Located in the midst of repurposed warehouses and some of the tallest skyscrapers in New York, you will find Chelsea. Thanks to its art scene, classy night life and great restaurants, Chelsea is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city.
It is also one of the largest neighborhoods, so put on your comfy sneakers and start exploring! You can be sure that such a large neighborhood has a lot to offer. In this insider guide we will tell you about the best things to do in Chelsea NYC during your trip, including attractions, restaurants, rooftop bars and shopping opportunities.
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides!
Chelsea vs. Hudson Yards
In case you’re wondering, the Hudson Yards neighborhood is geographically part of Chelsea – so you’ll find some of the best attractions here in this article as well. In addition, you can find my complete Hudson Yards Guide here.
My TOP 5 Things to Do in Chelsea NYC
- Chelsea Gallery District: The number of Chelsea’s outdoor art galleries has increased since the 90s, after rents spiked in SoHo and more people chose to move to Chelsea. Today there are nearly 200 art galleries which makes it quite the attraction.
- High Line Park: The High Line is the most unique park New York has to offer. It’s an elevated park located near the Hudson River. Why is it elevated? Because it used to be a freight rail line, which ceased services in 1980.
- Edge Hudson Yards: enjoy breath-taking views
- The Frying Pan Restaurant: From here, you can enjoy not only excellent food, but also beautiful views of both Manhattan’s skyline and New Jersey. We particularly recommend a visit during sunset!
- Chelsea Market: Chelsea Market is one of my favorite spots in NYC! Not only do you find some nice shops here but also some great food spots!
Where is Chelsea located?
Chelsea is located in Midtown Manhattan and is bounded by the Meatpacking District and The Village at 14th Street level to the south, Hell’s Kitchen is the northern boundary (34th Street level) and 6th Avenue is the eastern boundary.
How to Get To Chelsea in New York
- Metro: Take lines or to “8th Ave 14th St”, line to “18th” or “23rd St”. Alternatively, you can hop on line and get off at ‘Hudson Yard’.
- By Foot: If you’re already in Midtown, you may as well walk to Chelsea.
- Hop on Hop Off Bus: The closest stop is Stop 6 of the downtown loop of BIG BUS (“Union Square”) or stop 7 of the downtown loop of Gray Line Sightseeing (“Union Square”). Here you find more about Hop on Hop off in NYC.
My tip: the tickets for the buses are included in many of the New York City passes – which one is the best for you, you can see in my Pass Comparison for New York!
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The 20 Best Things To Do in Chelsea NYC
Chelsea is a very cosmopolitan district with a large gay-friendly community. You may hear some people referring to it as a ‘gayborhood’. That’s because you will find a handful of gay bars, restaurants and clubs in the area. People are very open-minded and easy going which leads to a noticeable relaxed atmosphere. Walking through the area, you will see tons of art galleries, a number of bars, pubs and restaurants, as well as cute little and unique stores.
At night you’ll notice the liveliness and energy of this neighborhood. A large crowd of Hip Hop and R&B fans are drawn here nightly thanks to some of the greatest clubs, including Jay-Z’s 40/40.
Wondering what to do in Chelsea NYC? Here’s my list of things I personally recommend you do!
01
My favorite cruise in NYC: the Champagne City Lights Cruise
Cruise
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ChelseaOur Highlight
We had an amazing time onboard the luxurious 1920s inspired motor yacht. Combine sightseeing with a romantic evening and step onboard the 1920s inspired boat at Pier 62 (Chelsea Piers – W. 22nd and Hudson River). During the 90-minutes long tour, you’ll get to see iconic NYC sights along the water and most importantly breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Especially in the summer, you can admire the most beautiful sunset during this special cruise. There is seating inside the yacht and outside seating as well.
02
Secrets of the High Line
Walking Tour
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Hudson YardsI love the High Line and the Chelsea district, because this part shows in a very small area what New York is all about and has to offer. The old elevated railway line reminds you of the beginnings of the city, when the trains still drove to the meatpacking district. And at the same time you see the new New York with many galleries, small boutiques and wonderful cafes.
The High Line connects New York’s oldest district (Meatpacking District) with the newest district (Hudson Yards). On this 2 hour walking tour you will learn a lot about it and get great impressions of NYC. Moreover, the view from the High Line on the Streets and Avenues, the Hudson River and the Empire State Building is something very special!
03
Classic Harbor Line: Architecture Yacht Cruise
Cruise
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ChelseaOur Highlight
The architecture boat tour takes you around Manhattan in 2.5 hours. On a 30 meter long wooden ship in the style of the 1920s you can relax and learn a lot of interesting facts about the many small and large buildings of the city. The tour is super-relaxing and the price includes a drink (vino, soft drinks) and small snacks.
04
The Edge Observation Deck: Enjoy breath-taking views!
Building
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Hudson YardsOur Highlight
The Hudson Yards observation deck called Edge is New York’s newest and highest open observation deck. It opened in March 2020 and we were there – the view from up here is just sensational, and through the glass floor you can see over 100 floors straight down!
My budget tip: The ticket is included in many of the New York City Attraction Passes!
05
High Line
Park
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Meatpacking DistrictOur Highlight
Almost 30 years later, in 2009, it reopened as a public park. What’s also special is that you can still see some train tracks that remained. The High Line stretches all the way from 34th Street down to 14th Street and along its 1.5 miles you’ll find several entrances. The High Line lets you have amazing views of the city. You can even see the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty from the same spot! Even though it’s a tourist attraction with over 3 million tourists yearly, you’ll also find many locals hanging out in the park.
Recommended: Best Free Attractions in NYC
06
Chelsea Market
Food Market
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Meatpacking DistrictOur Highlight
The first address for the gourmets among you, is the Chelsea Market. The building that was once a biscuit factory and the place where the famous Oreo biscuits were invented. Today you will find bakeries, wine merchants, greengrocers, a fish shop, sushi bars, a butcher’s shop with steak restaurant and much more.
07
Go Vintage Shopping at New York Vintage Inc
Second Hand Store
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ChelseaOne of our favorite designer vintage stores is New York Vintage Inc. in Chelsea. It’s just a block from the Flatiron Building and has a huge selection to offer. You’re sure to find second hand fashion in good condition at a bargain price!
08
Visit the Rubin Museum of Arts
Museum
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ChelseaFor three decades, New Yorkers Shelley and Donald Rubin have been collecting Buddhist art, mandalas and meditation images here. The exhibitions of contemporary Asian artists are very impressive.
Recommended: The Absolute Best Museums in NYC
09
High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour
Walking Tour
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ChelseaOur Highlight
This is the most popular walking tour along the High Line, starting in the Meatpacking District at the Whitney Museum, running through Chelsea and ending at Hudson Yards. The High Line is my personal favorite park in NYC and always worth a visit. I find the High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour really exciting because you get told the history and significance to New York. Your guide will tell you many secrets that the High Line, the Chelsea Market and the Meatpacking District has to offer.
For me personally, this tour is one of the best walking tours in NYC ever, because you see a lot of the old and the new New York City. That’s what makes this district so interesting for me!
10
See Free Art (Exhibitions) & Events at Little Island
Other Attraction
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Meatpacking DistrictNot far from the Meatpacking District and the High Line, Little Island is one of the newest attractions in New York and is something very special: a park on 132 beautiful tulip-shaped concrete stilts in the Hudson River!
11
High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking Tour
Walking Tour
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ChelseaOur Highlight
Go on a fun adventure in New York’s only park above street level- the Highline. Experience the Chelsea neighborhood from a whole new vantage point and find out more about the history of the famous Meatpacking District including how it developed into one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the world.
12
Look out for Street Art (e.g. at the Empire Diner)
American Restaurant
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ChelseaOur Highlight
This American Diner in Chelsea is an icon of NYC – you can’t miss it, because a beautiful graffiti decorates the building. And it is only a few meters away from the High Line!
13
Momoya: One of the Best Places for Sushi in NYC
Japanese Restaurant
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ChelseaMomoya is a Japanese restaurant and for me one of the best sushi places in New York. I love sushi and here you have a great selection of sashimi, sushi and various rolls of very good quality.
My tip: the lunch special offers great value for money.
14
Give sangria from the barrel a try at Tia Pol (it is worth it!)
Spanish Restaurant
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ChelseaThe Tia Pol is totally inconspicuous from the outside, but it has it all! We became aware of it by chance, because we had some time and desire to eat something small before our boat tour. The spot became famous for its sangria from the barrel (!), it is much much better than it sounds! The tapas are fancy, typically Spanish and you are definitely among New Yorkers here. Wonderful!
15
Chelsea Gallery District
Gallery
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Hudson YardsThe number of Chelsea’s outdoor art galleries has increased since the 90s, after rents spiked in SoHo and more people chose to move to Chelsea. Today there are nearly 200 art galleries which makes it quite the attraction.
16
Enjoy the Sunset at The Frying Pan
American Restaurant
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ChelseaLocated at Pier 66 near Hudson River, you’ll find one of New York’s best restaurants with a maritime atmosphere. You basically eat your food on a real life lightship. Yet, what may be even more interesting is that the ship had sunk and stayed underwater for 3 entire years before it was brought to New York and converted to a restaurant. From here, you can enjoy not only excellent food, but also beautiful views of both Manhattan’s skyline and New Jersey. We particularly recommend a visit during sunset!
17
Hudson River Park
Park
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ChelseaOur Highlight
The Hudson River Park is the second largest park in Manhattan after Central Park. Besides being a nice place to relax on a beautiful day, you will have a fantastic view of the Hudson River. If you want to do more than just relax, you can take advantage of different activities offered in the park. Check out their mini golf course or carousels, for example! If you are looking for even more fun, you should go kayaking on the Hudson River. The best thing about kayaking? It’s absolutely FREE! We think you understand that we had no choice but to include this park in our top 5 things to do in Chelsea NYC!
Recommended: the Best parks in NYC
18
Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology
Museum
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ChelseaThe award-winning Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is free of charge and has been considered one of the world’s most innovative fashion museums since 1975. Here you can see one of the world’s largest exhibitions of fashion dating from the 18th century to the present day.
19
Try one of the many Gins at the bar Bathtub Gin
Bar
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ChelseaA great bar with a great selection of cocktails and gins. On the menu you will find small dishes like crispy calamari, grilled chicken or burrata.
Save big on New York attractions and tours
Budget Tip
Many of the attractions and tours in Chelsea and the surrounding neighborhoods are included in one of the New York City passes. So you can easily and quickly save up to 70% – how does it work?
You can see that in my ultimate 👉 New York Pass comparison, here you can see my personal 👉 New York Pass Reviews after more than 20 visits to New York and our free New York Pass Advisor answers the question: “Which New York Pass is the best?”
Best Guided Tours in Chelsea NYC
There are a lot of very popular tours where New York guides show you the best parts and the history of this neighborhood:
01 High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour
This is the most popular walking tour along the High Line, starting in the Meatpacking District at the Whitney Museum, running through Chelsea and ending at Hudson Yards. The High Line is my personal favorite park in NYC and always worth a visit. I find the High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour really exciting because you get told the history and significance to New York. Your guide will tell you many secrets that the High Line, the Chelsea Market and the Meatpacking District has to offer.
For me personally, this tour is one of the best walking tours in NYC ever, because you see a lot of the old and the new New York City. That’s what makes this district so interesting for me!
02 High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour
This walking tour through Greenwich Village and Chelsea is one of the best food tours New York City has to offer! Because in this part of the city there are many wonderful little food spots that you must discover.
In addition, you will learn many exciting anecdotes about the High Line, which connects the Hudson Yards with the Meatpacking District. This former elevated railway line was saved from demolition due to an initiative and is now one of the most popular sights in New York. All the more reason to book this awesome walking tour!
03 High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking Tour
Go on a fun adventure in New York’s only park above street level- the Highline. Experience the Chelsea neighborhood from a whole new vantage point and find out more about the history of the famous Meatpacking District including how it developed into one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the world.
04 Secrets of the High Line
I love the High Line and the Chelsea district, because this part shows in a very small area what New York is all about and has to offer. The old elevated railway line reminds you of the beginnings of the city, when the trains still drove to the meatpacking district. And at the same time you see the new New York with many galleries, small boutiques and wonderful cafes.
The High Line connects New York’s oldest district (Meatpacking District) with the newest district (Hudson Yards). On this 2 hour walking tour you will learn a lot about it and get great impressions of NYC. Moreover, the view from the High Line on the Streets and Avenues, the Hudson River and the Empire State Building is something very special!
If guided tours interest you, be sure to check out the Best Walking Tours NYC!
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Best Restaurants in Chelsea NYC
Eating definitely belongs in the best things to do in Chelsea NYC, because this district has a lot to offer. Check out our favorite places – these are the best restaurants in Chelsea NYC:
01 Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza was founded in 2008 and serves big slices with creamy toppings.
02 Biricchino
Biricchino is a small Italian restaurant in Chelsea.
03 Blossom
The Blossom is a vegan restaurant chain. It was founded with the aim of bringing vegan food to a creative, new and delicious level.
04 Bocca di Bacco
What could be better than a brunch restaurant steps away from the lush greenery of the High Line that also offers a two-hour bottomless drink special for your weekend afternoon feasting? Say hello to Bocca di Bacco!
Take your pick from champagne, sangria, Bellinis, mimosas, screwdrivers, or Bloody Marys to sip on as you dive into their delicious Ham and Cheddar Cheese Frittata. And the icing on the cake? A welcome shot that greets you at the door! With its unique offerings, Bocca di Bacco truly redefines the Chelsea brunch experience!
05 Buddakan
Buddakan is one of the best rated and most beautiful restaurants in the city and is your spot if you are looking for something special. Here you can eat incredibly well: from dim sum to poultry to fish, the selection ranges.
Looking for more recommendations? We’ve got you covered! Here you find the Best Restaurants in Chelsea NYC.
Best Bars in Chelsea NYC
Due to its proximity to Midtown, Chelsea is the perfect spot to visit rooftop bars. There are several buildings from which you can marvel at the precious Empire State Building. You don’t have a choice but to include rooftop bars on your ‘things to do in Chelsea NYC’ -bucket list.
01 American Whiskey
In the Chelsea district of New York you can find the American Whiskey Bar. Unlike other sports bars, this bar offers not one, but three floors where you can have a good time. The main bar is especially popular, with leather and oak wood furnishings. The 36 flat screen TVs are perfect for watching the next basketball game. Perfect for all sports fans.
In the American Whiskey there are over 100 different types of whiskey! So there is something for every whiskey fan here.
02 Bathtub Gin
A great bar with a great selection of cocktails and gins. On the menu you will find small dishes like crispy calamari, grilled chicken or burrata.
03 Jungle Bird
Jungle Bird Bar in New York is a tropical-inspired cocktail bar in the Chelsea neighborhood that combines a relaxed atmosphere with top-notch drinks.
Named after the classic rum cocktail, you can get exotic cocktails, high-quality spirits, and Caribbean-inspired snacks here. With its stylish, colorful design, cozy seating and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to end the evening.
04 Le Bain Rooftop Bar
Le Bain Rooftop Bar ranks high among the best clubs and rooftop bars in NYC. A good cocktail will cost you around 12 dollars and entry is free, meaning that prices are not as outlandish as in some other popular NYC nightclubs. Defintiely worth a visit, especially if you are looking for an awesome view over Manhattan!
Looking for more recommendations? We’ve got you covered! Here you find the Best Bars in Chelsea NYC.
Shopping in Chelsea NYC
You won’t find a shopping street in Chelsea, like you do in SoHo or Midtown Manhattan. However, if you consider yourself a shopping queen (or king), do not worry! While wandering through the artsy streets of Chelsea, you will discover that it’s full of little unique stores.
One book store we found is called 192 Books (192 10th Ave) and sells a variety of books ranging from poetry and art to history and fiction. The store has gained enough popularity for many authors to come and have their readings take place here.
In the northeastern part of Chelsea, you’ll find Manhattan Mall (100 W 33rd St). This conventional mall hosts many famous brands like Victoria’s Secret and H&M.
Our recommendation for the best shopping experience: Simply explore and discover the little stores, because they are what differentiates Chelsea from many other neighborhoods.
Best Hotels in Chelsea NYC
Staying in Chelsea has many advantages. You’ll always be surrounded by some of the best atmosphere, bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops in NYC. If you decide to stay in the neighborhood please check out these amazing hotels:
01 Cambria Hotel New York – Chelsea
3 stars | Families visiting New York City will love the Cambria Hotel New York – Chelsea. The hotel features a rooftop bar and lounge with stunning city views, perfect for enjoying a drink or meal with your family.
Each room at the hotel is equipped with a cable TV, air conditioning, and a seating area. The guest rooms also have a refrigerator, microwave, coffee machine, and private bathroom with free toiletries, ensuring that families have everything they need for a comfortable stay.
The hotel’s convenient on-site fitness center is perfect for guests who want to stay active during their stay, while the 24-hour front desk and over 597 square feet of meeting space make it easy for families to plan their activities and events. Located just 1,650 feet from the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, and Penn Station, the Cambria Hotel New York – Chelsea is a great choice for families who want to be in the heart of the action.
02 Chelsea Pines Inn
4 Stars | This stylish bed & breakfast is located directly in Chelsea. The interior of the hotel is a real eye-catcher: the walls are decorated with original Hollywood movie posters, among other things.
03 Dream Downtown
4 Stars | a stunning feel-good designer hotel that scores with its own roof terrace and club lounge as well as a breathtaking view of the New York skyline. The rooms are furnished with designer furniture, and you can enjoy the vista from your room through porthole windows. Such a cool touch. All in all a wonderful choice!
Recommended article: The Best Hotels in Chelsea NYC.
Neighborhoods Nearby
If you are done exploring and you think you got a good coverage of all things to do in Chelsea NYC, you can visit other unique neighborhoods such as Midtown, Meatpacking District, Hell’s Kitchen or Flatiron District.
Neighborhoods that are Similar to Chelsea
If you enjoyed Chelsea, below are similar neighborhoods that we think you’ll enjoy:
