Chelsea Market Food Tour: 3 Hours, 6 Tastings

Six tastings across Chelsea's food vendors while a guide tells the neighborhood's story

A three-hour guided food tour of Chelsea Market and the High Line in New York City with six tastings from local vendors, a professional guide in English or Spanish, and stops at Hudson Yards and Market 57. The tour operates rain or shine and welcomes children from age 4. Dietary requirements can be noted at booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Chelsea Market1h 30m
2. National Portrait Gallery30m
3. Hudson Yards30m

Chelsea Market and High Line Food Tour

• Explore Chelsea Market and taste local foods
• Visit Market 57 for skyline and river views
• Discover art and horticulture on the High Line
• Tour Hudson Yards and see the Vessel structure

The experience

The tour starts at Chelsea Market, where you'll move through the vendor stalls with a local guide who knows the neighborhood's arc, from the 1840s markets through the Meatpacking District's peak in the 1930s (when it processed a third of the nation's dressed meats) to today's mix of trendy spots and five remaining meatpacking companies. You'll taste hot dogs made in-house at Dickson's Farmstand, fresh mini donuts from Doughnuttery, Japanese-Mexican fusion tacos at Takumi, flaky Portuguese egg custard tarts from Joey Bats, and pan-fried dumplings at Nom Wah. A specialty beverage (a fall or winter latte, or spring or summer iced tea) comes with the tour, and you'll finish with a classic New York pizza slice.

From Chelsea Market, the route climbs to the High Line, the elevated park built on a former railroad line. The guide walks you through its art, history, design and horticulture while you take in the skyline and river views. You'll also stop at Market 57, a rooftop spot on the west side with more sweeping views and tastings from the guide. Hudson Yards comes next: the country's largest private real estate development, where Vessel rises 16 stories with 154 flights of stairs and 2,500 steps if you want to climb it, though that's optional.

The tour runs three hours and covers all surfaces wheelchair-accessible. Strollers work for infants and small children. You'll need to move at a moderate pace to hit all the stops, and the tour goes in all weather: dress for rain or snow. Beer, wine and happy hour sangria are available for an extra charge. Tour guests also get 15% off at Pearl River Mart and access to $5 sangria and $5 wine pours at partner venues.

What’s included

• Professional local guide in English or Spanish.
• six food tastings (hot dogs, mini donuts, tacos, Portuguese tarts, dumplings, pizza slice).
• specialty beverage (latte or iced tea depending on season).
• water at most stops.
• 15% discount at Pearl River Mart.
• access to $5 sangria and $5 wine pours at partner venues.

Options for this experience

2 options

Public Group TourGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 17:00Includes 6 tastings

Private Tour OptionGuide in English or Spanish · 6 departure times: the first at 10:30, the last at 17:00Option to upgrade to a private food tour just for your group. Includes 6 tastings.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 10:30, the last at 17:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Like A Local

Is this one for you?Book the private tour if you're traveling with a group and want the guide's full attention and flexibility to linger at favorite stops. The public group tour works better if you prefer to meet other food travelers and split the guide's cost. Either way, you'll need to move at a moderate pace. This isn't a slow stroll, but a three-hour route that covers Chelsea Market, the High Line, Market 57 and Hudson Yards without backtracking.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

In English, with 9 departure times. In Spanish, with 6 departure times.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What exactly do I eat on this Chelsea Market food tour?

You get six tastings: hot dogs from Dickson's Farmstand, mini donuts from Doughnuttery, tacos from Takumi, Portuguese egg tarts from Joey Bats, dumplings from Nom Wah, and a pizza slice. A specialty beverage (latte in fall and winter, iced tea in spring and summer) is included. Beer, wine and sangria cost extra.

How long is the Chelsea Market and High Line tour?

The tour runs three hours and covers Chelsea Market, the High Line, Market 57, and Hudson Yards. You'll move at a moderate pace to fit all the stops and sights into the time.

What's the difference between the private and public group tour options?

You can book a private tour for your group or join a public group tour with other travelers. Both follow the same route, stops and tastings. The private option means the guide is yours alone.

Does the tour go if it rains or snows?

Yes, the tour runs in all weather: rain, snow or shine. Dress appropriately for the conditions, and all the stops and surfaces are accessible regardless of weather.

Is Hudson Yards' Vessel included, or do I have to climb it?

Vessel is part of the tour stop at Hudson Yards, but climbing the 154 flights of stairs is optional. You'll see it and learn about the 16-story structure and the neighborhood's development. Whether you go up is your choice.