Best Markets in New York

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Sarah Harris

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

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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!

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do Alone in New York

In many ways, New York is the perfect destination for the solo traveler. Aside from its undeniable beauty, the city presents no shortage of fun and interesting things to do. Whether you’re looking to learn about the history of America, view some world-class art, or walk the High Line, you’ll find countless reasons to love the Big Apple. In a city presenting so many opportunities for adventure, you’ll never be bored. If you aren't sure where to start, have a read through our guide of the best things to do in the area. With Go City, you can see more, for less. See the Sites Travelling alone provides great opportunity for sightseeing and discovery. Gifted to America by the French in 1884, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. To marvel at this historic landmark up close, take the ferry over to Liberty Island. Bearing a torch in her right hand above her crowned head, this neoclassical sculpture stands out as a true emblem of freedom and possibility. Whilst you’re there, you should take time to visit Ellis Island, since these two attractions come hand in hand. Once the United States' main immigration point of entry, the area now presents many interesting activities for those looking to learn more about the development of the United States. Check out the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum, delve deeper in American history with a Hard Hat Tour, or take a boat trip around the area. Presenting such an interesting background that’s still relevant to this day, this site is a moving experience for many visitors. Some things are perhaps best enjoyed on your own – like the spectacular architecture of the city, for instance. Standing out against the towering skyscrapers and modern structures, the Brooklyn Bridge is a mainstay of NYC culture with its own claim to fame. Built in the late 19th century, it was the first roadway to connect Manhattan with Brooklyn and is recognizable today for its stunning gothic arches. Set aside an hour or so to walk the bridge and check out the spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. Don’t forget to bring your phone to capture the magic! Get Cultured If you’re looking for art and culture, New York City is the place to be! A well-recognized hub of innovation and creative thought, the city boasts some of the best galleries in the world. Located along the Museum Mile, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a total must-see for all artsy types. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, the museum exhibits over 5000 years of art across all disciplines. Highlights include Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lillies, and Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. Another one of our favorite things to do alone in the city is visit the Morgan Library. Formerly the private collection of financier J. Pierpont Morgan, this place is recognized as one of the largest on-paper repositories in the world. Indeed, situated in a striking palatial building on Madison Avenue, you can view an expansive collection of art across a wide variety of disciplines, including drawings, prints, and musical works spanning from 4000 B.C. right through to the 21st century. Highlights include Charles Dickens’s manuscript of A Christmas Carol, the only manuscript of Milton's Paradise Lost, and letters written by Jane Austen. Going to see a play of your own choosing can be pretty liberating. Luckily, New York is brimming with options for theater lovers - no matter what your style may be! If you’re a musical fan, Broadway should be right up your alley. Attracting millions of visitors each year, this iconic playhouse is recognized for shaping the landscape of popular theater as we know it today. Still, if you’re looking to see something a little different, you’ll have plenty of places to choose from. Located in Greenwich Village, the Cherry Lane Theatre is known for being the oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater in New York City. Here, you’ll find everything from total classics and tragedies to side-splitting comedies and political works all under one roof. Whether you’re an actor, a drama student, or a dedicated fan of the performed arts, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Relax! New York, we love you, but you can be a little tiring sometimes! For those looking for a refuge among the mayhem, don’t worry – we've got you covered. Running from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District right through to Hudson Yards, the High Line offers visitors a great chance to soak up the city without too much of a fuss. There are flowers, benches, and public art installations to be enjoyed. Go for a casual stroll, have a picnic, or sit back and enjoy the sunset over the skyline – the world’s your oyster! Visiting a market is a fantastic solo travel activity and New York has some of the best. Drawing together artisans and tastemakers from all over the city, Chelsea Market offers a rewarding experience for any visitor. Its main draw is its vibrant food hall, which has over 30 vendors selling dishes and ingredients from around the world. The market also has many interesting shops and kiosks to explore. Browse the book stores, check out the jewelry, pick up a jar of raw wildflower honey, or watch an interactive art installation at Artechouse. Hey, what’s not to love? Forever interesting and bustling with life, New York is the perfect destination for the solo traveler. Whether you love art, history, or just simply want to admire the cityscape, the Big Apple is where you want to be. Looking to learn more about the background of the city? Head over to Ellis Island for a trip back in time. Are you fostering a deep love of the performed arts? Make a trip to Broadway for some of the best live entertainment in the country. Harnessing a sweet tooth? Check out Chelsea Market for some delicious eats. Wherever your interests may lie, New York has plenty of things to do, and even more to see. 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.
Sarah Harris
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Things to do in Astoria

Looking for interesting things to do in Astoria? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Established way back in the 17th century, this vibrant neighborhood is now recognized for its fantastic museums, beautiful parks and enticing restaurants. Whether you’re in a group or travelling solo, you’ll find that there's no shortage of things to see and do in Astoria. So, if you’re planning to make the visit, read through our guide of the best attractions in the area. With Go City, you can see more, for less. Explore the Area Brimming with diversity and culture, Astoria is home to a fantastic array of dining options. Whether you’re looking for something a little sweet, a romantic date spot, or maybe just a quick slice, there’s something for everybody here. Still, if it's your first trip here, we suggest checking out one of the area’s many enticing Greek restaurants. Always our top pick, Bahari Estiatorio won the people over long ago with its authentic eats and laid-back atmosphere. This place is a local favorite – and we can see why! But if Greek isn’t your thing, there’s no need to worry – Astoria is a total foodie’s dream. Those looking for a hit of spice should check out Seva. With their approachable menu and rich flavors, this place puts dedication into bringing Indian cuisine to a broad audience. Just be careful you don’t go too spicy! Musical instruments have lent their sound to countless masterpieces throughout the years, but none are quite as recognizable as the Steinway piano. For inquisitive musicians and artisans alike, the Steinway & Sons Factory provides tours so you can see how this beautiful instrument is made. Dig deep into a fundamental part of musical history and view the intricate work that goes into making these pieces firsthand. Walking through the factory, you might feel a little like you’re going backwards in a time machine, but that’s what makes their pianos so special. The company utilizes a lot of unique handcrafting techniques as opposed to modern methods. We recommend wearing your comfiest shoes, since the tour is two hours long! Get Cultured A list of the best attractions in Astoria wouldn’t be complete without the Noguchi Museum. Founded and designed by Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, the institution is the first to be established in America with the sole intention of the artist showing their own work. Since then, the repository has grown to include an extraordinary range of sculptures from modern and contemporary artists. Don't forget to check out the sculpture garden, where you can view some of the most interesting sculptor works in a serene outdoor setting. Though this is a specialty museum, these unusual pieces are more than palatable to any creative types drifting into the local area. Where Midtown has the MoMa and The Museum at FIT, Astoria has the Museum of the Moving Image. Built into the former site of the Astoria Studios, the institute concentrates on the history, artistry and technology of digital media. In its expansive collection, you’ll find everything from famous film costumes and still photography to technical and production equipment. Additionally, visitors can enjoy immersive exhibitions, animation workstations and special events. This place is just as intriguing for passionate cinephiles and casual viewers alike – so don’t miss out! We love a good museum, and luckily, Astoria presents some fantastic options for those who feel the same way. Standing out as the only institution of its kind in the city, The People’s Museum works to provide an immersive educational experience for those with physical disabilities. The establishment defines itself as a general education museum, and its exhibitions cover a wide range of topics. From modern art and Roman pottery to Revolutionary War memorabilia and dinosaur bones, this place has it all. With its friendly environment and innovative means of presentation, the museum works to provide a fun learning experience for all visitors. Check out Some of the Landmarks Another one of our favorite spots to visit in Astoria is the Welling Court Mural Project. Situated just a few blocks away from Socrates Park, this vibrant project began as a means to beautify the area and influence positive social change through the art of graffiti. Free and open to the public 24 hours a day, the gallery displays the works of over 150 artists, including Lady Pink, Tristan Easton, and Wane COD. The walls serve as a backdrop for a wide variety of subject matters: from the socially charged and pragmatic to the comedic and whimsical, you’ll spot it all here. Don’t forget to bring your phone so that you can capture some snaps for Instagram! If you couldn’t get enough of the sculptures at the Noguchi Museum, then you should consider checking out the Socrates Sculpture Park. In 1986, the artists Mark di Suvero and Enrico Martignoni set out to transform an abandoned landfill into a hub of innovative activity and creative thought. And it worked! Set against the wondrous backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, the garden is now home to a Impressive and ever-changing collection of architectural models. In addition to its beautiful contemporary sculptures, you can also catch music and dance performances, movie screenings, educational workshops and more. We could think of few things better than savoring a frosty cold one on a balmy summer’s evening. Perfect for hanging out with friends after an exciting day of exploration, the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is recognized as one of the oldest venues of its kind in New York. Sip on some of the best Czech and craft beers available and enjoy hot bratwurst straight off of the grill in a friendly courtyard. Keep your eye out for sports nights and traditional festivals - but be warned – they can get quite rowdy! Well, what else is there left to say? We love Astoria! With so many things to do in the area, it’s impossible to be bored. Whether you’re looking to try out some of the best cuisine in the city, catch a drink with some friends, or view some avant-garde art, the world’s your oyster! To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris

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