The block of West Houston outside St. Anthony of Padua is one of the last stretches of old Italian South Village still doing what it always did, and the parish flea market is the proof: folding tables, secondhand everything, and prices set by whoever is standing behind them. It is a browsing market rather than a curated one, which is exactly why the good finds are still there. Work the block, then walk two minutes into SoHo or over to Bleecker Street.
What to expect
Tables line the sidewalk along West Houston between Thompson and MacDougal, with a rotating mix of vintage clothing, records, jewellery and household odds and ends. Vendors are independent and happy to negotiate, and the whole thing takes twenty minutes to walk end to end. It is street-level browsing, not a ticketed market.
Good to know
- The block sits between Thompson and MacDougal on West Houston, closest to Houston St on the 1 and Broadway-Lafayette on the B, D, F and M.
- Entry is free and there is no gate; just walk the sidewalk.
- Bring cash, since many vendors do not take cards.
- Haggling is normal and expected at the tables.
- It pairs well with the South Village and SoHo shopping a couple of blocks in either direction.
- The sidewalk is flat and step-free but narrow, so it gets tight when crowded.
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
What kind of goods are sold?
Mostly secondhand and vintage: clothing, records, jewellery, housewares and general bric-a-brac from independent vendors rather than curated dealers.
Do I need cash?
Yes, bring some. A number of vendors are cash-only, and cash also gives you more room to negotiate.
Where is it exactly?
On West Houston Street between Thompson Street and MacDougal Street in the South Village, outside the Church of St. Anthony of Padua.
More this weekend
