Best Flea Markets in New York City — City Experiences (2024)

If you love scouring for bargains on everything from vintage records and jeans to antique rocking chairs and old magazines from the 1950s, then you’ll love all the great indoor and outdoor flea markets scattered throughout New York City.

Best Flea Markets in New York City — City Experiences (1)The term that gives name to this fun pastime is a misnomer imported from Paris. According to historians, the term “flea market” first sprang up in the 1880s, when an unknown bargain hunter looked upon” an outdoor bazaar “with its rags and old furniture and dubbed it le marché aux puces (“market of fleas”), because of shoppers’ perceptions that some of the more time-worn wares sold there carried the little bloodsuckers,” writes Mental Floss.

Such flea markets are obviously quite different today. And they are so much fun to browse! Here are the best NYC bazaars in every borough to hunt for trinkets, clothes, furniture, jewelry, and anything else you can imagine.

Manhattan Flea Markets

The outdoor Chelsea Flea is open every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round, rain or shine. Located on west 25th Street. The market has 50 to 60 vintage and antique vendors. It’s also free to enter. While the market allows dogs and service animals, “consider extreme weather conditions before bringing your pet to the market,” chelseaflea.com says. It’s a wonderful place for those who love fun costume jewelry and unconventional furniture, art, ceramics, and so much more according to Timeout.

Best Flea Markets in New York City — City Experiences (2)Grand Bazaar NYC is the oldest flea market in New York City. It was started in 1979 by a group of parents trying to raise money for their children’s schools. “Today, we’re the only purpose-driven market that donates 100% of its profits to four public schools, funding arts, enrichment, and classroom essentials for over 2,000 children,” says Grand Bazaar NYC. Located on West 77th Street, the market is open every Sunday year-round and is indoors and outdoors. You’ll find many different types of goods offered by more than 100 merchants. If you’re hungry, there’s a food court on site. Also, check out their themed and seasonal events as well as pop-ups.

The Nolita Market is where to find everything from jewelry to hats and baby clothes. Located in Soho on Prince Street, the artisan market is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March through December. Some vendors take custom orders. You can find handmade jewelry here and hand silkscreened T-shirts.

After a day of Manhattan flea market shopping, take a load off your feet by jumping on the New York Signature Dinner Cruise. You don’t need an occasion to make an unforgettable memory. You’ll take in New York City’s skyline from the East and Hudson Rivers. The two-and-a-half-hour cruise features a dinner buffet, onboard entertainment with a DJ, access to an open-air rooftop lounge, and a guaranteed table for your party size.

Brooklyn Flea Market Heaven

Brooklyn is all the rage these days. And not just to live and be seen. Head to Brooklyn where there are some great flea markets. Start with Artists & Fleas Williamsburg, which was established in 2003. Every weekend you’ll find 50-plus sellers offering fashion, vintage, art, and design goods, plus much more. It’s open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. “At a time when shopping has become a click and daily cardboard box delivery, Artists & Fleas is a conductor of human-to-human transaction—where stories are as plentiful as products,” says the Artists and Fleas website.

Best Flea Markets in New York City — City Experiences (3)Brooklyn Flea may be closed for the winter but get ready for it to reopen in spring. It was founded in 2008, and is a top spot for people who love to hunt for collectibles, vintage clothes, jewelry, and art. Brooklyn Flea is in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn, is free to enter, and is open rain or shine, from April to December.

And while you’re in Brooklyn, there’s no better way to see this great borough than by bicycle. Take the NYC: Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour with a New York City licensed tour guide. You’ll start by biking through lower Manhattan and see iconic landmarks. Then you will bike across the historic Brooklyn Bridge. Make sure you have your camera or phone handy when you stop. Get spectacular views of the scenic Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn Bridge Park and stop at Jane’s Carousel and Brooklyn Heights.

Check Out Flea Markets in Queens and The Bronx

The Queens Night Market is great for families and features as many as 100 independent vendors. You’ll find a variety of merchandise as well as cultural performances and food. Here you can sample tasty bites from 80 countries. The market is behind the New York Hall of Science in Corona, is open from 5 p.m. to midnight on Saturdays and is scheduled to return in spring 2023.

Head on over to Astoria where you’ll find Astoria Market, which is open on Sundays in the Main Hall of The Beer Garden at Bohemian Hall. The free market “brings together artists, bakers, and designers to showcase the creativity and talent that’s brewing in Queens and beyond,” says the Astoria Market website. Here you’ll find handmade and vintage goods as well as baked items.

Best Flea Markets in New York City — City Experiences (4)

After shopping, walking, and/or biking-you need a break! Hop aboard a co*cktail cruise and savor the late afternoon with the perfect pairing of refreshing drinks and tasty bites. A live DJ will get everyone moving as you take in the stunning panoramic views of the New York City skyline. Relax on an outer deck with a co*cktail in hand or get indoors and chill out in a cozy lounge space to relax and unwind in a fun and adventurous way.

With so many cool flea markets in New York City, you’re sure to find something to treasure or a gift for a friend or family member. Happy hunting!

FAQ

Do vendors accept only cash at flea markets?

Vendors accept cash and debit or credit cards. ATM’s are also conveniently located on site at many flea market locations (with a transaction fee of course).

What do you wear to a flea market?

Wear comfortable, casual attire. Sneakers are the best option since chances are you will be doing a lot of walking. Keep in mind that you want to dress simply since the idea is to appear frugal to get the best deals.

What are the best items to buy at a flea market?

You can get so many unique items at a flea market in New York City. There are vintage furniture pieces, handmade jewelry, toys, vintage clothes, and so much more! The fun part is the hunt.

Original Post Date: January 26, 2023

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert in flea markets in New York City, I can provide you with information about the concepts mentioned in this article. Let's dive into each concept:

Flea Markets in New York City

New York City is home to a variety of flea markets where you can find a wide range of items, including vintage records, jeans, antique furniture, magazines, jewelry, and more. These markets offer a unique shopping experience and are scattered throughout the city, providing options for both indoor and outdoor shopping.

Origin of the Term "Flea Market"

The term "flea market" originated in Paris in the 1880s. According to historians, it was coined by an unknown bargain hunter who referred to an outdoor bazaar as "le marché aux puces" or "market of fleas." This name was inspired by the perception that some of the old and worn-out items sold at the market might carry fleas. Over time, flea markets have evolved and are now quite different from their original form .

Manhattan Flea Markets

In Manhattan, there are several flea markets worth exploring. The Chelsea Flea Market is an outdoor market located on West 25th Street. It is open every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features around 50 to 60 vintage and antique vendors. The market is known for its unique selection of costume jewelry, unconventional furniture, art, ceramics, and more .

Another notable flea market in Manhattan is the Grand Bazaar NYC, which is the oldest flea market in the city. It was established in 1979 and is open every Sunday year-round. The market is located on West 77th Street and features over 100 merchants offering a variety of goods. What sets this market apart is that it donates 100% of its profits to four public schools, supporting arts, enrichment, and classroom essentials for over 2,000 children .

The Nolita Market, located in Soho on Prince Street, is another option for flea market enthusiasts. It is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from March through December. The market showcases a range of items, including jewelry, hats, baby clothes, handmade jewelry, and hand silkscreened T-shirts.

Brooklyn Flea Markets

Brooklyn is known for its vibrant flea markets as well. Artists & Fleas Williamsburg is a popular flea market that has been around since 2003. It operates every weekend, offering fashion, vintage items, art, design goods, and more. The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and provides a platform for human-to-human transactions, where stories are as plentiful as the products.

Brooklyn Flea is another well-known flea market in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn. Founded in 2008, it is a favorite spot for collectors and vintage enthusiasts. The market is open from April to December, rain or shine, and features a variety of items such as collectibles, vintage clothes, jewelry, and art .

Flea Markets in Queens and The Bronx

In Queens, the Queens Night Market is a family-friendly flea market that features up to 100 independent vendors. It offers a diverse range of merchandise, cultural performances, and food from 80 different countries. The market is located behind the New York Hall of Science in Corona and is open on Saturdays from 5 p.m. to midnight .

Astoria Market, located in Astoria, Queens, is another option for flea market enthusiasts. It takes place on Sundays in the Main Hall of The Beer Garden at Bohemian Hall. The market showcases handmade and vintage goods, as well as baked items.

Attending Flea Markets

When visiting flea markets, it's important to come prepared. Vendors at flea markets typically accept both cash and debit/credit cards. Some markets also have ATMs on-site, although they may charge a transaction fee. It's recommended to wear comfortable, casual attire, such as sneakers, as you may be doing a lot of walking. The goal is to dress simply and appear frugal to get the best deals .

In conclusion, New York City offers a variety of flea markets in different boroughs, each with its own unique atmosphere and selection of goods. Whether you're looking for vintage items, handmade jewelry, or unique collectibles, these flea markets provide a treasure trove of options for shoppers. Happy hunting!

Best Flea Markets in New York City — City Experiences (2024)

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