Babeland    (Photo: Courtesy of Babeland)

Kiki de Montparnasse
79 Greene St., nr. Spring St.; 212-965-8150
In addition to dozens of vibrators (a.k.a. “instruments of pleasure”), half of this 2,000-square-foot flagship is a veritable gallery, with rotating exhibitions and photographs for sale.

Babeland
94 Rivington St., nr. Ludlow St.; 212-375-1701
43 Mercer St., nr. Grand St.; 212-966-2120
A wonderland where adults can switch on vibrators and flip through erotic books in search of just the right toy. The staff is extremely open to all types of questions. Go ahead—try 'em.

The Pleasure Chest
156 Seventh Ave., nr. Charles St.; 212-242-2158
This West Village stalwart has been peddling sex toys, books, and movies since 1972. Known for its arty window displays, the Pleasure Chest has none of the seediness of neighboring adult boutiques

Myla
20 E. 69th St., nr. Madison Ave.; 212-570-1590
This luxury (i.e., not trashy) sex shop has loads of lingerie (fine silks and luxurious laces accessorized with Swarovski crystals, gold thread, and even real pearls) and sexual accoutrements.

Purple Passion/DV8
211 W. 20th St., nr. Seventh Ave.; 212-807-0486
Toeing the line between fetish and fashion, Purple Passion stocks horse-fetish wear and copies of Equus Eroticus alongside pricey gloves and leather corsets and dresses.