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New York City is a popular tourist destination for many reasons. The city known as the Big Apple is teeming with history and art, making it truly a feast for the senses. New York City is also considered a melting pot where elements from different cultures continually influence what its inhabitants create and share with the world.
It is a fact that there are definitely some must-see places in New York City that no itinerary is complete without, such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, and Ellis Island, just to name a few. However, if you’re more adventurous and want to see what the artistic and culinary minds of New York City have to offer, your visit must include a flea and food market or two.
After all, there is nothing more fun about modern tourism than taking a guided tour through a food hall to sample all the tasty morsels or browse and purchase the oft-homemade goods that the vendors have to offer. Say you’re in New York City, you’re not quite sure what flea and food market you would like to visit. Where do you go? Here are a few that may pique your interest:
Union Square Greenmarket. Known around the world, this farmer’s market is a prime destination for the finest produce, artisanal food products, and more. The place brings together more than 140 people who want to sell what they reap, catch, and make, so you will find a bounty like no other in the heart of the city that never sleeps. The best part? There’s always variety and a lot to look at, no matter what season it is! If you’re looking for a nearby hotel, the Union Square Greenmarket is just a short drive away from the Westgate NYC Hotel in Midtown East.
Find fresh fruits and vegetables, premium homemade meats, jams, cheeses, and more to bring back to your hotel room to cook for dinner or breakfast the next day. In addition to being a large and diverse farmers’ market, the Union Square Greenmarket also holds weekly activities to keep things fun and interesting. You can watch a live cooking show, sample New York’s finest beer and spirits, attend book signings and classes, and more.
You can walk around the market by yourself if you want to learn about its history. Many of the sellers would be glad to share their stories with you while you go around, shop, and try some of the food. However, if you prefer, you can book a guided tour as well. Union Square Greenmarket will always have something interesting to offer all year round.
Industry City. True to its name, Industry City is a mega food hall and shopping district built in a 35-acre space in Brooklyn Waterfront. Not only will you get a retail experience like no other, but you’ll also see many of New York’s most creative and passionate makers gathered in one place. Go on a gastronomical adventure at Industry City’s food hall to sample the delightful culinary treats that Brooklyn has to offer.
From Korean comfort food to succulent BBQ, your taste buds are in for a wild ride! Check out the artisanal products like local craft spirits, honey, and more. Explore Industry City’s one-of-a-kind pop up shops for interesting knickknacks to bring home to your family. Getting lost here may be the best thing to do. For a closer look at Industry City and guided food tastings, reserve a slot in a tour around the place.
Artists & Fleas. Perhaps one of the more well-known flea and food markets, Artists & Fleas is all about offering the best of art from Brooklyn. What initially began as a series of pop up stores gave way to their first permanent location in Chelsea Market in April of 2014. If you’re looking for a shopping experience that’s a bit more off the beaten path, Artists & Fleas is definitely a place worth checking out.
You’ll find more than 30 individual businesses who offer their merchandise in a show-and-sell format every day, so you have time to really explore and look at what their goods are. Artists & Fleas is particular about selecting which sellers they feature at their stores, which means that they offer something new and exciting every time, with new retailers arriving every other week. You can either visit Artists & Fleas on your own or by booking a guided tour of the area.
While there are many more shopping and food halls in New York City, with new ones popping up every so often, you’ll definitely never run out of places to go. Even if you don’t get to visit as many places as you’d like the first time around, you simply have another reason to come back. After all, New York City never gets old—you’ll always have something new to experience and appreciate.
