Located in the Chelsea area of Manhattan, Chelsea Market is home to a variety of retail stores and one of the best food halls in New York. Here is a complete guide.
How To Get To Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is located in the Meatpacking District in the at 75 Ninth Ave, (between 15th and 16th Street) New York NY 10011
By Subway:
A, C, E or L train to the 14th Street (8th Avenue) station. Walk West to Ninth Avenue and 15th Street.
By Bus:
Take the M11 bus down Ninth Avenue and get out between 15th and 16th Streets.
By Car:
There are 2 parking lots adjacent to the market, both with entrances on West 15th Street.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
Chelsea Market Entrance Fee
It is free to visit Chelsea Market.
For all tourists visiting New York we recommend purchasing either the New York: Go City Explorer Pass with 95+ Tours & Attractions or the New York CityPASS®: Save 40% at 5 Top Attractions.
These are a great way of saving money when visiting multiple tourist attractions during your stay in New York.
Both include:
- Top Of The Rock
- Empire State Building
- Statue of Liberty
- American Museum of Natural History
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum
- And many more!
Chelsea Market Opening Times
Chelsea Market is open daily from 8am to 9pm.
Best Time To Visit Chelsea Market + Tips
Chelsea Market is a very popular with tourists and locals so if you want to miss the crowds, it’s a good idea to visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
We visited Chelsea Market after spending the morning at Washington Square Park and before heading to The High Line and The Edge.
The workers from the surrounding businesses flood into the market for lunch between 12pm and 2pm.
Look out for the eateries that hand out free samples to tempt you inside!
You might spot the odd celebrity in the market as some of the world’s most watched cooking shows are filmed here, including Iron Chef and Chopped.
Allow yourself 2/3 hours to browse the stalls and longer if stopping to eat.
What To Pack
The History Of Chelsea Market
Built in the 1890’s, Chelsea Market was originally the site of the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) factory complex. (The famous Oreo cookie was invented and produced here!)
The National Biscuit Company continued to expand at this site until in 1958 they moved their operation out to the suburbs.
Following Nabisco’s departure, the commercial character of this neighbourhood went into a decline until the 1990’s when the complex was redeveloped.
The redeveloped complex features a retail concourse at ground level with office space above and is known for featuring historic urban artefacts.
Spring 2009 saw the opening of the High Line. This abandoned, elevated railroad track has been converted to an urban oasis which now forms a route between the Javits Centre and the Meatpacking District.
In 2018, Google parent company, Alphabet Inc. bought Chelsea Market for more than $2.4 billion.
What To Expect At Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is an iconic culinary destination in New York and is considered one of the greatest indoor food and retail marketplaces in the world.
Not likely to be top of most peoples things to do in New York list, unless you’re a foodie however.
With its stripped down brick architecture and beautiful decor, Chelsea Market has a unique vibe and energy that attracts over six million national and international visitors every year.
With over fifty, first class restaurants and food stalls, virtually all food preferences and desires are catered for with Chelsea Market.
From classic French cuisine to Japanese sushi and award winning tacos you are sure to find something to tempt your taste buds.
What Else Can You Find?
You will also find high end fashion boutiques, quirky book stores, as well as a variety of smaller stores selling chocolates and flowers.
One of our favourite shops was Posman Books, where we picked up some unique gifts and magnets to take home.
Whilst strolling through the centre of Chelsea Market, it’s hard to miss the man-made wishing well.
With water constantly flowing from the pipes it’s a place to close your eyes and make a wish as you chuck your dimes and nickels.
Not only that but the lights constantly change colour which make it a very cool feature piece.
If you take a trip downstairs to the seller there’s even more of a ‘market’ feel. Here you’ll find products such as cheese, artisanal salt and olive oil.
If you’d like a more in depth tour of the market, the New York High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Tour is the one to book.
Artists & Fleas At Chelsea Market
After you have found something delicious to eat, you can browse the locally made arts and crafts at Artists and Fleas.
Artists & Fleas is a marketplace of makers – tastemakers, experience creators, designers, collectors and curators.
It’s a place where shoppers & creators come together to discover and be discovered.
With three locations in NY, one in Atlanta and one in Los Angeles, this vibrant marketplace offers an abundant selection of clothing, household goods and jewellery made by a selection of local producers.
Lauren found herself getting carried away with the silverware as I browsed the stand out art pieces and posters.
We would definitely recommend visiting Chelsea Market, not only for the incredible selection of foods on offer but also to browse the stalls and soak up the amazing atmosphere of this incredible complex.
Where To Stay In New York
Luxury – The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
This Manhattan hotel in Midtown overlooks Central Park and is within walking distance of Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center.
Free cable and a bathrobe are provided in every room at the New York Central Park Ritz-Carlton. All rooms are elegant, with wood furniture and light colors. Many rooms also include a city or park view.
La Prairie Spa at the Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park offers massage and facial services, as well as a sauna. Guests can also work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center.
The 57th street subway station is just 2 blocks away, providing easy access to the city. Radio City Music Hall and the Broadway Theatre District are also both within 1 mile of the hotel.
Mid-Budget – citizenM New York Times Square
Located right in the heart of Manhattan, this hotel is just 1 minute’s walk from Times Square. It’s also within 5 minutes’ walk of Central Park and Columbus Circle.
A flat-screen TV and a small refrigerator with free water are available in citizenM’s rooms. Bathrooms include Hansgrohe rain showers and oversized bathroom amenities.
With the room iPad, all guests can control room lights, black-out blinds, curtains and temperature. As well as TV and radio channels.
Free high-speed Wi-Fi and express check in are on offer at citizenM New York Times Square.
Three outdoor terraces are provided at the New York Times Square citizenM. They feature a state-of-the-art fitness centre with yoga facilities.
After working out, guests can relax with drinks and sweeping views of the city on the exclusive rooftop bar.
Budget – Central Park West Hostel
Located in New York City’s Upper West Side, this hostel is a block from the 86th street underground station and 2 blocks from Central Park. It offers Wi-Fi and staff-organized events.
A shared kitchen, café area, and spacious lounge with a flat-screen TV are part of the facilities at the FIT Hotel. Lockers are also provided in the dormitory rooms and luggage storage is available.
The front desk of this New York City hostel is open 24 hours a day. It features daily housekeeping and free linens.
Times Square is only 10 minutes via underground journey.
For more places to stay in New York, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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