Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
- Drop-off: Simply give the driver the address: 420 9th Avenue (between 33rd and 34th Street). They can drop you off directly in front of the store.
- Pick-up: Finding a taxi on 9th Avenue is usually easy. For rideshares, the app will guide your driver, but be mindful that stopping directly in front might be difficult during peak times; you might need to walk slightly towards a corner.
- Cost: Subject to traffic and surge pricing (for rideshares). Can be costly, especially during peak hours or for longer distances.
F. By Walking:
If you are staying in a hotel or residing in Midtown West, Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, or the Garment District, walking to B&H might be a pleasant option. Use a mapping app to plot your route. Remember Manhattan’s grid system: Avenues run north-south (numbers increase going west), and Streets run east-west (numbers increase going north).
G. Accessibility:
- Subway Stations: Check the MTA website for accessible stations. 34th St-Penn Station has elevators for the A, C, E lines (check specific entrances) and for the LIRR/NJ Transit/Amtrak portions. The 34th St-Hudson Yards (7 line) station is fully accessible. Times Square-42nd St has varying levels of accessibility depending on the line and entrance.
- Buses: All MTA buses are equipped with ramps or lifts for accessibility.
- Store Entrance: The main entrance on 9th Avenue is wheelchair accessible.
- Inside the Store: The store has multiple floors accessible via elevators. Aisles are generally wide, but can become crowded. Staff are usually helpful in assisting customers with mobility needs.
IV. Crucial Consideration: Store Hours and Closure Dates
This is perhaps the most important logistical detail when planning your visit. B&H is owned and operated by observant Satmar Hasidic Jews, and therefore adheres strictly to Jewish law regarding Shabbat (the Sabbath) and Jewish holidays.
- Shabbat Closure: B&H is CLOSED every week from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning.
- Friday: Closes early, typically around 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM EST (closing time may vary slightly depending on the season/sunset time).
- Saturday: CLOSED all day.
- Sunday: Reopens, typically around 10:00 AM EST.
- Jewish Holiday Closures: B&H is also CLOSED for the duration of major Jewish holidays, which can sometimes last for several consecutive days (e.g., Passover, Sukkot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur). These dates vary each year according to the Hebrew calendar.
- Standard Operating Hours (When Open): Typically Monday-Thursday, hours are roughly 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST. Sunday hours are often slightly shorter, like 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST.
>>> ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS check the official B&H Photo Video website (bhphotovideo.com) for the most current and accurate store hours and holiday closure dates before planning your visit. <<<
Do not rely on Google Maps or other third-party sites, as they may not always reflect the specific religious closures accurately or promptly. The B&H website prominently displays its current operating status and upcoming closure schedule. Visiting on a day they are closed is a common mistake for unprepared tourists.
V. Preparing for Your Pilgrimage: Before You Go
A little preparation can make your B&H visit much smoother and more productive.
- Do Your Research: Have an idea of what you’re looking for. Browse the B&H website beforehand. Read reviews, compare specs, and narrow down your options. This allows you to ask more targeted questions and use the salesperson’s expertise efficiently.
- Make a List: Whether physical or digital, jot down the specific items you want to see, compare, or potentially purchase. Include accessories like memory cards, batteries, filters, or cables.
- Set a Budget: B&H is a wonderland of gear, and it’s easy to get carried away. Know how much you’re willing to spend beforehand.
- Check Store Hours: Re-iterate: Double-check the B&H website for hours on the specific day you plan to visit.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The store is huge, and you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking and standing.
- Bring Your Gear (Optional but Recommended): If you’re buying a lens, bring your camera body to test compatibility and feel. If buying accessories, bringing the main piece of equipment can ensure a proper fit.
- Allow Ample Time: Don’t try to rush a B&H visit. Depending on how much you want to explore and whether you need detailed consultations, plan for at least 1-2 hours, potentially much longer if you’re making significant purchases or visiting multiple departments. Peak times (lunch hours, weekends) can be very crowded.
VI. Inside the SuperStore: Navigating the Floors and Departments
Stepping into B&H is an experience. Here’s a general overview of what to expect, although layouts can occasionally be tweaked:
- The Entrance: You’ll enter off 9th Avenue. There’s often a security guard and a bag check station (they may tag larger bags or ask you to check them, though policies can vary). The initial impression is one of bustling activity.
- Multiple Floors: The store spans multiple levels, connected by escalators and elevators. Signage is generally clear, indicating which departments are on which floor.
- Ground Floor: Often features:
- Cameras: A vast array of DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, point-and-shoots, and medium format systems from all major brands (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Leica, etc.). Plenty of demo models are available.
- Lenses: An astonishing collection of lenses for every conceivable mount and purpose. Glass cases filled with primes and zooms. Again, testing on your own camera (if you brought it) or a demo body is often possible.
- Memory Cards & Accessories: Cases filled with SD cards, CFexpress cards, SSDs, card readers, batteries, chargers, camera bags, straps, and cleaning supplies.
- Computers & Tablets: Apple products, Windows laptops, monitors, storage solutions (hard drives, NAS), software, printers, scanners.
- Upper Floor(s): Typically house specialized departments:
- Pro Video: High-end cinema cameras, camcorders, support rigs, gimbals, monitors, recorders, switchers, and professional video accessories.
- Lighting: Studio strobes, continuous LED lights, modifiers (softboxes, umbrellas), light stands, grip equipment, backdrops. Often includes demo setups.
- Pro Audio: Microphones (studio, field, lavalier), audio interfaces, mixers, recorders, headphones, speakers, acoustic treatment. May include listening stations or demo booths.
- Home Entertainment: TVs, projectors, home theater audio systems, headphones (consumer).
- Optics: Binoculars, spotting scopes, telescopes.
- Drones & Aerial Imaging: Consumer and professional drones and accessories.
- Lower Level / Basement:
- Used Department: A major highlight. This separately managed section buys and sells used photo, video, and audio equipment. Items are graded for condition (e.g., 10, 9+, 9, 8+), and you can physically inspect them. It has its own sales staff and checkout process. Expect potential queues, especially for popular items.
- Film & Darkroom Supplies: For the analog enthusiasts.
- Possibly Rentals: B&H also has a rental department, though its public-facing counter location might vary.
The B&H Process: Sales Staff, Ordering, and the Conveyor Belts
The purchasing process at B&H is unique:
- Consultation: Find a salesperson in the relevant department (they usually wear identifiable vests, often blue). Discuss your needs, ask questions, and get recommendations. They can help you handle demo units.
- Placing the Order: Once you decide on an item, the salesperson will typically place the order using a computer terminal. They’ll take your name. You do not take the item directly from the shelf (unless it’s a small, pre-packaged accessory from certain areas).
- The Conveyor Belt: For many items (especially larger or boxed ones from the main departments), the salesperson sends the order electronically to the stock room. The item is retrieved and placed in a green bin on the overhead conveyor belt system.
- Proceed to Checkout: The salesperson will direct you to the main checkout area (often on the ground floor towards the back or a designated checkout on upper floors for certain departments).
- Payment: Give your name to the cashier. They will retrieve your electronic order. You pay for your item(s).
- Pickup: After paying, you move to the adjacent pickup counter. Your items, having journeyed via the conveyor belt, will arrive here. Staff will call your name, verify your receipt, and hand you your purchase(s). Small items or those purchased in specific departments (like Used) might bypass the main conveyor system and have a more direct handover or a separate checkout/pickup.
Key Personnel:
* Sales Staff: Highly knowledgeable, non-commissioned experts in specific product categories. Look for their vests.
* Cashiers: Handle the payment transaction.
* Pickup Staff: Manage the final handover of goods arriving via the conveyor belt.
VII. Tips for a Successful Visit
- Don’t Be Intimidated: The scale and bustle can be overwhelming, but the staff are there to help. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, even if you think they’re basic.
- Seek Out the Right Expert: If you have specific questions about lighting, talk to someone in the lighting department, not necessarily the first salesperson you see near the cameras.
- Be Patient: Especially during busy times, you might have to wait for a salesperson or queue at checkout/pickup. Use the time to observe the gear and the environment.
- Compare Actively: Take advantage of the hands-on opportunities. Pick up different cameras, mount lenses, test button layouts.
- Check Used First (If Applicable): If you’re open to buying used, consider visiting the Used Department early in your visit, as good deals can go quickly.
- Understand the Checkout Process: Knowing about the conveyor belt system helps demystify why you don’t just grab things off shelves and head to a till.
- Bring Identification: Especially for larger purchases or if paying by means other than a standard credit card, ID might be required.
- Enjoy the Spectacle: Take a moment to appreciate the unique environment – the sheer amount of gear, the knowledgeable staff, the whirring conveyor belts. It’s a unique New York experience.
VIII. Beyond Shopping: Other B&H Offerings
While primarily a retail store, B&H sometimes offers more:
- Event Space: B&H often hosts workshops, seminars, product demonstrations, and guest speaker events, usually on an upper floor. Check their website’s “Events” or “Learning Center” section for schedules. These can be great opportunities for free or low-cost education and networking.
- B&H EDU: Programs and discounts for students and educators.
- B2B Services: Dedicated services for corporate and government clients.
IX. Making a Day of It: Nearby Attractions
Given B&H’s central location, it’s easy to combine your visit with other NYC sights:
- Hudson Yards: Explore the modern architecture, shops, restaurants, the Edge observation deck, and the Vessel.
- The High Line: Start an elevated walk south through Chelsea’s galleries and scenic city views.
- Penn Station / Moynihan Train Hall: Admire the architecture of the new train hall.
- Madison Square Garden: Catch a game or concert if your timing aligns.
- Macy’s Herald Square: Visit the iconic department store, just a couple of blocks east on 34th Street.
- Times Square: Experience the dazzling lights and crowds (a 15-20 minute walk or short subway ride north).
- Bryant Park: A lovely urban oasis behind the New York Public Library (a walk or subway ride northeast).
- Chelsea Market: A vibrant food hall and market located further south (accessible via the High Line or a short subway/cab ride).
X. Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Physical Store
In an increasingly digital world, B&H Photo Video’s SuperStore stands as a testament to the enduring value of physical retail when done right. It’s a place built on expertise, selection, and a unique operational philosophy. Visiting B&H is more than just acquiring equipment; it’s about immersing yourself in the culture of image-making and technology, gaining hands-on knowledge, and engaging with professionals who share your passion.
By understanding its precise location at 420 9th Avenue, utilizing the convenient public transportation options (especially the subway to 34th St-Penn Station), being mindful of its unique operating hours dictated by Shabbat and Jewish holidays, and preparing for the sheer scale and unique purchasing process, your pilgrimage to this tech mecca can be an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience. Whether you leave with bags full of new gear or just a head full of inspiration, a visit to B&H Photo Video is an essential New York City experience for any creative or tech enthusiast.