Top 15 Tattoo Shops NYC: Complete Guide 2023

Are you looking for the best tattoo shop in New York? Let’s be honest, finding “the one” tattoo shop can be a challenge. You can get overwhelmed by the number of options in New York City, and finding the best and most trustworthy one can come off as a challenge. It also may seem like there are tattoo shops on every corner throughout the city. This is why in this article, we’re going to list the top 15 options that may intrigue you and that will help you narrow down your selection. Keep on reading and find your next tattoo shop and your best tattoo artist who is going to make your dreams become reality!

Best Tattoo Shops NYC

1. Studio 28 Tattoos

Address: 108 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001

Instagram: @studio28tattoos

If you find yourself somewhere in Manhattan, you should check out Studio 28 Tattoos. They are an amazing tattoo studio that is well known for its artwork, especially when it comes to doing half sleeves or full-sleeve tattoos. The staff is well equipped and trained to provide you with the best service, allowing you to enjoy gorgeous tattoos at an affordable price point. Everyone is also very friendly there. You should also check them out if you plan on doing a piercing, which means that you can enjoy two services in one place.

2. Bang Bang Tattoo

Address: 328 Broome St, New York, NY 10002

Instagram: @bangbangnyc

Bang Bang is one of the most famous studios in NYC. They have two shops, one in Chinatown and the other one in SoHo. One of the most fascinating things about them is that they have 30 artists working daily. Very popular on social media and well-known among influencers as well. Heads up as their pricing might not be for everyone’s budget. Most tattoo artists have a starting hourly price of $450 an hour. Another downside is the waiting period: you are looking at 4-8 months of getting your appointment. Don’t let this discourage you as they provide amazing services.

3. Eight of Swords Tattoo Shop

Address: 115 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Instagram: @8ofswordstattoo

If you live in Brookly and if you’re looking for a tattoo shop that is in Williamsburg, check them out! They are well-known for their way of doing cover-ups and custom designs on top of old tattoos. Anyone who has had a bad experience in the past will be more than pleasantly surprised by what they can do. The shop has been open since 2009 and is located in an old storefront from the 1840s. One of the reasons why most customers love this exact tattoo shop is because they accept walk-ins, so your waiting period will be short!

4. Rising Dragon

Address: 51 W 14th St #2R, New York, NY 10011

Instagram: @risingdragontattoos

Did you know that Rising Dragon has been around since 1984?! This is what makes them so unique as they are one of the oldest tattoo shops in NYC, as well as the first-ever shop to get a license in lower Manhattan. If you want to try out a Japanese style type of tattoo or if you’re aiming for a portrait design – check them out! They will do the best realistic artwork that you can imagine. The minimum price for a small tattoo is $100 (which is not too bad), while most of their tattoo artists bill around $200 an hour.

5. First Class Tattoo

Address: 52 Canal St, New York, NY 10002

Instagram: @firstclassnyc

Visit First Class tattoo studio if your chosen tattoo is very detailed and specific. They are trained to do unique artwork, as well as creative, bold, and colorful tattoos. Anyone who has a big and flashy design in mind will enjoy them and their skilled staff. They’ll help you with your wildest wishes, such as doing a neon tattoo, or even a lip tattoo. You can find them in Chinatown and enjoy the process knowing that you’re left with a handful of experts in the shop.

6. Nice Tattoo Parlor

Address: 177 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Instagram: @nicetattooparlor

For guys & girls who love minimalism & simplicity – this is the right move to make! Nice tattoo Parlor is mostly known for its clean and precise artwork, as well as its love for small minimalistic tattoos. Their prices start at a minimum is $200 and go up depending on your chosen design. One amazing detail about them is that their staff is mostly female, and most of these women prefer to do tattoos on women clientele. Any girl who wants to feel comfortable will enjoy this shop. If you are in Brookly just know that they are open seven days a week from 12 pm to 7 pm.

7. Sena Tattoo Shop

Address: 229 Centre St, New York, NY 10013

Instagram: @senatattoonyc

Those who love Japanese-inspired artwork and Japanese-inspired tattoos will fall in love with Sena! If you want to get a small cute print of a koi fish or if you’re aiming for a fierce dragon – they are your go-to! All of their work is very well thought out and unique, allowing you to get a design that stands out from the rest. Bright, bold, colorful, and breathtaking is what you’re going to get. This SoHo-based shop has six talented artists working weekly, including founder David Sena. With 10+ years of experience, you can’t go wrong with them!

8. Uplift Tattoo Shop

Address: 497 Broome St, New York, NY 10013

Instagram: @uplifttattoo

Uplift Tattoo is a tattoo shop that you can find in SoHo. It is a popular destination for a lot of locals and tourists thanks to its affordability and different services that they provide (piercings & tattoos are at your disposal). You should check them out if you’re considering letter tattoos, or geometric tattoos, as this is their forte. Once you walk in you get to choose among 12 different yet very skilled tattoo artists. Starting at just $50 when they’re doing promotions, people who are on a budget are going to love this place!

9. Fineline Tattoo Shop

Address: 21 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003

Instagram: @finelinetattoonyc

Do you want a shop that also has a unique story to tell? If you find yourself in the lower east side, head out to Fineline tattoo shop! Mehai is the owner of this tattoo shop (the son of Mike Bakaty, a veteran of the New York tattooing scene), and he promises high quality and uniqueness, just like his dad used to create. There are six tattoo artists who you can choose from, all offering amazing aesthetics and fine lines like no one else! If you want an engraved tattoo design – check them out. Their hourly price point is around $160.

10. White Rabbit Tattoo Studio

Address: 121 Essex St, New York, NY 10002

Instagram: @whiterabbittattoostudio

This is another tattoo shop that you can check out if you live in the Lower East Side. Their name is pretty self-explanatory and is the perfect go-to for vegans. Why? Because all of their used ink and materials are 100% vegan! If this is something that is important to you, make sure to check them out. They specialize in a range of styles and will easily make your wishes come true, no matter how big and bold they might be. The shop is open 7 Days a week (Monday – Sunday) from 12 pm to 8 pm.

11. Daredevil Tattoo

Address: 141 Division St, New York, NY 10002

Instagram: @daredeviltattoo

Don’t let the name scare you, as this gorgeous tattoo shop in Chinatown offers high-quality tattoos, along with their cheerful staff. Daredevil Tattoo has been around since 1997, which means that they have a unique story and history to share with you. Most visitors love them since they can book their tattoo appointments online and fuss-free, with a deposit of $100. Walk-ins are welcome + the shop can make all of your wishes come true. They are equally as good with all the types & styles of tattoos, meaning that you can’t go wrong with your chosen one.

12. Kings Avenue Tattoo

Address: 188 Bowery, New York, NY 10012

Instagram: @kingsavetattoo

This tattoo shop has been around since 2005 and has gained a lot of respect & love in the last almost 20 years. One thing that is so unique about them is that tattoo artists from all over the world are flown in regularly to help the shop run at its full power. You can get your tattoo done by a world-famous artist, and you can enjoy a gorgeous ambiance, along with an amazing aesthetic. Quality does come at a price, so heads up as their tattoos can get pricey. Luckily, you can do walk-ins with them.

13. Electric Anvil Tattoos

Address: 648 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Instagram: @electricanviltattoo

If you want to do a tattoo and a piercing in one day – Electric Anvil is the right move to make! They offer high-quality designs & piercings of all sorts for their customers. Their signature style is defined through clean lines and bright colors, as well as some traditional American tattoos. For those who are always indecisive a forever picky with their tattoos: they have a surprise for you! Just use their $100 token to “Get What You Get” where the machine picks out your new design. It is fun, quirky, and different – why not give it a go?

14. Times Square

Address: top fl, 252 W 46th St 2nd fl, New York, NY 10036

Instagram: @timessquaretattoo

Have you ever thought of getting your tattoo done at a mall? Why not in the busiest street in New York?! This is a gorgeous and clean studio that is always super busy, with a ton of unique tattoos and creations that one is going to fancy. If you’re visiting Midtown head to this studio for flawless ink. Although in the city center, they are not too pricey + they do walk-ins. Go for any style or design you like since they know how to do them all.

15. Five Points Tattoo Shop

Address: 127 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013

Instagram: @fivepointsnyc

Have you ever been to Five Points? If not, now is the right time to book your appointment. They are well-known for their fine-line artwork and Japanese prints that they can do. All of their staff is trained and super versatile, meaning that they can do any design you want. Let the staff pick out a tattoo that goes with your character, you won’t regret it! Chris Garver and Ami James run the place, while the shop is open from 12 pm to 8 pm every day.

Where To Go?

Are you ready for your next tattoo appointment? If so, make sure that you choose the best tattoo shop and go for a tattoo artist who knows how to make your dreams become reality. Also, aim for someone who is within your budget, and go for someone who has a specific style that you like. Let us know what your next tattoo is going to be, we can’t wait to see it on you!