21 Fabulous Things to do in Chelsea, NYC

What are all the fabulous things to do in Chelsea and why is it so popular?

Let me introduce you to Chelsea, NYC. Known as New York City’s ‘art district,’ it’s one of the most interesting and hip neighborhoods in Manhattan. I always make it a point to spend time in the Chelsea District when I’m in New York because I find something new each time I go. Chelsea is packed with an eclectic mix of culture, history, views, and chic energy. If you’re an art enthusiast, a foodie, or someone who just loves to roam around discovering hidden gems, Chelsea is your spot. 

Where is Chelsea exactly? Chelsea is on the west side Manhattan from about W 14th Street to  W 34th Street. On the west is the Hudson River and on the east is the Empire State Building. Chelsea is south of midtown, but north of the West Village. It’s really a beautiful area because of the river views and the historic buildings and streets.

As is the case with a lot of NYC, this neighborhood has seen many great improvements over the years. There is so much going on all the time, it feels very safe and inviting to be wandering around. It’s really easy to spend a whole day enjoying Chelsea!

I’ll take you through the 21 best things to do in Chelsea, from visiting world-renowned galleries and strolling along the High Line to discovering trendy boutiques and indulging in culinary delights. Get ready to uncover the unique experiences that make Chelsea a must-visit destination in NYC!

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Here are the 21 Things to do in Chelsea

Let this guide take you through a list of everyone’s favorite things to do in Chelsea. Some for free, some for the whole family, and all of them, very fun! Add Chelsea to your list of FREE things to do in NYC.

Short On Time? Here’s My Favorite Chelsea Itinerary

• Breakfast at Chelsea Market
• Check out a few galleries between 18th & 27th 
• Walk to Little Island
• Lunch at Pier 57
• Walk along the Highline
• Visit the Whitney
• Drinks and dinner at Gansevoort Plaza

#1 The Chelsea Market

75 Ninth Avenue (between 15th & 16th St.)
Open 7AM – 10 PM

Chelsea Market is the fabulous market hall in the hub of Chelsea and the famed Meatpacking District. This gorgeously renovated old factory was once the home of the Nabisco Biscuit Company – Nabisco. You can’t spend a day in Chelsea without exploring the hundreds of gourmet foods and trendy boutiques that fill the marketplace. You’ll find delicious treats for any time of the day so arrive hungry. You’re also likely to happen upon some live music as you shop around. It’s always very busy in there, so be prepared! 

#2 The High Line

Gansevoort Street
Open from 7AM to 7PM in the winter and until 10PM in the summer months.

Look up from the sidewalk in Chelsea and you’ll notice a marvelous garden elevated above the city streets. This is the famed Highline. Once a railway transporting meat and refrigerated goods, it is now the spectacular promenade filled with art, flora, and fauna. At 1.45 miles long, the walk from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street is a public park deigned and [reserved by the community. Rather than tear down the tracks, a sustainable space was created in 2009 and is now cherished by all who visit.

#3 Whitney Museum

99 Gansevoort Street
10:30AM – 6PM daily except 10:30 – 10 PM Fridays and Closed on Tuesday

I know I always claim every art museum as one of my favorites, and the Whitney is no different! The Whitney is a premier American Art museum of twentieth century and contemporary works. Watch for their exhibit schedule, but know that the permanent collection is amazing. I especially love the size of this museum. I never feel overwhelmed in there. Be sure to step out onto the outdoor sculpture garden upstairs for views of Little Island and the Hudson River.

#4 Art Galleries of Chelsea

OK, this is hard to know where to begin! Between 18th St. to 28th St. there are literally 350 art galleries! I absolutely love wandering in and out of galleries for hours. You never know what contemporary art you’ll discover! While there are a ton of art gallery guides out there, I thought I would provide this link to a site that updates DAILY to let you know what exhibit is where. Enjoy – this is what Chelsea is known for – fostering a culture that supports art, or all kinds. https://www.galleriesnow.net/exhibitions/new-york-chelsea/

#5 Little Island

Pier 55
Hudson River

Check out this fun man-made island in the Hudson River at Pier 55. Designed to bring back some life to an area that was devastated during Hurricane Sandy, the Little Island provides public park space for the whole family to enjoy. Wander, play, see performances, or just enjoy the views, it’s a special spot!

#6 Chelsea Piers

Piers 57, 59, 60, 61
Hudson River

Along the Hudson River are the historic piers that used to host big ocean liners. Piers 57, 59, 60, and 61 have been transformed into giant sports venues, a food hall, a roof top park, and launches for river cruises. You can hit golf balls, rock climb, ice skate, bowl, and play soccer! All this, right on the river with views of the Manhattan skyline. Grab some food in the food court and head up to the rooftop park to relax and enjoy.

#7 Hudson River Park

Along the Hudson River is an area that used to be dilapidated, unsafe, and uninviting. Now, thanks to the Hudson River Conservancy, the 550 acre park covers 4 miles of paths for walking, running, rowing in the river, and enjoying nature on the edge of the city.

#8 Chelsea Flea Market

29 West 25th Street at 6th Avenue
Saturdays & Sundays 8AM – 5PM

The Chelsea Flea Market has been around on weekends since 1976 and is a great Chelsea tradition. It’s a free market, has about 60 vendors selling all kinds of cool vintage stuff. You’ll find some treasures you didn’t know you needed, and might see some celebrities while you’re there! And it’s open rain, snow, or shine. And did I mention its Free unless you buy something!

#9 The Vessel

West 34 th Street & 10th Avenue

The giant walkable art installation at the end of the Highline greets visitors as they enter the Hudson yards shopping center. This remarkable structure has been called NYC’s answer to the Eiffel Tower. I would hardly say that, but it is unusual. Tragically, however, soon after its opening in 2019, 4 people died by suicide from leaping off the Vessel. Consequently, the Vessel has been closed since 2021 while mesh is placed on all its staircases. It is due to open again, at some point in 2024.

#10 Hudson Yards

West 34 th Street & 10th Avenue

The massive shopping mall not only offers hundreds of stores and restaurants, but also includes offices, residences, and ho.tel accommodations. Its a great place to stop in after you’ve walked the Highline and taken pics at the Vessel. Do some shopping and look for music and free performances both indoor and outdoors.

#11 The Edge

30 Hudson Yards
10:AM – 10:PM daily (outdoor deck maybe closed due to weather)
Tickets – start at $38

The Edge, one of New York’s most exciting observation decks, is located 100 floors up in the 30 Hudson Yards building. It’s considered the highest viewing deck in the Western Hemisphere. If you like that sort of thing, you can stand on the glass platform that is suspended from the building and provides 360 degree views. Enjoy some champagne, especially recommended at sunset.

#12 The Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

227 West 27th Street
Wednesday – Friday 12 – 8PM, Saturday – Sunday 10AM -5PM
Admission is Free

FIT is the world renowned center for fashion design and the museum showcases both historic fashion and garments, as well as student and faculty designs.  The museum’s permanent collection has over 50,000 pieces spanning the 18th century to modern design.  If you love fashion, this is a Chelsea must. And it’s Free!

#13 Ground Zero Museum Workshop

420 West 14th Street
Reservations are required – contact here https://groundzeromuseumworkshop.org/tickets.html

This museum was created to support and remember the recovery time post 9/11. With hundreds of photos and artifacts. This labor of love by a Battalion Chief and many others is a powerful and important insight into the aftermath of the horrors of that day. The museum prides itself in being kid-friendly so that parents and educators can feel comfortable teaching children about this important event in world history.

#14 Macy’s Herald Square

151 West 34th Street

Macy’s, home of the famed Thanksgiving Day Parade, the flagship store of all the Macy’s stores. I encourage you to take the time to visit the store, visit Herald Square and feel the energy of one of NYC’s most famous spots. You might even catch a free salsa lesson or some other fun event in front of the store!

#15 Artechhouse

439 West 15th Street
Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm Friday-Saturday 10am-10pm
Sessions are every 30 minutes and last for 60 minutes.
XR BAR HOURS: Daily 2pm-8:30pm The XR Bar, an “extended reality bar powered by the ARTECHOUSE XR App.”
Tickets start at $26.86

Art + Tech + House = Artechhouse, a visual, technical space for art installations that are both digital and multimedia events and performances of experiential art. This “is where curiosity-seekers of all ages go to experience creative innovation without limits.” Look for current exhibits and installations. True confession, I have not yet participated in this full immersion experience, but I think it might be likened to the Van Gogh Experience in which film, art and music surround the visitor in a magical way.

#16 The Rubin Museum of Art

150 West 17th Street
Open Thursday – Sunday 11:AM – 5PM, until 10PM on Fridays.
Tickets -$19, $14 students, children under 12 free.

The Rubin is a unique treasure in Chelsea. This museum is filled with art from the Himalayas and uses dynamic techniques to involve and engage their visitors. The Rubin hopes to help people understand more about the human experience.

#17 Atlantic Theater Company

76 9th Avenue 

The Atlantic Theater Company is the most renowned off-Broadway theater school and company in NYC. Formed in the 80’s by now famous playwright and actors David Mamet and William H. Macy, Atlantic has become THE premier Tony award winning theater for “bringing human experiences to life.”

#18 The Joyce Theater

175 8th Avenue

One of my favorite places to see dance, the Joyce Theater holds a special place in my heart. In my 20’s, when I was a struggling dancer in the city, I could go to performances here and be inspired! It was then a newly renovated performance space and has grown to world renowned recognition as a premier dance theater.

#19 The Kitchen NYC

512 West 19th Street at 10th Avenue

Since the early 70’s, The Kitchen has provided a performance space for some of the most innovative and progressive artists in NYC. Their mission encourages artists to defy boundaries. You’ll find anything and everything from film to music to visual arts and performance art. Famous artists such as Phillip Glass, Bill T. Jones. Laurie Anderson, Cindy Sherman, Talking heads, and the Beastie Boys performed here.

#20 Printed Matter

231 11th Avenue

Printed Matter is a very cool book store dedicated to artists’ books. As a non-profit, the store has devoted itself to promoting art publications and has a huge variety of books and magazines as well as a gallery. Check it out to find the unusual finds!

#21 Madison Square Garden

West 31 st Street & 7th Avenue

Yes, the Garden is in Chelsea and fun fact – I performed at The Garden! In 1982, I performed in the Bugs Bunny Show to thousands of little children, as none other than Daffy Duck! True Story. While you won’t get to see me there, you can check out the Nicks, the Rangers, and your favorite rock stars in this 21,000 seat.

How do I Get To Chelsea?

By Subway – A, C, E, or L train to the 14th Street (8th Avenue) station. Walk West to Ninth Avenue and 15th Street.

The 1 & 2 trains run to 34 Street – Penn Station, 28th Street, 23rd Street, and 18th Street.

The 7 train ends at the 34 Street-Hudson Yards Subway Station in Hudson Yards.

The PATH also makes stops in Chelsea at 33rd Street, 23rd Street, and 14th Street.

By Bus – Take the M11 bus down Ninth Avenue and get out between 15th and 16th Streets.

Parking – There are 2 parking lots adjacent to the market, both with entrances on West 15th Street.

Where should I eat in Chelsea?

In addition to the Chelsea Market and Pier 57, here are some more favorite spots (in alphabetical order). If I haven’t been, my daughter has, so we can personally vouch for all of these choices! As always, I recommend reservations! Or walk by and put your name in.

• Cafeteria
  119 7th Avenue
  An upscale American diner, famous for great food and people watching.
• Ci Siamo
  440 W 33rd St Suite #100,
  Upscale Italian with a corporate/after work vibe, near Hudson Yards.
• City Winery NYC
  25 11th Avenue (Pier 57)
  An awesome place on the waterfront that offers excellent wines, a great menu, live performances of comedy and many musical genres. With views of Little Island and the water, you can just have drinks, dine, or dine with a show. Check it out!
• Cuchina Alba 
  511 W 18th Street
  An upscale Italian spot. Reservations are needed. You’ll love the very cool interior. A Chelsea hot spot!
• Green Gallow Rooftop Restaurant
  542 W 27th St
  A rooftop garden atmosphere complete with fire pit, live music, great food and drinks.
• La Noxe Speakeasy
  162 West 28th Street
  A vintage speakeasy vibe with velvet seats, low lights, and small plates.
• Mel’s
  85 10th Avenue
  This is a renowned, great pizza place!
• Pastis
  52 Gansevoort Street 
  This is a New York classic! French food, always great. It’s pricey, but worth it!
• Porchlight
  271 11th Avenue
  A Southern twist on a NYC bar and restaurant.
• RH Restaurant
  9 Ninth Avenue
  This is the roof of Restoration Hardware and it’s in an incredible location with gorgeous views, and great furniture! Perfect for brunch.
• Serefina
  7 Ninth Avenue
  We never go wrong when we choose a Serfina. It’s always delicious Italian, something for everyone, and the Gansevoort location is really pretty on the cobblestone streets near the water.
• Verano
  350 11th Avenue
  A great Mexican menu with cute outdoor seating, right in front of The Vessel. There’s a fun food truck indoors where you can order and have the food brought out to your table. Get the nachos!
• Wildflower
  505 West 23rd Street
  A lovely atmosphere, true to its name, serving an eclectic menu of vegetarian, fish, and meat entrees. Check out the cute garden seating in the back, and you’re right under the High Line! Very cool!
• Zou Zou
  385 9th Avenue
  An upscale Mediterranean meal, which I always love!

Where to Stay In Chelsea?

The  Hotel Chelsea
222 W 23rd St. 

We can’t talk about Chelsea without mentioning the iconic Chelsea Hotel. This is the notorious hotel that hosted some of the world’s most famous writers, musicians, and artists. Incredible art was created there, romances lived and died there, and several people tragically lost their lives at the Chelsea. 

The hotel was built in 1885 and has since become notorious for all the history that was made here.
There are three very famous dining and bar choices – El Quijote, The Lobby Bar, and the Chelsea Cafe. It’s a dog-friendly hotel, and has wifi and laundry service.

Chelsea Fun Facts

• How did Chelsea get its name? In 1750, Thomas Clarke bought this land near the river and named it after a retirement home in London.
• Chelsea Market was the original site of Nabisco (the National Biscuit Company). Everyone’s favorite, the Oreo cookie, was invented here.
• Clarke’s son in law was the bishop who gave the last communion to Alexander Hamilton.
• Clarke’s grandson wrote The Night Before Christmas.
• This neighborhood became the hub for transporting goods from the Hudson River into and out of the city. The shipyards of Chelsea Pier were built and eventually, in 1934, the elevated railway above Manhattan was built. These trains carried meat and dairy products from the Hudson Valley into the city. 
• The Chelsea piers were originally passenger ship terminals used by the Lusitania and is where the Carpathia came after rescuing survivors of the Titanic.

Now You’ve Got The Scoop on All The Things To Do In Chelsea

In a nutshell…

So there you have it – 21 amazing things to do in Chelsea, NYC! From art galleries and high-end boutiques to iconic landmarks and hidden gems, Chelsea truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a visitor wanting to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, this neighborhood won’t disappoint. So grab your friends, hit the streets, and discover all that Chelsea has to offer. Happy exploring!

xx,
Carrie