Things to do

13 Things To Do In Chelsea NYC

Chelsea road view with One World Trade Center on the background. Pic credit to @qsylver
Source : instagram

Things to do in Chelsea New York City include sightseeing and gorging on insanely delicious from the local restaurants. The neighborhood has a lot to offer.

Located on the West Side of the borough of Manhattan, Chelsea offers elements of what makes New York City incredible. It has a way long list of popular destinations, such as London's Dalston and Medellin's Centro.

One thing you need to know about this neighborhood is that Chelsea showers art in the heart of the Big Apple. From the views of the High Line to over 200 art galleries, getting bored is the last thing you need to worry about while being here.

Traveling alone or on vacation with your family, you will have many options to try. Getting confused while preparing your itinerary?

Here we provide a list of some of the best things you can try at Chelsea.

1. Relish The Rooftop Views At Gallow Green Rooftop Garden Bar

Having a look at the hustle and bustle of the city is exciting things to do in Chelsea Today. Why not relish the view from a rooftop with a luscious bite and a sip?

Gallow Green is a rooftop bar and restaurant located atop the McKittrick Hotel in New York City. The hotel is known for its immersive theatrical performance, Sleep No More, but Gallow Green is a more relaxed and inviting space.

The rooftop is lush and overgrown, with a variety of plants and flowers. There are wooden benches and tables scattered throughout the space, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

Perfect spot to snap a picture to recall you have been to this stunning Gallow Green garden restaurant.
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Regarding the food wine, the menu here is inspired by seasonal ingredients and features a mix of Americana and Italian cuisine. The cocktail menu features a variety of creative and refreshing drinks like the "Honey Pot."

Gallow Green offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, making it a perfect place to enjoy a drink or a meal. The rooftop is open year-round, but it is especially magical during the summer months when the flowers bloom.

2. Visit The New Dia Chelsea

Things to do in Chelsea NYC today include a tour of the new Dia Chelsea. New as the museum went through a renovation in 2021 and added new trees and stones.

Dia Chelsea is a contemporary art museum operated by the Dia Art Foundation. It was opened in 1987 at 548 Wesr 22nd Street as the Dua Center for the Arts.

In 2009, the art gallery moved across the street to a series of connected buildings now consolidated at 537 West 22nd Street. It is dedicated to the exhibition of challenging and experimental art.

'The Gates to Times Square' masterpiece at Dia Chelsea. Picture credit to  @donstahl
Source : instagram

The art gallery has presented major solo exhibitions of artists such as Robert Smithson, Bruce Nauman, and Jeff Koons. It is known for its commitment to presenting art in innovative and immersive ways. 

Even the spaces here are designed to complement the works on display, and the museum has a reputation for commissioning site-specific installations. Like other locations and sites of Dia in NYC, this place is also free, as always.

3. Explore Rubin Museum of Art

Rubin Museum of Art visit is one of the unmissable things to do in Chelsea NYC. After all, it has raised the popularity of this neighborhood.

As we all know, Chelsea is prominent as home to arts from New York City museums worldwide. Same the Rubin Museum of Art is one of the New York City museums dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of art and culture.

They include the masterpieces of the Himalayan region, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, and other regions within Eurasia. It has a permanent collection of approximately 3400 objects spanning more than 1500 years from the 2nd to the 20th centuries.

Rubin Museum of Art is open seven days a week from 11 am to 5 pm. Pic credit: David De Armas
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Here, you can study more about paintings, sculptures, textiles, ritual objects, and manuscripts. The building was designed by New York-based architects Celia Imray and Tim Culbert, inspired by Tibetan architecture.

Set a date to visit these five floors of galleries which are organized thematically and feature rotating exhibitions of art from the permanent collection and from other museums around the world.

Address: 150 West 17th Street

4. Treat Yourself At Chelsea Market

Can you even conclude your trip without being at Chelsea Market New York City? A big NO!! How can someone resist this all-around complex?

Chelsea Market is a food hall, shopping, and entertainment complex, all under the same roof. It is housed in a converted Nabisco factory which was built in 1890.

The market is home to over 300 vendors, including food stalls, eateries, specialty food shops, and art galleries. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Moreover, the pace is known for its electric mix of vendors and its vibrant atmosphere.

Decorations of lights at Chelsea Market for the Holiday season.
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Some of the popular vendors here are The Cheesemongers, The Meat Hook, The Clinton Street Baking Company, The RealReal, and more.

Besides, you can delight in numerous entertainment options such as guided food tours, cooking classes, and after-dark events like film screenings and converts. 

It is a great feeling to spend an afternoon or evening here where you can explore so much as the market offers something for everyone.

Address: 75 9th Avenue

5. Spend An Evening At Chelsea Park

Things to do in Chelsea consist of leisure hours at Chelsea Park. It has been a mainstay of the city for more than a century now.

Chelsea Park is a 10-acre public park in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It was acquired by the city in 1910.

This park is home to monuments to local heroes of World War I. The centerpiece of the park is the Doughboy Statue. It is a granite stele, almost 14 feet tall, structure of an American soldier.

Inside Chelsea Park.
Source : nycgovparks

It might not be one of the biggest parks in NYC, yet it is home to various amenities, including a playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures. There is a basketball court, a handball court, and a multi-purpose field as well.

This is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. It is a vibrant and welcoming space where people of all ages can come together to relax, play, and enjoy the outdoors.

Where: West 27th Street and 9th Avenue

When: 6 am to 11 pm

6. Go Find Rainbow Masterpieces of Eduardo Kobra

Free things to do in NYC Chelsea include exploring arts on the street by famous Brazilian artists. Eduardo Kobra is known for his large-scale murals.

Eduardo's murals combine elements of pop art, cubism, and realism. His work can be found in cities worldwide, and one of them is Chelsea.

Eduardo's work at Empire Diner's wall on Chelsea Road.
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Here, he has created several murals that celebrate the diversity and history of the neighborhood. One mural at 10th Avenue and 25th Street depicts Gandhi and Mother Teresa, two figures associated with peace and tolerance.

Kobra's murals often comprise thousands of individual dots, which he creates using pointillism. This technique allows him to develop a sense of depth and detail in his work.

Stroll around the street, which has become more vibrant and welcoming with Kobra vibrant colors and use of geometric shapes in his art.

7. Eat Delicious At Shukette

Thinking about fun things to do in NYC today? If you are in the Chelsea neighborhood, consider stepping into Shukette.

Shukette is a Middle Eastern restaurant in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It is the sister restaurant of Shuka, which is also located in the same area. Shukette is known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative take on Middle Eastern cuisine.

Must try Mushroom Arayes at Shukette.
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The menu of this eatery changes seasonally, but some of the must-eat food include the grilled octopus with harissa and pomegranate. They have a wide selection of mezze or small plates, such as the baba ghanoush, the hummus, and the falafel.

The interior at Shukette is designed to evoke the feeling of a traditional Middle Eastern marketplace. The walls are decorated with colorful tiles and lanterns, and the tables are made from reclaimed wood.

Make sure to stop by this warm and inviting restaurant to experience the flavors of the Middle East in a modern and stylish setting. Master Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja awaits you!

Address: 230 9th Avenue

8. Get Your Sweat On At One of Chelsea's Piers

You might want to get active side-by-side while trying fun things to do in NYC Chelsea. Chelsea Piers gets you covered on that.

Chelsea Piers is a waterfront complex in New York City that offers a variety of recreational and entertainment options. It is located on the Hudson River in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.

The complex was originally built as a shipping and manufacturing center in the 19th century. It was converted into a recreational complex in the 1990s.

Young or aged, the Chelsea Piers welcome people with numerous sports activities.
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For the sports enthusiast, the complex features a variety of sports and entertainment options like bowling, ice skating, golf, and rock climbing. 

Next, they have a fitness center with options like yoga, pilates, and spinning. Get some energy out in between regular sightseeing activities.

If not these, you can just rent a boat from the Chelsea Piers Marina or join sailing lessons. Will get hungry after all these exercises? Well, worry not, as the complex offers a variety of restaurants and bars with sights of the Hudson River.

9. Explore Art and Design At Poster House

Wondering what to do in Chelsea? How about going back to the time via posters from the 19th century? 

Poster House Chelsea is the first museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to posters. The museum's collection encompasses over 10,000 posters from around the world, dating from the 19th century to the present day.

The museum's exhibitions explore posters' history, design, and impact. Past exhibitions have featured posters from the Art Deco movement, the Soviet Union, and the American Civil Rights movement. 

Inside the Poster House.
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The museum's galleries are arranged chronologically, so visitors will have fun in New York while tracing the evolution of the poster from its early beginnings to its current form.

Poster House also hosts a variety of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and tours. It is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the power of the poster to communicate ideas and inspire action.

Address: 119 West 23rd Street

10. Channel Your Creative Side With Pressed Flower Art Workshop

Things to do in NYC Chelsea this weekend is participating in the Pressed Flower Art workshop. Garnish your creative side with Witch Hazel this mini break.

Witch Hazel is a modern-day apothecary that taps into the calming beauty of nature. Founded in 2019, the firm is organizing the hour and half-long workshop.  

Visitors will learn ideal ways to press flowers, herbs and ways to use them. Also, they will guide you on visual design techniques so that your art looks intentional. All you have to do is sign-up on their website, and the ticket costs only $75.

Learn to make pressed flower frame for your home décor. This one id from @breathofnature_chelsea
Source : instagram

Afterward, you will leave the place with your finished piece and the flower press containing the fresh flowers you selected. You can use that hanging pressed flower art to decorate your home.

If you want, buy one from the Witch Hazel shop, which will provide a 15% discount to the participants.

11. Participate In Exciting Chelsea Festivals and Fair

Chelsea events New York City are Music Festival, Chelsea Night Market, Chelsea Flower Show, and many more. These festivals occur year-round.

First comes the Chelsea Art Walk, which takes place over two weekends in September. It features open studios and exhibitions by over 200 artists working in various mediums.

Chelsea Piers Food Festival celebrated the diversity of food with over 50 food vendors offering samples of their cuisines. The Flower Show in New York in May features stunning floral displays and educational exhibits on gardening and sustainability. 

4th of July celebration with firework events.
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How can we forget the Chelsea Music Festival? It is full of performances by musicians from local and upcoming artists to well-known national and international acts. It takes place in June and makes a great way to enjoy live music in a beautiful setting.

No matter the season you visit, this neighborhood never fails to surprise you with exciting events and festivals.

12. Learn About Fashion At Museum at FIT

Things to do in New York City include visiting only one fashion-dedicated gallery of the world. Museum at FIT is the place you need to stop at.

MaFIT is the only museum all over the world that is dedicated to the study of fashion. It houses a collection of over 50,000 garments and accessories dating from the 18th century to date.

A piece of
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The museum's collection is organized into several thematic areas:

  • Fashion and History: This area explores the relationship between fashion and historical events, such as the Industrial Revolution and World War II. 
  • Fashion and Culture: This area examines the role of fashion in different cultures, such as Japanese kimonos and Indian saris. 
  • Fashion and Design: This area focuses on the work of individual designers, such as Coco Chanel and Christian Dior. 
  • Fashion and Technology: This area explores the intersection of fashion and technology, such as the development of the sewing machine and the impact of 3D printing on fashion design. 

Address: 227 West 27th Street

13. Watch A New Play At Atlantic Theater Company

For people about what to do in New York City Chelsea, they can visit the home for new plays. By that, I mean the  Atlantic Theater Company.

This Off-Broadway theater company has produced over 200 plays since its inauguration year in 1985. Many of them have gone on to Broadway success.

The company in Chelsea has two theaters: the Linda Gross Theater, which seats 199 people, and Stage 2, which seats 99 people. It also has training programs for actors, directors, and playwrights.

A glimpse of The Bedwetter ATC that was hosted last year in May. Picture credit: Ahron R. Foster
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What to do here?

  • See a play that the theater produces throughout the year, from new works by emerging playwrights to revivals of classic plays.
  • Take a workshop that Atlantic Theater Company offers for actors, directors, and playwrights.
  • Attend talk shows and discussions about theater, film, and television.

If you are interested in theatre, the Atlantic Theater Company is a great place to visit.

Location: 336 West 20th Street