It hardly needs a recommendation: it should be compulsory to visit New York at least once in your life. There’s so much for the modern traveler to see, do, and experience in New York that the mind boggles. Otters. Frankincense. Marzipan. See what I mean?
But if you’re looking for a little slice of alternative cake, you might want to consider including in your New York itinerary some of the lesser-known local hotspots guaranteed to satisfy those curio cravings.
Nestled in New York’s bustling bosom there are plenty of quirky flea markets brimming with vintage bargains, retro rarities, and offbeat ornaments. Here are the top treasure troves worth scavenging.
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1. Bushwick Flea Market
Roll up, roll up! There are plenty of things to do in NYC, but this is a real find. Come rain or shine, this outdoor market in trendy Brooklyn gets up and running, with a little of everything you could wish for.
Great bargains on antique, vintage, and retro items are to be found one block from the Jefferson L Train stop. And if you need a little refreshment while you’re there, why not drop into the highly rated Owl Juice smoothie bar across the street?
TIP TIME: Are you arriving in New York before your check-in time? Or maybe you have a few hours before your flight after you check out? Don’t drag around your luggage! Leave it at one of LuggageHero’s luggage storage shops around New York and go treasure hunting at the flea markets!
Where: Brooklyn.
When: Daily from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Great for: Antique, vintage, and retro bargains.
2. Artists and Fleas
Artists and Fleas – a hipster’s heaven. Located in a former warehouse space and boasting a dazzling array of high and low-end treasures, it has become something of a hub for talented artists, makers, and designers showcasing inventive items.
I bet you never knew you needed speciality beard oil? Well, perhaps you should think about it. Oh – and there’s a live DJ spinning tunes all day too.
Where: Brooklyn.
When: Daily from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Great for: Hipsters.
3. Hester Street Fair
Good eats, good music, and good vibes – all to be found at Hester Street fair. This is not your typical street market, but a more relaxed atmosphere, great for spending a lazy, sunny Saturday.
There are plenty of benches dotted around, and even a comfy seating lounge with heat lamps, where you can gather with friends and enjoy a delicious ‘eggette’ – that’s a Hong Kong-style egg cake cone with ice cream, by the way.
Where: Lower Eastside.
When: Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Great for: Food and live music.
4. Chelsea Flea Market
Over to Manhattan. Chelsea Flea Market is up there with the best – it’s one of the finest places you can go to seek out collectibles, clothing, and special antique items.
You can find it nestled in a large parking lot flanked by towering buildings, waiting patiently for collectors of all creeds to pass through.
Its vendors are just what you would expect – funny, quirky, great storytellers – and the food isn’t bad either. Bag of dumplings and some bubble tea, anyone?
Where: Chelsea, Manhattan.
When: Saturdays & Sundays from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Great for: Extra special antiques.
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