22 Charming Things To Do In Chelsea, Manhattan
Roughly running from 14th Street to 30th Street between Seventh Avenue and the Hudson River you’ll find Manhattan’s neighborhood of Chelsea. Home to hundreds of art galleries, Chelsea is New York City’s premiere arts district, but culture buffs aren’t the only ones traveling from across the globe to check out this neighborhood. From speakeasies and excellent eateries to fabulous markets you could spend days here exploring all there is to do, and honestly it could get quite overwhelming.
Lucky for you, we’re sharing all best things to eat, see, and do next time you find yourself among the streets of this expansive west side neighborhood. Here’s our ultimate guide to Chelsea:
Table Of Contents
Best Restaurants in Chelsea
1. OASES
Though the OASES restaurant just opened it’s way more than that–it’s a full wellness haven that will awaken all five of your senses. The space first opened as an all-day café and bazaar, though the restaurant, the final portion of the space, is now open as well. Between the three tranquil, mindful spaces visitors can shop a selection of eco-conscious products, grab a casual yet nutritious meal, or dig into nourishing epicurean dishes, natural wines, and bespoke cocktails.
Founder Sonam Sangmo hopes that OASES will evoke feelings of warmth and provide those entering with a transformative experience–and we must say, Sangmo certainly hit the nail on the head with that one.
101 West 14th St.
2. Marsanne
Marsanne is an energetic oasis that just recently opened in May 2024, but it’s already made a splash in Chelsea’s dining scene. The menu highlights elevated Mediterranean classics, with dishes that are both light and vibrant such as their signature Agnolotti with creamy carbonara, smoked confit chicken, and rich chicken jus and the Grilled Octopus with kalamata olives, shaved fennel, sugar snap peas, yellow string beans, and a salsa verde.
233 8th Ave.
3. Anixi
Anixi is the place to go if you’re looking for a fusion of traditional Mediterranean cuisine, featuring vibrant flavors from Greece, Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon, with a vegan twist. You’ve probably seen their star dish, the Arak Cured “Salmon,” all over social media. This dish is served with Za’atar pita chips, sumac, labneh, harissa, caper berries, and charred anise. But honestly all the dishes are just as delicious.
290 8th Ave.
4. Sushi by Boū
Sushi by Boū Chelsea is the restaurant’s fourth NYC location, where they’re changing the sushi scene across America by providing an elegant and new-age take on the classic old-school Sushi Counter. Hidden behind Espresso Bar and Floral Boutique Bosqe, the 9-seat omakase experience transports visitors to the roaring ’20s with its lavish surroundings while seasoned sushi chefs expertly guide you through the Japanese culinary tradition of the omakase experience.
232 7th Ave.
5. El Coco
Look for the cute pink and green striped awning to find El Coco, a casual spot for classic Mexican bites like tacos and empanadas…and, of course, margaritas and other cocktails. They even have a bacon, egg, and cheese empanada, so they’re even great for breakfast!
202 8th Ave.
Best Bars in Chelsea
6. Bar Bonobo
For ’70s Italian disco and cold ass martinis, Bar Bonobo is the placeto be. The sexy new cocktail bar is stunning, making guests feel like they’ve stepped back in time to the golden era of Italy’s iconic disco era. Once you’re done admiring the space grab yourself a seat (we suggest doing so in the back) and grab yourself a drink.
The focus here is on martinis and aperitifs with several different riffs on the classic martini on the menu, but our favs are the Cold A$$ Martini and the CornStar Martini. Oh, and definitely be sure to order their Lemon Arancini Balls, affectionately dubbed Beat Balls–you won’t regret it!
184 Eighth Ave.
7. Alba Accanto
Alba Accanto is whisking NYers away on an Amalfi Coast adventure without having to leave NYC–you’ll literally feel like you’re in Positano and not below the High Line on the ground floor of the Lantern House! The decor is all pastel colors inspired by the grandeur of the Mediterranean, but what we really have our eye on is the menu, which serves a number of seasonal dishes composed of light and colorful flavors, along with all the classic aperitivo, spritz, and negroni selections.
141 10th Ave.
8. Loulou
You may be wondering why we included a photo of a vintage Coca Cola refrigerator door when we’re talking about Loulou. Well, Loulou is one of our favorite hidden bars located behind the Coca Cola door! Loulou is a swanky basement speakeasy hidden below its French bistro counterpart. Here, you’ll find a lively bar and seating area with music and an extensive craft cocktail menu (plus, you can order food down there too!)
176 8th Ave.
9. Coby Club
“New York’s best speakeasy, in one of the world’s hottest neighborhoods,” according to their site, Coby Club is a hidden, romantic gem featuring pop-up live performances from jazz, burlesque, and Broadway artists. The space draws inspiration from the most provocative and exciting period of San Francisco nightlife while serving delicious craft cocktails and small plates.
156 1/2 7th Ave.
10. La Noxe
La Noxe is hidden away inside the 28th Street subway station behind an inconspicuous door. Once inside, however, guests are quickly whisked away into a secret world that’s been right underneath their nose. The bar brings the Mediterranean straight to NYC, with elegant dishes that combine Mediterranean flavors with luxurious ingredients. Make sure you try their ceviche!
315 7th Ave.
11. Somewhere Nowhere NYC
Somewhere Nowhere NYC is a fairytale two-level rooftop lounge and pool located atop the Renaissance NY Chelsea Hotel. Offering upscale cocktails and stunning 360° city views, it’s perfect on a warm, summer day but is also winterized for the colder months so you cane enjoy it year-round!
112 W 25th St. (38th & 39th floors)
Best Markets & Shopping in Chelsea
12. Chelsea Market
An exciting blend of history, architecture, scenic views, retail outlets, and gourmet eateries, Chelsea Market is a foodie’s dream come true. The space boasts 35+ vendors selling everything from soup to nuts, wine to coffee, and cheese to cheesecake–there’s a reason it’s one of NYC most famous food halls! Where else can you have Los Tacos No. 1 for lunch and Economy Candy for dessert within a two minute walk?! And be sure to check out Artists & Fleas for cute gifts from local artisans!
75 Ninth Ave.
13. Olly Olly Market
Olly Olly Market is also a food hall and marketplace which brings together Michelin star chefs, craft cocktails, and one of a New Yorker’s favorite things: coffee. The 17,000-square-foot space serves as a gathering place for those in the Chelsea neighborhood and highlights both up-and-coming local chefs and internationally recognized chefs.
Some vendors include DdoBar by Joomak Banjum, Pen’n’Coop, Boy Blue Coffee & Goods, and Forsyth Fire Escape.
601 W 26th St.
Best Things to do in Chelsea
14. Art Galleries
The neighborhood of Chelsea has a rich history in the art world, and is full of seemingly endless art galleries. From Gagosian Gallery and David Zwirner Gallery to High Line Nine and C24 Gallery there’s endless galleries to peruse, and some of our favorites can be found here.
15. Chelsea Gallery Walk
Each year The Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) hosts their annual Chelsea Gallery Walk, during which art enthusiasts are given after hours access to over 30 Chelsea galleries for completely free! Each year the number of participating galleries continues to grow, and additional programming is held such as book signings, giveaways, and live painting sessions. Learn more about Chelsea Gallery Walks here.
16. Rooftop Park On Pier 57
The rooftop park on Pier 57 is NYC’s biggest rooftop park with amazing views of nearby Little Island! The best part: it’s completely free and open to the public! After over 12 years in the making the park opened in April 2022 and has since been serving as the perfect place to have a picnic, hangout with friends, or enjoy an unforgettable sunset.
17. The High Line
The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated park and greenway built on a historic, elevated rail line. Here, you can walk through gardens, view art, experience a performance, savor delicious food, or connect with friends and neighbors–all while soaking in stunning views of the surrounding areas. Oh, and be sure to check out the colossal pigeon sculpture that just landed there!
18. Little Island
Little Island is NYC’s floating park–literally! Little Island is near the intersection of West Street and West 13th Street in the Meatpacking District and Chelsea neighborhoods of Manhattan, and is a go-to spot where all New Yorkers and visitors can experience nature and art in a unique urban oasis with its open lawns and gentle pathways, community spaces, and performance venues.
19. Chelsea Park
Chelsea Park is one of the most popular and widely used parks in lower Manhattan, and for good reason: it’s complete with basketball courts, baseball diamonds, handball courts, multi-purpose asphalt surfaces, and plenty of space to sit down and relax. Acquired by NYC Parks over 100 years ago, the park has a strong place in the history of the neighborhood.
W. 27th St & 9th Ave.
Best Hotels in Chelsea
20. Hyatt House Chelsea
The 150-room, pet-friendly Hyatt House Chelsea is the epitome of urban luxury. It offers rooftop views and premium facilities, but beyond that it’s also conveniently located close to landmarks like the Empire State Building, Chelsea Market, Madison Square Garden, and more.
815 6th Ave.
21. Moxy Chelsea
Rising 35 stories high, Moxy Chelsea packs in all the amenities with none of the price tag. With cozy bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows, and a soaring, greenhouse-style atrium, it’s one of the coolest looking hotels in the city. The hotel includes a Café d’Avignon Pop-up, Lobby Bar, The Fleur Room, Moxy Afterdark and more.
105 West 28th St.
22. Renaissance NY Chelsea Hotel
Besides being home to Somewhere Nowhere NYC, Renaissance NY Chelsea Hotel is a boutique hotel offering smart amenities, such as a fitness center and cocktail lounge, and chic accommodations. Nomad and the Flatiron District are steps away, as is Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, and Chelsea Market.
112 W 25th St.
If you’re looking to explore more NYC neighborhoods, some of our other guides include Kips Bay, Hell’s Kitchen, Little Guyana, Midtown, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and SoHo.
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