The Chelsea Market is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City, drawing in more than 6 million visitors annually. Home to more than 30 vendors, the market offers ample shopping opportunities, tempting treats, and a bit of history.
As a local, I recommend the market to everyone who visits me. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir or a midday pick-me-up, the famous market is a can’t-miss destination. So, without further ado, here is everything you need to know about visiting the Chelsea Market.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Visiting the Chelsea Market
Table of Contents (What to Know About the Chelsea Market)
Table of Contents: Chelsea Market Guide
What is the Chelsea Market?
The Chelsea Market is a famous food hall with unique stores, restaurants and small shops. The market is housed within a historic building that used to belong to the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco). In fact, this is where the Oreo was invented!
Where is it? The market is located in Chelsea, a trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant art scene. The Chelsea Market is less than a five-minute walk from attractions like Little Island, The High Line, and Pier 57, visiting the Chelsea Market is easy to fit into any NYC itinerary.
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 7am to 9pm & Sunday from 8am to 8pm. Specific vendors within the market have varying hours. If you’re visiting the Chelsea Market for a specific shop or restaurant, I recommend double-checking their hours online beforehand!
Best Restaurants in The Chelsea Market
The market is a foodie’s paradise, offering an array of diverse culinary experiences under one roof. Here are some of the most popular vendors to check out while visiting the Chelsea Market:
Los Tacos No. 1: Arguably the most famous tacos in New York City, the Chelsea Market location always has a line (for good reason). With a simple menu paying homage to traditional Mexican flavors, the tender meats and handmade tortillas are irresistible. I suggest ordering 2-3 tacos per person.
Local’s tip: Los Mariscos is owned and operated by the same team behind Los Tacos No. 1. The restaurant focuses on seafood tacos and is much less crowded.
Lobster Place: This seafood restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh and delicious seafood options, including lobster rolls, oysters, and fish and chips. Strolling by the counters, they proudly present their fresh fish on ice. They also have a raw bar, offering the chance to create a custom seafood platter.
Very Fresh Noodles: This spot serves delicious hand-pulled Chinese noodles and soups. After Los Tacos No. 1, this is one of the most popular restaurants at the Chelsea Market.
Corkbuzz: One of the best wine bars in New York City, Corkbuzz offers a cozy atmosphere, seasonal small plates, and an extensive wine list (available both by the glass and by the bottle).
Best Dessert Shops at the Chelsea Market
Doughnuttery: Doughnuttery serves hot, bite-sized donuts rolled in flavored sugars and smothered in unique toppings. They’re also Kim Kardashian’s favorite doughnuts!
Fat Witch Bakery: This bakery is famous for expertly-crafted brownies, some of the best in New York City. They also offer a variety of other baked goods, such as cookies and cakes.
Joey Bats Cafe: Specializing in traditional Portuguese pastries, pasteis de nata, Joey Bats Cafe even tempted the President of Portugal enough to visit the Chelsea Market in 2023.
Best Stores at the Chelsea Market
Artists & Fleas: Home to more than 30 vendors, Artists & Fleas is one of the best indoor flea markets in New York City. Most goods are created rather than thrifted. Think custom handmade jewelry, repurposed clothing made by aspiring fashion designers, and framed photographs.
Pearl River Mart: One of the longstanding anchors of the Chelsea Market, Pearl River Mart sells various Asian goods. Guests will find kitchenware, home decor, cosmetic goods, food items, and more spread across shelves and tables. The shop sources high-quality goods from Asia and up-and-coming Asian-American brands.
Posman Books: A charming bookstore that bursts with fun knick-knacks and NYC-themed trinkets, it offers a diverse range of books, magnets, totes, and more. The bookstore is one of the best souvenir shops in New York City and one of the best stores in the Chelsea Market.
Anthropologie: Featuring bohemian-inspired clothing and accessories for women, Anthropologie has a charming outpost at the Chelsea Market. They are known for their flowy dresses, tops, and unique prints. They also offer a selection of jewelry, handbags, and home decor items that complement their clothing style.
More Things to Do at The Chelsea Market
Check out Artechouse: Artechouse is an interactive museum at the Chelsea Market. The unique art installations transform entire rooms into canvases, projecting colorful lights and video onto all surfaces (walls, ceiling, and floors) in a mesmerizing 360° experience.
Get Tickets to a Show at Chelsea Music Hall: Chelsea Music Hall is a versatile entertainment venue on the bottom floor of the Chelsea Market. Known for hosting various live performances, including music concerts, comedy shows, and theater productions, Chelsea Music Hall’s tickets are usually inexpensive!
Celebrate the Holidays at The Chelsea Market: Those visiting the Chelsea Market during a holiday are in for a treat. During Halloween and Christmas, the market is covered in decorations, and it hosts live music and dancing for St. Patrick’s Day. Major holidays generally bring festivities to the market.
Tips for Visiting the Chelsea Market
Visit early and (if possible) on a weekday: The market gets crowded during the lunch hours (12 PM – 3 PM), the evenings, and weekends. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning on a weekday.
Be prepared for crowds and long lines: Some popular vendors, like Los Tacos No. 1 and Lobster Place, can have long lines (even during off-peak hours).
Use the restrooms at the restaurants. The public restrooms at Chelsea Market can have occasional lines. If you’re eating at a sit-down restaurant ask if they have a restroom for customers.
Interesting Facts About the Chelsea Market
The Birth of the Oreo: The Chelsea Market uses the former National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) factory built in the 1890s. This is where the Oreo cookie was invented!
A Glimpse into the Past: The industrial heritage at the Chelsea Market is evident with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and large windows. They even incorporated remnants of the original factory, like cobblestones from the horse-drawn carriage era, into the design.
Featured on the Big Screen: The Chelsea Market is home to a television production facility used by MLB.com, NY1, and The Food Network. The famous television show “Chopped” was filmed at a production facility within the Chelsea Market for many seasons.
Influential Owners: The Chelsea Market is owned by Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company. They acquired the entire building in 2018 for $2.4 billion, making it one of the most expensive real estate transactions in New York City history. Google and YouTube have offices in the building.
Commitment to Sustainability: Guests can feel good about visiting the Chelsea Market because the market committed to sustainable practices. They have a green roof, use recycled materials in their construction, and offer composting and recycling programs for vendors.
What to Do Near the Chelsea Market
Walk the High Line: The High Line, one of NYC’s most unique parks, was built on abandoned elevated train tracks. Stretching 1.5 miles, it draws 8 million visitors annually. The park connects Hudson Yards and the Meatpacking District, and visiting the Chelsea Market is a convenient stop along the route.
Enjoy One of the Best Free Viewpoints in NYC: Less than a five-minute walk from the Chelsea Market is Pier 57. The pier is home to a multi-use building along the Hudson River with a food hall, and guests can take an elevator to a free, open-air rooftop deck with panoramic views of Manhattan.
Visit The Whitney Museum: The Whitney Museum of American Art houses the most extensive 20th and 21st-century American art collection. It showcases works by iconic figures like Edward Hopper and Andy Warhol. Those visiting the Chelsea Market can enjoy less than a 10-minute walk to the museum.
Pop Into Starbucks Reserve: The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a chic, upscale take on the classic coffee shop. It offers cocktails, food, and souvenirs in a spacious setting. With only six Starbucks Reserves worldwide, stopping by is one of the most unique things to do near the Chelsea Market.
Where to Find the Chelsea Market (Map)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chelsea Market
Yes, Chelsea Market in NYC is definitely worth visiting for its atmosphere, diverse restaurant selection, unique shops, and historic charm, making it a must-see destination for locals and tourists alike. It’s also a natural stop for most first-time visitors since Chelsea has a variety of tourist attractions.
Chelsea Market in NYC is famous for its diverse array of food vendors, artisanal shops, and unique atmosphere, offering visitors a culinary and cultural experience unlike any other in the city.
The amount of time spent at Chelsea Market can vary depending on individual interests, but typically, visitors spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the food stalls, shops, and ambiance.
Yes, Chelsea Market is definitely worth visiting on a first trip to NYC. Its vibrant atmosphere, diverse culinary offerings, unique shops, and historical significance provide a memorable experience.
The Chelsea Market itself is free to enter and explore. However, the food, beverages, or items from the various vendors and shops inside will require purchasing.
The Chelsea Market has public restrooms available for visitors to use. They’re on the bottom floor on the east end of the market, and some restaurants have their own private restrooms for patrons.
The Chelsea Market is wheelchair friendly, with accessible entrances, elevators, and ramps throughout the complex.
More Helpful Chelsea Articles:
Things to Do in the Neighborhood: 20 Epic Things to Do in Chelsea
Bakeries in Chelsea: 12 Cheerful Chelsea Bakeries
Brunch in Chelsea: 15 Fantastic Spots for Brunch in Chelsea NYC
Coffee in Chelsea: 15 Charming Coffee Shops in Chelsea
Happy Hour Spots in Chelsea: 18 Satisfying Happy Hours in Chelsea, New York City
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Romantic Things to Do: 19 (Non-Cheesy) Romantic Things to Do in New York City
Unique Things to Do: 25 Unique (Non-Touristy) Things to Do in New York City
Free Things to Do: 20 Unique Free Things to Do in New York City to Keep Your Wallet Happy!
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I hope you enjoyed this guide to the Chelsea Market in New York City! Let me know in the comments below!
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