Tips on Visiting the New York City Flower Market

If you’re thinking of visiting the New York City Flower Market, I have a few tips that might help make your experience a little more enjoyable. I’ve been going for years and it never gets old. There’s something about turning the corner onto West 28th Street and being met with buckets of seasonal flowers, towering branches, and the smell of fresh flowers that makes the city feel a even a little more magical.

The New York City Flower Market (officially known as the Flower District), is a place that feels like a well-kept secret, even though it’s been there since the late 1800s. It’s primarily a wholesale market, meaning it’s largely geared toward florists, floral designers, event designers, and other trade professionals. But in recent years, it’s become much more welcoming to the general public. Going as a regular person might be even more fun. You’re not on the clock, you can linger, and you can let yourself be surprised by what you find.

Whether you’re hunting for flowers for a dinner party, searching for that hard-to-find houseplant, stocking up on dried flowers, or just wanting to see one of New York City’s most underrated destinations in full bloom, this post will tell you everything you need to know before you go.

Where is New York City’s flower district?

The flower market is on West 28th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, in the neighborhood known as the Flower District. The moment you turn the corner, you’ll know you’re in the right place as you’ll see people walking down the street carrying large boxes and bundles of flowers or when you spot flowers and plants that spill out onto the sidewalk. It a fun place to visit no matter the time of year.

Fun fact: In the very early days the market was located at 34th Street but moved to its new location in the 1890s.

What’s the best way to get to the New York Flower Market?

By Uber or taxi: Either will get you there fairly quickly, depending on traffic. It’s a straightforward option if you’re already in the city.

By subway: Depending on where you’re coming from in Manhattan, the best options are the 1, N, R, W, F, or M trains to the 28th Street station. From there it’s a short walk.

By car: Street parking in this part of Manhattan is nearly impossible as most street parking is eserved for commercial vehicles until 6 or 7 pm, long after the market has closed. I always use the SpotHero app to reserve a garage in advance. On a recent visit, I found a spot about five or six blocks away for $25. Garages right near the market tend to run $40–$50, but you can find something more reasonable a few blocks away. And don’t forget: if you’re driving south of 60th Street, the congestion relief zone toll is $9 per day.

Tip: If you buy something large (a tree, a shrub, or a big bundle of branches) you can always pull your car up to load once you’re done shopping.

Is it open every day?

This is one of the most common questions about the Flower Market, and it’s an important one to know before you make the trip. Most shops are open Monday through Saturday, with Saturday hours sometimes being shorter. The market is generally closed on Sundays. Hours during the week run from around 5:30 am to between 10:30 am and noon, so plan accordingly. This is very much a morning destination. I’d recommend confirming with individual shops if you’re making a special trip, as hours can vary by season.

What time should I arrive?

The shops open at 5:30 am, but early morning is primarily for trade professionals. I typically aim to arrive around 8:30 or 9 am which is well past the early rush, but with plenty of time before things start to wind down. Many of the flower shop owners close between 10:30 am and noon, so don’t plan a late morning arrival. 

If you’re early, there are plenty of coffee spots nearby to pass the time.

Should I have a plan of what to buy?

If you’re shopping for a specific event, a dinner party, or a particular spot in your home, it helps to do a walk-through first. There’s always plenty of everything, so look around, make a note of the shop you like, and go back. I take photos of the flowers I love and the shop exteriors to keep track. It makes the return trip much easier.

Do I have to buy only Seasonal?

No, there’s always a good selection of flowers and plants. Of course, it’s best if you are looking for seasonal plants, flowers, and greenery. Some things, like roses, are available at all times. But in mid-April, I did not see a single lilac. I’m sure in a few weeks the heavenly scent of lilac will fill the air on West 28th Street!

Cash only?

Many of the vendors take only cash, but a few are taking credit cards. It’s hard to know which ones and there’s no guarantee. I don’t know if that’s a new thing, but bring cash just in case.

What else will I find at the NYC flower market?

House plants

Almost every shop carries a wide selection including varieties that can be hard to track down elsewhere. Some shops specialize in tropical plants; others focus on cacti and succulents. If you’re hunting for something rare or popular, this is a great place to look.

Dried flowers

Yes, you’ll find those too. One shop in particular, J. Rose, specializes in dried flowers alongside a beautiful fresh flower selection.

Floral supplies

Jamali Floral & Garden is a must if you’re into arranging. They carry containers of every kind as well as ribbons, stones, baskets, teak wood, zinc, raffia, and bamboo stakes. Really anything you could want for working with plants and flowers is here. You can buy one at a time or in bulk. If you buy in bulk, the price decreases dramatically.

What to bring with you

A little preparation goes a long way. You don’t need much but if you plan on buying things, bring a large tote bag or two. It will be much easier to carry things around while you continue shopping.

Where to grab coffee nearby

Since the market closes early, most visits naturally turn into a morning out which means you’ll want a good coffee spot to bookend the trip. The good news is that the area around 28th Street and Sixth Avenue has plenty of options. Chelsea Market is just a short walk away and is a wonderful place to grab a coffee, a bite, and do a little browsing after you’ve finished at the flower market. 

If you prefer something lower-key, our favorite spot is the Back Bar inside the Kimpton Hotel which is just around the corner from 28th street on 6th Avenue. There are plenty of tables, booths and couches where you can spread out and relax for a few minutes before heading back out on your next adventure.

Here are a few other fun things to do while you’re in New York City

• 6 Things to do in Hudson Yards
• 13 must-visit independent book stores
• A perfect day in central park
• Via Carota, our favorite restaurant
• The New York Public Library
• Fun NYC desserts spots