Chelsea
Although there are many businesses in Chelsea, it still very much maintains its neighborhood vibe. Chelsea, ever since I can remember it, has always had a very lively nightlife. There are plenty of clubs situated on quiet blocks towards the river that often don’t get going until past midnight. If daylight hours are more your thing the High Line (first opened in 2009) is a super cool park on top of the old elevated train tracks. My absolute favorite thing to do is to gallery hop (Chelsea has over 200 art galleries) during Thursday nights from 6-8pm followed by dinner to discuss all the art.
Where.
Chelsea (named after the neighborhood in London) has it’s eastern boundary at 8th Avenue, western at the river, with 14th Street to the south and it’s northern border (which isn’t really set in stone) between 29th and 34th Streets.
Attractions.
Chelsea is fun because it has a little bit of everything going on. There are a million art galleries, numerous restaurants and bars, night clubs (if that’s your thing) and The High Line, a very cool park built on top of the old railroad tracks. The recently completed Hudson Yards is worth a visit as well. It’s a great destination for daytime activities or nighttime fun.
Transit.
Chelsea is relatively easy to get to. The 1/2/3 and A/C/E Trains all pass through and if you’re looking to go across town or into Brooklyn the L Train begins there. If for some reason you want to go to New Jersey, the Path Train runs through Chelsea as as well.
Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park.
Head west to the river and you’ll find Hudson River Park, a greenway that stretches from 59th Street down to the Battery. It’s around 550 acres (The Central Park has 843 acres) technically making it the second largest park in NYC. It is also connected to other greenways along its north and south terminus making it possible to almost completely circumnavigate the island.
From running, cycling, kayaking (there are free places to do this), miniature golf, sunbathing or eating and drinking at some of the many outdoor waterfront establishments, it truly has something for everybody.
Chelsea Piers.
Although it’s not really a ‘park’, Chelsea Piers is a blast. They have batting cages, a driving range, ice rink, a bowling alley and loads of other fun activities. Their gym (I was a member when I lived in Chelsea) might be the best in Manhattan. It has all the basic stuff plus a pool overlooking the Hudson River, a climbing wall, beach volleyball, a basketball court and an indoor running track. I’m a runner so that was a huge deal in a snowed over NYC.
Food & Drink
Chelsea has loads of great restaurants. Traveling up 10th, 9th, 8th or 7th Avenue you’ll find any option you could think of. It’s also a pretty versatile neighborhood for either daytime fun (think The Frying Pan or Cafeteria) or a night outing (like Tiapol followed by a few bars or clubs). If steak is your thing then you absolutely have to go to the Old Homestead Steakhouse which is the oldest operating steakhouse in the US.
History & Architecture
