Top 5 Tips for Visiting Chelsea Market

Set inside a former Nabisco cookie factory, Chelsea Market houses everything from wine bars and fishmongers to kitchen-supply and clothing stores.

2 min read•Dec. 16, 2019•By Mandy Hegarty

Make the most of your trip to this boutique Manhattan food hall.

Hi, I'm Mandy!

Mandy Hegarty is a writer who specializes in food and travel. Currently based in Dublin, Ireland, she’s previously lived in New York, London, and Montreal. She has written for the likes of Time Out New York, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines.

1. Arrive hungry

Food is the market’s main attraction, so come ready to eat. Longstanding Chelsea Market favorites include Ninth Street Espresso and the Lobster Place, a fish market known for its Maine lobster rolls and raw bar.

2. Time your visit

Visit in the early morning or the evening to avoid long lines during the lunchtime rush, which typically lasts from 12 to 3pm. The market is open from 7am to 2am every day except Sunday, when hours are shortened to 8am to 10pm. If you're looking to shop, know that most spots close by 10pm, with a few foodie options available late at night.

3. Keep an eye on the architecture

The market’s tasteful redevelopment incorporates exposed piping and metalwork from the original cookie factory. There’s even an eclectic fountain crafted from discarded pipes and drill bits.

4. Refuel during a day of exploring

Grab breakfast, coffee, lunch, or even dinner here while checking out the rest of Chelsea. Nearby attractions include the High Line (an urban park created from an old rail track), the Whitney Museum of American Art, and a rich assortment of boutique clothing stores.

5. Admire seasonal decor

Chelsea Market goes all-out with holiday decorations, whether it’s massive carved pumpkins for Halloween or glittering strings of lights and decked-out trees during Christmas. If you’re looking for holiday inspiration, this is the place to go.