If you’re in New York City, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on Chelsea as there are a lot of fun things to do in Chelsea.
Chelsea is a great neighborhood to visit in Manhattan. From getting an incredible view of New York City to admiring art to seeing great architecture, there’s so much to do in this neighborhood!
If you’re wondering what to do in Chelsea, you’re in the right place! I made this guide with the best activities, fun attractions, interesting museums, and much more so you can make the most out of your time in this incredible neighborhood!
Best Things To Do in Chelsea, NYC
Get a View at the Edge NYC
You can go to Edge NYC when you are in the Chelsea neighborhood.
Edge NYC is an outdoor sky deck that you can find at 30 Hudson Yards. At this place, you can enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the whole city, which is amazing to see.
You can also find a glass floor here which makes it possible to look down 100 stories beneath you!
Another fun activity that you can do here is leaning forward against an angled glass wall.
In addition to that you can experience “City Climb” here. This is an experience during which you can climb the outside of the skyscraper and then lean out while being attached to the building. This makes it possible to look down without having anything between you and the ground!
Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
See Art at The Shed
The Shed is a cultural center that you can find in Hudson Yards at 15 Hudson Yards.
The Shed is focused on producing and showcasing innovative ideas and art in all shapes and forms. Because of this, you can expect all kinds of things at The Shed, and the events that take place here will amaze you.
For example, you can go here to see unique art exhibitions during which you can see all kinds of different types of art.
Also, The Shed is home to all kinds of contemporary performances that are amazing to experience if you’re looking for things to do in Chelsea. For example, you can go to concerts here, see dance performances, and enjoy digital experiences.
The variety of events at The Shed makes it an amazing place to visit, and you’ll definitely experience something unique when you are here.
Address: 545 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001
Check out Little Island
Little Island is an artificial island that you can find in the Hudson River.
You can find this artificial island at Pier 55 and it was created in 2021.
On the island, you can see different lawns, many walking paths, and a lot of nature. Also, what’s great is that the island doesn’t have a flat surface because the structures that support the island differ in height. This makes the island very interesting to be at.
You can also find a stage on the island where you can often see performances, and many of these performances are completely free to attend or are affordable to attend.
What’s great about Little Island too is that you can sit down here while enjoying views of the Hudson River.
Go to Print Center New York
Print Center New York is a non-profit exhibition space where you can see all kinds of exhibitions related to the medium of print.
You can find this center at 535 West 24th Street.
The exhibitions that you can attend here are very interesting and focus on a certain theme. Also, what’s great is that you can see art by emerging artists at Print Center New York.
Besides interesting exhibitions, you can go to Print Center New York for all kinds of other programs related to the art of printmaking that are amazing if you’re looking for activities in Chelsea. For example, there are often workshops and guided tours here.
Address: 535 W 24th St, New York, NY 10011
Go for a Walk at The High Line
The High Line is one of the most popular places in the city and you can find it in the Chelsea neighborhood, as well as in other neighborhoods.
The High Line is an elevated linear park that used to be a part of the New York Central Railroad. The part, that was converted in 2009, used to be a viaduct section of the West Side Line of the New York Central Railroad.
You can find beautiful nature on the High Line, which makes it a great place for a relaxing stroll when you are in the neighborhood.
In addition to that, the High Line is also a lot of fun to walk because of its linear shape. What’s great too is that you can see the city below and next to you while walking here.
Shop at West 34th Street
West 34th Street is a wonderful street to check out when you are in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. This street forms the upper boundary of the neighborhood and is a great place for shopping.
You can find a lot of stores and restaurants in the street that can be lovely to check out.
In addition to that, West 34th Street is also home to both historic and modern buildings that can be great to see while going for a stroll here.
See Art at the Rubin Museum of Art
Visiting the Rubin Museum of Art is an amazing thing to do in Chelsea. This is a wonderful museum with a collection that is focused on the culture and art of various locations in Asia. The museum is dedicated to the Himalayas, India, Central Asia, and various other regions.
The permanent collection of the museum spans a period of more than 1,500 years and also includes works from the present day. You can find about 3,400 objects at the museum and the permanent collection is primarily focused on Himalayan art.
You can find here paintings, textiles, manuscripts, sculptures, and many other objects.
In addition to that, the museum presents special exhibitions that are very diverse. While the permanent collection is primarily focused on art from the Himalayas, the special exhibitions showcase art from many other places in Asia.
Also, you can see all kinds of art here. From ancient art to contemporary art, you can see it here, and the art in its special exhibitions is also very diverse in medium.
Address: 150 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
Enjoy Food, Wine, and Music at City Winery NYC
City Winery NYC is a special venue in the Chelsea neighborhood. This place combines live music, wine events, and live events.
The waterfront restaurant, which you can find along the Hudson River, is a place that you can go to for brunch, lunch, dinner, and wine tastings. You can enjoy a view of the Hudson River while doing so.
In addition to that, many live events take place at City Winery NYC. For example, you can go here for live music concerts, comedy shows, and much more.
Address: 25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Have Food at the Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is a lovely food hall that you can find in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.
You can find this food hall on 75 9th Avenue.
It is one of the best indoor food markets in the world, and you can go here for both fresh ingredients, as well as for complete meals.
You can find a lot of vendors at Chelsea Market. For example, there are several bakeries, there is a creperie, there is a bagel shop, you can get amazing burgers here, this place is great if you want to get tacos, and there are many places that serve delicious desserts.
In addition to that, there are several venues that are located at Chelsea Market.
Another aspect of Chelsea Market, which makes it a great place to check out when you are in the neighborhood is that it is located in a historic building.
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Go to Artechouse NYC and See Unique Art
Going to Artechouse NYC is a fun activity in Chelsea. This is a place that you can find at Chelsea Market.
This is a digital art space where you can see incredible immersive and interactive art exhibitions.
The rooms that you can find at this place are state-of-the-art exhibition spaces where you can see beautiful works of art on the ceilings and floor, which makes for a very immersive experience.
The colors, shapes, and movements of the art will surprise you.
What’s great too is that you can combine going here with checking out the food and drinks of Chelsea Market. For example, you can go to an exhibition and have lunch afterward at Chelsea Market’s food hall.
Address: 439 W 15th St, New York, NY 10011
Check Out Candytopia
Candytopia NYC is a fun museum where you can have a very interactive experience.
You can find several interactive art installations here that are related to candy.
Each room has something different to offer and there are a lot of interactive and fun elements. For example, there is a marshmallow pit.
Also, you can see art made from candy at Candytopia.
I’m sure that you’ll have a lot of fun when you are exploring Candytopia, and what’s great too is that this place offers a lot of great places for photography!
Address: 111 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
Go to a Show at the Irish Repertory Theatre
The Irish Repertory Theatre is a wonderful off-broadway theater where you can see Irish and Irish-American shows. Through these shows the theater wants to help people understand the contemporary Irish-American experience.
You can go to the theater to see great historic and contemporary plays that incorporate great elements of dance, music, and live theater.
Moreover, the Irish Repertory Theatre was founded in 1988 and can be found at 132 West 22nd Street. About 200 productions were presented at the theater and through the years the theater won lots of different awards.
If you want to see a good show in the Chelsea neighborhood, the Irish Repertory Theatre is a great place to check out.
Address: 132 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10011
See a Show at The Joyce Theater
Another theater in Chelsea that can be great to check out if you’re looking for fun things to do in Chelsea is The Joyce Theater, which is a theater that can be found at 175 8th Avenue.
This is a theater with a capacity of 472 people and you can go here for amazing dance performances.
Moreover, the theater is located inside the historic Elgin Theater, which is a theater that dates back to the year 1941 when it was founded as a movie house.
Several organizations present great performances at the theater. For example, there are several ballet organizations whose shows you can see here, but you can see many other types of dance here.
Address: 175 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Go to The Museum at FIT
The Museum at FIT is an interesting museum that can be great to visit when you are in the Chelsea neighborhood. This is a museum that is part of the Fashion Institute of Technology.
The permanent collection of the museum consists of about 50,000 objects that relate to fashion. For example, you can see a lot of garments here that were designed by some of the most famous designers, such as Dior, Adrian, and Chanel.
The museum focuses on clothing that is significant in an aesthetic or historic way, and you can also find a lot of accessories, visual materials, and textiles at the museum.
In addition to that, special exhibitions focused on a certain theme can be seen at the museum.
Address: 227 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Check Out The Vessel at Hudson Yards
The Vessel at Hudson Yards is one of the best landmarks in Chelsea. It was created by Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio.
The landmark consists of 154 stairs, about 80 landings, and 2,500 steps, and it has a unique architectural style.
You can climb the landmark and enjoy a view of the city from the top.
Go to Exit Escape Room NYC
Exit Escape Room NYC is one of the best places in the city and the neighborhood of Chelsea to play escape games, which is a type of game during which you have to escape from a room within a certain time by finding clues and solving puzzles.
Exit Escape Room NYC is a place where you can play a variety of high-tech escape games, with each game having a different theme.
For example, you can play a game here that takes place “on a speeding train”. Also, there is an escape game with a “cupcake” theme.
Moreover, each game that you can play here is a private game that you can play with a group of friends.
Address: 247 W 36th St. Suite 101, New York, NY 10018
Go to Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, one of the most well-known music venues in New York City, can be great to check out when you are in the neighborhood.
This is an indoor arena where lots of different events take place. For example, you can go here for ice hockey games, ice shows, concerts, and other sports events.
The venue is the home of the New York Knicks of the NBA and the New York Rangers of the NHL, and it can be great to go to a game of these teams.
Furthermore, some of the most famous musicians in the world performed, and still perform, at the venue. For example, John Lennon, Elton John, Billy Joel, and many others performed at Madison Square Garden.
Address: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001
Get Delicious Cake at City Cakes
City Cakes is a paradise for lovers of sweet treats. This is a bakery that can be found at 155 West 18th Street, and it has been in operation since the year 2007.
At the bakery, you can get amazing cakes, and the bakery focuses on making “edible art”. For example, it is possible to get amazing three-dimensional cakes here.
In addition to that, City Cakes specializes in creating beautiful cupcakes.
Furthermore, it is sometimes possible to do masterclasses here during which you learn to make cake art yourself! During these classes, Chef Benny Rivera teaches you all there is to know to create your own three-dimensional cake, which is amazing!
Address: 155 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011
See Art at the David Zwirner Gallery
Chelsea is home to the David Zwirner Gallery. This is an international art gallery with many locations in various places across the world and 5 locations in New York City.
Some of the other places in the world where the art gallery can be found include Hong Kong, London, LA, and Paris.
At the David Zwirner Gallery, it is possible to see contemporary art by more than 70 different artists. Moreover, the art that is on display at the gallery includes works from a variety of media and genres.
Address: 537 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011
Go to a Show at The McKittrick Hotel
The McKittrick Hotel is a very unique place to visit in Manhattan’s neighborhood of Chelsea. This is a building that was built in 1939 with the intention of being one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. However, it closed very quickly after opening.
Now, the hotel opened again, but not as a hotel. Instead, it is possible to experience “Sleep No More” here which is one of the most unique things to do in Chelsea. This is an immersive play that is based on Shakespeare’s Scottish tragedy.
What’s amazing about this play is that instead of sitting down to see the play, you walk through it. You can freely walk through the building and see performances and beautifully detailed interiors.
Keep in mind that this experience can be a bit scary.
Address: 530 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Have Coffee at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery New York
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery New York in Chelsea is a great place for those who love Starbucks coffee.
You can get an incredible Starbucks experience at the New York Roastery, which is a very large coffee shop where you can get unique coffee drinks that are different from the ones that you can get at regular Starbucks locations.
Furthermore, you can get coffee drinks that are at the Roastery for a limited time only.
In addition to that, you can try out various coffee flights and get amazing pastries and delicious baked goods that are different from the ones that you can get at other Starbucks locations. You can even get cocktails at the New York Roastery.
Address: 61 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
See a Comedy Show at the Gotham Comedy Club
Gotham Comedy Club, one of New York’s best comedy clubs, is a stand-up comedy club that was opened in 1996 and is still operating.
Lots of very famous comedians performed at the Gotham Comedy Club, such as Jerry Seinfeld, Trevor Noah, Amy Schumer, and Dave Chapelle, and well-known comedians continue to perform here.
Furthermore, many television shows and movies were filmed at the club. For example, “Live at Gotham”, a show by Comedy Central was filmed here.
The Gotham Comedy Club also appeared in the movie “The Irishman”.
Address: 208 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011
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What To Do in Chelsea Tips
Chelsea is a neighborhood with a lot to offer, and what’s great is that it isn’t a very large neighborhood. This means that if you can’t decide what to do in Chelsea you can combine going to several of the places that I mentioned in this article in one day to have an even better time! For example, you can go to the Chelsea Market and walk The High Line!
Chelsea Things To Do Map
As you see, there are many fun things to do in this neighborhood. Thanks for reading my guide to the best things to do in Chelsea NYC!