The Top Things to See and Do in Chelsea, Manhattan
Creative and diverse, Manhattan’s Chelsea is one of the coolest districts in New York City. Here are some of the best things to do in the neighborhood, whether you’re in the market for live jazz at a speakeasy or head-turning contemporary art.
A pizazz for repurposing factories, more than 200 art galleries and a food scene that keeps New Yorkers coming back for more – Chelsea has shaken off its days of industry to become one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. Sprawling across Manhattan’s West Side beside the Hudson River, the area is a hotbed of creativity: its innovative spirit having brought us such delights as immersive theater, vodka pizza topping and the High Line.
1. Immerse yourself in Artechouse’s digital art
Art Gallery
Enter the psychedelic, multisensory world of Artechouse, a showcase of digital art in the old 6,000sqft boiler room of the Chelsea Market building. America’s first space dedicated to the intersection of art, science and technology, the trippy exhibitions here take over your senses with lighting, music and sound effects. Shows come and go – previous themes have included the color blue and geometric shapes. Tickets are pricey but after all, cutting-edge tech doesn’t come cheap.
2. Skate at the Chelsea Piers Sky Rink
Sports Center, Skate Park
You still get a feeling of open space at New York’s only year-round indoor ice-skating rink, thanks to its position overlooking the Hudson from Pier 61. It’s open to the public most afternoons, with lessons in freestyle and ice hockey available at other times. Skate rental costs extra on top of the entry fee, so bring your own if you have them. Skating not your thing? Elsewhere along Chelsea Piers is rock climbing, batting cages and a golf driving range.
4. The High Line
Park
5. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
Restaurant, Italian
6. Have a fashion moment at the Museum at FIT
Museum, Memorial
7. Sleep No More
Theater
8. David Zwirner Gallery
Art Gallery
9. Rubin Museum of Art
Museum, Shrine
10. Bathtub Gin
Bar, Cafe, American
Need a place to stay in the neighborhood? Check out our pick of the best hotels in Chelsea, now bookable with Culture Trip.
Siobhan Warwicker contributed additional reporting to this article.
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