The Best NYC Flea Markets
Brooklyn Flea
Skylight One Hanson
Brooklyn, NY 11243
brooklynflea.com
Easily one of the most popular flea markets is the Brooklyn Flea. Open both Saturday and Sundays (10am-6pm), it draws quite an eclectic crowd of buyers and vendors. Furnish your apartment, pick up your favorite pair of cowboy boots, or just come check out some of the latest artwork and jewelry from local artists. Located in the historic Williamsburg Savings Bank , it houses over 100 vendors on three floors, including the bank's former vault on the lower level and the beautiful mezzanine up one flight of stairs. This weekend, portions of the Flea Market's proceeds will go to Japan relief efforts.
Used goods not your thing? The Brooklyn Flea is also known for its variety of food stands and it was named "One of New York's Essential Pick-Up Spots" according to Time Out NY. Want to know which vendors are coming this week? You can check. Don't forget about their second location, the outdoor Fort Greene Flea, re-opening in April. Probably a good bet if you're trying to find a unique holiday gift for that crazy Aunt of yours!
GreenFlea
77th Street and Columbus
New York, NY 10024
greenfleamarkets.com
The Upper West Side's year-round GreenFlea Market is generally open Saturday and Sunday (10am-5:30pm). This weekend, catch their indoor market, set to feature antiques and collectibles. Residents flock to GreenFlea, which has only been closed three times in 25 years, because it offers unusual items that aren't available at regular retail stores. Choose from handcrafted items like vintage apparel, made-to-order clothing and jewelry, lighting fixtures, contemporary art pieces, antique maps, and eyewear (with optometrist on hand)! Also, with many vendors accepting credit cards you don't have to carry a pocketful of cash. Worried about getting that gorgeous one-of-a-kind mantel home? Most furniture dealers offer delivery for a small fee. Some can even arrange shipments out of the country! So, what are you waiting for? Start searching for your next winter coat or new set of wine glasses to toast the upcoming New Year. For more general information contact them directly at GreenFlea@aol.com.
Hell's Kitchen Flea Market
West 39th St. (b/w 9th and 10th Aves.)
New York, NY 10018
hellskitchenfleamarket.com
Last year, Hells Kitchen Flea was named the place to buy the "Best Furniture" by Time Out New York. Make sure you come hungry to this one, conveniently located by Port Authority and Times Square. With the Gourmet Food Truck Bazaar located in the heart of the market, it'll be sure to satisfy the shopper with the pickiest palette. Choose from crepes, frites, cinnamon rolls, and much more. Once you're stomach is full make your way over to the huge array of vendors selling everything from vintage cameras to Tibetan hats and scarves. Interested in selling your goods? Become a vendor by filling out this online application. You can also sign up for their online newsletter to receive VIP shopping status. Open Saturday and Sunday (9am-6pm) you might find yourself at this amazing market all weekend!
The Antiques Garage
112 W. 25th St. (b/w Sixth and Seventh Aves.)
New York, NY
hellskitchenfleamarket.com
Looking for something in particular? Chances are you'll probably find it at the Antiques Garage in Chelsea. Operated by the same folks as the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market, this one offers something for every collector. They'll even shuttle you to and from both markets for $1. Antiques Garage has been attracting customers since 1994 and is known to carry some of the most treasured items from the 18th Century. The vendors here seem to know their stuff and will probably tell you how that pair of silver earrings or silverware made it to their booth. Digging through this market is both challenging and fun due to its abundance of rare goods and number of knowledgeable merchants. Sift through Victorian pieces, Kennedy pins, 40 year-old comic books, and various antique beads to make your own vintage jewelry. Feel like you're part of your own Antiques Road Show by stopping by this impressive market. Open Saturday and Sunday from 9am-5pm.
The Market NYC
268 Mulberry St.
New York, NY 10012
themarketnyc.com
Although this isn't a "flea market" per se, The Market NYC does house hundreds of the next up and coming designers. Support local artists, jewelry makers, and fashion designers as they set up booths filled with their own inspirations every Saturday and Sunday (11am-7pm). Also known as Noho Market, spend your weekend browsing through jewelry, belts, silk screened t-shirts, hats, scarves, ties, even undergarments. Housed in an old school gym, it's the perfect place to shop on a rainy afternoon. If you're on a budget this is the ideal spot for you. Aspiring designer, jewelry maker, or artist? Go to their Web site to become a vendor for a one time fee of $30. With a diverse range of things to choose from and eager young artists waiting to show you their latest creations, it's fun to "window shop" or walk home with an original piece.
