Chelsea & Hudson Yards Neighborhood Guide

Chelsea NY is known for art galleries, nightlife and gay-friendly culture. Traditionally, it was a very industrial area, near the Hudson River and above-ground railroad tracks, now the Highline Park, and famous for exporting food and manufactured goods. Today it is a lively, vibrant neighborhood with some of New York City’s top restaurants, clubs and art.

Things to do in Chelsea & Hudson Yards include: The Highline, Art Galleries, Chelsea Market, Chelsea Piers, Little Island, Edge, The Vessel and The Shops at Hudson Yards. While Chelsea boundaries are West 14th-34th Streets, from 7th Ave to the Hudson River, the new Hudson Yards occupies it’s northern streets, West 30th to 34th Streets between 10th and 12th Avenues.

Things to Do and See in Chelsea & Hudson Yards

Chelsea Museum of Art (556 W 22nd St, near 11th Ave) – closed Sundays. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors. A new, but thriving, lesser known Museum, focusing on niche and under-exposed art worldwide.

Chelsea Art Galleries (20th to 28th/ 7th to 10th Aves) – over 200 art galleries line these streets. Some of the most famous include Gagosian Gallery  (W 24th St), Matthew Marks Gallery and Sonnabend (W 22nd St).

Chelsea Historic District (20th to 22nd Sts/ 8th to 10th Aves) – a nice walk with a lot of architecture from the 1800’s. These preserved brownstones and buildings, become even more interesting, when seen just a few blocks from some of NYC’s newest construction, such as the 9-story glass office building further west designed by Frank Gehry. The historic district is designed to protect the West Chelsea Arts district and encourage the development of world class architecture nearby.

Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave, 15th/16th Streets) –  a huge, converted warehouse space with  hundreds of take out gourmet foods and restaurants. Hot spot for many famous TV shows and Film , especially those about cooking and restaurants.

Chelsea Piers – NYC’s best playground for adults and kids. Golf range, rock climbing, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, ice skating, batting cages. Probably more for locals than visitors, but great if your kids want to do something athletic with NYC as the back drop. All services have a fee, as CP is private and not a public park.

Chelsea Hotel (222 W 23rd St, 7th/8th Aves) – a bohemian landmark and former home of many famous artists such as William S. Burroughs, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. Some people love to stay here, and some love just to see it for the character and history.

The Highline (see Meatpacking District)

Little Island NYC Opens Spring 2021

Opens May 21, 2021
Pier 55 & Hudson River Park Greenway, NY 10014
Roughly 14th St, West of Chelsea Market

NYC’s new Little Island in the Hudson River resembles a leaf floating on water with a base of tulip-shaped pots and will offer seating lawns, gentle slopes, winding pathways leading to dazzling views, and a variety of spaces for performances, play rest and relaxation. The island is open 6am-1am daily, but you must reserve your free spot if visiting 12:00- 8:00 pm daily.

Perform in the Park, Events in the Amph ++
June - September 2021
Little Island offers a diverse mix of programs, experiences, shows and events. The majority of events in the park will be presented free or at a low cost, to create an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Little Island's August Festival (August 11 - September 5, 2021) celebrates NYC’s wonderful mix of cultures reflected in four weeks of adventurous, free live performances, including dance, music, poetry, comedy shows, surprising collaborations and new commissions, with over 35 free performances in The Amph.

More Info: Little Island

Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards is a new development and destination in NYC that runs from W 30-34th Streets and 10-12th Avenues. It offers shopping, residences, parks, The Vessel, Edge and Equinox Hotel.

Edge

Edge NYC is home to our newest observation deck and showcases a 100th floor outdoor deck that extends 80 feet away from the building, a glass bottom to view the entire city below, an elevator that shoots you sky-high in 60 seconds and an angled glass wall allowing you to feel like you’re hanging over the edge of Manhattan. Read More: Edge

The Vessel

The Vessel is an art-sculpture-park-excercise combination open to the public with 2,500 steps, 154 flights of stairs and wonderful NYC views.

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

More NYC One Day Tours

Montserrat Contemporary Art Gallery

Private Contemporary NYC Art Gallery Tours – The Two Percent Gallery Tours connect small private groups to the most incredible artwork in the world today. Through an experience as unique as the art itself, uncover five breathtaking museum-rivaling exhibitions while learning about the surprising neighborhood history and innovative architecture along the way. More Info: thetwopercent.com

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Chelsea & Hudson Yards Sightseeing Passes

Key attractions & tours that may be included in your passes are Edge admission, Highline Tours and Art Gallery tours.

NY Sightseeing Pass, New York Pass, NY Explorer Pass, CityPASS Compared

See All: New York City Pass Comparison Chart

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Chelsea & Hudson Yards Restaurants

Frying Pan (Pier 66, W 26th St, Hudson River) – is a must-do in the summer and a local favorite hot spot for 20+ years. It’s a boat turned restaurant/bar in the Hudson River, totally casual and a happy hour favorite. The drink prices are a bit high, but the scenery and sunsets are worth every penny.

Empire Diner (210 10th Ave/ 22nd St) – casual 24 hour diner that looks like it is in an old train car. Order just about any kind of food here. Also check out their sister restaurant, Cafeteria, on 17th & 7th Ave

Chelsea Brewing Company (in Chels. Piers) – home-ade brews overlooking the River, with an outside deck in summer right next to the golf driving range.

Nightlife – a great nightlife area, much of which is very upscale (you might have to be on a “list”). One way to get in is to go early and eat dinner at a club. Celebrity sightings almost guaranteed.

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Chelsea & Hudson Yards Shopping

The Shops at Hudson Yards – new in 2019, Hudson Yards, next to Chelsea and the Highline, showcasing The Shops, residences, parks, The Vessel, Edge and Equinox Hotel. The Shops at Hudson Yards includes Banana Republic, Zara, Kiehls, Beyond the Edge, Brooks Brothers, Cartier, Chanel, Coach, H&M, LuluLemon, Patek Philippe, Sephore, Stuart Weitzman and dozens of other shops and restaurants.

Note – significant changes occured during 2020 to the Shops, so please check in advance which stores closed/opened.

More upscale shopping is in Meatpacking District.

More New York City Shopping

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Chelsea & Hudson Yards Hotels

Cambria Hotel & Suites Chelsea

The Cambria Hotel & Suites Chelsea is right in our flower district, near the Highline, Art Galleries, Nomad, Eataly and the Empire State Building. The rooms each have a kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker and many offer suites with King Beds and a pull out sofa. The hotel has an awesome rooftop bar with a city view, an in house CoWorking space and a fitness center.

• Discount Rates: Cambria Hotel & Suites Chelsea
• 123 West 28th St

Renaissance New York Chelsea

The Renaissance New York Chelsea, on the site of NYC’s beloved former Antiques Garage flea market, opened February 2020 and boasts 341 guest rooms and suites, free WiFi, a sun terrace with a swimming pool, fitness centre and bar. The top two floors of the hotel, named Somewhere Nowhere, showcase the pool, sundeck and lounge area, with views of the NYC Skyline. Opening February 2020.

• 112 West 25th Street

Selina Chelsea

The new Selina Chelsea, formerly Hôtel Americano, features a rooftop restaurant and pool, Lady Mara Restaurant-Bar, an underground basement bar, free bike rentals and an events program that blends Latin American and New York City cultures. Selina is a popular coworking and coliving space with worldwide locations offering housing, working and community.

• 518 West 27th St, Chelsea

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Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards

Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards, opened August 2019, is NYC’s newest hotel in our newest neighborhood, Hudson Yards. Next to The Vessel, Highline and The Shed, Equinox promises, “a seamless extension of a life well-lived, elevating fitness, culture, and community for those who rest and play as hard as they work.” The 212 rooms are dark, quiet and cool with over 60 healthy food mini bar options, face masks, sleep supplements and much more. As usual, Equinox offers the ultimate fitness experience in their 60,000 square foot club in the hotel.

• Discount Rates: Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards
• 33 Hudson Yards, Hudson Yards

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Moxy NYC Chelsea Hotel

The Moxy Hotel Chelsea, by Marriott, features a 37th floor spectacular glass-enclosed rooftop lounge that transforms into an alfresco veranda. You enter the hotel through an oversized flower garden (it is in the Flower District) and activities like DJ appearances, a made-for-Moxy bocce drinking game on the terrace, rooftop meditation, reiki classes, floral workshops, and pizza-making classes await you. Moxy’s focus is on the millennial traveler, who understands style can be delivered at attractive prices.

• Discount Rates: Moxy NYC Chelsea Hotel
• 105 West 28th St, Chelsea

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Hotel Hayden Chelsea

• Discount Rates: Hotel Hayden
• 127 West 28th Street (6th and 7th Aves), Chelsea
• Sister Hotels: Hotel Hendricks, Hotel Hugo, Hotel Henri, Garden City Hotel (LI)

With one of our favorite New York City Hotel Rooftops, the Hotel Hayden is a buzz-worthy boutique for trend-setters, stylists and sophisticates. At the intersection of the Fashion District, Flower District and the eternally trendy Meatpacking District, it’s a modern boutique gem just steps from world-famous local landmarks. Formerly the Hotel Indigo Chelsea, the new hotel welcomes you with 122 stylish guest rooms and suites, crave-worthy Greek cuisine at Mykonos Blue.

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More Chelsea Hotels

• Chelsea Pines Inn – rated best value hotel in NYC!
• Courtyard New York Manhattan/Chelsea
• Heritage Hotel New York City
• Chelsea Inn – 17th Street
• Colonial House Inn

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Subways

• A, C, E to 14th Street
• L to 8th Ave
• F to 23rd Street
• General Address: 75 9th Ave, NY, NY 10011

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Chelsea NYC Printable Map

Chelsea NYC Map
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NYC Insider Printable Guides

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NYC Neighborhood Guides

Harlem

Our Harlem neighborhood guide will show you the wonderful cultural, food, music and historic value of this landmark area, which has long, strong and proud NYC roots. The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s began the golden age of African-American culture, literature, music, artists, theater and art, which continues to strengthen today. If you want to eat authentic soul food, hear mind-blowing jazz and gospel and clothing shop with Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, then Harlem is on your bucket list!

• Explore: Harlem Neighborhood Guide
• To Do: Apollo Theater, Striver's Row, National Jazz Museum

Upper West Side

The Upper West Side is a residential neighborhood filled with young professionals and families. It is a great place to stay if you are looking to avoid the heavy crowds of Midtown, explore Central Park, The Museum of Natural History, the Beacon Theatre, Lincoln Center, the West Side Highway and still be about 20 minutes from most of Manhattan.

• Explore: Upper West Side Guide
• To Do: American Museum of Natural History & Planetarium, Beacon Theatre, Lincoln Center, Time Warner Center

Central Park

Central Park offers 843 gorgeous acres to explore and 100s of things to do, which is why we consider it an unofficial neighborhood. Central Park draws 38 million visits a year and is home to the Central Park Film Festival, SummerStage, Shakespeare in the Park, Ice Skating, Central Park Zoo, Bow Bridge, biking, playgrounds, the Carousel and much more.

• Explore: Central Park Guide
• To Do: Central Park Zoo, Carousel, TV and Movie Sites, Ice Skating, Loeb Boathouse

Times Square & Broadway

Times Square New York and the Theater District are some of New York City's most popular tourist attractions. Of course, Broadway, also known as the Great White Way, is most definitely for locals as well. Spend a bit of time here and make sure to see the lights at night, the Hershey's and M&M Stores, as well as catch a great Broadway Show.

• Explore: Times Square & Broadway NYC Guide
• To Do: Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Broadway Shows NYC, Ripleys Believe it or Not!, M&M World & Hersheys Chocolate World

Midtown West, Koreatown, Hell's Kitchen

Midtown West is a huge tourist area with great neighborhoods like NYC's famous Diamond District, Hell's Kitchen and Koreatown. Hell's Kitchen, is the most western section and an "up-and-coming" residential area of New York City with new shops and restaurants opening often. Koreatown, just a block from the Empire State Building, is known for their restaurants and karaoke bars and clubs.

• Explore: Midtown West NYC Guide
• To Do: Empire State Building, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Madison Square Garden, Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Javits Center

Garment District / Fashion Center

The Garment District, also called the Fashion District or Fashion Center, is home to many of the world's most famous fashion designers and showrooms. The area is an amazing resource for fabrics, beads and trims, however, unless you are trade, don't expect to walk in off the street to designer showrooms. The best way to possibly get access to private showrooms is through a private tour or a NYC Sample Sale.

• Explore: Garment District Guide
• To Do: Fashion Walk of Fame, Museum at FIT, Parsons School of Design

Chelsea & Hudson Yards

Chelsea NY is known for art galleries, nightlife and gay-friendly culture. It is a lively, vibrant neighborhood with some of New York City's top restaurants, clubs, art and things to do outdoors and along the Hudson River. While Chelsea boundaries are West 14th-34th Streets, from 7th Ave to the Hudson River, the new Hudson Yards occupies it's most North and West streets, West 30th to 34th Streets between 10th and 12th Avenues.

• Explore: Chelsea & Hudson Yards Guide
• To Do: The Highline, Art Galleries, Chelsea Market, Chelsea Piers, Little Island, Edge, The Vessel, The Shops at Hudson Yards

Meatpacking District

The Meatpacking District, also known as the Gansevoort Market, is only a few blocks, so you cannot get lost, but it is packed with upscale restaurants, night clubs and designer shopping. Like many NY neighborhoods, the MP District retains it's historical architecture, as it is lined with cobblestone streets and old warehouses, but, today, these same buildings house very modern shopping and dining. The heart of the Meatpacking District is Little West 12th Street.

• Explore: Meatpacking District Guide
• To Do: The Highline, Restaurants, Clubs & Rooftops, Little Island, Upscale Shopping

Greenwich Village & NoHo

Our Greenwich Village NYC Guide provides insight into one of NYC's most cherished neighborhoods. The Village is full of history, celebrity, politics, landmarks and so much more. The NYU campus, Washington Square Park, gorgeous brownstones and cobble stone streets, amazing restaurants, tons of trees and much more make this area a local favorite.

• Explore: Greenwich Village & NoHo Guide
• To Do: Washington Square Park, NYU Campus, Astor Place, Shopping, Restaurants

West Village

The West Village is filled with tree-lined streets, beautiful old brownstones and hundreds of shops, restaurants and cafés. It is truly a quintessential NYC neighborhood, inhabited by locals and celebrities who can afford to live anywhere they choose. If you're a Friends or Sex and the City fan, then you are already quite familiar with the West Village...now it's time to come experience it!

• Explore: West Village Guide
• To Do: Restaurants, boutique shopping, gorgeous brownstones

SoHo

SoHo (SOuth of HOuston - pronounced How-ston) is another NYC neighborhood filled with the best shopping and restaurants. Traditionally known as a haven for artists and their lofts, it has become more upscale over the years and a much sought-after place for New Yorkers to live.

• Explore: SoHo Guide
• To Do: New York Fire Museum, Shopping, Art Galleries, Brunch & Restaurants, Broken Kilometer & Earth Room

Tribeca & The Battery

Tribeca Tribeca (TRI-angle BE-low CA-nal) NYC, is home of the namesake Film Festival, Robert De Niro’s pet project, created to promote commerce downtown after 9/11. He also owns several hotels and restaurants in the area and is spotted quite frequently. Tribeca was also the home of JFK Jr and Caroline Bessette Kennedy before their tragic death in 1999 and is filled with old warehouses, now converted into lofts, beautiful views of the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty along the West Side Highway, excellent restaurants, families, parks and NYC history.

• Explore: Tribeca & The Battery
• To Do: Hudson River Park and River Promenade, Statue of Liberty Views, Upscale & Casual Dining

Financial District and Wall Street

The Financial District (FiDi), at the southern tip of NYC, is one of NYC's most bustling business and tourist areas, from Monday to Friday and is near dead on the weekends. Sights include the 9-11 Memorial & Museum, Wall Street, One World Observatory, The American Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull, the Fearless Girl and views of the Statue of Liberty.

• Explore: Financial District Guide
• To Do: One World Observatory, Staten Island Ferry, 9-11 Museum, 9-11 Memorial, Charging Bull & Fearless Girl, American Stock Exchange, The Oculus, Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport and much more.

Upper East Side NYC

The Upper East Side is an upscale, residential neighborhood and home to Museum Mile, some uber-upscale shopping and Gracie Mansion. The homes on Fifth Avenue, along Central Park, are some of the most exclusive in all of Manhattan. You've likely seen the Upper East Side on Gossip Girl, Sex and the City, The Real Housewives of New York, I Love Lucy, Breakfast at Tiffany's and dozens of other times on your screens.

• Explore: Upper East Side
• To Do: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, Museum Mile, Central Park, Gracie Mansion, Upscale Shopping

Midtown East

Midtown East is a huge tourist, commercial and residential area. Around 5th Ave, the neighborhood is home to many tourist attractions, such as St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock and Radio City Music Hall. Bryant Park, the New York Public Library and Grand Central Station are close together just south. Moving towards 3rd Ave and further east, the area is more residential, and generally, the restaurants are better and more affordable, with the UN being the only attraction in that part of the neighborhood.

• Explore: Midtown East Guide
• To Do: The Plaza Hotel, Upscale Shopping, Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock, Radio City Music Hall, Bryant Park, Grand Central Station, New York Public Library, United Nations

Union Square, Flatiron, NoMad, Gramercy

Union Square (my hood!), the Flatiron District and NoMad all have a mix of residence and business tenants. Additionally, colleges such as NYU, The New School and FIT dominate the area, making it very fun and lively. It is one of the best dining and nightlife areas in Manhattan, with something for every palate and budget and offers fabulous hotels of all kinds.

• Explore: Union Square, Flatiron, NoMad, Gramercy
• To Do: Flatiron Building, Madison Square Park, Eataly, Union Square Park & Greenmarket, Harry Potter Wizarding World

East Village

While originally part of the Lower East Side, an immigrant neighborhood, the East Village, has separated itself and become home to some of the City’s best restaurants, shops and nightlife. It is full of character, diversity, fine dining, shops and live music, and includes a subsection named “Alphabet City.” East Village culture ranges from tattoo parlors and “dive bars” to some of New York City’s nicest hip and trendy hotels.

• Explore: East Village
• To Do: Blue Man Group & Stomp, St. Mark's Place, Nightlife, Speakeasies, Curry Lane

Lower East Side NYC

Traditionally, the Lower East Side was a working class immigrant neighborhood (think “Gangs of New York”). Today it is a wonderfully ethnic and diverse neighborhood and serves as a shopping, dining and nightlife destination for many NYC locals. Even with all its modern upgrades, the LES retains a large amount of its history, especially it’s Jewish, Polish, Irish and Italian cultures. The LES also has one of the best selections of hotels in NYC - tons of boutique hotels with amenities, rooftops, skyline views and seconds from 1000s of cool restaurants and hot spots.

• Explore: Lower East Side
• To Do: Tenement Museum, Museum at Eldridge Street Synagogue, Food Tours, Nightlife, great Hotel selection

Chinatown NYC

Chinatown NYC is a small, but very densely packed area of shops and restaurants. It is really fun to walk around, enjoy the culture, pick up some souvenirs, and most definitely, eat some delicious and affordable Dim Sum, dumplings, pork buns and other amazing Chinese cuisines.

• Explore: Chinatown NYC Guide Guide
• To Do: Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), Mahayana Buddhist Temple, Dim Sum & Dumplings

Little Italy NYC

Little Italy NYC Guide is a just a few blocks, with tons of outdoor restaurants and owners promising free wine and sangria to lure you in. Puglia is a favorite restaurant for families with their live singing and kids standing on their chairs waving napkins. Visit the new Italian American Museum, which tells the story "from Columbus to Cuomo," the original Old St. Patrick's Church and NYC Police Headquarters.

• Explore: Little Italy NYC Guide
• To Do: Feast of San Gennaro, Old St. Patrick's Church, Food Tours, Italian American Museum

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