New York Markets
New York markets are an affordable alternative to regular grocery shopping. Therefore, many New Yorkers often shop at a variety of markets around the city. The produce is often fresher and much cheaper. In addition, grocery shopping at a market is a nice way to relax. Visiting one of the New York Markets is a fun and free way to enjoy the atmosphere and taste the local produce.
The Union Square Greenmarket
The Union Square Greenmarket takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday on the North and East side of Union Square. Between 08:00 and 18:00, you can find a wide variety of fresh products from local farmers and producers. Take subway lines 4, 5, 6, N or R to 14th Street/Union Square and you can’t miss the white tents. The market has a very organic feel (some stalls even use solar panels). Don’t expect to only find farmers here: it has become a trendy pastime to come here, shop and see and be seen. There are between 80 and 140 stalls, mostly selling fruit and vegetables. The Union Square Greenmarket is also the perfect place to buy fresh bread and pastries. How about some apple/cinnamon muffins or a blueberry pie? The market is also known for its fine selection of flowers and plants. You can also find more specific organic products like honey, maple syrup and lavender here.
Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is an indoor market in the Meatpacking District, located in a former industrial site on 9th Avenue (between 15th and 16th Street, take subway lines A, C, or E to 14th Street/8th Avenue). Not only a perfect spot for food shopping but also to have a bite to eat. Head to Amy’s Bread for delicious sandwiches, muffins and cupcakes. At Friedman’s Lunch, you can sit at the high tables and enjoy real American comfort food such as burgers, chilli or macaroni and cheese. Chelsea Thai is a great spot for a quick lunch: they prepare the food right in front of you. If you’re not hungry, Chelsea Market is also a great place to buy books, cooking utensils and Oriental trinkets.
Smorgasburg in Brooklyn
Smorgasburg is a hip weekend food fair at Brooklyn Flea: very popular among locals and foodies alike. A foodie’s dream come true with over 100 vendors selling and preparing food from around the world. Don’t eat before you go as you don’t want to miss out on tasting the huge variety of flavours. Here you’ll find dishes like an all-beef ramen burger, fried anchovies with smoked paprika aioli, peach chamomile honey popsicle, and watermelon, eggplant and ricotta sandwiches. If you can’t get enough, you can always buy some delicious jam, mayonnaise or sauces to take home. The two summer locations of Smorgasburg are Williamsburg and Prospect Park in Brooklyn. In the winter the market is located at a yearly changing location.
Eataly
Eataly is an ode to the Italian kitchen. Since its opening, in 2010 by master chef Mario Batali, it’s been busy every single day. Located on 200 Fifth Avenue (between 23rd and 24th Street, subway stop 23rd Street) Eataly offers, to name a few, a market, espresso bars, a gelato shop, bars, a liquor store, a shop for cookbooks and cooking utensils, a cooking school and various restaurants. You can get anything in Eataly: from whole fish to fresh mozzarella and imported Parma ham. The restaurants and bars, each specialising in different ingredients, offer a wide selection of Italian dishes. Unfortunately, these dishes aren’t cheap. A platter with a selection of cold meats is available from $11, and a glass of wine will set you back at least $7. For the main dish or a bottle of wine, expect to pay a premium. The best way to experience Eataly is to sample the espresso, order an ice cream (one of the top 10 in New York!) or have an afternoon tipple. You can find a smaller location of Eataly near the 9/11 Museum.
Le District
Le District in Lower Manhattan, close to One World Observatory, could be considered to be the French Eataly. Enjoy lovely French cheeses at La Fromagerie, fresh bread at La Boulangerie or macarons at La Pâtisserie, to name but a few of the options. With a cosy bar, several market stands offering French delicacies and three French restaurants, it’s the place to be if you’re looking for refined French cuisine in New York.
Christmas Markets
There are a number of Christmas markets in New York, as part of the things to do at Christmas in New York. From the end of October or early November, you’ll be able to visit a few. However, you’ll get the best experience when all the Christmas lights decorate the city. This happens after Thanksgiving. Grand Central and Columbus Circle also have Christmas markets but the best ones are at Bryant Park and Union Square.
Union Square Christmas Market
Union Square Christmas market is a great place to go to if you want to enjoy some Christmas snacks or mulled wine. There are almost 100 stalls and its location, in the middle of Manhattan, makes it easily accessible. You’ll be able to find a wide array of Christmas gifts at this market too. If you’re lucky, you might see some carolers, which will surely get the festive juices flowing!
The Union Square Christmas market is open from the end of November until December 24th (closed on Thanksgiving).
Bryant Park Christmas Market
Go to Bryant Park Christmas market if you really want to have the ultimate Christmas market experience. You can go ice skating, drink hot chocolate, enjoy the quaint cottages and, of course, buy lots of baubles. The park has an amazing atmosphere, you can easily spend a couple of hours here.
The Bryant Park Christmas Market is open from the end of October until the beginning of January.
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