Are you looking for things to do in Chelsea NYC as you plan your New York City itinerary?
You’re in the right place! Over my 25+ years of living in the Big Apple, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring all the things to do in Chelsea New York City. This historic neighborhood mixes old (if you know where to look) with the new and repurposed in what is one of the most vibrant areas in all of Manhattan.
So, in this written-by-a-local guide, you’ll discover the art, culture, food, & sights in this beloved NYC neighborhood that must be included as you plan your New York City trip!
28 Best Things to Do in Chelsea NYC
Chelsea is a trendy neighborhood with diverse architecture, art, shopping, food, and people.
The history of the neighborhood can be seen in the townhouse-lined streets, where affluent families of the early 1800s settled, to the large industrial buildings on the far western edge where factories, distilleries, and the like sprung up in the mid-1800s.
Add to the mix, today’s luxury high-rise apartment buildings and converted industrial spaces housing everything from art galleries, foodie hot spots, boutiques, and popular tourist attractions, and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind, classic NYC neighborhood.
If it’s your first time in New York City, Chelsea will undoubtedly factor into your itinerary. There are so many things to do in Chelsea including many popular NYC sights. What’s more, it’s just steps from Midtown making it easy to reach on foot or by subway.
Where is Chelsea in New York City?
Before you set off to discover all the things to do in Chelsea, let’s get oriented to understand where this Manhattan neighborhood is in relation to other parts of the city.
Chelsea is on the west side of Manhattan between 14th Street and 34th Street from the Hudson River to as far east as 6th Avenue. Midtown West is at its northern boundary. Greenwich Village and the West Village are just to the south.
This map of Chelsea NYC shows the popular neighborhood and where it sits on the island of Manhattan compared to other places you might know like Times Square or the Empire State Building.
How to Get to Chelsea
Chelsea is well-connected via the New York City Subway. The A, C, E, 1, 2, & 3, trains make several stops through the neighborhood including 14th and 23rd Streets. If you’re taking the train from Newark Airport or JFK Airport, you’ll arrive at New York’s Penn Station on the northern boundary of Chelsea.
If you were to walk to the heart of Chelsea from Times Square, it would be just over a mile and 20ish minutes depending on your pacing and final destination.
If you’re staying in Midtown Manhattan, you could also take the 7 Subway Train over to Hudson Yards. After seeing the Vessel, shops, and restaurants in that area, enter the High Line from W. 34th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues to walk along the elevated park into Chelsea.
Things to Do in Chelsea New York City
With so many things to do in Chelsea, I’ve put together a list of must-sees and dos, as well as some of the best places to eat, so you can get the most from your time in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood!
You can also use this map to help plan your Chelsea itinerary. Pay attention to where things are in proximity to one another so that you can plan what to do in Chelsea NYC without needing to unnecessarily crisscross the neighborhood.
1. Walk the High Line.
The High Line is a popular elevated park that stretches for just about 1 1/2 miles, connecting Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District and the gateway to Greenwich Village to 34th Street on Manhattan’s far west side.
This must-see urban green space combines nature and art with views of the Hudson River in a location that was once used for a very different reason.
In the late 1800s, freight trains would run down an elevated viaduct delivering things like coal, meat, & produce directly into the warehouses & factories that occupied the area. One of the coolest features in the park are the abandoned tracks that still exist and represent a great reminder of the area’s past.
If you’re a history-lover like me, you may be interested in walking the High Line with a guide to learn more about the park’s unique history.
The High Line is a great place to stroll above the sidewalk and observe the city from a different perspective. You also can’t miss the art installations and flowers that make the High Line what it is today. Not to mention, the High Line winds through some of the most interesting modern architecture in the city in what feels like an amazing lesson in architecture.
Grab some food from the many places in the area or from vendors along the old tracks. Then, take a seat on one of the park benches with your mini-picnic and do some people-watching.
You can enter the park at the southern end, at Gansevoort Street, just steps from the Whitney Museum of American Art, and walk north. This is also not far from Chelsea Market and another High Line entrance at 16th Street.
You can also enter at 34th Street & 12th Avenue which is the northern entrance where the High Line lowers to street level. Another option near the northern end of the park is at 30th Street between 10th & 11th Avenues, near the Vessel at Hudson Yards.
There are other points along the path where you can enter & exit, as well.
Normally, summer is the most crowded season on the High Line so plan accordingly and expect a good amount of foot traffic. The earlier the better to beat the crowds and get some people-free(ish) photos.
Traveling to NYC in fall or spring are great times for walking the High Line, too! It’s one of my favorite walks in Manhattan and one of the top things to do in New York City overall.
2. Don’t Miss the Rubin Museum of Art.
Located at 150 West 17th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues, The Rubin Museum is a cultural hub within Chelsea for the exhibition and display of Himalayan works of art, photography, and ideas.
The museum was founded by Shelley & Donald Rubin who began collecting art in the 1970s and who fell in love with a Himalayan piece of art seen in a gallery window.
As the Rubins’ Himalayan art collection grew, it came time to share it with others.
The result is The Rubin Museum’s 70,000 square feet spread over 6 floors of an open, airy designed space. Some areas display the works of art as you might expect. Other areas are rooms that are meant to be an immersive cultural experience transporting you away from the noisy NYC streets just outside.
If you’re someone who’s overwhelmed by huge museums, The Rubin will be a refreshing change and a deep dive into the culture and art of a part of the world you might not know a lot about.
3. Eat at Chelsea Market.
Chelsea Market is the heart and soul of the Chelsea food scene. It’s a culinary center that has just about anything you’re looking to eat and, honestly, it’s easy to spend a couple of hours sampling ethnic bites from noodles to falafel to halva. The market is one of the most popular things to do in Chelsea and New York City.
Chelsea Market is also included in popular Chelsea Walking Tours. So, it can be a great way to maximize your time by combining this iconic market with other Chelsea sights like the High Line.
I personally love strolling into Chelsea Market on a cold winter day to grab a cup of coffee and visit one of the bakeries (like Sarabeth’s). You can have lunch or take dinner to go. Miznon’s cauliflower sandwich alone is worth making the stop!
It’s a great building too. The exposed brick seems to be everywhere you look and feels like you’re walking through a building that’s stayed true to its original design.
Just imagine one giant brick oven with all the amazing wafts of food surrounding you. Even the popular cable network, the Food Network, has its studios based here in Chelsea Market making it a true Food mecca.
One fun fact about the market…it was once home to the National Biscuit Company, better known as Nabisco. This is the location where the Oreo cookie was invented!
Arguably, NYC’s best taco place has a space here. Los Tacos No. 1 is delicious and a must-visit for taco lovers. Other popular stops include The Lobster Place, Corkbuzz, and Tings.
Chelsea Market’s location is in southern Chelsea (on Ninth Avenue between W.15th & W.16th Streets) so it’s a perfect stop as you explore the neighborhood from north to south or on the way to Lower Manhattan.
4. Explore Little Island Park.
Arguably one of the city’s most popular green spaces, Little Island has transformed Pier 54 on Chelsea’s far western side. It was here where survivors of the Titanic arrived on the RMS Carpathia. In fact, the steel archway you pass to enter the park’s southern side is part of the original Cunard-White Star building.
Today, Little Island is a gorgeously designed space combining nature and art built on stilts! The park has different levels which you can climb via the walkways that wind past landscaped greenery, hidden nooks, Hudson River views, and even an amphitheater where you can attend free public performances.
If you’re walking south on the High Line, you’ll get to see Little Island Park from a higher vantage point so that you can truly appreciate the park’s architecture. Then, pause your High Line stroll to exit at Chelsea Market where you can get to Little Island in just a couple of minutes.
No matter how many times I’ve been, it’s just one of the things to do in Chelsea that draws you in time and again because of how unique it is!
5. Don’t Miss the Art Galleries in Chelsea NYC!
If you’re an art lover, Chelsea is your neighborhood! It has the largest cluster of art galleries in New York City.
There are about 1500 art galleries in New York City and several hundred of these galleries are in Chelsea between W. 18th St to W. 26th Streets between 10th & 11th Avenues in what’s collectively known as the Chelsea Art Gallery District.
However, you don’t need to be an art connoisseur to appreciate the work that’s on display here.
Most of the work is contemporary but there are plenty of pieces that cover an array of genres, cultures, and styles over periods of time.
Not to mention visiting Chelsea’s art galleries is one of the best free things to do in New York City. You can spend an hour or a whole day looking at unique and interesting pieces of art and it won’t cost you a dime.
If you need a good starting point, check out the galleries of David Zwirner and Larry Gagosian and then explore from there. In particular, David Zwirner gallery works with over 70 artists to exhibit modern art and support their wide variation of work.
6. Enjoy the Gallow Green Rooftop Garden Bar.
As a local, I’ve spent many a night going out in Manhattan. NYC nightlife is not to be missed if that’s your thing. And, part of that experience is having drinks at a New York City rooftop bar.
Whether you have an open view of the skyline or a close-up look at the towering Empire State Building, the atmosphere of a rooftop bar is second to none.
Over the last several years, rooftop bars have sprouted up all around the city as locals and visitors yearn for some outdoor space to enjoy the city vibe.
One of the best rooftop bars in NYC and Chelsea is the Gallow Green Rooftop Garden Bar, located on the roof of the McKittrick Hotel at 542 West 27th Street in between 10th and 11th Avenues.
Green is the operative word because you’re surrounded by greenery everywhere! It feels like you’re walking through an eloquent garden that sports a tasty menu of salads, sandwiches, & pizza, too!
The bar is open most of the year but does close down for the winter.
7. Learn about Fashion at the Museum at FIT.
The Museum at FIT is a wonderland for fashion lovers. But even if you don’t consider yourself a fashionista, the exhibits are interesting and inspiring.
And I’m someone who admits to not really understanding all the art that goes into fashion. I’m guilty of seeing models on a fashion show runway and wondering how what they’re wearing translates into what regular people wear!
Even with this, I enjoyed visiting the Museum at FIT. It’s certainly worth a stop if you’re in Chelsea. Entry is free and features nearly 50,000 fashion pieces and accessories in their permanent collection.
The Museum at FIT is located at 227 W. 27th Street between 7th & 8th Avenues, just a few blocks from Madison Square Garden.
8. Step into the Future at Hudson Yards.
There was a time not that long ago when there was absolutely no reason to be strolling around the far west side of Manhattan from around 28th Street to 58th Street.
Yes, it had the sketchy urban look you might be imagining but it was also just mostly underused industrial spaces.
Today, I can hardly believe my eyes when I’m in this very same area. This part of the city is exploding with developments like new high-rise apartments, office buildings, shops, a theater, and restaurants. The New York City subway even extended the #7 train line to run further west into Hudson Yards from Times Square.
The Hudson Yards expansion has been a centerpiece of this area’s transformation and now what was a barren part of the city is seeing people flock here every day. The area now has several of the best things to do in Chelsea.
Hudson Yards looks like a perfect rectangle on a city map. It runs 10 blocks north and south from W. 28th Street to W. 38th Street and one block east to west between 11th & 12th Avenues.
When standing at the center of Hudson Yards, though, a rectangle isn’t what comes to mind. The area looks like a collective display of urban modern art and development…dare I say from the future.
Head inside, though, and you’ll find familiar comforts. There are dozens of shops to visit, mostly upscale but also H&M, Zara, Levi’s, and Uniqlo.
if you’ve worked up an appetite from shopping, then you’ve hit the jackpot! Head to Mercado Little Spain and transport yourself to Madrid or Barcelona with authentic bites from tapas to paella.
9. Admire the Vessel.
One of NYC’s newest landmarks is already one of its most popular ones.
It’s the artistic focal point of Hudson Yards, and at first glance, you might not be sure what you’re looking at. Nonetheless, you’ll find it fascinating to look at.
The Vessel opened to the public on March 15th, 2019, and in true New York fashion, was simultaneously loved and hated. But, in just a short amount of time, most people have warmed up to it. Having seen and been on it several times, it’s an eye-catching combination of art and architecture.
The Vessel rises above a large public square filled with plants and trees for a park-like feel. The structure itself is 16 stories high, with 154 flights of stairs that interconnect and 2500 steps. All this adds up to unique views including a wonderful look-out onto the Hudson River.
As you might imagine by looking at it, the artistic levels and vantage points are also a photographer and Instagrammer’s dream come true!
Unfortunately, though, the Vessel is now indefinitely closed for climbing because of several suicides that sadly took place here. However, you can still admire it and take photos from ground level on your visit to Hudson Yards.
10. See the NYC Skyline from the Edge. (Or Even Brave City Climb!)
To see this modern cityscape from above, take a 60-second interactive elevator ride to the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards. There you will find the Western Hemisphere’s highest outdoor skydeck, Edge.
While suspended at over 1100 feet in mid-air with a section that has a glass floor, you’ll get spectacular 360-degree views of New York City while feeling like you’re floating in the sky. You can even lean out over angled glass to see the city streets below.
Hudson Yards and Edge are on the far west side of Manhattan in Chelsea. So even if you’ve done the Empire State Building or Summit One Vanderbilt, the views here offer an entirely different perspective.
Try to go just before sunset to see the day end and the city lights turning on. There’s also a cocktail bar to get drinks and snacks so that you can stay a while and truly appreciate the incredible skyline experience.
Prefer a more adventurous experience? City Climb is the highest open-air building climb anywhere in the world. You get to scale the outside of the skyscraper up to 1200 feet in the air to reach what is the highest outdoor viewing platform in all of NYC.
11. Attend an Event at The Shed.
The Shed is also part of the Hudson Yards development area and truthfully always reminds me of a giant wavy ice cube. In all seriousness, though, this creative space hosts events like theater productions, concerts, art exhibitions, and more. It’s in line with the artistic nature of Chelsea but in a modern and revitalized way.
As with much of the recent developments at Hudson Yards, The Shed’s architecture is also part of the overall experience. The Shed has a large mechanical retractable shell that rolls on wheels to create a space that can accommodate all types of cultural events.
If you’re reading this between September 28, 2023 and January 21, 2024, you can get tickets to see “Here We Are,” Steven Sondheim’s final musical before he passed away.
12. Shop at Macy’s Department Store.
This iconic department store has origins dating back to the mid-1800s. A man by the name of Rowland Hussey Macy opened a few stores selling dry goods in Massachusetts which ultimately did not succeed.
Mr. Macy was not to be deterred, though. He took his idea to New York City and opened a store on 6th Avenue and 14th Street, in the heart of today’s Chelsea neighborhood.
On his first day of business, he brought in just over $11, which when calculated today, is almost $350!
Today, Macy’s is the highest-selling retail department store in the country and forever linked with the fabulous, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The original Manhattan store ultimately moved to its can’t miss flagship location at 34th Street & Broadway, also known as Herald Square.
A visit to Macy’s Department Store is one of the most classic things to do in Chelsea, but a can’t-miss if you visit New York City for Christmas and the overall holiday season.
13. Feast at Excellent Dumpling House.
The name of this restaurant is completely appropriate. Yes, the dumplings are excellent…and so is everything else on the menu!
This restaurant in Chelsea NYC is one of my favs in the whole city for delicious Chinese food. The New York Times and Michelin have recognized how good it is, too!
Once a Chinatown staple, this local dim sum & dumpling institution moved to Chelsea in 2017. It’s located at 165 West 23rd Street between 6th & 7th avenues, just near the “1” Train.
If you’re looking for a local favorite, you’ve found it. The noodle soups with dumplings are fantastic anytime, but especially if you want to warm up after walking around NYC on a chilly day.
14. Trick Your Brain at the Museum of Illusions.
This mind-bending museum sits on the corner of W.14th Street and 8th Avenue not far from other top Chelsea NYC attractions like the Rubin Museum of Art and the 9/11 Museum Workshop.
From the moment you enter, you walk through about 40 interactive optical illusion exhibits. Some rooms make you appear smaller than you really are and others make it seem like there’s no gravity (my favorite). The other exhibits play tricks on your eyes making you believe you’re seeing something a certain way when, in fact, the exhibit is showing something else.
All in all, it’s a lot of fun and a great break from more traditional NYC sightseeing. The museum is perfect for all ages, especially families with kids who are 6+. In particular, as I tried out each exhibit, I thought how much fun my nephews and nieces would have here. It’s a perfect thing to do in New York City with teens!
Equally as fun as trying out each optical illusion are the photo ops! The museum does a great job of posting tips on how to perfectly capture some of the illusions with you in them so you end up with one-of-a-kind shots from your NYC trip.
15. See an Event at Madison Square Garden.
The most famous arena in Chelsea is also the most famous arena in the world. ‘The Garden” as it’s fondly and commonly referred to is located between 7th and 8th Avenues from 31st Street to 33rd Street.
Madison Square Garden is home to the NBA’s New York Knicks and the NHL’s New York Rangers. It’s also played host to countless concerts and many notable events. John Lennon played his last show here & The Concert for New York City (after 9/11) was held at the Garden. Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Madonna, The Who, and the Grateful Dead have all played here dozens of times.
If you’re in town, look up the MSG schedule and get tickets to an event!
16. Search for Chelsea Street Art.
In Chelsea, the art in the hundreds of galleries isn’t the only art on display. As you explore the neighborhood, you can’t help but notice the spectacular works of street art.
NYC’s street art scene exploded during the 1970s, with the New York City Subway system becoming the first canvas for artists and taggers, alike.
Today, though, you won’t see so much on the subway cars. Instead, street artists have commissioned works on buildings throughout neighborhoods like Chelsea in Manhattan or Bushwick in Brooklyn.
You’ll spot street art by walking the High Line and as you explore Chelsea New York City. Or look for favorites like the Gandhi and Mother Teresa mural on W. 18th Street and 10th Avenue.
17. Eat at Fantastic Restaurants in Chelsea.
The food scene in Chelsea has something for everyone. The best restaurants in Chelsea NYC will depend on what your taste buds are in the mood for. No matter what, from bagels to tacos to sushi, you’re not going to be disappointed with your choice of good eats in Chelsea.
I’m a sucker for a great NYC diner and my favorite in Chelsea is the Empire Diner at the corner of 10th Avenue and W.22nd Street.
This historic restaurant is actually a fabricated dining car made by the Fodero Dining Car Company in 1946. And despite several closures and re-openings, Empire Diner is one of the staples of West Chelsea with its refreshed upscale diner decor and menu. You’ll also see some great Chelsea street art on the building just next to the diner!
Looking for the best brunch in Chelsea NYC? Try Cookshop or The Grey Dog, not to mention the Empire Diner!
Looking for the best Italian restaurants in Chelsea? Try Pepe Giallo on 10th Avenue between W.21st and W.22nd Streets.
Looking for a fun place to have drinks in Chelsea? Bathtub Gin is a great speakeasy located at the back of a coffee shop on Ninth Avenue between W.18th and W.19th Streets.
18. Visit the 9/11 Museum Workshop.
This tiny gem of a museum in Chelsea is the most intimate look at what it was like at Ground Zero during the recovery period after 9/11 from someone who was there and lived the experience.
Unlike the 9/11 Memorial and Museum which focuses on the entire day, this museum displays photos taken and curated by the official photographer (Gary Marlon Suson) at Ground Zero for the FDNY, as well as artifacts, and recorded stories to help visitors experience what it was like inside the World Trade Center after the attacks.
The museum is child-friendly, with no graphic images, and offers a softer introduction to teach young children about the day. There are even artifacts that can be touched and held to make the experience that much more real. Gary is even there to answer questions and add to the firsthand accounts told through the museum’s exhibition.
The museum is self-guided with an available audio guide and is located on W.14th Street between Washington Street and Ninth Avenue and is open afternoons from Wednesday to Saturday. It’s well worth the time to visit and certainly one of the most poignant things to do in Chelsea.
19. Go Shopping in Chelsea NYC.
The shopping in Chelsea is just as diverse as the food. You can purchase high-end items like contemporary art from a favorite gallery or vintage items from small boutiques and markets.
As you explore this artsy neighborhood, I’d recommend seeking out one-of-a-kind Chelsea shops like Maison 140. This boutique situated in a historic Chelsea townhouse sells home decor accessories you won’t find in a big box store.
Artists and Fleas brings together creators, artists, and designers selling all types of artisan goods in their Chelsea Market location.
The Chelsea Flea market re-opened under new management in early 2020 selling antiques, vintage goods, and architectural salvage. The market is held every Saturday and Sunday all year long on W.25th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.
20. Get Sporty at Chelsea Piers!
How local am I? I got married at Chelsea Piers! So, this is personally a special place for me. But event spaces are just the start.
Chelsea Piers is a series of docks that stretch out into the Hudson River on the far west side of Manhattan. The overall area covers 28 acres from W.17th to W.22nd Streets along the West Side Highway.
Today, Chelsea Piers is primarily a sports and entertainment hub that has whatever activity you can think of!
From bowling, ice skating, rock climbing, batting cages, and a state-of-the-art golf driving range that has multiple levels, you’ll find a space for just about any sport you imagine. If you’re visiting New York City with kids, Chelsea Piers is a great place for some play time and to take a break from the typical New York City sightseeing activities.
21. Immerse Yourself in Digital Art at Artechouse NYC.
In the old boiler room below Chelsea Market, Artechouse displays its digital art experience from floor to ceiling using projectors for an entirely immersive and head-spinning exhibition. The art is timed with sounds and music to enhance the digital art display.
Despite how interactive Artechouse is, the overall experience is quite peaceful. It’s a great way to break up a day of walking and sightseeing in NYC.
Artechouse also changes its exhibitions so it’s possible to return and see an entirely different themed technology-led display.
22. Stop to Admire Chelsea’s Historic District.
Like many New York City neighborhoods, Chelsea has kept pieces of its history in plain sight. You just have to know where to look!
If you walk along W. 20th, 21st, and 22nd Streets between 8th and 10th Avenues, you’ll be in the heart of the Chelsea Historic District. Back in the mid-1700s, Chelsea was farmland that gradually evolved into a residential area with row houses by the mid-1800s. Some of these houses remain today and are interesting to take note of as you explore all the things to do in Chelsea.
For example, take a look at 183 Ninth Avenue (corner of W.21st Street), which was built around 1832 and is the 2nd oldest house in the historic district. Also, notice the wooden houses to the right of it. In a city of steel and glass skyscrapers, houses like these help you imagine what this intersection may have looked like nearly 200 years ago.
Another great historic Chelsea example is of the 1830s Greek Revival homes called “Cushman Row” on W. 20th Street. Houses numbered 406-418 are reminiscent of the “The Row” on the northern edge of Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village.
While not one of the glitzy or most popular things to do in Chelsea like the High Line or Chelsea Market, I always think these kinds of discoveries as you stroll through a neighborhood help you feel like you really got to know a place you didn’t before.
23. See a Show at the Atlantic Theater Company.
Broadway naturally gets all the attention but it’s important to remember there are numerous Off-Broadway theaters throughout the city with incredible play and musical productions. These theaters are often smaller than those on Broadway and can offer a more intimate theater experience.
In the heart of Chelsea, the Atlantic Theater Company is one of these gems. The theater is in a converted neo-Gothic church on W.20th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues in the Chelsea Historic District.
Numerous well-known and award-winning productions have stemmed from the work of the Atlantic Theater Company including Kimberly Akimbo and The Band’s Visit. It’s worth checking out their performance schedule during your trip and getting tickets to a show if you can.
24. Discover Market 57 Food Hall & Its Rooftop Park.
Market 57 is one of the newest things to do in Chelsea and New York City. This waterfront food hall is just next to Little Island on Pier 57 (thus the name) and just a few minutes from Chelsea Market and the High Line. In fact, it’s still somewhat of a secret and a solid alternative to avoiding the crowds that are always filling the halls of Chelsea Market.
Backed by the James Beard Foundation, Market 57 has some delicious food options in a range of cuisines from dumplings to shrimp tacos to focaccia sandwiches and lattes with sweet treats. If you’re like me, it’ll be hard to choose which to give some of your coveted stomach real estate!
There’s table seating inside but, better yet, grab a snack and head to the rooftop park with beautiful views of Little Island and One World Trade in the Financial District.
25. Enjoy Hudson River Park.
Spanning more than 4 miles along Manhattan’s west side is Hudson River Park. A section of this park runs right through Chelsea. In fact, Chelsea’s abandoned and decaying piers have benefited by being transformed into some of the best things to do in Chelsea like the spaces at Chelsea Piers, Little Island, Gansevoort Peninsula (see below), and Pier 57 Rooftop Park.
These spaces contain many acres of green space where visitors can walk, jog, sit, play, and take advantage of the entertainment offerings. You’ll find sports fields, skate parks, playgrounds, and even a carousel. It’s a great way to take a break from a busy day of sightseeing in Chelsea.
ProTip: Running alongside the entire length of Hudson River Park is the Hudson River Greenway. This combined bike and pedestrian path runs from Inwood in Upper Manhattan down to the Financial District and up the eastern side of Manhattan. Rent bikes at Pier 84 along the Hudson River and explore Manhattan’s waterfront passing numerous NYC sights along the way.
26. Visit City Winery for Dinner and a Show.
Also on Pier 57, City Winery’s flagship location in Chelsea is a winery (yes, in Manhattan!), restaurant, tasting room, and performance space all while having spectacular views of the Hudson River and sights along the waterfront like Hudson River Park.
Transformed from a shipping terminal and bus parking garage, City Winery’s Pier 57 space is the epitome of urban chic! The space is airy and open in the way only a repurposed industrial space can be and has amazing ambiance especially as the sun sets.
City Winery serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, as well as offers wine tastings and winery tours. Go for the views, to enjoy a live performance, and enjoy dishes paired with delicious wine!
27. Admire the Works at The Whitney Museum of American Art.
Like the Gansevoort Peninsula below, the Whitney Museum of Art sits at the edge of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. But it’s at the southern exit of the High Line and within walking distance to Little Island, City Winery, and many other things to do in Chelsea that I wanted to include it in this guide.
The museum’s building was designed by Italian architect, Renzo Piano, and perfectly matches the contemporary aesthetic of the artwork inside. The Whitney exhibits 20th and 21st-century modern art by nearly 4,000 American artists, including those by Edward Hopper. The collection includes more the 26,000 pieces of art from paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, and videos.
And despite its fringe location in Chelsea, the Whitney fits perfectly with Chelsea’s cultural, artsy vibe.
ProTip: The Whitney has sweeping views looking back over Manhattan from its terraces. If you visit, be sure to stop for a moment to savor the views.
28. Go to the Beach. (Not a Typo!)
I’m guessing you weren’t expecting this curveball! But it’s true and definitely one of the most unexpected things to do in Chelsea. There’s a beach in Manhattan at the southernmost reaches of what could still be considered Chelsea(ish) as I described above when talking about the Whitney.
Gansevoort Peninsula, along the Hudson River and just steps from the southern end of the High Line and Chelsea’s art galleries, offers a beach complete with sand, umbrellas, chairs, and a misting system…so all that the sand doesn’t interfere with your New York City look.
You can’t swim (it’s the Hudson River) but you can escape the concrete jungle to soak up the city views (particularly beautiful at sunset) with some sand between your toes.
In addition, the revitalized peninsula has a sports field, walking promenades, and benches where you can watch the boats pass or even spy some of the millions of oysters added to the river as part of an effort to clean and return native species to New York City’s waterways.
Hotels in Chelsea New York City
There’s a lot of upside to staying in Chelsea for your New York City trip. The neighborhood is conveniently located, has plenty of things to see and do, and has no shortage of great food.
And as discussed, Chelsea has subway access that can take you to nearly any place you’d like to go across the city. If you’re overwhelmed about which neighborhood to stay, check out my Where to Stay in New York guide for a breakdown of locations, their pros and cons, and hotel suggestions.
Here are a few of the best hotels in Chelsea NYC.
Kimpton Hotels are boutique, dog-friendly hotels in the IHG network of hotel properties. This hotel is on the northeastern side of Chelsea, just steps away from Herald Square and Byrant Park. Corner rooms have great views of the Empire State Building which is also a few blocks away.
Cambria is an upscale hotel brand in the Choice Hotels family. This hotel in Chelsea has larger guest rooms compared to some other New York City hotels. It’s on the northern side of Chelsea, which is closer to Midtown and its attractions like Broadway and Times Square. But, it’s also tucked away just enough to have quieter rooms and a relaxing rooftop lounge.
Hyatt has an excellent reputation as a mid to upscale hotel brand. This Hyatt property is in a great location near 2 subway lines and within walking distance to Herald Square and many other top city sights. The higher-floor hotel rooms and the rooftop terrace have incredible views.
This familiar Hilton brand is in a great Chelsea location, with no shortage of places to eat in the area. Combined with the free breakfast, this hotel is a solid value in an otherwise pricey city. The rooms are on the small side but that’s to be expected in many NYC hotels. The subway and PATH trains are nearby and you can walk to attractions in Chelsea like the High Line and Chelsea Market.
This Marriott brand hotel is also located in the northeastern corner of the Chelsea neighborhood. Breakfast is included to get the day started and the subway is just down the block. From this prime location, you can walk to Madison Square Garden, the Museum at FIT, Herald Square, Broadway, and more.
Things to Do in Chelsea New York City Bottom Line
The neighborhood of Chelsea in the heart of Manhattan is full of top New York City sights, urban parks, historic landmarks, art galleries, museums, great restaurants, and some of the best views you’ll see in the entire city.
No New York City is complete without some time spent in Chelsea! Not only will you see some of the best the city has to offer, but you’ll also get to see what this incredible neighborhood is all about.
What things to do in Chelsea in New York City would you like to add to your NYC itinerary?
Like this post? Please share it on social media using the share buttons below.
