In an effort to update all of our neighborhood guides, we are now headed over to the west side and one of our favorite neighborhoods, Chelsea. Now, Chelsea holds a very special place in Shelby’s heart. When she was just 18 years old she packed up her bags in Dallas, Texas and moved thousands of miles away to live in the heart of Chelsea and attend The Fashion Institute of Technology. This is a neighborhood that she immediately fell in love with.
Chelsea spans from 34th street to 14th street between the Hudson River and 6th Avenue. There is a huge LGBTQ community, and tons of shopping, dining, and beautiful architecture.
Starting with shopping, you can’t go wrong with Chelsea Market. Located on 9th avenue and 16th street, you have plenty of stores, vendors, and restaurants to choose from. Some of our favorites are Doughnuttery, Friedman’s, Chelsea Wine Vault, the best Anthropologie, Fat Witch Bakery, and The Nutbox. Chelsea Market has changed so much over the years. It has expanded so much, and it is still one of our favorite places in the city!
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Google’s New York headquarters are also right across the street.
Some of the main attractions of Chelsea are The Highline, Madison Square Garden, and the many art galleries scattered around the neighborhood. The David Zwirner Gallery is one of the most visited, as well as the Museum at FIT. Many people also flock to 23rd street to see the famous Hotel Chelsea. It is closed for renovations now, but you can still feel the presence of all who have stayed there in the past. You have to go up and just look at the architecture!
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The highline runs straight through Chelsea. This is a perfect way to explore the neighborhood from an elevated place. The end will let you off right at Chelsea Market. You can read all about The Highline in our previous post here.
Chelsea has so many options for great food. Head on over to Westville, The Meatball Shop, Elmo, The Grey Dog or Brooklyn Bagel for some awesome tastes. If you want to spend a little more try out Buddakan or Tao Downtown.
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Our new favorite attraction in Chelsea is the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. This is truly an experience for any coffee lover. Pro-tip, order the Whiskey Barrel Aged Cold Brew. You can thank us later!
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If you want to grab a quick snack hit up La Maison Du Macaron, Amorino, or Doughnut Plant.
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One of Chelsea’s biggest destinations is Chelsea Piers. At the piers you can find bowling, ice skating, sports, boats, summer movies, river views, and so much more. If you want an outdoor experience you should definitely make a stop here.
Chelsea is also known for their nightlife. After your dinner at Tao you can head next door to the Tao nightclub, or down the block to PH-D at the Dream Hotel. If neither of those are your thing you can head a couple blocks north to Marquee.
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Last but not least, Chelsea has some great hotel options. Choose from your usual The Doubletree, Dream Downtown, or go a little out east to the Ace Hotel.
Chelsea is full of so much light and life. You could spend an entire day in this neighborhood alone. We highly recommend a visit on your next trip to NYC!
-Ash & Shelbs xx
