Chelsea Market takes up the entire block with a food hall, shopping mall and office building on the west side of Manhattan in New York City.
This trendy market is home to art galleries, rooftop bars, museums, many shops, Chelsea Market restaurants and a large LGBTQ population.
It is one of the city’s gems, with ongoing exhibits to explore and gallery openings practically every night of the week.
History of Chelsea Market
Did you know that Oreo cookies were invented here?
Built in the 1890s, this market was originally the National Biscuit Company factory complex.
The factory continued to expand till 1958, and after that, they moved their operation out to the suburbs.
After the company’s departure, the neighborhood declined until the 1990s and the complex was redeveloped and converted into a beautiful market.
Chelsea Market Hours
The Chelsea Market opening hours are from 8 am to 9 pm daily. It is free to visit.
It will take 2 to 3 hours to browse the stalls and eat.
Best time to visit Chelsea Market
For more elbow room, visiting the market as soon as it opens or late in the afternoon is a good idea.
Avoid going during lunch hours, as nearby workers flood the market between 12 pm and 2 pm.
Also, the crowd gets heavy on weekends, especially Saturdays, when the rush hour begins.
So, if you prefer a quieter space, go on weekdays.
What to Expect at Chelsea Market
Located in the Chelsea area of Manhattan, this market has arrays of dining options that attract locals and tourists.
You can stroll through the market for lunch, drinks or shopping at all the authentic stalls.
Not only the food, its beautiful decor, brick architecture and energy attracts over six million national and international visitors yearly.
What else to find?
If you want a more in-depth market tour, you can find some high-end fashion boutiques, Chelsea market stores and various shops selling chocolates and flowers.
While strolling through the market, you will see the famous wishing well to make a wish.
Chelsea Market waterfall is a place where you can make a wish by chucking your dimes and nickels in the water.
After satisfying your taste buds, you can browse locally made arts and crafts at Artists and Fleas.
It’s a place where buyers and creators come together to be discovered.
Best food in Chelsea Market
This world-famous food hall in New York commonly offers visitors loads of fresh produce, prime meat, artisanal cheeses and imported Italian dry goods.
From classic French cuisines to Japanese sushi and tacos, all your food desires will be catered to at Chelsea Market.
How to reach Chelsea Market?
Located in the Meatpacking District at 75 Ninth Ave, between 15th and 16th Street, New York, this market is easily accessible in various ways.
By Subway- Take the A, C, E or L train to the 14th Street station and walk west to Ninth Avenue.
By Bus- M11 bus will take you to Ninth Avenue and between 15th and 16th Streets.
By Car- You can park your car adjacent to the market at the entrance on West 15th Street.
If you are short on time or want to explore everything in one day, you can book a Chelsea Market guided tour in advance,
Things to do in Chelsea Market
New York features a large selection of outstanding restaurants and some stylish stores.
Chelsea Market is one of the most famous food markets in NYC that offers all the tastes.
Use this list to discover some of the best things to do in Chelsea Market, New York.
Dine at the best
Primarily known for its eateries, you can stroll through Chelsea Market and discover a fantastic array of restaurants on the first floor, from food trucks to bakeries.
In just one market, you can dine on small plates as you go and taste every bit of everything.
Chelsea Market Restaurants: Must Try
- Filaga Pizzeria: Classic Margherita or Vegan
- Dickson’s Farmstand: Brussels sprouts with bacon and roast chicken with potatoes
- Lobster Place: Oysters, Steamed Lobster and Sushi Rolls
- Amy’s Bread: Sandwiches, Salads, Cakes, Cookies and Muffins
- Doughnuttery: Cinnamon Sugar, Lemon Pop, Coco Loco or Ban Berry
- L’Arte del Gelato: Cannella and Stracciatella
- Chelsea Wine Vault: Wines
Shopping stores
While offering various excellent dining options, Chelsea Market has some cool shops.
You will find everything from gifts to flowers to home goods in one place.
Vendors operate on Saturdays and Sundays, selling vintage clothing, antiques, jewelry and more.
Buy your tickets for High Line, Vessel and Meatpacking District guided tour and stop into the Chelsea Market to check out world-class food vendors.
Note: From Hudson Yards, it takes 30 minutes to go to Chelsea Market.
Famous Chelsea Market Stores: Must Visit
- Bowery Kitchen Supplies: Heaven for chefs
- Posman Books: Books and original postcards
- Chelsea Market Baskets: Tasty souvenirs and delicacies
- Artists & Fleas: Jewelry, clothing, accessories and paintings
Explore Meatpacking District
The most popular attraction in Chelsea Market is a large indoor food hall and shopping center in the entire block.
Historically, it was known for its industrial area full of slaughterhouses and packing plants.
However, after getting into development, it was restored as a trendy neighborhood with restaurants, bars, nightclubs and boutiques.
Today, it is a market that features a variety of food vendors and specialty shops selling books, spices and kitchenware.
Some best art and luxury stores in Meatpacking District
- Museums: The Whitney (2015)
- Contemporary Art Galleries: Flim screening, concerts and readings
- Fashion Stores: Christian Louboutin, Carlos Miele, Jean Shop, Charles Nolan or Alexander McQueen
- Decoration Stores: Hudson Furniture Inc. (419 West 14th St.)
- Electronics: Apple Store (401 West 14th St.)
FAQs
Why is Chelsea Market famous?
Chelsea Market is popular with tourists and locals for being an iconic culinary destination in New York.
It is considered one of the greatest indoor food and retail marketplaces in the world with high end fashion boutiques and stores.
Is Chelsea Market worth visiting?
If you are planning to explore Hudson Yards, Chelsea Market is the place that is worth your visit.
We would definitely recommend visiting this market for not only its incredible food selection but also the stalls and amazing atmosphere of the complex.
How long does it take to walk through Chelsea Market?
It will take you 2 to 3 hours to explore around the market, do some shopping and eat a meal.
But if you are going to breeze around and window shop, you will be done within an hour.
What is sold at the Chelsea Market?
Iconic culinary destination, Chelsea market is a food, shopping hall, office building and television product facility.
It is full of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars with over 30 wines and beer options for any occasion.
Is Chelsea Market connected to the High Line?
Yes, the distance between Chelsea Market and High Line is approximately 1 miles (1.6 km).
It will typically take you 14 minutes to travel from one point to another.
If you opt for walking or strolling through various stands, you can cover the area in 2 to 3 hours.
Featured Image: ChelseaMarket.com
