Best flea market finds in the city

We've all been there. There you are, just walking to class or going about your business, only to find yourself in the middle of a bustling market or street fair. Sure, at any of these you can scoop up a faux pashmina scarf or made-in-China cell phone cover, but where can you find the rare, the best and the bizarre? We've broken it down, so you know where to go to get the good stuff.

If vintage jewelry is your thing, then GreenFlea is your place. GreenFlea runs on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Upper West Side (Columbus Avenue between West 76th and West 77th streets). The inside portion features a hefty amount of handmade items including funky, off-beat clothing and newsprint-covered purses, as well as art with an African tribal flare, prints of your favorite pop art pieces and even a few baked goods. The outdoor portion of GreenFlea offers antique furniture and other larger items.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, check out the Brooklyn Flea (in Fort Greene on Saturdays and in DUMBO on Sundays). Brooklyn Flea has something for everyone, including a large amount of vintage items — ranging from clothing to furniture to handmade wares such as beaded headbands and candles — as well as tasty treats. Food booths at the Flea offer everything from fresh crab-meat sandwiches to tamales to Asian-inspired hot dogs. The vendors here often seem keen to make a deal, resulting in a better bargain for you. Go soon — it closes for winter after Nov. 22.

The Market NYC: Young Designers Market takes place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Patrick's Old Cathedral (268 Mulberry St.). Showcasing the wares of local designers and artisans, rows of tables packed precariously close together are laden with a wealth of fabulous handmade goodies. You are guaranteed to find every type of jewelry imaginable here, from the unique — one booth sells earrings made of giant feathers and leather scraps — to the mundane, as well as out-of-this-world clothing creations like dresses with eccentric floral trains. Noteworthy among the array of goods are feather-covered headbands, Italian leather satchels and reconstructed vintage garb. Though a treat for the eyes, the items for sale here may not necessarily be a treat for your budget; prices here take into account the designers' labor.

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market on West 39th Street (between Ninth and 10th avenues) features myriad vintage furs of every shape and size, as well as a wide assortment of sparkly beaded tops and '70s-era floral dresses. This market, which runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., is the place to stock up on the glamorous essentials of yesteryear. The vintage jewelry can run anywhere from $10 to $60. The market also features a handful of miscellaneous antiques such as brass compacts and candlesticks.

Of course, don't forget about Union Square's Greenmarket, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. (Tip: You might get more face time with your farmers if you stop by on a less-crowded rainy day.) A treat for the eyes, nose and of course, stomach, a trip to the Union Square Greenmarket is nothing short of tantalizing. In addition to locally grown produce, the market also features handmade cheeses, honeys and jams; fresh-baked breads; ethically raised meats and poultry; and seasonal treats such as maple candy and hot grape cider. Get there early in the mornings and you might catch chefs from local restaurants picking up the day's produce.

Allegra Lee is a staff writer.