As you know, we love to find room for flowers during our travels, and flower markets worldwide offer one of the best ways to achieve that goal. Top flower markets to consider include Hong Kong’s Mong Kok flower market and Amsterdam’s very own Janskerkhof Bloemenmarkt. Today, though, we’re heading to the US to consider the country’s best flower offering – the New York flower market.
Farmed for its wide variety of fresh flowers and its bustling multicultural crowds, the New York flower market is a must-visit if you’re in the city, but we warn you – those streets can get pretty crowded. That’s why we’ve put together a few top tips to help you enjoy your trip.
Tip 1: Arrive Empty-Handed
You’ll never be able to navigate the market’s floral boutiques and hidden gems with your luggage alongside you, so always make sure to arrive empty-handed. Even if you’re just coming into NYC for the day, consider booking luggage storage Penn Station so you can lose your bags as soon as you arrive. From there, you’ll easily be able to hop on a train that takes less than 40 minutes to reach the market on Manhattan’s 28th Street and arrive ready to browse and buy all that the market has to offer.
Tip 2: The Early Bird Catches the Flower
You’ll already understand the importance of arriving early if you’ve navigated flower markets before – but it’s worth reiterating. The New York flower market itself opens at 5 am, and the best flower selections get snatched up pretty soon after that. Most vendors will also shut up shop once their stock is gone, meaning that it’s not unusual for the market to clear out by as early as 11 am. Sure, it might be painful getting up so early, but trust us – you’ll be glad you did when you see the bouquets on offer.
Tip 3: Have an Idea of What You’re After
To be honest, there’s nothing wrong with wandering around a flower market just for the fun of it. You’re certainly sure to see plenty of amazing sights whatever your reasons for visiting, and you’re unlikely to come away empty-handed with so much on offer. Still, remember that there are a lot of vendors here, and you’ll probably be fighting crowds to reach them. Having some idea of what you want ensures you don’t miss out, or overlook a great purchase.
To give you some idea, it’s worth considering the varied offerings available from just a few of the market’s best vendors, such as –
- Fleurametz: Fleurametz has a shop in the heart of the New York flower market, where florists can find fresh and surprising collections of flowers, plants, and accessories.
- Caribbean Cuts: Step into a tropical oasis in the heart of New York with Caribbean Cuts, where you can find a unique collection of tropicals, exotics, and foliage.
- J.Rose: As well as stocking fantastic fresh flowers, J.Rose is famed for offering some of the best dried and preserved flowers in the market.
- Jamali Floral & Garden: Stock up on floral supplies at Jamali Floral & Garden, where you can find everything from containers to stakes, ribbons, and beyond.
Tip 4: Don’t Buy Everything at Once
For the sake of your funds and your general ability to carry everything, it’s worth noting that you shouldn’t buy everything as soon as you see it. Because trust us – you’re going to see a lot of things you’ll want to snap up straight away. The temptation to do this will be particularly strong considering vendors typically have limited stock, but don’t panic – if you get there early enough, you’ve got time to do a complete walkaround before you start splashing the cash. A great tip is to simply take pictures of the vendors/stock that most appeals to you, and revisit your options once you’ve seen everything on offer.
Tip 5: Stock up on Cash
The world might be largely cashless these days, but like most markets, many New York flower vendors still only accept cash payments. Admittedly, more vendors do now have card machines, but there’s no guarantee. As such, make sure you stock up on cash, though do note that thieves are aware of the need for cash-filled wallets here, so always be wary of your funds when you’re browsing!
Is the New York flower market worth a visit during a big American trip? Undeniably, you can get the best out of your time there with these top tips.
