Flea Market NYC: Where To Find The Best Secondhand Shops
A flea market NYC is a great place to find bargains in the Big Apple. There are flea markets scattered across the city, and many of them are near major tourist attractions like the tallest buildings in NYC.
Some NYC flea markets are indoors while others are only outdoors. Certain ones operate year-round, seasonally, on weekends, or on weekdays. If you’re looking for a local flea market, there are options for everyone to enjoy.
What is a Flea Market?
A flea market can be any market selling secondhand goods. Most flea markets are outdoors with dozens of local vendors, but each one is unique.
The French term “marché aux puces,” was first used to describe a secondhand shop in Paris. The name loosely translated to “flea market,” likely because secondhand goods may or may not contain fleas. While the name has an unappealing meaning, it quickly became a recognizable term, so no one changed it.
Best Flea Markets in NYC
If you’re searching for a “flea market New York City,” then the following flea markets may be good options.
Year-Round Flea Markets
Chelsea Flea Market
- Type: Outdoors
- Location: East of Chelsea
- Hours: 8 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday
Chelsea Flea is a massive flea market only a few blocks from the iconic Empire State Building. There are 50 to 60 vendors that specialize in vintage and antique items, such as jewelry, photos, and historic collectibles.
Artists & Fleas Williamsburg
- Type: Indoors
- Location: Williamsburg
- Hours: 11 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Artists & Fleas Williamsburg has an indoor location for customers who don’t want to face the weather. There are over 45 sellers that specialize in vintage collectibles, including clothing, jewelry, and decor.
Artists & Fleas Chelsea
- Type: Indoors
- Location: Chelsea
- Hours: 11 am to 7 pm daily
This indoor location of Artists & Fleas is open daily with over 30 sellers. They sell lots of fashion and art items for creative individuals.
Grand Bazaar NYC
- Type: Indoors and Outdoors
- Location: Manhattan
- Hours: 10 am to 5 pm every Sunday
This is one of the oldest and largest flea markets in NYC. It’s conveniently located just outside of Central Park, near the American Museum of Natural History. There are 60 to 200 vendors, depending on the time of year, so you can find just about anything.
GreenFlea Market
- Type: Indoors and Outdoors
- Location: Manhattan
- Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm on Sundays
GreenFlea is another one of the oldest and largest New York City flea markets. It has been around since 1985, and some of the profits are donated to schools. You can find almost any item there, including clothes, crafts, antiques, collectibles, and food.
Seasonal Flea Markets
Brooklyn Flea
- Type: Outdoor
- Location: Dumbo
- Hours: 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, April to December
Brooklyn Flea is a famous outdoor flea market with about 80 vendors. It’s known for its fashion items, but it also sells a variety of other goods like antiques, crafts, and gourmet food.
Hester Street Fair
- Type: Outdoors
- Location: Manhattan
- Hours: Varies, Spring through Fall
The Hester Street Fair is smaller than most, but still popular. Its location and season vary each year, but it always returns with plenty of unique products, such as plants, food, clothes, and collectibles. This flea market also hosts theme nights on occasion, such as Halloween Day and Pride Day.
LIC Flea & Food
- Type: Outdoor
- Location: Queens
- Hours: 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, June to October
This New York flea market focuses on food, antiques, and vintage clothing. There’s also a beer garden along the water where visitors can socialize. The list of vendors consistently changes and grows, and sometimes, there’s live music on-site.
Queens Night Market
- Type: Outdoors
- Location: Queens
- Hours: 6 pm to 12 am on Saturdays, Spring to Fall
Queens Night Market is one of the few NYC flea markets that happen at night instead of in the morning. This event focuses on food vendors, especially cuisines from a variety of different countries. There are also plenty of art pieces for sale, along with some live performances throughout the night.
Bronx Night Market
- Type: Outdoors
- Location: Bronx
- Hours: 4 pm to 10 pm on Saturdays, April to October
Bronx Night Market is another market that’s great for night owls. It’s best known for its food since there are over 50 vendors selling delicious treats. It also hosts live performances that all ages can enjoy.
Nolita Market
- Type: Outdoors
- Location: Manhattan
- Hours: 10 am to 7 pm on Fridays through Sundays, March through December
Nolita Market is likely the smallest option on this list, with only about 15 vendors per week. Yet, it’s worth walking through it at least once because the vendors specialize in some unique products, such as graphic tees, pendant necklaces, and sunglasses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Where Can I Find Flea Markets Near Me?
The easiest way to find flea markets nearby is to search for them on Google. You can also use online directories like Fleamapket to find a list of flea markets.
Do Flea Markets Take Cards?
It depends on the vendor. Some vendors will happily take cards while others prefer cash. It’s easiest to come to an NYC flea market with some cash available.
Do Flea Markets Give Receipts?
No, most vendors won’t give you a receipt, especially if you pay with cash. If you like to keep track of your purchases, write down the details at the time of purchase just in case.
Why are Flea Markets so Cheap?
Flea markets sell secondhand items that they got for free or cheap from other sources. So, they can sell them for low prices while still making a profit. Yet, this means the quality and sourcing can be uncertain.
Are There Fitting Rooms at Flea Markets?
No, most flea markets don’t have dressing rooms. So, if you buy clothes, there’s a risk that they won’t fit.
A flea market in NYC is a great way to save some money by finding great bargains. There’s no shortage of flea markets in the city, especially on summer weekends. So, consider checking some out, whether you’re a tourist or a local.