Spending An Afternoon In The Chelsea Market, New York City

The Chelsea Market has a ton of history in New York. Originally known as a factory of the National Biscuit Company, known today as Nabisco. This is, in fact, where they invented the oreo in 1912.

Nabisco moved out in 1959, leaving behind 19 buildings and a bridge connecting the factory to the former Nabisco offices. Chelsea Market, more or less as we know it, was opened in 1997, after 38 years of abandonment.

Today, the Chelsea Market is famous as a shopping hall, food center, office building, and even as a television production facility. The complex fills a whole block in Lower Manhattan. The website advertises 59 shops, bakeries, restaurants, and bookstores, which doesn’t even include the myriad of pop-up shops and rotating vendors that come through.

Here are some noteworthy places to visit.

Korean soup meets Japanese ramen noodles. Take your ramen to go as you peruse the market, or sit down and watch the chef make your food in front of you. And don’t leave before trying the traditional and seasonal kimchi chef Esther Choi makes with love.

Where? Mŏkbar

When? Sunday – Thursday 11am – 9pm; Friday & Saturday 11am – 10pm

While this store is by no means a small business, Anthropologie’s goal of making women feel beautiful, hopeful, and connected is a good one. Their clothes are full of bold colors, interesting textures, and bright patterns. Find home decor, toiletries, and more fun and cute items at this shop.

Where? Anthropologie

When? Monday – Saturday 10am – 9pm; Sunday 10am – 8pm

If this is what it means to be on the dark side of things, then count us in. All you need to see are all of their brownies, blondies, lemon bars, and other delectable treats to get your mouth watering.

Where? Fat Witch Bakery

When? Monday – Saturday 9am – 9pm; Sunday 9am – 8pm

The only thing better than delicious coffee and matcha, is coffee and matcha served over ice cream, which is one of the amazing treats you can try at Chalait. The drinks are aesthetically pleasing and the toasts and bowls look good enough to decorate your house with.

Where? Chalait

When? Monday – Friday 7am – 6pm; Saturday & Sunday 9am – 4pm

The above locations are some of the classics you’ll find at the Chelsea Market, but these old buildings hold several more unique options as well. Find a flower shop, a barber shop, a hot sauce shop, eye glasses, and an antique bookstore.

The Chelsea Market building itself is fascinating and full of history. The shops are diverse and full of fun and delicious things. Go for an hour or an afternoon!

One of the best things about our hotel, other than the comfortable beds, cool decor, and excellent service, is our great Manhattan location. There’s no need for long commutes or complicated directions when we are right in the middle of everything. Situated between Lower Manhattan and Central Park, you can easily walk, take a taxi, or subway to anywhere you’d like to go. We look forward to hosting you!