Five of our favorite markets in New York City

Last Updated on May 23, 2023

There is no better way to absorb the essence of a city than to visit its markets, and it doesn’t much matter if those are flea markets, ordinary fruit and vegetable markets or those meant to sell cheap trinkets to tourists. There is just something about strolling past the stalls, taking in the energy of buyers and sellers, the different languages, smells, foods, the local handicrafts, clothes, antiques and souvenirs. Some markets have a real sense of purpose while others just seem like fun cultural experiences. As huge lovers of markets, naturally we researched what New York has to offer in terms of markets and set out to discover them all and eventually declare what are – in our opinion – the best markets in New York City.

 

New York City has dozens of weekly markets, seasonal fairs and flea markets to choose from and, as is our custom, much of our time in the Big Apple was spent checking out all of the New York City flea markets and food markets. If you’re headed to New York and are looking for a way to soak up the city, our detailed list of the markets in New York City (plus two honorary mentions) is a great place to start:

The Six Best Markets in New York City

5 Union Square Greenmarket

Set right on Union Square, this market has some of Broadway’s most historic buildings as its backdrop. Union Square Greenmarket is a paradise for health-conscious eaters – with locally made yogurt and honey, grass fed beef, organic fruits and vegetables, artisan breads and vegan muffins. If you come in the afternoon before the market shuts down, you’ll be able to find some of the best deals. Obviously, the variety of produce is much bigger in the summer and fall months, but the market is open year-round.

When the Greenmarket initiative started in 1976, there were only 12 farmers – today, there are over 230 farmers who belong to the Greenmarket network, the biggest farmers market network in the US which has 54 markets in New York City alone. Union Square Greenmarket even made CNN’s Top Ten Fresh Markets In The World.

Details: On the north and west sides of Union Square Park every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am to 6pm; Closest Subway Station: 14 Street – Union Square (4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, L Trains)

4 Brooklyn Flea

Brooklyn Flea is a sprawling flea market that takes place every Sunday in Dumbo, right under the Manhattan Bridge, rain or shine. It’s a small flea market, but I love the location and that you can combine it with a stroll along the waterfront. The views over the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline from Dumbo are spectacular!

There are dozens of antiques and second-hand stalls selling everything from kitschy ceramic owls and in-your-face reminders of a segregated past to up-and-coming furniture dealers and trend-setting jewelry makers. There are also some food vendors – including famous Brooklyn donuts by Dough – but if you’re hungry, there is also plenty of good food nearby, for example TimeOut Market, where you find 21 restaurants under one roof.

If you aren’t sure if you include Brooklyn on your trip to New York – the Dumbo flea market and a stroll through the surrounding waterfront neighborhood are a perfect reason to visit Brooklyn.

Details: Every Saturday from 10am to 5pm at 80 Pearl St. / Manhattan Bridge Archway, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Subway: York Street on the F Train)

3 Chelsea Flea

The Chelsea Flea is one of the largest flea markets in New York City, with 50 – 60 vendors. It was named one of the Top Ten Shopping Streets in the World by National Geographic and if you have time to visit only one, then this should be the New York City flea market you should visit. The vendors sell antiques, vintage, furniture, unique Brooklyn-made clothes, distinct indie fashion, memorabilia and jewelry.

The location is great and the market was relatively empty considering its Midtown Manhattan location, within walking distance to Times Square, and just around the corner from Madison Square Park. This market is a paradise for collectors of antiques, vintage clothes, oddball memorabilia, retro items, jewelry, furniture and its rumored that many set designers and props masters come here to source decorations and furniture for Broadway and Off Broadway shows. 

Details: The Chelsea Flea is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 4pm, year-round. The market takes place on West 25th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. Closest subway stop: 23rd Street (F, M, R & W Lines).

2 Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is a Sunday market on the Upper West Side, steps away from the Natural History Museum and Central Park. You find dozens of vendors of antiques, collectibles, vintage clothes, jewelry, handicraft, and more. There’s some vintage stuff, but also plenty of new things, such as art and clothes by local designers.

The locations is perfect to combine a visit to the Grand Bazaar with a stroll around Central Park or through the Upper West Side, known for its beautiful architecture.

Details:It takes place every Sunday from 10am to 5pm Location: 100 West 77th Street, (at the corner of Columbus Avenue) in Manhattan. Closest subway station: 72rd Street (1, 2, 3 Lines), 79th Street (1), and 81nd Street (A, B, C Lines).

1 Smorgasburg (Williamsburg)

Our absolute favorite market is Smorgasburg, a food market right on the East River (on the Brooklyn side). There are actually two Smorgasburg markets in Brooklyn: Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays in Prospect Park. Both are worth a visit, since they feel very different.

The Saturday market is usually much more crowded because of its location in the trendy Williamsburg – you’ll see a lot of hipsters here – while the Sunday market in the park feels more relaxed and attracts a different clientele. One thing that the Saturday market has that the Sunday edition can’t compete with: One of the best views over the Manhattan skyline! But the Sunday market sees less tourists, the crowd feels more local.

At Smorgasburg, you can grab a fresh-made pizza, Bolivian empanadas, raw vegan food, ice cream, coffee, Vietnamese street food, Mexican tacos or anything you could possibly think up and then sit down right in the gorgeous Marsha P. Johnson State Park or at the small beach, looking right out at the Manhattan skyline.

Foodies love offering food from all over the world and classic American grub like burgers and grilled cheese. Many famous New York eateries sell here, like the Red Hook Lobster Pound, The Meat Hook, People’s Pops popsicles, McClure’s Pickles, and many more. Come early though, or you’ll face long lines and crowded tables.

Top tip: Definitely come hungry!

Details: Open on Saturdays from 11am to 6pm (April through October). Location: Marsha P Johnson State Park in Williamsburg. Closest subway station: Bedford Ave (on the L Line). You can also take the ferry to North Williamsburg; the ferry dock is right next to the market.

Honorable mentions: Other great markets in New York City

Chelsea Market

Not a market in the traditional sense, Chelsea Market is more of an upscale assembling of restaurants, bakeries and food stores housed in the former home of the National Biscuit Company, where the first ever Oreo was made in 1912.The industrial aspect of the building was maintained when it was transformed into a market, creating an industrial chic vibe. Eateries include the fabulous Green Table, Chelsea Thai, a small storefront of the Artists & Fleas market from Williamsburg, plus Amy’s Bread – which has excellent cupcakes and other sweets, The Fat Witch – some of the city’s best brownies and Eleni’s famous cookies. Just off the Highline Park, this is a great pit stop for snacks to eat up on former railroad line turned green space and park, all with great views over Lower Manhattan.

Upstairs and out of reach for the everyday tourist are several television studios, including Food Network’s headquarters, where Iron Chef is filmed.

Details: 75 Ninth Avenue, Manhattan. Closest subway station: 14 Street (A, C, E Trains); 8 Ave (L Train)

Artists & Fleas

Artists & Fleas is an indoor artisan market in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. When it opened in 2003, it did so in an old warehouse on what was a neglected part of North 6^th Street, before Williamsburg’s popularity exploded shortly after. Open on Saturdays and Sundays, this is the best place to come for everything from creative inspiration to furnishing your new apartment. Here you will find paintings and photography by local artists, antique books, jewelry handmade out of just about any material – and the same goes for furniture and other accessories.

Details: Open on Saturdays & Sundays from 10am to 7pm (year-round). Address: 70 North 7th Street between Wythe and Kent Avenues. Closest subway stop: Bedford Avenue (L Train) or you can take the East River Ferry and get off at the North Williamsburg Ferry Pier.

What is your favorite market in New York City?