The Vibrant Market In New York City That Belongs On Any Foodie's Bucket List

New York City is known for its countless attractions. There's the bright lights of Broadway, the Statue of Liberty, and an endless array of impressive skyscrapers, museums, art galleries, parks, and famous movie locations to visit. When exploring NYC's five boroughs, getting a taste of the local food scene is essential. Every neighborhood, with its unique mix of cultural influences, is like a small country in itself. One of the highly recommended districts for any foodie is Chelsea, with a world-renowned market featuring more than 40 food stalls that offer everything from the city's most iconic dishes to creative international fusion bites.

The Chelsea Market has enough variety to drive even the most decisive traveler crazy, so it's best to arrive hungry and prepare to sample several small snacks from multiple vendors. Next time you're in New York City and you've got a big appetite after walking through Central Park or need a perfect place to hide out from the rain, take the subway down to Chelsea and get ready for the food experience of a lifetime.

While all the food stalls at Chelsea Market have something tasty to offer, there are a few standouts. Among them is Friedman's, a family-run business that offers a contemporary twist on New York City classics. It now has several locations, but opened its first stall in the Chelsea Market in 2009. Friedman's is particularly special for not only offering some of the best sandwiches and hot sauce in the city, but the menu is almost entirely gluten-free. If you're coming for brunch, make sure to try the chicken chilaquiles, featuring tortilla chips smothered in sunny side up eggs, avocado, sour cream, tomatillo salsa, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese.

If Friedman's chilaquiles don't quell your Mexican cravings, one of Chelsea Market's hottest locations is Los Tacos No. 1. Grab a grilled steak or nopal (grilled cactus) taco and an agua de Jamaica (fresh hibiscus water) for the real deal. If you aren't paying attention, the authentic flavor will have you thinking you're eating on the streets of Mexico City's Centro Historico. Very Fresh Noodles is another market favorite that delivers on its promise with delicious dishes like like spicy cumin lamb noodles and Taiwanese beef noodle soup. And if you're a fan of seafood, you'd be remiss not to grab a couple of oysters or a lobster roll from the Lobster Place.

Aside from the great food, the Chelsea Market is also a hub for creative merchants. Within the market's stone walls you'll find boutiques, florists, and an ever-changing rotation of treasures from jewelry and clothing to prints and vintage records at Artists and Fleas. Just steps away from the Chelsea Market is the High Line, a historic freight line-turned-park. Elevated above the streets of New York, this green space offers stunning views and is peppered with installations by local artists.

On a nice day, you may want to take your tasty treats from the market to-go and enjoy them on a park bench along the High Line. Once you've had your fill of the market, take a short digestive trip to Hudson Yards, one of New York City's newest and flashiest real estate developments. The center piece here is the Edge, an awe-inspiring 100th floor observation deck. Here, you can take some unbelievable selfies and enjoy New York City in all its urban grandeur.