I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: markets are some of the coolest things to visit in a city. If this market is full of great restaurants, different foods, interesting shops and art, then it gets even better. This is the case of Chelsea Market, between 15th and 16th streets, in one of the coolest areas of New York.
When you get there, don’t be surprised if you find the building boxy and industrial-looking. Until the 1950s, the place that now houses one of the most charming and coolest markets in New York was a biscuit factory. That’s right, that’s where warm batches of the world famous Oreo came from. As the National Biscuit Company grew, the company ended up moving to New Jersey and the buildings it occupied in Chelsea became abandoned. It was only in the 1990s that the place was revitalized and transformed into what it is today.
Plan your trip:
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Markets reflect a lot of local culture and Chelsea Market is no different. All the cool and cosmopolitan atmosphere of New York is in there. And that’s exactly why the market’s (and the city’s) greatest strength is its diverse cuisine. Inside you will find great restaurants and it is even difficult to choose whether you want to have a gourmet burger or oriental noodles, lobster or Thai, natural or Italian.
For practicality and economy, we opted for a pizza at Amy’s Bread, a very famous bakery that has an incredible variety of breads and snacks.
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Other famous places there are Friedman’s Lunch and Eleni’s sweet shop. But you can still opt for crepes from Bar Suzette, noodles from Chelsea Thai or pasta from Giovanni Rana Pastificio & Cucina, just to give an example.
Even if you’re not hungry, stopping by is worth it. The place has vintage decor, with art panels, photographs by local artists and old signs.
I even found a retro barber there.
It is also possible to go shopping in the clothing, crafts and souvenir stores. You can leave carrying an exclusive Chelsea Market ecobag.
Wine lovers also find their place there. The Chelsea Wine Vault has locally produced wines, others imported and some with prices reaching four figures.
Chelsea Market is open from Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 9pm and on Sundays from 8am to 7pm.
