Union Square Greenmarket is the flagship of the city's farmers market system and the reason a generation of New York chefs learned to cook seasonally — a hundred-plus regional producers on a single plaza, at their absolute peak in the last stretch of August. This is tomato and peach and corn season all at once, plus the cheese, bread and cut-flower stands that make it a full shop rather than a browse. If you only visit one greenmarket in the city, it should be this one, and it should be now.
What to expect
Stalls run in long rows along the park's north and west edges, with farm trucks backed in behind them and samples out on most tables. Vendors are happy to talk about what's peaking, and mornings are noticeably calmer than the lunchtime crush. Bring a bag — the market is a working grocery run, not a demonstration.
Good to know
- Take the 4/5/6, L, N/Q/R/W to 14th Street-Union Square; the market is at the park's north end.
- Bring your own bags — most vendors don't hand them out.
- Mornings are the calmest window and have the fullest selection.
- Many farmers take cards, and GrowNYC runs a token booth for SNAP and market currency.
- The market operates rain or shine year-round.
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Common questions
Which days does the Union Square Greenmarket run?
It operates year-round on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Can I use SNAP benefits here?
Yes. GrowNYC runs a token and information booth on site that processes SNAP and market currency.
Is it worth going if I'm not cooking?
Yes — bakers, cider, cheese, prepared food and cut flowers all sell here, so it works as a browse and a snack.
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