25 Best Things to Do in Chelsea, New York City

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The High Line Park is a 1.45-mile long aerial greenway that was built on top of an unused, elevated section of the New York Central Railway. Inspired by a project in Paris, the High Line extends from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District through Chelsea to the north edge of the West Side Yard near the Javits Convention Center.

The park is beautifully manicured and offers fantastic views of the city and the Hudson River. High Line hosts temporary exhibit installations and various performances. Most parts of the park are wheelchair accessible but the park rules prohibit bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, and scooters.

820 Washington Street, New York, New York 10014, Phone: 212-206-9922

© Ground Zero Museum Workshop

The Ground Zero Museum Workshop is a museum and memorial that recounts the recovery period at Ground Zero after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Many community members and families of victims as well as experts in technology and graphics collaborated in this effort to tell the story of what happened at Ground Zero.

Stories, images, and artifacts that were recovered from the September 11th tragedy are featured as well as 100 audio stories that visitors can listen to in four languages. The stories include real sound effects from Ground Zero. Photography from the FDNY Fire Unions' official photographer is on display to help visitors understand what it would have been like to be a part of the recovery crew.

420 West 14th Street, Floor 2, New York, NY 10014, Phone: 212-920-4264

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Madison Square Garden is a multi-purpose enclosed arena in Manhattan. The Garden is used for a variety of sports, including professional basketball and ice hockey, boxing and wrestling. It is also used for a variety of other entertainment and performances, including ice shows, concerts, circuses, and much more. It is home to the NHL team the New York Rangers and the NBA's New York Knicks.

Madison Square Garden has hosted a number of high profile music performers and continues to be a popular concert venue. The venue sits directly on top of the Pennsylvania Station railway station, which is a major transportation hub.

4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001, Phone: 212-465-6741

© Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex

The Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex is located on a series of piers in Chelsea which were originally a passenger ship terminal. In the Early 1900s, the RMS Lusitania used the piers, and they were the planned destination of the ill-fated RMS Titanic.

The complex includes a health club, the city's largest gymnastics training facility, two basketball courts, playing fields for soccer, batting cages, a rock wall, and dance studios. Additionally, there is a golf club, a bowling center, and two ice rinks. The Piers also have film and television production studios, including the one for NBC Universal. There is also a marina nearby for docking private boats and several event spaces.

62 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011

© Chelsea Flea Market

The Chelsea Flea Market evolved out of the original Annex Antiques Fair & Flea Market that began nearby almost forty years ago. The historical area and buildings still retain the vintage ambiance and charm from years ago. Up to 135 vendors sell antiques, collectibles, decorative arts, clothing, jewelry, and many other types of antiques and collectibles at the market.

Food options abound and include many options of local cuisine, diverse restaurants, and sandwich shops. Many of the vendors feature handmade art and craft items that make for interesting and unique gifts and souvenirs. The market is a must-see if you are visiting New York's meatpacking district.

29 W 25th Street, New York, NY 10010, Phone: 212-243-5343

© Chelsea Piers Golf Club

The Chelsea Piers Golf Club is a unique golf destination that provides guests with the opportunity to golf on a scenic pier on the Hudson River. The Club boasts Manhattan's only four-tiered, year-round outdoor driving range. The range's 200-yard fairway provides the opportunity to hit full shots and practice putting. The Golf Academy at Chelsea Piers is a very high tech indoor training center.

The academy offers several golf schools as well as private and semi-private lessons for golfers of every ability level, starting from age four. The golf club is open to the public and offers memberships for the frequent golfer.

59 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 212-336-6400

© The Two Percent Gallery Tours

The Two Percent Gallery Tours is a tour company specializing in art that offers an exclusive 2-hour tour of five art exhibitions. The Two Percent attempts to find the very best art exhibits and become experts on them. Then, their experts lead amazing tours through Chelsea and the Lower East Side.

The tours feature multi-million dollar artwork, and the guides will let visitors in on secrets of the art world as they travel in small groups (three or less) through the neighborhoods and exhibits. The tours are ideal for a first-timer wanting to get a taste of the best art in New York and the future of Art History.

75 9th Ave, New York City, NY 10011, Phone: 917-727-7687

© Rubin Museum of Art

The Rubin Museum of Art is a museum dedicated to displaying and preserving the art and cultural artifacts of the Himalayas, India, and neighboring countries. There is an emphasis on Tibetan art. The art was originally the private collection of Donald and Shelley Rubin from whom the museum gets its name.

In addition to the items on permanent display, the museum also hosts several national and international traveling exhibits. The museum occupies part of what was formerly the Barney's department store and takes up about 70,000 square feet. The Rubin museum includes an education center, art studio, a theater, a café, and a gift shop. Individual and group tours are available.

150 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 212-620-5000

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Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the Vessel is an architectural beauty and landmark in Chelsea that was constructed as part of Manhattan’s Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project. Constructed started on the Vessel in 2017 and was later opened to the public in 2021. Featuring 16 stories, 154 flights of stairs, a whopping 2,500 steps, and 80 separate landings for visitors to stop and enjoy the view, the Vessel has become a must-visit in Chelsea. From the top of Vessel, visitors can see the Hudson Yards Public Square, the New York City Subways Hudson Yard’s Station, a beautiful fountain in the southeast plaza, and a garden just across the Vessel.

20 Hudson Yards, New York, New York 1001, Phone: 332-204-8500

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At the heart of New York's meatpacking district is what many proclaim to be the best food halls in all of New York City, hands down. From the best of Mexican cuisine to some outstanding Thai dishes, from sweet and decadent donuts to smooth and memorable gelato, the Chelsea Market is a foodie's wonderland. The market is located in a historic building from the 1890s and is home to celebrated restaurants like the Los Mariscos, Miznon, The Lobster Place, Friedman's Lunch, and the Fat Witch Bakery. It's also a fantastic place to shop and pick up quality fresh produce with stores like the Manhattan Fruit Exchange, MokBar, and Pearl River Mart.

75 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 212-652-2111

© The Museum at FIT

Step into the most fashionable museum that New York City has to offer when you stop by The Museum at FIT. Located within the acclaimed Fashion Institute of Technology, the museum was established in 1969 and is one of the few museums dedicated entirely to the art and history of fashion. The Museum at FIT features a permanent collection of over 50,000 garments and accessories, some dating back to the eighteenth century. The museum also features thousands of textiles and other fashion memorabilia to explore. For first-timers, the best way to experience The Museum at FIT is through their guided History of Fashion Tours and the Exhibition Tours. Tours run for an hour and should be booked ahead of time as each tour can only accommodate 25 individuals. While tours do have a fee, visits to the museum are free of charge.

7th Avenue and 27th Street, New York, New York 10011, Phone: 212-217-4558

© Atlantic Theater Company

Atlantic Theater Company is an Off-Broadway theater company that operates two theaters in the Chelsea Neighborhood. The first theater is the 199-seat Linda Gross Theater, and the second is a 99-seat black-box theater named Stage 2. Stage 2 houses Atlantic's new play development program, which includes readings, workshops, and stage productions.

Atlantic Theater Company has produced more than 120 plays. The company also runs the Atlantic Acting School, which has both a private component as well as an undergraduate university program as part of New York University. The theater offers an exciting performance schedule that can be found on their website.

Linda Gross Theater, 336 West 20th Street, 10011, Phone: 212-691-5919

© David Zwirner

When it comes to the best galleries around the globe, David Zwirner's immediately comes to mind. With various locations in New York, London, Paris, and Hong Kong, David Zwirner galleries are among the most respected in the world and are known for showcasing the spectacular modern masterpieces hand-selected by David Zwirner himself. Hailing from Germany, David Zwirner is one of the world's most successful art dealers, and he has been showcasing his unparalleled taste and knowledge for contemporary art in his galleries since 1993. The gallery regularly showcases work from greats like Tomma Abts, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and Anni Albers among many others.

525 West 19th Street, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 212-727-2070

© The New York Beer and Brewery Tour

The New York Beer and brewery tour is a half-day bus tour through several of New York's neighborhoods. The tour will visit some of the best breweries in the city as well as places that have played a roll in beer history. The tour is led by a guide who will travel with you and provide entertainment and information as well as answer questions and present historic beer artifacts.

This tour will visit Paulaner Brewery, Brooklyn Brewery, “Old Brewer's Row,” Spuyten Duyvil, and SingleCut Beersmiths. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a variety of beers and will receive a fresh-baked pretzel and other snacks.

265 Bowery, New York City, NY 10002, Phone: 646-552-4718

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Madison Square Park is a public park located in the Flatirons district. Talented gardeners who tend to the hydrangeas, hollies, and redbuds year-round landscaped the 7-acre park. The park has been renovated in recent years and features updated art sculptures, fountains, and other decorative items throughout.

In fact, since 2004, Madison Square Park has commissioned and displayed more than thirty art installations. The park frequently hosts events and programs, many of which are free and family friendly. From art tours to nature walks and concerts, Madison Square Park is always bustling with activity. M

11 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010, Phone: 212-520-7600

© Bateaux New York

Bateaux New York is a cruise company offering a variety of river cruises originating from Chelsea Piers. Their cruise options include dinner cruises, luxury lunch cruises, brunch cruises, and several holiday and specialty cruises. The specially crafted food menu offers a delightful selection that is sure to please any palate. Tours include quality live musical entertainment.

Bateaux New York cruises the Hudson and East Rivers and takes passengers past the skyscrapers of Manhattan and many of New York's most iconic landmarks. Some of the highlights include the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and much more.

62 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 866-817-3463

© Empire Diner

Located in New York’s West Chelsea in the iconic art deco building renovated in 1976, Empire Diner has been renovated and returned to its former glory. From the outside it is still a vintage diner, but on the inside it looks like a luxury train dining car, elegant and simple with a few booths and a small, cozy dining room in the back. Chef John Delucie offers his own interpretation of classic American comfort food made from high quality ingredients. Empire Diner is a perfect place to lure kids into dining out – the quirky look will perk their interest, as will the fabulous mac and cheese and sourdough pretzel fried chicken. They serve freshly pressed juice.

210 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 212-335-2277

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Down to Earth Farmers Market in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City brings together local farmers and food makers from the area that source their ingredients locally. This combination of two types of vendors greatly increases the products available compared to traditional farmers’ market. As an additional benefit, shoppers have a chance to discover a greater offering of local foods at the markets. It also helps regional agriculture thrive, as more businesses can source their produce from area farms. The market is the place to come for spreads, broths, olive oil, chutneys, baked goods, and so much more. It is open every Saturday until mid December.

Sidewalk on North side of 23rd St., E of 9th Ave. New York, NY

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Chelsea Park is a popular city park in lower Manhattan. It has been a mainstay of the city for more than a century and is one of the city's most popular arks. The centerpiece of the park is a World War I memorial known as the Chelsea Doughboy.

Chelsea Park features numerous sports courts and fields, including basketball courts, baseball diamonds, courts for playing handball, and several multi-purpose paved areas. There are playgrounds for children and fitness equipment for adults. All of this combines to make Chelsea Park a great recreational space for visitors of all ages. There are plenty of benches and places to sit, rest, and take it all in.

W 27th St. New York, NY 10001, Phone: 212-408-0100

© The Shed

There's no denying that the Hudson Yards is quickly becoming an iconic cultural neighborhood in New York and with good reason. One of the reasons? The Shed. A cultural center of (and made for) the 21st century. Opened in 2019, The Shed was birthed out of the desire to break the traditions between art forms and its audiences and to make available to all social and economic markets the opportunity to experience performing arts at its finest. As an independent and non-profit organization, The Shed puts absolute value on equity, generosity, and invention, and has become a strong voice for the public and speaking out on racial equality and critical current issues. The Shed runs several winter and spring programs to which visitors may purchase tickets.

545 West 30th Street, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 646-455-3494

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Cinepolis Chelsea Theater is a nine-screen movie theater located in the heart of the Chelsea neighborhood. It offers the latest release films and uses all of the newest and most state-of-the-art sound and projection systems. Cinepolis also hosts “Hedda Presents the Classics,” which is a classic film series hosted by Hedda Lettuce, the well-known green-haired drag queen.

The theater also hosts numerous film festivals including the Tribeca Film Festival. There are reserved and traditional seating options, some 3D movie options, and assisted listening devices are available for use. The full-service concession stand is stocked with all of your favorites as well.

260 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 212-691-5519

© Joyce Theater

The Joyce Theater is a 472-seat dance performance theater located in the historic Elgin Theater. The theater hosts dance performance events and works to support artists as well as educate the public about the art of dance. The Joyce Theater Foundation has a strong commitment to community action, which includes offering a variety of enrichment activities for families and school children throughout NYC.

There is a large variety of events performed at the Joyce. Virtually every style of dance is represented in some way, including some that most people have probably never heard of. The theater provides a charming atmosphere to watch impressive dance performances.

175 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 212-691-9740

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Clement Clarke Moore Park is a public park named after poet and scholar Clement Clarke Moore. Moore is recognized as the author of “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” which is commonly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The park is built in the location of a former farm that was owned by Clement's grandfather.

It features a playground for children as well as showers, and family friendly events are hosted at the park from time to time. Community Poetry readings of Moore's famous poem happen every Christmas season. The park provides a relaxing place to escape from the hustle and bustle of New York.

195 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 212-477-4022

© Pastai

Chelsea is home to many excellent restaurants serving a variety of different flavors, including amazing seafood, French, Italian, Korean and other cuisines from around the world. If you are interested in learning how pasta is made, be sure to stop by Pastai, a neighborhood restaurant and artisan pasta bar where you can watch handmade pasta prepared to order in an open kitchen.

Afterwards, enjoy a delicious Southern Italian meal before continuing your tour of Chelsea. Pastai sources seasonal, fresh, and local ingredients whenever possible. They offer handmade gluten free pasta as well.

186 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10011, Phone: 646-688-3463

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Chelsea Waterside Park is a 2.5-acre public park. It includes a dog park, fields, and a basketball court. The highlight of the park for visitors with children is the popular playground with water features. The middle of the park is equipped with a pedestrian walkway and beautifully manicured lawns that are available for recreational use.

There are planting beds lining the walkways as well, and they are filled with various mixed herbs. In addition to being a great location for leisure activities, the Chelsea Waterside Park is also used to host sporting events ranging from soccer tournaments to football clinics and other events and performances.

W 23rd St. and West Side Hwy., New York, New York 10011, Phone: 212-639-9675