New York City's neighborhoods feel like small cities within a city, and one of my favorites is Chelsea. This trendy and lively district, located on the western side of Manhattan, stretches from West 14th Street to West 30th Street and from the Hudson River to Sixth and Seventh Avenues.
For a neighborhood, it is pretty expansive and is packed with a wide array of exciting things to do, which is what this article is all about. From strolling along the newly built High Line to admiring the stunning views at Little Island, my favorite park in NYC, here are the eight best things to do in Chelsea, along with all the information you need to plan the perfect day in one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC.
Chelsea, NYC Things to Do Map
8 Best Things to Do in Chelsea, NYC
1. Walk the High Line
Looking for a lovely place to stroll around NYC? You’ll love the High Line, an elevated park built on an abandoned freight rail line that once ran through the West Side of Manhattan. Borrowed from the French, the High Line was a way to convert an unused and abandoned rail line that originally served to transport goods, bypassing the crowded streets below, into a unique park anyone can enjoy.
The railway itself was constructed in the 1930s, but with the decline of rail transportation and the rise of trucking, the railway fell into disrepair and was nearly demolished in the 1980s. It was then revived by the Friends of the High Line movement, which advocated for its preservation. The entire park was completed in 2014, and it has since become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
You can begin your journey at the Vessel, another stunning piece of architecture you should definitely check out. From there, you can make your way south, all the way to Chelsea Market and beyond. The path is lined with trees and small gardens, creating a beautiful contrast with the urban cityscape of NYC, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll on a lovely weekend.
- HI New York City Hostel (Budget)
- Margaritaville Resort Times Square (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- WestHouse Hotel New York (High-End)
- High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour (2 hours) 👍 Top Pick
- New York City Sunset Sightseeing Cruise from Chelsea Piers (1.5 hours)
- Chelsea Contemporary Art Tour with NYC Professional Art Critic (2 hours)
This place really reminded me of the elevated park in Paris, which I really love. It’s also a great starting point for exploring the Chelsea District and its incredibly lively waterfront areas, which are next on our list. The High Line is open from 7 AM to 10 PM every day, except on Sundays when it’s open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Admission is free of charge.
2. Check Out Vessel
As you head to the High Line, make sure to stop by the Vessel before stepping onto the elevated park. The Vessel is an excellent starting point for your day of exploring Chelsea. This newly built, 150-foot-tall architectural landmark features 154 interconnecting staircases and approximately 2,500 steps, forming a unique honeycomb-like design unlike anything you've seen before.
Despite its impressive appearance, the attraction hasn't been free from criticism. Some in the community have raised concerns about its design, which they feel may clash with the relaxed vibe of the area. Safety concerns were also raised due to its height and its open-air nature. The criticisms led to its closure for several years before it reopened to tourists again in October 2024 with safety upgrades.
While you can climb the Vessel for the views, don't expect anything too spectacular, as the attraction is surrounded by skyscrapers. That said, the interior design and the play of light on its structure make it worth visiting, especially if you're a photographer. The Vessel is open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM, and entry requires a time-slot ticket priced at $10. If you prefer a more flexible schedule, you can opt for the $15 ticket. You can buy the tickets here.
3. Eat at Chelsea Market
As you make your way along the High Line, you'll come across a red-brick building with food carts, benches, and a great view of the piers. This is where the High Line connects to the Chelsea Market, located below. You can enter the market via a dedicated passageway from the High Line and enjoy the fantastic selection of restaurants and cafes inside.
Chelsea Market also has a fascinating history. The building that houses the market was originally constructed in the late 19th century and served as the factory for the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco), which produced iconic products like Oreos. The factory, which operated from 1898 to 1959, was one of the largest bakeries in the world at the time.
The factory's architectural style reflects its history well, with large, open spaces and practical features like a reinforced steel structure that you can still see today as the building retains traces of its industrial past. You'll find original murals and a brass plaque commemorating its history, along with a newly added steampunk aesthetic and historic memorabilia, making it an attraction in and of itself.
It is the perfect place to take a break and grab a quick brunch as you continue your exploration in Chelsea. The market is open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM.
4. Check Out Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chelsea
While you are at Chelsea Market, be sure to also check out Starbucks Reserve Roastery, an extravagant multi-level coffee experience featuring the largest working coffee roasting plant on Manhattan Island covering more than a 23,000-square-foot space.
The moment you walk in, you will be amazed by some of its incredible features like a 60-foot "Arriviamo" bar for coffee and cocktail creations, a giant copper Siren sculpture, and a unique coffee journey from roasting to brewing, with beans traveling through subway-inspired pipes. They really went all in with the decoration here.
You can come here after your brunch, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy the experience before continuing on our journey across Chelsea. The coffee shop is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM.
5. Check Out the View from Little Island
Little Island is hands down one of my favorite parks in NYC. This island park is built on top of 132 striking concrete "tulips", each designed to support different loads. The park is home to a diverse array of trees, shrubs, and flowers, as well as varying levels of elevation and pathways you can explore.
The park isn’t very big, and you can explore it in less than 30 minutes, but the view is definitely rewarding. From the park, you can see the entire area set against the silhouette of NYC’s skyscrapers from afar, which I think is pretty dope.
If you're there on the weekends, you'll find the whole area extremely lively, with tons of people out enjoying the sun while joggers and bikers roam the streets. I've never seen a place so vibrant and active like this! The park is open daily from 6 AM to 9 PM, and the entrance is free.
6. Relax by the Piers in Chelsea
I really adore the waterfront areas in this part of Manhattan. There are so many wonderful parks and recreational spaces where you can take a stroll and explore. Pier 57, for example, has a lovely rooftop park that's open to the public, as well as food halls where you can enjoy a meal.
There's a football field and an open sandy beach at Pier 53, a turf lawn for sports and sunset viewing at Pier 46, and a bike path that runs along much of Manhattan's west side, there are endless possibilities here.
If you have some time and are looking for a bit of exercise while also exploring the area, you might want to consider renting an e-bike to ride along the west waterfront in Chelsea. Who knows, you might discover some cool events that I might have missed. They often pop up in the area, especially on weekends, so be sure to keep an eye out.
7. Taste Proper Spicy Noodles at Xi'an Famous Foods
If you're craving Chinese food, you might want to check out Xi'an Famous Foods, a New York take on the deliciously spicy Chinese noodles with Mala sauce that will satisfy any spice craving like no other dish can.
They've only recently opened, but Xi'an Famous Foods has quickly become a hit among New Yorkers, with multiple branches now across the city. Their hand-pulled noodles are unique in both taste and texture, and they’re generous with both portion sizes and prices, starting at just 8 USD. For a meal, that’s a rarity in NYC!
With several branches across the city, Xi'an Famous Foods typically operates from 11 AM to 9 PM. If you love spicy food, be sure to give it a try!
8. Shop Until You Drop
Last but not least, you can explore the retail scene that Chelsea is known for, thanks to its proximity to the Fashion Institute of Technology. Here, you'll find all sorts of products, from cool vintage and designer clothes to antiques and more.
You can start by checking out Chelsea Market, which not only houses restaurants and cafes but also various shops offering everything from unique fashion to home decor. Artists & Fleas is a great example of this with its handmade jewelry, repurposed clothing, and vintage goods.
Be sure to check out Anthropologie, a Bohemian-inspired womenswear shop, Pearl River Mart, a shopping mall offering Asian-inspired products, or, if you're into technology like me, visit the Google Flagship Store and B&H Photo Video, one of my favorite camera stores in the US.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northeast USA
If you are looking for more articles about the Northeast USA, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:
- First time visiting the USA and looking for a complete itinerary? Check this out: First Time USA: 2 Weeks Itinerary Without Cars.
- Planning to visit Washington DC for 3 days? Here's an itinerary for you: 3 Days in Washington DC: A Backpacking Itinerary.
- First time visiting the US? Why not start Washington DC, its capital city known for its world-class museums and iconic landmarks like the White House and the Capitol. Here are the 10 best things to do in Washington DC.
- Here's a quick guide on how to get from Dulles Airport to Washington DC Downtown: How to Get From Dulles Airport to Downtown Washington DC.
- Want to visit world-class museums in Washington DC, but not sure where to begin? This is the article for you: 8 Best Museums to Visit in Washington DC.
- Have a day to spare in Washington DC? I highly recommend you check out Georgetown. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Georgetown, DC.
- Looking to visit Philly for the weekend? Here is the ultimate 2-day Backpacking Itinerary for Philly.
- If you’re a fan of food and history, Philadelphia offers the perfect blend with its incredible museums and some of the best food scenes in the country. Check out the 12 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia (Philly).
- Philly is best explored with your stomach and taste buds. Here are the 7 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Philadelphia (Philly).
- New York City is truly one of the best cities in the world and if you are planning to visit the city, here are the 15 Best Things to Do in New York City.
- Planning to visit New York City, but not sure where to begin? Check out our 4 Days New York City's Backpacking Itinerary.
- Looking for the best places to eat and drink in NYC? You might want to check out: Places to Eat & Drink in New York City: My 9 Favorite Places.
- Central Park deserves an entire day of exploration. Here is a complete travel guide to Central Park.
- Should you go up the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock? Let's find out: Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock: Which One is Better for You?.
- Is it worth buying the CityPass for your trip to New York City? Let's find out: NYC CityPass: Is it worth it?.
- Want to visit Boston? Here are some of the things you do not want to miss! 15 Best Things to Do in Boston.
- Wondering how long to spend in Boston? Check this out: 3 Days in Boston: A Backpacking Itinerary.
- Want to walk the Freedom Trail in Boston, but not sure where to begin? Check out: Boston's Freedom Trail: A Walking Guide.
- Planning to visit Salem? Here's a travel guide for you: Discover Salem: 10 Highlights You Can't Miss.
- To see all articles about the United States of America, be sure to check out our USA travel guide page.
- For a complete itinerary of both the US and Canada, check out: One Month in USA & Canada: A Backpacking Itinerary without Cars.
- Looking for more travel guides for North America? You will find more over at our North America page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.