Chelsea is often considered the artistic center of New York City. Home to over 200 art galleries, this trendy spot is also filled with fine dining establishments and abundant nightlife, including many LGBT hotspots. If you’re looking to stay near New York’s Chelsea district, keep in mind that it’s part of Manhattan, and it’s bordered by other well-known districts like Midtown, Greenwich Village, West Village, and the Meatpacking District. Wondering what to do in this lively neighborhood? Don’t miss these sights, eats, or drinks during your next trip to Chelsea.
Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is not just a food hall. It’s also a shopping center and an office complex built in the former Nabisco factory, where the Oreo cookie was invented. The market spans one square block and hosts more than 35 vendors selling everything from soup to cheesecake. Chelsea Market attracts over 6 million visitors per year, and it’s worth spending at least a morning or afternoon exploring. Some of the foods worth ordering include Adobada Tacos at Los Tacos No. 1, Duck-Fat Potatoes at Dickson’s Farmstand Meats, a Cherry Tart at Sarabeth’s, and a Chocolate Fudge Milkshake at Creamline.
Atlantic Theater Company
The Atlantic Theater Company is a non-profit Off-Broadway theater that has produced more than 150 plays, including Tony Award winning productions like “Spring Awakening” and “The Beauty Queen.” The theater has won countless awards, including 12 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The Atlantic Acting School operates in the Atlantic Theater, which was cofounded by David Mamet and William H. Macy.
High Line
The High Line is one of New York City’s coolest parks. It’s built on a onetime elevated rail line that was transformed into a public park. It was founded in 1999 by local residents, a group that fought for the preservation of the historic structure when it was under threat of demolition. The 1.45 mile-long green space runs from Hudson Yards to the northern edge of Chelsea.
Old Homestead Steakhouse
Located in the center of the former meatpacking district, the Old Homestead Steakhouse is one of the best places to get a steak. This steakhouse is known for its Texas-size slabs of beef. The historic steakhouse dates back to 1868, so it doesn’t get more authentic than this! You can’t miss it as you’re walking down the street. The tacky cow sculpture is unmistakable and part of the restaurant’s charm!
Chelsea Piers
As the name suggests, Chelsea Piers are a series of piers in Chelsea. This area originally served as a passenger ship terminal in the early 1900s, and it was the destination of the RMS Titanic. Today, the piers are used by the Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex. The facility includes film and television production facilities, a spa and health club, a training center for gymnastics, basketball courts, a rock-climbing wall, dance studios, and more.
Gagosian Gallery
Want to check out one of over 200 galleries in Chelsea? Gagosian’s 20,000-square-foot gallery is a great place to start. It’s owned by Larry Gagosian, an Armenian-American art dealer who has opened a series of galleries around the world, including several in New York, Rome, Geneva, and Hong Kong.
While it’s renowned as an artistic hub, Chelsea offers plenty to do for all kinds of travelers. Whether you choose to spend some time checking out historical sites, eating your way through Chelsea Market, catching an Off-Broadway play, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the High Line, you’ll quickly realize why Chelsea has become one of New York City’s most desirable neighborhoods.
