Best Markets in New York
Arguably one of the best ways to gain insight into local culture, markets provide a fantastic sensory learning experience. Whether you want to browse the stalls for some local handicrafts, check out the vintage section, or pick up some unique souvenirs for your loved ones back home, you’ll be amazed by what you may find. From fleas to food and drink markets, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of some of our favorite places to check out. Just keep scrolling!
Taste the City
Foodies – pay attention! If wandering through aisles of delectable confections and locally sourced honey sounds good to you, then the Union Square Greenmarket just might be your jam. Held four times a week, this fun cultural experience is known for presenting a wide array of organic veggies, heritage meats, and artisan cheeses. Be sure to check out the lively activities held at the market, including food book fairs, cooking demos, and quite thankfully, tastings!
When it comes to outdoor food markets, you can’t get much better than Smorgasburg. Attracting thousands of people to Brooklyn and Manhattan, this place has been recognized as ‘’The Woodstock of Eating’’. At the event, you’ll be able to taste from over 100 different vendors serving up a wide array of delicious and unique delicacies. Dive into the crowds, taste the city, and admire the views from the East River Waterfront. Hey, what’s not to love?
One of New York’s oldest markets – dating way back to 1818 - is also one of the city’s most cherished food spots and a mainstay of the Lower East Side. Those who are looking for the ultimate culinary experience will appreciate the Essex Street Market for its gourmet ice cream, fresh handmade pasta, and Japanese bentos. What better way to spend the afternoon than by eating your way around one of the city’s most mouth-watering food destinations?
Browse the Stalls
Looking for some eye-catching antique furniture or a funky vintage jacket to add to your collection? Then this bustling space has you covered. Running every Sunday, all year round, the Grand Bazaar Market is known for offering an expansive array of one-of-a-kind, rare, and limited-edition pieces. Whilst browsing, visitors can enjoy bratwurst hot off the stove, decadent sea salt brownies, or sip on a cold one. You may find interesting events held here, including Made in NYC, Handmade Bazaar, and Grand Vintage Bazaar. Oh, and the best part? Some of the proceeds go towards local public schools.
Another one of our favorite markets for a laid-back Saturday afternoon in the city is Brooklyn Flea Market. Running all year round on the weekends, this place is known for peddling everything from vintage home goods and collectibles to handmade wares and original artwork. Visitors can also enjoy deliciously fresh food and drinks whilst shopping. Since there’s so much to see and take in, we recommend saving a free day for this one. We especially love this place for its incredible bohemian atmosphere and fair prices.
Immerse yourself in the culture of the city with the next item on our list. Situated in Chinatown, the Canal Street Market provides an exciting and unique experience for you and your loved ones. Upon entrance, you can browse the stalls for beauty, clothing and design products. In the food area, you can dig into a comforting bowl of ramen, sip boba milk tea, and grab rare and artisanal ingredients for your pantry. Definitely don’t miss the cool special events here, including live music, comedy shows, and pop-up vendor activities.
Soak up the Atmosphere
Located in the Meatpacking District, the next item on our list is perfect for spending time with friends whilst enjoying a delicious bite. Merging food, art and culture, Chelsea Market offers a rewarding experience for anyone and everyone. The main star of the show is the market’s bustling, high-end food court, which houses restaurants, vendors and shops selling plates and ingredients from around the globe. In addition to its tantalizing culinary offerings, the market also has some great shops and stalls. Find a fantastic bottle of wine, get a beautiful bouquet of flowers made up, or watch an immersive art installation at Artechouse.
The best markets in the city bring a little bit of everything to the table. One of our personal favorites is the Astoria Market - and although it’s a little bit further out of the city center, we promise that it’s well worth the visit! Drawing together artists, bakers, and designers from all elements, this place is a total treat for the senses. Shop one-of-a-kind antiques, taste authentic Korean barbecue, and sit back and soak up the atmosphere. Though we can’t promise that you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll be intrigued and delighted by what the market has in store.
DeKalb Market is the perfect place to stop for a meal when exploring Brooklyn. A total Instagrammer’s paradise, this place features many local favorites all in one spot - trust us when we say, you do not want to miss out! Celebrating originality and diversity through food, the market offers a wide array of delicious cuisines from around the world. With its tasty eats, vibrant energy, and underground atmosphere, this would be a great place to try something new.
There’s no better way to soak up the atmosphere of the city than by visiting its fantastic markets, of which there are many. Breaking away from the typical trip to the mall, markets offer a vibrant, atmospheric experience to provide a true taste of the city. Whether you’re just browsing, bargain shopping, or looking to try out some of the best food in the city, it’s impossible to be bored! Besides being a total treat for the senses, the thought of discovering a quirky antique chair or great vintage jacket to bring home is just too tempting for us to resist! Explore the city to its fullest with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.