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The flea markets in New York City are a bargain hunter’s dream come true. You can find fantastic deals and unique products throughout the Big Apple; you just need to know where to look!
Although we prioritize outdoor activities during our trips, it’s always nice to browse and window-shop. After all, shopping is one of the most popular things to do in NYC. While the luxury stores are impressive, there is something special about looking through the stalls at NYC’s flea markets. The items are more one-of-a-kind, and many products are cheaper compared to the hefty price tags of New York.
Moreover, the flea markets in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens offer the perfect opportunity 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 perusing 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 adventure, here are the 8 best flea markets in NYC:
1. Chelsea Flea, one of the best flea markets in New York City
First, the Chelsea Flea is known for having all kinds of antiques and vintage items, making it one of the best flea markets in New York City. It’s definitely among the most popular, and it has a convenient location in one of Manhattan’s coolest neighborhoods. Chelsea is super artsy, attracting lots of creative types, which means that the wares at this market are totally unique.
1. Chelsea Flea, one of the best flea markets in New York City
This Chelsea flea market features dozens of vendors selling beautiful vintage items like furniture, vases, and china. You’ll also find beautiful rugs, tapestries, and textiles, as well as a variety of handicrafts. If you like jewelry, this is a great place to find rare treasures and handmade pieces.
The Chelsea Flea is located at West 25th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It operates year-round and it’s outside, so be sure to take the weather into account.
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 largest flea markets in Brooklyn with a wide variety of vendors, artisans, and food stalls.
Here, you can browse the wares, which range from fine art and photography to handmade purses, necklaces, and accessories. There are also lots of unique crafts and antique pieces, as well as vintage clothing for all styles and sizes.
2. Brooklyn Flea, a popular New York City flea market
Some of the most artistic and creative entrepreneurs set up shop here, so it’s a great place to connect with other local creators and small businesses. Plus, the convenient location makes this a nice place to stop while exploring the other fun attractions in DUMBO.
The Brooklyn Flea operates every weekend from April to December and is open 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 desires. Looking for a trendy new outfit or a handmade bracelet to give to a friend? How about a luxurious small-batch body scrub to bring back home?
You’ll find all that and more at this popular NYC art market. Artists & Fleas is known for its hip clientele and trend-setting vendors, although you’ll also find antiques and collectibles here. Over 50 individual sellers come here to introduce new products and promote their brands, so it’s one of the best places to shop locally.
3. Artists & Fleas, the best NYC flea market for arts and crafts
Thanks to its wide selection of products, Artists & Fleas has risen in popularity and now has two locations. The first is inside Chelsea Market and is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Not only is it well-located, but after browsing the stalls, you can check out the other shops in the market.
The second is the Artists & Fleas market in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It tends to have more vendors 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 is on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, specifically on West 77th Street at Columbus Avenue. If you need a break from the outdoor activities in NYC, you’ll appreciate that the bazaar has an indoor section.
In addition to being one of the largest flea markets in the city, the Grand Bazaar hosts themed events 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.
4. Grand Bazaar NYC, one of the best flea markets in New York City for vintage lovers
There are over 100 vendors at this vintage market in NYC, so it’s one of the best places to go if you’re in search of a new local business to support. Another nice thing about the Grand Bazaar is that it’s very inclusive and helps different vendors get more exposure, from queer creators and Black entrepreneurs to women-owned businesses.
Along with deals on antiques, limited-edition products, and one-of-a-kind items, the market has a delicious array of gourmet food stalls. You can visit year-round, although the market is only open on Sundays 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 in NYC, specifically in Midtown Manhattan. 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 began with three neighbors on the Lower East Side. Now, it’s one of the best flea markets in New York City, boasting a curated selection of free-thinking creators, independent stores, and gourmet food vendors.
5. Hester Street Fair, a Manhattan, NYC flea market for families
The market attracts 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 hunters flock here in search of amazing thrift finds like vintage clothing, accessories, and collectibles.
Moreover, in the spirit of being a fair, the market also holds special 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 up-and-coming businesses and entrepreneurs.
6. Nolita Market, one of the best weekend flea markets in New York City
Over in NYC’s SoHo district, the Nolita Market is a weekend flea market in New York City that you shouldn’t miss. It’s one of the best places to find lots of handmade items and artistic crafts in one spot.
6. Nolita Market, one of the best weekend flea markets in New York City
Nestled on Prince Street between Mott and Mulberry, Nolita Market is a one-stop shop for art, custom products, and quirky finds. It’s open seasonally from March to December but has the most vendors during the summer.
While shopping under the open sky, you can connect with local business owners and discover your new favorite brand. The variety of art and creative crafts here is astounding, and a perfect complement to SoHo’s trendsetting attitude. The screen-printed T-shirts from Camera Monster are especially popular, although there is also a nice selection of handmade jewelry and chic sunglasses.
The Nolita flea market is open 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 something a bit different, check out the Queens Night Market, a seasonal outdoor market by the New York Hall of Science. It’s right in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, one of NYC’s best parks, so you can enjoy the nearby attractions before shopping.
7. Queens Night Market, one of the best NYC flea markets outside Manhattan
This nighttime flea market in Queens, New York operates on Saturday nights from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. It has a family-friendly atmosphere with refreshments, performances, outdoor seating, and lawn games. The food and beverage options here create a smorgasbord of ethnic cuisine from around the world. You’ll have a hard time choosing between all the options, which include pierogies, pupusas, Brazilian churrasco, Caribbean jerk chicken, arepas, and more.
While you shop, enjoy entertainment like live music, DJs, and dance performances. The items here range from arts and crafts to fine jewelry and accessories, to collectibles and home decor. The henna stall and the Museum of Nostalgia also stand out. It’s a celebration of arts, crafts, food, and culture from around the world, so if you’re in the area, don’t miss it! It’s one of the best things to do in Queens.
8. LIC Flea & Food, another family-friendly flea market in New York City
Finally, if you’re over in Long Island City, check out LIC Flea & Food, a New York City flea market with food, clothing, art, crafts, and more.
This outdoor market is open on select weekends during the summer, although it holds special events throughout the season. It’s located at 46th Avenue, with a secondary location at Astoria Kaufman Studios on 36th Street.
8. LIC Flea & Food, another family-friendly flea market in New York City
LIC Flea & Food is small and unique, offering a different shopping experience for those in the area. Among the vendor stalls here, you’ll find impressive artisan creations and colorful products that catch your eye. For example, you may find hand-loomed textiles from the Philippines or smell the enticing aroma of fresh-baked Italian recipes wafting through the air.
Speaking of food, the market is known for its Taste the Greats culinary event and its outdoor beer garden, which serves local craft beer.
Now, put on a good pair of walking shoes and get ready to browse all these lovely flea markets in NYC! Here, you can find a map to see which one is closer to you.
Also, I’m always interested in what you think, so if you have any suggestions or you want to share your experience at one of these New York City flea markets, leave me a comment. Until then, enjoy your trip, and happy bargain-hunting!
