This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
New York is an awesome city for foodies and the Chelsea Market was where we ate some of the best food that we had in the entire city. And that’s saying something in a place known for its food!!
This awesome indoor market is basically a paradise for anyone who loves to eat and try new things which basically describes us on vacation! There are more than 40 stalls serving up delicious meals from all over the world. The hardest part is narrowing down what to try – which is why we actually joined a Chelsea Market Food Tour our first time here.
Seriously, from Kim Kardashian’s favorite doughnuts to noodles, tacos, and New York-style pizza, the Chelsea Market has pretty much every kind of food you could dream of! Plus, there are cool boutique stores and a small farmers’ market to check out. Visiting the Chelsea Market was easily one of the best things we did in New York City!
The Chelsea Market is beloved by locals and tourists alike, so you should definitely check it out whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a five-day trip to New York. And likely you’ll want to visit more than once – we would have been here every day of our trip if we could!
So with that in mind, here are 12 things to know before you visit the Chelsea Market in NYC!
- 1. About the Chelsea Market
- 2. Where is the Chelsea Market?
- 3. How do you get to the Chelsea Market?
- 4. When is the Chelsea Market open?
- 5. When is the best time to visit the Chelsea Market?
- 6. Is it free to visit the Chelsea Market?
- 7. What are the best tours of the Chelsea Market?
- 8. What are the best places to eat at the Chelsea Market?
- 9. What are the best things to do at the Chelsea Market?
- 10. How long does it take to walk through the Chelsea Market?
- 11. Is the Chelsea Market wheelchair friendly?
- 12. Is visiting the Chelsea Market worth it?
- Other Things to do While You’re in New York City
- Where to Stay in New York City
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
1. About the Chelsea Market
The Chelsea Market is best known for its indoor food hall that houses an insane variety of dishes to try.
You could eat a different food here every day for weeks! But before I get carried away talking about the food, that’s not all there is to see here. There are also shops and boutiques to explore like a Moroccan import bazaar and an Anthropologie!
Basically, the Chelsea Market is a fantastic place to hang out. It’s also all indoors, so it makes a great rainy day activity in New York if the weather isn’t cooperating. Just grab some comfort food, and a little retail therapy, and you won’t even notice the rain!
The history of the Chelsea Market is also super cool. I’m sure you’ve heard of the Oreo cookie … well this is where it all started! The building was the original site of the National Biscuit Company (now Nabisco) that created the Oreo.
Nabisco left this building in the 1950s for a new factory in New Jersey. It was the beginning of the decline of the entire Meatpacking District until the 1990s when it got an overhaul. The Chelsea Market building was renovated in the 1990s to be the trendy space it is now. The building is actually owned by Google (with some offices upstairs), but the food hall is still run by the original developers who turned it into one of the must-visit places in New York.
It’s so popular now, that around 6 million people come through the doors every year!
2. Where is the Chelsea Market?
The Chelsea Market is located in Chelsea, which is on the west side of Midtown Manhattan. The neighborhood is close to High Line Park, and as part of the Chelsea Market food tour that we did, we got to go on a guided walk along it!
The entrance to Chelsea Market is on 9th Avenue, between 15th and 16th Street.
Related Read: Chelsea Market is also close to one of the best observation decks in NYC! The views from the 100th floor on The Edge are unreal and you can even lean against the angled glass walls to feel like you’re flying over the city – if you’re brave enough!
3. How do you get to the Chelsea Market?
It’s easy to take the train to the Chelsea Market since there are a few stops nearby.
The closest subway station is 8th Avenue. You can take the L train to this station, and then it’s a 5-minute walk to the Chelsea Market.
You can also take either the A, C, or E train to 14th St Station which is a 10-minute walk from the Chelsea Market. Or you can take the 1 or 2 train to 18th Street, which is also 10 minutes away on foot.
It’s also roughly a 30-minute walk from Midtown to the Chelsea Market if you feel like getting some steps in!
4. When is the Chelsea Market open?
The Chelsea Market concourse is open from 7 am until 10 pm, every day of the week. This is different from the opening hours Google will give you, so bear that in mind!
Also, it’s worth noting that individual stalls and shops have their own opening hours.
5. When is the best time to visit the Chelsea Market?
We think around 10:30 am is the best time to go. It’s not too early but most of the shops are open, and the market isn’t overly busy. It’s the Goldilocks time!
If you go at lunchtime, some of the more popular restaurants get really packed and you might struggle to find seating, or find yourself waiting quite a while.
But bear in mind, if you take a food tour, you get to skip the queues!
6. Is it free to visit the Chelsea Market?
Yes, there’s no entry fee and it’s a free activity in NYC if you just want to wander around. However, it’s a food market so of course, you’ll want to spend your money on lots of delicious treats once you’re inside!
It would take superhuman levels of willpower not to spend money here. Safe to say, we do not have that kind of willpower!
Money Saving Tip – Some of NYC’s best attractions unfortunately aren’t free. But that doesn’t mean you have to blow your budget to see them! We purchased a New York City attraction pass during our visit and it helped us save 30-40% on admission fees to top attractions like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. There are a few different options, but the top three are the New York CityPASS®, the New York Pass, and the New York Explorer Pass by Go City.
7. What are the best tours of the Chelsea Market?
Chelsea Market and High Line Food Tour
We did this Chelsea Market and High Line Food tour and had a fantastic time!
One of the biggest pros to doing a food tour of the Chelsea Market is that you get to skip the lines at the stalls. This is a huge perk because the queues can get pretty long, so you spend less time waiting and more time eating.
The tour lasted about three hours, two of which were spent inside the market. Our guide took us to lots of excellent stalls for doughnuts, tacos, pizza, and more! We also got some free time to explore which was nice.
Then, we also got to go on a guided tour along the High Line. This elevated park lets you walk among the skyscrapers! It’s actually a former railway line that’s been turned into a walking trail above New York. It’s lined with places to eat and drink and although we were full by that point, we grabbed a coffee as we walked around with our guide to learn about the history of this spot.
The tour ends in Hudson Yards, which is a glamorous new development that’s only a couple of years old. Your guide can either take you to the nearest subway station or you can wander around like we did. There’s a massive mall here for some shopping, and the huge Vesssel art sculpture is cool to see. We even stopped by The Edge NYC to take in the views from the open-air observation deck located on the 100th floor of the 30 Hudson Yards skyscraper. It was covered by our New York Pass, so it was a fun extra!
We loved the variety of places and food that was included on this Chelsea Market tour. Plus, we really felt like we got our money’s worth in terms of our amazing guide, and all of the food we got to eat. We were really stuffed by the end!
The tour starts at 11 am or 12 pm, so you get to have brunch/lunch at the Chelsea Market. It costs $84 USD, which we think is a good deal considering it includes TONS of food and a guided tour of the High Line. Because of the enormous variety of food available, the tour also easily accommodates vegetarians and has gluten-free options.
We would 100% do this tour again! To taste your way through the Chelsea Market and get a bonus tour of the High Line, book a spot on this tour online here!
High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour
The difference on this top-rated tour of Chelsea is that you get a better overview of this part of New York. We found that it was a fantastic way to get to know the trendy Chelsea neighborhood, and you also get a guided walk along the High Line for first-class views of New York City.
The tour starts at the Chelsea Market at 9:30 am, so you’ll be able to fit in a quick visit before it gets super busy. The price of the tour doesn’t include food and drink at the market, but of course, you can buy whatever strikes your fancy, or return to the market after the tour for lunch since it ends nearby!
As you walk around Chelsea, you’ll learn a ton about the history of this artsy neighborhood and also explore the Meatpacking District, a once-industrial area that’s now one of Manhattan’s coolest spots. Our guide was great at mixing in the history and info about the areas we visited, while also bringing in some humour! It really made everywhere we stopped come alive.
You’ll also get to walk along part of the High Line, which is a fantastic experience. It’s hard to believe this railway was completely abandoned in the 1970s. It’s such a vibrant area today and we loved the views!
The tour lasts for two hours and costs $39 USD, so it’s the cheapest option on our list. It’s a great way to spend a morning exploring a really interesting area of the city, so make sure to book your tickets here!
Semi-Private Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market, and High Line Walking Tour
This small group walking tour is another great option to get a personalized tour of this historic part of New York City.
The morning starts in the Meatpacking District where the guide will teach you all about how a decidedly unglamorous industrial area became one of New York’s edgiest and most hipster neighborhoods. There used to be hundreds of meatpacking plants here and while only a few remain now, there are a ton of interesting stories and places you’ll pass by on this part of the tour!
Then, you’ll visit the Chelsea Market, where you’ll have time to try lots of the yummy foods on offer. The food isn’t included in the price of the tour, but your guide can give you recommendations on where to go. Plus, not visiting a set list of stalls is good news so you can try exactly what you want or just get ideas for where to come back to later!
Once you’ve grabbed a snack or two, it’s time for a guided walk along the High Line. This elevated park reminds me of a catwalk above the city – which makes sense since New York is so famous for fashion! You’ll get 45 minutes to walk along here and enjoy this unique urban park.
One of my favorite spots wasn’t even on the agenda, but I’m so glad our guide took us to Little Island. This newer park is actually built on a pier over the water. The history is fascinating as this area was once used as a hunting and fishing camp for the Lenape people and it was later Pier 54 where ocean liners set off and returned from. This is actually where survivors of the Titanic arrived.
The tour costs $47 USD, not including food at the Chelsea Market. It starts at 10 am and lasts for two hours, finishing at the Gansevoort Market which is home to even more food stalls, if you’ve got room!
You can take this tour on any day of the week, so if you’re looking for an interesting way to spend a morning in NYC, reserve your spot now!
Private Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market, and The High Line Walking Tour
If group tours aren’t your style and you want a more personalized look at this part of New York, this private tour of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District is an awesome choice!
While we take a lot of group tours, there’s something so nice about having an experience completely to yourself. A private tour means that you can spend more time at spots that really interest you, and you get more one-on-one attention from your tour guide.
The tour takes you around two of New York’s most famous “transformed” neighborhoods, which have gone from industrial to super desirable. Your guide will point out lots of nightlife hotspots along the way that you can always return to later in the day, and you’ll get to visit the Chelsea Market to feast on all of the goodies available.
What’s great about visiting the Chelsea Market with a private tour is that you get to learn more about its history, but you can also tailor your visit totally to you and visit the stalls that you really want to. If some doughnuts from Doughnuttery are on your must-try list (and they should be!) or you reallllly want some more New York pizza, your guide will make sure all your cravings are taken care of!
The tour costs $85 USD per person and you can book for up to 15 people. Kids aged 6-12 are $75 USD and any little ones 5 and under go for free. We think a private tour is a good option for families as you can adjust your pace as necessary and easily stop for treats!
So if you’re really keen to ask lots of questions and dive deep into the history and character of these areas, you’ll get a lot out of booking this tour!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
8. What are the best places to eat at the Chelsea Market?
Los Tacos No.1
No. 1 is right – this place is so popular that there’s always a line to get food! Los Tacos No. 1 is set up like a side-of-the-road taco stand, which definitely adds to its appeal. The tacos are delicious and spiced to perfection, so we definitely recommend grabbing a couple! These are some of the best tacos we found that rival the ones we tasted on a taco tour in Mexico City!
The Lobster Place
The Lobster Place is a seafood market within Chelsea Market – yup, it’s a market within a market! It’s a family-owned company that has been passed down through two generations (so far) and sells super fresh seafood, oysters, and sushi. If you like fish and seafood, then a visit to The Lobster Place is an absolute must.
Doughnuttery
For a sweet treat, you can’t go wrong with the Doughnuttery. Even Kim Kardashian has raved on social media about how they’re her favorite doughnuts ever. Doughnuttery sells mini doughnuts so you can get a bunch of different flavored sugars to try, like Chai Masala, Pumpkin Pie, and Apple Cider – yum!
Los Mariscos
There’s seafood, and then there’s Mexican seafood! Los Mariscos serves amazing, authentic Mexican tacos, ceviche, and shrimp cocktails. They’ve got a small menu and everything on it is bursting with flavor, and to make things even better they’ve got palomas and margaritas to wash it all down with.
Filaga
The food tour that we did took us to Filaga, where we had an amazing slice of New York pizza. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that it was the best NY slice we had in the city. Since pizza slices are a New York staple, you just have to stop at this stall!
Cull & Pistol
Cull & Pistol is an oyster bar inside the Lobster Place market, and it’s actually Michelin-recommended! You can get a whole Maine lobster here, or just a lobster roll if that’s a bit too much for you. They also serve delicious fresh and grilled oysters, which are half-price between 4-6 pm on weekdays.
Very Fresh Noodles
Noodles are stretched and snapped the old-fashioned way at Very Fresh Noodles, and that’s precisely what makes them so delicious. Well, that and all the super fresh and flavorful ingredients that accompany them. There are only a couple of dishes on the menu – including Tingly and Spicy Cumin Lamb, and Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup – but whatever you order is guaranteed to be good!
9. What are the best things to do at the Chelsea Market?
Eat all the amazing food
As you can probably surmise by now, eating lots of food is the number one thing to do at the Chelsea Market. There’s so much choice here and everything is really good! You get tons of authentic dishes from all over the world under one (historic) roof.
Shop
There’s a small farmers’ market inside the Chelsea Market, and some other stores too. There are also boutique stores, a Moroccan bazaar, jewelry stores, and a branch of Anthropologie. It’s definitely worth taking some time to check out the non-food-related stores the market has to offer, and we really appreciated the fact that the food tour we did allowed some time for this!
Enjoy the outdoor seating
Outside the market concourse, on the street, there’s a small pod where you can sit and eat the food you’ve bought inside. It’s a cool place to sit and people-watch for a while as you enjoy the goodies you picked up at the market.
Walk the High Line
The High Line was once an abandoned railway that has been transformed into a beautiful, elevated public park. It starts near the market, so visiting the Chelsea Market is a great opportunity to walk it! It runs all the way to Hudson Yards, for 1.4 miles (2.3 kilometers) and offers amazing views of New York. Both locals and tourists love it, and we really enjoyed exploring!
See how far you can go at HEATONIST Outpost
If you pride yourself on your ability to handle spicy food, then head to HEATONIST to take on their hot sauce challenge. Their hot sauce scale ranges from 1 to 10, and you can see how hot you can go. Only a select few get to 10!
10. How long does it take to walk through the Chelsea Market?
You should allow at least two hours to explore the Chelsea Market as there’s so much to do. To be honest, though, you could spend even longer here if you stop for food a few times. I think the best way to do it is to try lots of different foods in small portions so that you get to try as much as possible!
11. Is the Chelsea Market wheelchair friendly?
Yes! There are accessible entrances to the market on both 9th and 10th Avenue, and the floors are flat and mostly smooth. There’s an elevator you can take to the bathrooms on the lower level, and there are two wheelchair-friendly stalls.
12. Is visiting the Chelsea Market worth it?
Yes, most definitely. It’s an amazing place with so many great restaurants. If we lived in New York, we would be here all the time! We’re so glad we visited and we highly recommend that you check it out while you’re in town. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Other Things to do While You’re in New York City
As the biggest city in the USA, there is no shortage of things to do in New York! I mean you could spend a week or more here and still not see a fraction of what the Big Apple has to offer. But if you only have a few days and want to see the highlights, these are other top attractions and activities we highly recommend checking out.
- Fly above NYC – Exploring on the ground is fun, but to truly appreciate the New York skyline, take to the air! Joining a helicopter flight in NYC gives you a front-row seat (or hopefully a window seat!) to all the iconic sights like the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. We chose this 15-minute helicopter flight that flew over Manhattan and it was a highlight, if not THE highlight of our whole trip!
- Eat pizza! – New York was home to the first pizzeria in the US way back in the early 1900s and it’s still something this city is known for. I dare say the pizza here is legendary! If you didn’t get pizza at the Chelsea Market (or just want more – no judgment here!), top pizza joints include John’s of Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village, Prince Street Pizza in Nolita, and we also loved 2 Bros Pizza.
- Visit Central Park – Likely you’ve seen this famous park in movies, so it’s a must while you’re here. Central Park is huge with great spots like a historic carousel, Belvedere Castle, and even a skating rink in the winter. There are many tours of Central Park, and you’ll feel like you’re starring in a rom-com with this 45-minute horse and carriage ride.
- Cross the Brooklyn Bridge – New York can be expensive, but strolling over the Brooklyn Bridge is completely free! The views of the skyline are stellar and there are lots of vendors if you get hungry. We recommend walking all the way across to Brooklyn Bridge Park for the best views of Manhattan.
- Empire State Building – As one of the most iconic buildings in the entire world, the Empire State Building is an attraction like none other! Of course, you’ll see the building from afar, but the views are next-level from the Empire State Building observation deck. Make sure to reserve tickets for the main observation deck in advance as only a limited number of people are allowed up at a time.
- Take a day trip – Not only is NYC full of fun, but it’s close to other amazing destinations you can visit for a day! Head to Washington, DC to check out the White House, try some amazing Philly Cheesesteak and see the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, or take a tour from New York to Niagara Falls.
Where to Stay in New York City
New York City is huge – there is just no other way to put it! Even Manhattan (the area you’ll want to base yourself in) is a lot bigger than you think. That’s why choosing the right hotel in the right location is so important during your stay in New York.
Below, we’ve simplified it all for you by choosing a couple of the very best hotels available in the city. All three of these options have ideal locations close to attractions and the subway system. They all have amazing reviews, too, so just choose the one in your budget category and you’ll be ready to pack your bags!
Motto by Hilton – $$$
Motto by Hilton is a gorgeous hotel located in the Chelsea neighborhood only a 20-minute walk from the Chelsea Market. The hotel features modern decor that has “speakeasy vibes.” In fact, they have a beautiful bar onsite that looks like the perfect place to sip an Old Fashioned. There are a variety of rooms on offer including some that are a little more budget-friendly, and some that are pure luxury with city views!
Prices start from about $400 USD per night plus tax. You can check prices and availability for Motto by Hilton online here!
Delta Hotels by Marriott New York Times Square – $$
Delta Hotels by Marriott New York Times Square is where we stayed the last time we visited New York, and honestly, we loved it! This hotel is the perfect combination of comfort and value for money. It was clean, modern, and our room had all of the amenities we needed for an enjoyable stay (air conditioning, k-cup coffee maker, steamer, large shower, big windows, etc). Plus, the location is ideal – it’s only a couple blocks from Times Square!
Prices do range, but they do go as low as $200 USD per night plus tax depending on the time of year and day of the week. You can check prices and book online here!
Nap York Central Park Sleep Station – $
For those traveling on a tight budget, Nap York is a budget hostel that’s an ideal choice. Although affordable, this property is immaculate and offers a ton of amenities for a great stay including air conditioning and a shared kitchen. The rooms are modern and the location is about as central as it gets! This property only offers dorm rooms, but they are affordable at as little as $150 USD per night.
You can check prices and book Nap York online on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
The Chelsea Market is one of the best places to visit during a trip to New York! If you love to eat and try new foods (like us!), you won’t be disappointed. In fact, you’ll probably end up coming back again to try more or return for those favorites. I know the next time we’re in New York, the Chelsea Market will be one of our first stops.
If you found this blog helpful, check out our other blogs on the USA including lots about New York! We’ll help you navigate the top sights and some hidden gems this epic city has to offer. Here are a few to get you started:
The 3 BEST Niagara Falls Tours from New York City
What is the CityPASS® NYC and is it worth it?
10 BEST Tours in Philadelphia for Food, History, and Hidden Gems
13 Things to Know BEFORE Booking a New York City Dinner Cruise