Things to Do in Chelsea, 19 From a Local

Chelsea Market is a renowned food hall with unique shops, restaurants, spice markets, and cafes. Featuring 35 vendors offering delicious treats, it’s a must-visit in Chelsea. Ideal for hosting out-of-town guests with options for sit-down meals, quick bites, or souvenir shopping, Chelsea Market always offers something to do or showcase.

Highlights at the Chelsea Market include.

• Matcha from Chalait (so good)
• Warm donuts from the Doughnuttery (what’s better than a warm donut?)
• Tacos from Los Tacos No. 1
• Spices from Spices and Tease
• Souvenirs from Pearl River Mart

Fun fact — The Chelsea Market is housed in the old Nabisco factory building – this building is the birthplace of the Oreo cookie!

One of the best things to do in Chelsea is to grab a beer at Peter McManus Cafe, the longest running family-owned bar in NYC. A classic Irish pub establishment that’s been around since 1936 serving fantastic food and drinks. The pub has been a popular neighborhood staple for years, so grab a burger and ale and enjoy a slow afternoon in the neighborhood.

The High Line, one of NYC’s most captivating parks, is a top attraction in Chelsea. Originally an abandoned train track, the area was transformed into a park in 2009 under Mayor Bloomberg’s initiative. Stretching 1.5 miles, it draws 8 million visitors yearly, quickly earning its place as a must-do in Chelsea.

Little Island is a redesigned pier that extends over the Hudson River with a beautiful design meant to be an oasis in the concrete jungle. Access won’t cost you a penny making this one of the best things to do in Chelsea. The views are spectacular and the experience feels like being on an adult playground. Green grass compliments gorgeous landscape design with ample seating and views to enjoy from.

Bonus Neighboring Pier 57 is also home to a park, only this one is on a rooftop! It’s a popular spot for locals to sprawl out and try to get some sun. It’s not uncommon to see bathing suits and sun hats up there. Like hanging out at Little Island, this is one of the best things to do in Chelsea.

The Shops at Hudson Yards is an impressive mall that spans 720,000 square feet. Covering four floors, this mall houses some of the biggest name stores in New York City. There’s more than 100 stores in this shopping mall and you can find everything from luxury brands like Cartier to more affordable stores like Uniqlo. So if you’re in need of things to do in Chelsea, spend a few hours exploring the shops (even if it’s just window shopping).

When you’re done shopping, head to the basement level to check out the Spanish food hall called Little Spain. The sangria is worth writing home about! Also, if you’re visiting NYC at Christmas time, make sure to swing by Hudson Yards to experience the breathtaking display of lights, it’s a sight to behold!

PS While you’re in the area, if you’re in need of more things to do in Chelsea, grab a photo in front of the impressive Vessel structure.

The Whitney Museum has been a beloved NYC institution for modern and contemporary American art since being founded in 1930. The recently relocated museum now spans 50,000 impressive square feet (not including the 13,000 square feet of outdoor space) in the Meatpacking District.

Founded by a prominent America socialite, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, this museum is an ode to her dedication and love for art. Featuring art by Basquiat, Georgia O’Keeffe and Richard Avedon. There’s a handful of terraces where you can soak in an epic view of the NYC skyline. Visitors are encouraged to explore the art both indoors and out.

Must see — Georgia O’Keeffe’s work, Edward Hopper’s A Woman in the Sun, Robert Bechtle’s ’61 Pontiac and Alexander Calder’s Circus.

I understand you might be wondering, ‘What is Starbucks Reserve?’ and believe me, before I moved to New York City, I, too, had no idea such a place existed. It’s a chic, upscale take on the classic coffee shop, offering cocktails, food, and souvenirs in a spacious setting.

Starbucks Reserve aims to immerse visitors in the world of coffee, with opportunities to chat with roasters and witness the bean-roasting process firsthand. With only six locations worldwide, visiting Starbucks Reserve in Chelsea is one of the most unique and unforgettable things to do.

Don’t miss the espresso martini flight, featuring three cocktails for $27 — a steal in this pricey city — available in flavors like Orange Cacao, Molé Spice, and Cherry Limone.

Explore the interactive exhibit at ARTECHOUSE for a delightful activity in Chelsea. This unique art installation transforms an entire room into a canvas, projecting colorful lights and video onto all surfaces — walls, ceiling, and floor — in a mesmerizing 360° experience.

The museum keeps things fresh by frequently changing its theme, providing locals with plenty of reasons to make return visits. The current cutting-edge theme, “World of AI·magination,” offers an immersive journey blending both human ingenuity and AI.

Named after owner Mathias Van Leyden’s rescue dog, LOULOU is a French restaurant that’s just as adorable as his pup. Colorful flowers adorn the outside of the restaurant, stopping folks in their tracks to take pictures. Serving classic French fare, making reservations at this popular bistro is one of the best things to do in Chelsea.

Beyond its exceptional food, what distinguishes this restaurant is its lower-level speakeasy, where creative cocktails are crafted nightly. The drinks, not only innovative and clever, are served in some of the most adorable glasses imaginable. A glance at the menu will reveal why a visit is considered one of the best things to do in Chelsea.

I can’t recommend the croissant French toast (yes it’s a real thing!) and the “world is yours” cocktail (Gin, Sake, creme de peache & edible flowers served in an orb) enough. Both are delicious and warrant a visit alone.

Attached to Chelsea Market is Artists & Fleas, a market brimming with local vendors and small shops offering a variety of goods, from art and vintage clothing to handmade jewelry and crafts. Shopping here is a top Chelsea activity, allowing you to support small businesses and find great souvenirs.

I once brought my brother-in-law here, and he had a custom sweater made to his exact measurements, choosing the colors and stitching pattern himself, all for less than $100. It’s a truly unique experience and he still raves about it.

The Rubin Museum of Art is all about the Himalayan culture and emphases exploring your mind, body and spirit through art. The museum is made up of four different floors with interactive pieces to encourage folks to find their zen. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Chelsea, especially on a Friday after 6:00PM when admission is free.

You can expect to see religious artwork from different eras, cultures and countries. The peaceful energy can be felt the moment you step foot into the Rubin Museum of Art. Make sure to purchase tickets (or reserve tickets for free Fridays) in advance since this is one of the best things to do in Chelsea, tickets can go quickly.

If you’re feeling nostalgic, one of the best things to do in Chelsea is grabbing a bite at Empire Diner. It’s a modern take on the old-school, classic diner look. The best part? Empire Diner has been serving tradition American food since 1976!

You can expect typical diner fare, from the traditional eggs & bacon breakfast to a juicy burger with fries. Regardless if you’re stopping by for breakfast or a late lunch, the freshly baked buttermilk biscuits are non-negotiable and must be ordered. Since having a meal at Empire Diner is one of the best things to do in Chelsea, I recommend starting your day here to avoid having to wait in any lines.

If you have even the slightest interest in fashion, one of the best things to do in Chelsea is to check out the Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). The museum is full of unique garments, accessories and shoes along with constant rotating exhibits. I love coming here to check out vintage pieces and realizing how much clothing has changed over the years.

You’ll find displays of pieces from different points of history and some of the most outlandish clothes known to man. The best part about the museum? Admission is free! Spend some time wandering through the exhibits and who knows, it may even inspire you to switch up your own wardrobe.

Consider this next spot on our list of things to do in Chelsea a hidden gem – it’s relatively new and often overlooked. Manhattan West, a recently opened plaza, features shops, restaurants, and office buildings.

Tucked away across from Penn Station, this charming spot offers a variety of dining options. Whether you opt for the numerous restaurants, Whole Foods, or the Citizens culinary market, you’ll find a diverse selection. Citizens, a food hall with 14 different vendors offering various cuisines, serves everything from fried chicken to sushi, ensuring you’ll discover a satisfying meal (or two).