Thing to do
Top of the Rock
Three tiers of observation decks atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza give unobstructed views of Central Park and a front-on look at the Empire State Building.
Chelsea Market
A food hall and shopping arcade inside a former Nabisco factory complex in Chelsea, packed with vendors selling seafood, tacos, bread, gelato and more.
At a glance
- Type
- Food hall and market
- Area
- Chelsea, New York, United States
- Opening
- Open daily · 07:00–22:00
- Official site
- chelseamarket.com
Good to know
- Indoor food hall
- Food vendors
- Shops
- Events
- Next to the High Line
Why we recommend it
Chelsea Market occupies the ground floor of a block-long former factory complex on Ninth Avenue, where the National Biscuit Company, Nabisco, once baked its products. The industrial bones are still on show: exposed brick, old pipes, iron beams and a long, dimly lit concourse that runs through the building from Ninth to Tenth Avenue. Today it is one of the city's best-known food halls, used by locals for lunch and by visitors as a natural stop before or after the High Line, which passes along its western side.
Food is the main reason to come. Lobster Place is a long-running seafood market with a raw bar and counters for sushi and steamed lobster, and Cull & Pistol is its sit-down oyster bar. Amy's Bread sells loaves and pastries, Miznon serves Israeli street food in pitta, and you will find pizza, ramen, gelato from L'Arte del Gelato and plenty more. Between the food counters are shops such as Pearl River Mart and Imports from Marrakesh, and the building hosts art installations, pop-ups and seasonal events through the year.
The concourse is open daily from 7am to 10pm, though individual vendors set their own hours, so some open later or close earlier. Weekday mornings and mid-afternoons are the easiest times to browse; weekday lunchtimes, when nearby office workers arrive, and weekend afternoons can be very crowded, with queues at the most popular stalls. Seating is limited, so many people eat standing or carry their food up to the High Line.
The market suits almost everyone: families can graze from different counters, couples can sit at the oyster bar, and solo travellers can eat well quickly. Budget for a light lunch or snacks rather than a long meal, and keep an eye on your belongings in the crowds. Check the market's website before you go, as it lists pop-ups, seasonal events and new vendors.
The address is 75 Ninth Avenue, between 15th and 16th Streets. The 14th Street station on the A, C and E lines and 8th Avenue on the L line are a short walk away. Walk out of the Tenth Avenue side to reach the High Line stairs, or head a few blocks south to the Whitney Museum and the Meatpacking District.
Chelsea Market FAQs
What are Chelsea Market's opening hours?
The concourse is open daily from 7am to 10pm; individual vendors set their own hours.
Is Chelsea Market near the High Line?
Yes. The High Line runs along the building's western side, a few steps from the Tenth Avenue exit.
What can you eat there?
Seafood at Lobster Place and Cull & Pistol, bread at Amy's Bread, Israeli street food at Miznon, gelato and much more.
When is it least crowded?
Weekday mornings and mid-afternoons; lunchtimes and weekend afternoons are busiest.
Is there seating?
Some, but it is limited, so many visitors eat standing or take food outside.
What was the building originally?
A factory complex where Nabisco, the National Biscuit Company, baked its products.
Which subway stations are nearest?
14th Street on the A, C and E lines and 8th Avenue on the L line.