Chelsea Market

This urban bazaar, which opened in 1997, has spawned many imitators but belongs in a class of its own. Chelsea Market occupies a massive building over an entire city block where Nabisco once used to manufacture cookies in army-size quantities. Today, it's where visitors peruse independent, small-batch delicacies catering to foodies, fashion hounds and more. The architecture leans into the site's manufacturing past. Huge cast-iron pipes are repurposed as light fixtures. Serrated blocks of granite become decorative accents. Water pours out of a giant viaduct in the marketplace center – a steampunk-style delight. Over three dozen vendors ply their temptations throughout, including Miznon (Israeli street food), Los Mariscos (to-die-for ceviche), the Lobster Place (good luck resisting their rolls), Fat Witch Bakery (brownies and other decadent hits) and Day Drinks (on-tap espressos, teas and botanicals). If you want outdoor seating, head to the covered sidewalk tables. Once you've had your fill, check out Artists & Fleas – a small market where local artists sell their wares.