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20 Best Things to do in Chelsea, NYC

Located on Manhattan’s West Side, this trendy neighborhood is filled with delicious eateries, upscale art galleries, and chic boutiques where you could easily drop a week’s salary on a single shirt.

However, look past all the glitz and glam and you’ll find some of NYC’s most beloved attractions – including the Highline, the Vessel, and the always awesome foodie hot spot, Chelsea Market – as well as some off-the-grid hidden gems that only locals know about.

So, if you want to see this amazing neighborhood like a 30+ year local, then check out this insider’s guide to the 20 best things to do in Chelsea NYC.

Not only will get you insider tips and tricks on how to make the most of your time in Chelsea, but you’ll also enjoy a free interactive map to help you experience the best things to do in Chelsea NYC during your next trip to the Big Apple.

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How to Get to the Best Things to do in Chelsea NYC

This chic neighborhood on Manhattan’s west side runs from 14th Street all the way to 34th Street. It then continues from the Hudson River all the way to 6th Avenue.

So, Chelsea is surrounded by Greenwich Village/the West Village to the South and Midtown West in the North.

Therefore, if you want to use the public transit to enjoy some of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC, you could use the 1/2/3 train, the A/C/E train, or the M20/M7 bus.

Trust me, there are a lot of bus/subway lines that run into and out of Chelsea so you should have absolutely no problem getting here.

Pro Tip: You could also take the 7 train to Hudson Yards or take the train to Penn Station from Newark Airport.

Where to Stay to Enjoy the Best Things to do in Chelsea NYC

Stunning room in one of the best places to stay when backpacking NYC on a budget.

Chelsea is easily one of the best areas to stay in NYC. So, if you’re looking for a fantastic hotel in this trendy, vibrant neighborhood, try:

  • Hotel Hayden (Budget) – This 4-star hotel near Fifth Avenue is easily the cheapest hotel on this list with rooms well under $200 per night. All their supremely modern rooms are also well appointed with coffee machines and flat-screen TVs. Heck, there’s even a 24-hour fitness center on-site, as well as a roof-top bar that makes you feel as though you’re in Greece, not NYC.
  • Cambria Hotel New York Chelsea (Mid-Range) – Yes, I know this is a chain hotel but honestly? It’s well-priced, well-reviewed, sits in the flower district and offers guests free hot chocolate (seriously, what more could you want?). There’s also a great rooftop bar where you can sit and admire sweeping views of the city.
  • The Martime Hotel (Luxury) – Easily one of the best boutique hotels in Chelsea, this swank, nautical-themed, 4-star hotel looks out over the Highline and has chic, modern rooms with port hole windows, waterfall showers, and green-tiled bathrooms. Mario Batali’s La Sirena and the famed Tao are also in the building, making this a great place to stay in Chelsea.
  • The Standard Highline (Luxury) – This oppulent, 4-star hotel has rooms that start at $300+ per night and that come with floor to celing windows with amazing views of the Hudson River. It’s a vibrant, modern place where you can dine at the dine at the Standard Grill and enjoy an adult beverage and the outdoor Biergarten.

Best Things to do in Chelsea, NYC

1. Walk Along the Highline

Walking along the highland is one of the best things to do as you solo travel NYC and check out the best things to do in Chelsea NYC.

Easily one of the most famous and best things to do in Chelsea NYC, the Highline is an awe-inspiring, 1.5-mile long elevated walkway on the west side of Manhattan.

It’s without a doubt one of the best parks in NYC since it was built atop a set of old railway tracks in ye olde 2009.

So, if you want to walk the entire length of the park yourself, start at either the Javits Center or the Whitney Museum of American Art and continue from there.

Although, if you don’t feel like walking a solid 3 miles round trip, you can always just hop on the Highline from one of the many other access points that you’ll find along the way.

Other than that, just stop to admire some of the best views in NYC along the way before taking in all that the epic public art displays here have to offer.

Pro Tip: Other attractions in the area that you’ll definitely want to check out include the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Vessel at Hudson Yards, and Chelsea Market. Also, go as early as possible on a weekday to avoid insane crowds.

Address: Since the Highline spans 1.5 miles, check here for an entry point near you.

Hours: Open daily from 12:00 am to 8:00 pm

Price: Free

How to get there: Check here for transportation information since it will depend on your starting point.

2. Rubin Museum of Art

Given Chelsea’s trendy, artsy nature, the Rubin Museum of Art simply has to be the first attraction on this list of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC.

In particular, the Rubin Museum of Art specializes in Himalayan art and has an entire permanent collection dedicated to Tibetan art – making it one of the coolest museums in NYC.

So, within this 25,000-square-foot exhibition space, you’ll find there are over 1,000 pieces to admire – objects ranging from modern-day treasures to historic pieces that date back to the second century!

On top of the many wonderful pieces displayed here, the Rubin Museum of Art also hosts many educational programs and activities.

Therefore, be sure to stop by and take part in mindfulness meditation, learn about Himalayan heritage, watch cultural art demonstrations, and listen to Asian-inspired musical performances.

Pro Tip: Admission is free when you make a reservation for Friday nights between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm.

Address: 150 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011

Hours: Open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, except Fridays when the museum is open until 10:00 pm.

Price: Tickets are $19 for adults, $14 for students/seniors, and free for children 12 and under.

How to Get There: Take the A/C/E train to 14th Street or the 1 train to 18th Street station and walk from there.

3. Whitney Museum of American Art (Technically this is 4 blocks south of Chelsea but I love it so we’re keeping it on the list)

The rooftop terrace of the Whitney Museum

Sitting right at the very end (or beginning depending on which direction you’re walking in) of the Highline is the one and only, Whitney Museum of American Art.

See, it was recently opened in 2015 and has quickly become one of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC for art lovers of every variety.

Because this enormous, 63,000 square foot building features a wonderful collection of 20th and 21st-century contemporary art from iconic, American artists like Edward Hopper, Alexander Calder, Georgia O’Keefe, and more.

Plus, there’s even an open rooftop here where you enjoy stellar panoramas of the nearby Hudson River.

And while it’s always a good time to visit The Whitney (as we New Yorkers refer to it), do try and stop by any time between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm on Friday evenings when the museum has special “pay what you wish” hours.

Pro Tip: Advanced booking is required so get your tickets now, even if you plan to visit on Friday evenings.

Address: 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014

Hours: Open 11:30 am to 6:00 pm Mondays and Thursdays, 1:30 pm to 9:00 pm Fridays, and 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

Price: Tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for students/seniors/disabled visitors, and free for anyone 18 and under.

How to Get There: Take the A/C/E train from Times Square to 14th Street/8th Avenue and walk to the museum from there.

4. Macy’s Department Store

Exterior of Macy's at Herald Square in NYC.

Located in Herald Square, Macy’s flagship department store is actually the largest single largest Macy’s in the entire world!

In fact, at a size of 2.5 million square feet, it was formerly the biggest department store on the planet at one point in time!

So, given the massive size of this Macy’s store, you can easily spend an entire day here enjoying one of the best things to do in Chelsea, NYC especially if you love shopping.

After all, it’ll take you a while just to get through the ten floors of clothes, jewelry, makeup, and shoes that are on offer here.

Plus, there are even multiple floors filled with fabulous home goods, including furniture, bedding, cookware, and gourmet foods.

However, If you want to take a break from your full day of shopping, you can always grab a quick meal here since there are a few dining options to choose from.

The most popular of them all is Stella Trattoria, a modern Italian restaurant with gorgeous views of the Empire State Building.

But if you’re looking for something a bit more casual, head to Chef’s Street. it’s on Macy’s Lower Level and features a group of four food trucks that serve everything from juicy burgers to Japanese ramen to Italian meatballs.

Address: 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001

Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm and until 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Price: Free to window shop.

How to Get There: Take the 1/2/3 train to Penn Station or the N/R/W to Herald Square and walk from there.

5. Chelsea Market

red sign for Chelsea Market, one of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC

If you’re a diehard foodie looking for some of the places you must eat in NYC, then run, don’t walk, to Chelsea Market.

After all, it was once an industrial factory that has quickly become one of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC.

So, stop by and check out some of the delicious food stalls and quirky boutiques that proliferate throughout this super trendy part of the city.

Whatever you do though, DO NOT stop by on the weekend since it will be packed and you will feel more than a little claustrophobic.

And if you’re looking to enjoy some of the best shops in the market, try:

  • Artists and Fleas – A little flea market type shop with quirky/cool souvenirs knick-knacks for you to buy that are made by local artisans.
  • Bar Suzette Creperie – Fresh crepes for the WIN!
  • Doughnuttery – Delicious mini-doughnuts.
  • Mok Bar – Epic Korean Ramen.
  • Takumi – A Japanese/Mexican fusion restaurant that is really good.
  • Very Fresh Noodles – Hand-pulled noodle dishes that come from Northern China
  • Ninth Street Espresso – One of the best coffee places in NYC.
  • Num Pang – Delish Cambodian sanwiches.
  • Fat Witch Bakery – Their brownies are delicious.
  • Posman Books – Super fun bookstore.
  • Heatonist – For all my fellow hot sauce lovers out there.

Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am to 2:00 am and on Sundays from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Price: Free to window shop.

How to Get There: Take the A/C/E train to 14th Street and walk from there.

6. Visit Some Chelsea Art Galleries

Brick exterior of the Gagosian Gallery exterior in Chelsea nYC.

Another one of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC is to check out all of the area’s amazing art galleries. After all, there are a ton of incredibly talented artists who call this neighborhood “home”.

As a result, there are now dozens of art galleries in Chelsea and there’s really no way to see them all during a single visit.

That said, if you are an art aficionado, there are a few that you’ll definitely want to visit.

The first must-see Chelsea art gallery is the David Zwirner Gallery. It’s easily one of the most successful contemporary art galleries in New York.

So, in addition to lovely paintings, you can also enjoy some Instagram-friendly exhibitions like Yayoi Kusama’s famous Infinity Mirror Room.

Once you’re done with the David Zwirner Gallery, walk over to the Marianne Boesky Gallery. While you’re here, take a peek at some of the best paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces in contemporary art, including works from Frank Stella and Serge Alain Nitegeka.

But perhaps the most unique art gallery in Chelsea is the Wilensky Exquisite Mineral Gallery. It’s a unique place that showcases beautiful minerals and gems as artwork.

Therefore, stand in awe of everything from emerald to quartz to Chrysocolla and enjoy one of the top things to do in Chelsea NYC.

7. Madison Square Garden

Exterior of Madison Square Garden in NYC.

Madison Square Garden, aka The Garden or MSG to locals, is one of the most famous entertainment venues in the world.

And if you’re looking for the best things to do in Chelsea NYC at night, then Madison Square Garden is always a great idea.

In fact, Madison Square Garden plays host to a wide variety of sporting events, musical performances, and even a papal mass said by Pope Francis in 2015.

That’s why, some of the most famous events held at Madison Square Garden include the 1970 Knicks NBA Championship, the “Concert for New York City” after 9/11, and the “Fight of the Century” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1971.

So, if you’re extra lucky, your favorite artist or sports team may just be playing at Madison Square Garden sometime soon!

And if there aren’t any events at Madison Square Garden that catch your eye, then you can always take a tour of the arena instead.

Because throughout this 75-minute tour, you’ll be able to admire artifacts from some of the biggest events in entertainment history.

So, be sure to check out the most famous play in Knicks history, take a peek at Elton John’s autographed setlist, and even get a look at the liturgy book from the Papal Mass of Pope Francis.

So, book your tour now and prepare to see Madison Square Garden like never before!

Pro Tip: Billy Joel typically plays here once a month and that is a great, very “New York” show to see.

Address: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001

Hours: Varies by the event.

Price: Varies by the event.

How to Get There: Take the 1/2/3 train to 34th Street/Penn Station and walk from there.

8. Check out the Street Art

Multi-color street art mural of Mother Teresa and Gandhi in Chelsea, NY.

With the Rubin Museum of Art and the Chelsea Art Galleries, you already know that Chelsea is overflowing with beautiful art.

But, if you need even more evidence of the insane amount of artistic creativity that can be found in this beautiful neighborhood, just look on the walls of random buildings for stunning street art.

In fact, the best way to see some of NYC’s best street art is to simply walk around Chelsea. After all, street art is constantly being added, removed, or covered, so there’s always something new to see.

That said, if there’s just one street art mural to see in Chelsea, it’s the “Tolerance” Mural. It’s situated on the intersection of 18th Street and 10th Avenue and is a colorful piece that features the two humanitarian leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, and Mother Teresa.

It was created by the famous Brazilian Street artist, Eduardo Kobra and if you like this piece, you can 17 other murals of his scattered throughout NYC.

Pro Tip: There are also some other great pieces of street art displayed all along the Highline.

9. Dine at Some of the Best Restaurants in Chelsea

Aerial view of the avocado toast at Citizens of Chelsea

No list of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC would be complete without a few restaurants. After all, Chelsea is one of the many foodie hubs of the city.

And first up? None other than Txikito It’s a fantastic little restaurant that serves mouthwatering Basque-style tapas and small plates.

So, stop by and try everything from octopus (aka pulpo) carpaccio ($18) to slow-roasted suckling pig (aka cochinillo for $32) to truffle-spiced white asparagus (aka esparragos for $11).

Located in Chelsea Market, Los Tacos No. 1 is another one of the best restaurants in Chelsea. As a matter of fact, many locals claim that Los. Tacos No. 1 actually serves the best tacos in the entire city!

Therefore, sample some of their carne asada tacos ($4.50), pollo asado tacos ($4.50), adobada tacos ($4.50), or nopal tacos ($4.25) and decide for yourself!

But, if you’re in the mood for Asian cuisine during your time in Chelsea, then Jun-Men Ramen Bar is an incredible spot to visit.

In fact, their spicy pork bone ramen ($18), chicken ramen ($18), and veggie ramen ($18) are all absolutely delicious. Plus, if you’re hoping to finish off your meal with a sweet treat, you won’t be disappointed by their green tea cheesecake ($8) or their green tea creme brulee ($8).

And last but certainly not least is Sullivan Street Bakery. This gem of a confectionary giant makes it onto just about every list of the best restaurants in Chelsea.

That’s why it’s a great place to go and grab a sandwich, pizza, pastry, or basically anything else on the menu. And some tried and true crowd favorites include their focaccia, baguettes, and bombolonis. Trust me, once you’ve tried these custard-filled treats, you’ll want to come back every single day!

10. Visit Chelsea Flea

The Chelsea Flea Market originally opened in 1976, and it’s been through a lot of ups and downs since then. At one point, this massive market was sprawled out across half a dozen different parking lots!

However, at the end of 2019, it looked like the Chelsea Flea Market would close for good. But, some new owners stepped up to the plate and have now created one of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC.

So, stop by every Saturday and Sunday to visit some of the 50-60 vendors here who have reclaimed their booths at the Chelsea Flea.

Because you can still shop for fantastic vintage and antique finds that include clothes, glassware, pottery, jewelry, and more!

But on top of the classic booths, there are also a few new ones. See, under the previous managers, the Chelsea Flea Market didn’t have many food options.

However, now it has a few more since you can grab a bite to eat at CBao, Takumi Taco, and Parish New Orleans Poboys while you’re here.

Pro Tip: This is a fully outdoor market so be sure to dress warmly during the winter months.

Address: 29 West 25th St. (between 5th and 6th Avenues)

Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday year-round from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Price: Free to enter.

How to Get There: Take the R/W train to 28th Street Station or the F/M?1 train to 23rd Street Station and walk from there.

11. Go Shopping

View of Chelsea New York City.

So far on this list of the best things to do in Chelsea, NYC, I’ve already included a couple of noteworthy shopping spots.

But, there are so many more! As a matter of fact, if you love shopping, you can make an entire weekend of it in Chelsea. as you enjoy some of the best budget shopping spots in NYC.

So, other than the Macy’s and the Chelsea Flea, Chelsea Market is another noteworthy shopping area in this iconic neighborhood.

Because as I mentioned earlier, it’s a combination of a trendy food hall and a cool shopping mall.

Therefore, after you peruse stores like Anthropologie, Heatonist, and Neighborhood Goods, you can grab a bite to eat at Los Tacos No. 1, Lobster Place, Very Fresh Noodle, and more.

However, if you’re looking for a shopping street in Chelsea, you may want to check out 7th Avenue. Trust me, it has loads of cool shops that are packed with unique goodies.

If you can, pop into (MALIN+GOETZ) for a couple of self-care products, purchase some second-hand steals from Second Time Around, and check out Barneys New York for something extra fancy.

12. Enjoy a Drink at the Gallow Green Rooftop Bar

Friends doing cheers with exotic drinks

Escape the sometimes overwhelming hustle and bustle of NYC at Gallow Green, a chic bar atop the McKittrick Hotel that has a unique garden vibe about it.

So, if you’re picturing a swank, slightly rogue garden party…at an old farm…with fairy lights and flags dangling for trellises, then that’s pretty much exactly what Gallow Green is like.

In fact, the owners took the whole “garden party thing” to the next level and named the place after a Scottish field where witches were historically hung.

Yup, talk about romantic. At any rate, try to grab a spot inside the old, distressed railcar here since these are some of the best seats in the place.

You can also choose from a variety of fun activities like weekend brunches (you can purchase a ticket in advance for are $50 per person) and ‘Sunset Sundays’ with live music and a beautiful sunset.

Plus, while the menu isn’t cheap, it is filled with tasty delights like lobster rolls and pizza. The cocktails here are also pretty dang awesome even if they do cost $17+ each.

Pro Tip: While you’re here, be sure to see the show “Sleep No More”. It’s easily one of the most unique things to do in NYC and an experience you will not regret.

Address: 542 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001

Hours: Open Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Thursday from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am, and Friday/Saturday from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am.

Price: Cocktails start at $17 each.

How to Get There: Take the 7 train to Hudson Yards and walk to Gallow Green from there.

13. Try The Two Percent Gallery Tours

If you don’t want to navigate the thriving Chelsea art scene on your own, you can take a tour with The Two Percent.

Because on this tour, you’ll get to visit all of the best art spots in Chelsea –​​ some of which are local secrets!

You’ll also love that this tour doesn’t stop at the art hanging in galleries. In fact, it introduces you to some of the coolest architecture in Chelsea too!

However, the absolute best part about The Two Percent tours are the expert guides. These guides are filled with fun facts and interesting tidbits of knowledge that are meant to captivate every single audience member.

So, even if you don’t consider yourself to be an art lover, these guides are sure to capture your curiosity. Simply put, the Two Percent tours may be the best way to experience some of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC.

Hours: Fridays and Saturdays at either 10:00 am or 1:00 pm. And the tour is two hours long.

Price: Starts at $135 per person.

14. See the Atlantic Theater Company

People performing on stage at a theater.

Many visitors to NYC want to go see a Broadway show. But sometimes, the off-Broadway shows are just as good (or better) and a whole lot cheaper.

And that’s the case with the Atlantic Theater Company. Because despite the fact that this performing arts venue is not on Broadway, it has still won 22 Tony Awards, 25 Obie Awards, 21 Lucille Lortel awards, and has a whole host of other accolades to its name.

In fact, The Atlantic Theater Company actually has two venues in Chelsea, one on 16th Street and one on 20th Street.

Both are also relatively small, which means you’ll get a fantastic view of the performance.

In the past, The Atlantic Theater Company has put on many shows, including Writer’s Block, The Cider House Rules, and Between Riverside and Crazy.

However, the company’s Tony Award-winning shows have included The Band’s Visiting, Spring Awakening, and The Beauty Queen of Leenane.

So, if you do get a chance to experience one of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC, and watch a show at the Atlantic Theater Company, you will have an amazing time.

I mean, within just a few seconds you’ll be transported into another world entirely. And by the end of your show, you’ll already be planning a return visit!

Pro Tip: Given the popularity of the Atlantic Theater Company, be sure to book your tickets as far in advance as possible!

Address: 336 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011

Hours: Varies by show.

Price: Tickets start at around $80 per person but it varies by show.

How to Get There: Take the 1 train to 18th street station and walk to the theater from there.

15. Explore the Museum at FIT

Easily one of the best free things to do in NYC, The Museum at FIT is perfect for fashion lovers of every variety since this amazing place is home to 50,000 historic garments – some of which date back to the 18th century.

In fact, this museum is so iconic that is actually known for being the very first gallery of fashion in the entire country.

Add in some fun rotating exhibits, fascinating film screenings, and talks from leading industry professionals, and you have one of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC.

So, stop by today and experience gorgeous garments, awesome accessories, and vintage textiles that are unlike anything you’re ever seen before.

Address: 227 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001

Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Price: FREE!

How to Get There: Take the 1 train to 28th street station and walk to the museum from there.

16. Go on a New York Beer and Brewery Tour

A flight of beers from Sebago Brewing Co.

Calling all beer fans because The New York Beer and Brewery Tour is one of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC for you!

In fact, The New York Beer and Brewery Tour is so awesome that its won a slew of awards and titles.

I mean, Condé Nast Traveler actually referred to it as one of the “Best Guided Drinking Tours in America,” and The Daily Mirror named it one of the “Top Ten Brewery Tours in the World.”

Plus, there are four different tours for you to choose from. First, there’s the five-hour Signature Tour, which takes guests behind the scenes of the brewery and gives them a few samples to taste.

Then, there’s the three-hour Express Tour, which is basically a condensed version of the Signature Tour.

Now, if you’re looking for something that’s a little different, you may enjoy the Brooklyn Beer & Sightseeing Tour instead.

So, while this tour does take you out of Chelsea, it is definitely worth it to experience three of the best craft breweries in NYC.

And last but certainly not least are the private tours. So, if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply have a large group, a private tour is a great option.

So what are you waiting for? Which of these New York Beer and Brewery tours will you book for your next trip to Chelsea?

Pro Tip: Try The Signature Tour, the History of Beer Tour, or the New York Beer & Pizza Tour since those are their most popular tours.

Address: 265 Bowery, New York, NY 10002

Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Price: Tours start at around $80 per person.

How to Get There: Take the B/D/F train to Broadway/Lafayette Station or the R/W train to Prince Street station and walk from there.

17. Check Out Chelsea Piers

View of the Manhattan skyline from Chelsea Piers.

Wanna work on your golf swing while exploring all of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC?

If so then tee up at the one and only Chelsea Piers! Not only are you NOT required to become a member to play here (FYI, that’s rare in NYC) but there are 52 different stalls for you to play in that are spread across four different floors.

So, skip the lines and swing by (see how I did that?) during off-peak times when you can get 170 balls for $35 instead of $50.

Plus, while you’re here, you can make use of the driving range (overlooking the Hudson River) or use one of their simulators to go on a virtual tour of one of the premier golf courses in the world (for a mere $45 an hour).

And if you’re not into golf then you can always work up a sweat at Chelsea Fitness, go ice-skating at the Sky Rink (an indoor ice rink that is open year-round), bowl it up at Bowlmor, or head out on a Hudson River cruise from the Maritime Center.

Address: 59 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011

Hours: Varies by the facility.

Price: Varies by the facility.

How to Get There: Take the M23 bus across town to the stop at 12th Avenue and West 23rd Street and walk from there.

18. Climb to the Top of the Vessel

View of the Vessel in Hudson Yards, one of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC

Home to some of the best views in NYC, The Vessel is tucked away in Hudson Yards and is a weird-looking, beehive-shaped structure that you’ll either love or hate. Becaues, yeah, there really is no in-between.

But, regardless of how you feel about the building, definitely grab some amazing photos here and climb the 2,000 steps to the top for some stellar panoramas of the nearby Hudson River.

And, added bonus? This innovative, modern art installation is completely free to visit. It’s popular though so you’ll definitely want to pre-book your tickets up to 2 weeks in advance.

Pro Tip: While you can try to get same-day tickets upon arrival, play it safe and make a reservation if you can. Also, the best photo is spot is on the left and to the back of the structure if you’re facing the Hudson River.

Address: The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, United States

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, except between January 6 and February 29 when the Vessel is between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm.

Price: Free but if you want to reserve tickets up to 6 months in advance, you’ll need to purchase a $10, Flex Pass ticket from the website.

How to Get There: Take the 7 train to 34th street and Hudson Yards station and walk to the Vessel from there.

19. Have a Slice of Pizza from Artichoke Basille

Two slices of artichoke spinach pizza in a pizza box from Artichoke Basille pizza.

One of my all-time favorite things to do in Chelsea NYC is to grab a slice of very un-traditional pizza from Artichoke Bassile’s.

Because this now famous pizzeria isn’t known for its traditional, New York style pizza. Instead, they create fresh and delicious slices of artichoke pizza that are unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before.

Made with artichoke hearts, cream sauce, spinach, and pecorino romano cheese, these slices are rich, creamy, and oh-so-decadent.

So, yeah, it basically tastes like a piece of New York pizza with the most delicious spinach artichoke dip ever on top.

Now, go forth, order a slice, grab an un-assuming stool to sit on, and be sure to share it with a friend since the portions here are huge.

Address: 114 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Hours: Open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am and Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Price: $4.50 for a slice.

How to Get There: Take the /A/C/E/1 train to 14th Street station and walk from there.

20. Explore Hudson Yards

The Edge NYC at Hudson Yards. has one of the best views in NYC.

A not-so-long time ago in a not-so-far-away galaxy, Hudson Yards was basically a glorified dump that no one wanted to be around.

As a result, locals basically avoided the west side of Manhattan, between 28th Street and 38th Street, like the plague – unless, of course, you were attending an event at the Javits Center.

However, thanks in large part to recent redevelopment efforts, Hudson Yards is now a happening place that is home to high-rise apartments, offices, stores, restaurants, the Vessel, the Highline, and even The Edge Observation Deck.

So, if you’re looking for some of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC then beeline it on over to Hudson Yards and give Mercado Little Spain a try.

Trust me, the food here will make you feel as though you’re in either Barcelona or Madrid, not NYC.

Address: Hudson Yards is the 10-block area between W. 28th Street and W. 38th Street and between 11th & 12th Avenues.

Hours: Varies by store.

Price: Free to look around.

How to Get There: Take the 7 train to Hudson Yards (the final stop) and walk from there.

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    Map of the Best Things to do in Chelsea NYC

    Map of the best things to do in Chelsea NYC.
    Click here for the full map.

    Additional NYC Neighborhood Guides You’ll Love

    There you have it because that wraps up this guide to the best things to do in Chelsea NYC.

    Tell me, did your fave Chelsea NYC attractions make the list? If not then let me know in the comments below!

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