We begin our tour at the lovely ACE Hotel in the Flat Iron District of Manhattan. Here, we will meet together as a group and review our day’s plans and how to participate in the scavenger hunt. We will also set the stage for the history & culture you are about to experience as you step foot into NYC’s finest flea markets.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

On our way to the first market, we’ll pass by Madison Square Park – home to Eately, Shake Shack and the Flat Iron Building.

• Admission Ticket Free

Our first market is the famous Chelsea Flea Market, first founded in the 1980s as a locals-only market. The market is hosted every weekend rain or shine in a vacant lot that is a parking lot during the week. Only in NYC! Here you’ll find every vendor under the sun and interesting locals and stories to go with it. A true locals-only experience that you do not want to miss.

• Admission Ticket Free

Market #1, where you’ll encounter not just legendary vendors but also legendary New Yorkers. Andy Warhol famously shopped here in the 1980s. This is my favorite market to people watch. Street photographers come here often just to snap pics! Bring cash money and digital payment methods (Venmo, PayPal) etc. Here we’ll kick off our scavenger hunt for those interested.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

The acclaimed Fashion Institute of Technology or “FIT” is alma mater to numerous American designers. We’ll walk past the campus and note the fashion museum, which is open and free to the public.

• Admission Ticket Free

We will take a subway ride from Chelsea, Manhattan to the Upper West side. Our guides will ensure you board and exit the subway safely. We step off the train at 72nd Street and Broadway, the epicenter of the Upper West Side. This neighborhood is known for its wide streets, street parks and stunning architecture.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

We end at a market that is just two blocks from the Upper West side of Central Park. You’ll be steps from Central Park West and the landmarks of this “uptown” neighborhood. Walk into the park and you’ll hit the reservoir. You’re also just a few blocks from historic Tavern on the Green restaurant.

• Admission Ticket Free

Next, you’ll hop on the subway with help from your guide to head uptown. Your second market was formerly called “The Green Flea” in the 1970s and was home to some of the best down & dirty vintage resale. Today it is a blend of secondhand, handmade, artisanal and excellent food trucks. Grab lunch from one of the many food vendors before heading out to explore this markets 100+ stalls.

The best part? You’ll end next to the Natural History Museum and Central Park. Perfect to continue your day on the Upper West Side neighborhood of NYC.

1 hour 10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

We end at an outdoor and indoor market that is located immediately next to the iconic American Museum of Natural History. Since our tour ends by early afternoon, we suggest walking just a few steps to continue your experience wandering the hallways of this historical institution.

• Admission Ticket Free