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The flea markets in New York City are an incredible place to find amazing deals and one-of-a-kind items at discounted prices. Scouring The Big Apple, you can uncover these hidden gems; you only need to learn the best spots to look!
Even though we prioritize outdoor activities during our trips, it’s always nice to browse and look in store windows. After all, shopping is one of the most popular things to do in NYC. While the high-end stores are impressive, there is something unique about perusing the stalls at NYC’s flea markets. The items are more one-of-a-kind, and many merchandise are cheaper compared to the hefty price tags of New York.
Additionally, the flea markets located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens offer the perfect chance to connect with local artists and shop from small, independent businesses. Plus, you’ll find just about everything, from vintage clothing, vinyl records, and antique furnishings to handmade jewelry, crafts, and accessories. You can easily spend hours browsing these one-of-a-kind trinkets, and you’re sure to find something to bring back home to family and friends (or to keep for yourself).
To help you plan your thrifting expedition, here are the 8 best flea markets in NYC:
Table of Contents
1. Chelsea Flea, one of the best flea markets in New York City
Initially, the Chelsea Flea is known for having all sorts of collectibles and vintage products, making it one of the best flea exchanges in New York City. It’s unquestionably among the most mainstream, and it has a convenient area in one of Manhattan’s most hip neighborhoods. Chelsea is extremely creative, pulling in a great many imagination sorts, which implies that the products at this market are completely extraordinary.
This Chelsea flea market has many vendors selling beautiful vintage items such as furniture, vases, and china. You’ll also find beautiful rugs, tapestries, and textiles, as well as various handicrafts. If one enjoys jewelry, this is a great place to find rare treasures and handmade pieces.
The Chelsea Flea is found at West 25th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It works consistently and it’s outside, so be certain to consider the climate.
2. Brooklyn Flea, a popular New York City flea market
Over in Brooklyn, under the Archway on Pearl Street, you’ll find the Brooklyn Flea, the sister market to the Chelsea Flea. It’s one of the most extensiveflea markets in Brooklyn with a wide variety of vendors, artisans, and food stalls.
Here, you can browse through various items for sale that span from fine artwork and photographs to handmade purses, necklaces, and accessories. There are also many unique craftworks and antique pieces, as well as vintage clothing suitable for all styles and body types.
Some of the most creative entrepreneurs exhibiting exceptional artistic flair establish shops here, so it offers an ideal setting to engage other local artisans and small enterprises. Moreover, the convenient location makes this a worthwhile pause while exploring other notable attractions in DUMBO.
The Brooklyn Flea operates every weekend from April through December and remains open regardless of rain or shine.
3. Artists & Fleas, the best NYC flea market for arts and crafts
Artists & Fleas is another place to shop for whatever your heart wishes. Looking for a trendy new outfit or a handcrafted bracelet to gift a friend? How about a luxurious small-batch body scrub to bring back home?
You’ll find all that and more at this famed NYC art market. Artists & Fleas is known for its hip clientele and trend-leading vendors, although you’ll also find antiques and collectibles here. Over 50 independent sellers come here to introduce new products and promote their brands, so it’s one of the best places to shop locally.
Thanks to its wide assortment of products, Artists & Fleas has risen in popularity and now has two places. The first is inside Chelsea Market and is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Not only is it conveniently situated, but after browsing the stalls, you can check out the other shops in the marketplace.
The second is the Artists & Fleas market in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which is accessible Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It tends to have more dealers than the Chelsea location, and it’s the perfect addition to your itinerary through Brooklyn’s trendy Williamsburg neighborhood.
4. Grand Bazaar NYC, one of the best flea markets in New York City for vintage lovers
The Grand Bazaar NYC, situated on Manhattan’s Upper West Side specifically on West 77th Street at Columbus Avenue, offers an indoor section providing respite from NYC`s outdoor attractions. If you need a break from activities like those explored at outdoor activities in NYC, you will appreciate having the option to peruse wares out of the elements.
In addition to being one of the largest flea markets in the city, the Grand Bazaar hosts themed occasions and local food vendors. As a result, it’s a huge, super-diverse gathering of creators and artisans selling everything under the sun. Plus, you can shop while supporting a good cause, as part of the profits go towards local public schools.
There are over a hundred vendors at this vintage market located in New York City, making it one of the best places to visit if searching for a new local business to support. Another beneficial aspect of the Grand Bazaar is that it`s highly inclusive and helps various vendors gain more exposure, from queer creators and Black entrepreneurs to women-owned companies.
Alongside arrangements for antiques, restricted-release goods, and one-of-a-kind items, the marketplace offers a delectable selection of gourmet food stalls. It is open year-round on Sundays solely from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
5. Hester Street Fair, a Manhattan, NYC flea market for families
The Hester Street Fair is another art flea market located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City specifically. It`s at Pier 17 along the waterfront and is open on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Hester Street Fair started with three neighbors in the Lower East Side. Now, it`s one of the top flea markets in New York City, boasting a curated selection of free-thinking creators, independent stores, and gourmet food vendors.
The market draws people from all walks of life, and you can find some of the most unique items here. For example, there are specialized CBD products, personal care items, home goods, and a nice selection of antiques. Bargain seekers flock here in search of amazing thrift discoveries like vintage clothing, accessories, and collectibles.
Moreover, in the spirit of being a fair, the market also holds unique events, including Monday night movies at Bryant Park. While you won’t find vendors at these events, there are lots of food trucks and stalls, so you can still connect with emerging businesses and entrepreneurs.
6. Nolita Market, one of the best weekend flea markets in New York City
If visiting Monument Valley independently, bear in mind the lengthy travel distances. The sole practical means of accessing Monument Valley is by private vehicle (or with a rented recreational vehicle in the USA).
Nestled on Prince Street between Mott and Mulberry, Nolita Market is an all-inclusive shop for art, customized products, and eccentric finds. It’s open seasonally from March to December but has the most vendors during the summer months.
While shopping outdoors, you can connect with local business owners and uncover new favorite brands. The assortment of art and creative handicrafts on display is truly impressive, perfectly matching SoHo’s pioneering attitude. Camera Monster`s screen-printed T-shirts in particular seem to be quite popular, although handmade jewelry and trendy sunglasses are also nicely represented.
The Nolita neighborhood flea market is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
7. Queens Night Market, one of the best NYC flea markets outside Manhattan
For an alternative experience, check out the highly popular Queens Night Market, a seasonal outdoor marketplace located by the New York Hall of Science. It sits within Flushing Meadows Corona Park, one of NYC’s finest parks, allowing visitors to enjoy the nearby attractions prior to shopping.
This prominent nighttime market located in Queens, New York conducts business on Saturday evenings from 5:00 p.m. until midnight. It has a family-friendly environment withrefreshments, shows, outdoor seating zones, and lawn activities. The cuisine and drink options here create an assortment of global fare originating fromall over theworld. You’ll struggle to select between the abundance of possibilities, incorporating pierogies, pupusas, Brazilian churrasco, Caribbean jerk chicken, arepas, and additional options.
While browsing, enjoy entertainment such as live music, DJs, and dance performances. The items here range from arts and handicrafts to fine jewelry and accessories, to collectibles and home decorations. The henna stall and the Museum of Nostalgia also stand out. It’s a celebration of arts, crafts, cuisine, and culture from around the globe, so if you’re in the area, don’t miss it! It’s one of the best activities to partake in Queens.
8. LIC Flea & Food, another family-friendly flea market in New York City
Finally, when in Long Island City, check out LIC Flea & Food, a New York City marketplace with food, clothing, art, handicrafts, and more.
This outdoor market runs on selected weekends in summer, also holding special events throughout the season. With locations at 46th Avenue and the Astoria Kaufman Studios on 36th Street.
LIC Flea & Food is modest in scale yet distinctive, offering shoppers in the locale an alternative retail experience. Among the vendor stalls, one finds impressive handmade works and vivid goods catching the eye. For instance, you may see textiles handwoven in the Philippines or inhale the tempting aroma of fresh Italian recipes wafting through the air.
Speaking of food, the public market is renowned for its culinary event called Taste the Greats and its outside beer garden, which serves local craft beer made locally.
Now, place on a decent set of walking shoes and get ready to browse all these lovely flea markets in NYC! Here, you can obtain a map to see which one is nearer to you.
Additionally, I`m always interested to hear what you think, so if you have any suggestions or want to share your experience at one of these flea markets in New York City, feel free to leave a comment. In the meantime, enjoy your trip and happy bargain hunting!
