The High Line—an abandoned elevated railway line transformed into a lushly landscaped public park that runs from Gansevoort Street in Greenwich Village up to 34th Street—is probably the first attraction that comes to mind when you think of Chelsea. The neighborhood’s wealth of art galleries is a close second. While it’s all but impossible not to come across a gallery while strolling in Chelsea, the Chelsea Arts District, from 18th to 28th Streets between 10th and 11th Avenues, is a particular trove. And of course, Chelsea is home to Madison Square Garden, arguably the world’s most famous arena for sports, concerts, and other events. While those three attractions alone would be enough for most neighborhoods, Chelsea offers plenty more to see and do as well.
credit: Max Harlynking/Unsplash
Pier 57
Part of the expansive Hudson River Park, Pier 57 includes a nearly two-acre rooftop park that is an ideal spot for watching the sun set over the river as well as for admiring Little Island a few blocks away. City Winery, a wine bar/restaurant/music venue with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the river, is located here as well.
Pier 57. credit: Hudson River Park
The Museum at FIT
The Fashion Institute of Technology, or FIT, is a premiere school for design, so it only makes sense that the Museum at FIT would house a stellar collection of apparel and accessories dating back to the 1700s. It presents exceptional special exhibits as well. Through mid-May 2023, for instance, it offers “Designing Women: Fashion Creators and Their Interiors,” featuring the clothing designs of Elsa Schiaparelli, Jeanne Lanvin, Anna Sui, and others alongside photos of their homes.
Museum at FIT. credit: the Museum at FIT
Chelsea Piers
Baseball, gymnastics, parkour, and tennis classes for kids. Boxing, Pilates, swimming, and yoga for adults. The city’s only year-round outdoor golf driving range. An 11,000-square-foot rock-climbing wall. Two year-round ice rinks for skating and ice hockey. Basketball courts, soccer leagues for kids and adults, and much more: Thanks to Chelsea Piers, you and your kids will never be bored.
Chelsea Piers. credit: Chelsea Piers
Rubin Museum of Art
The art and cultures of the Himalayan regions are the focus of the Rubin. Sculptures and scroll paintings, Buddhist shrines and holistic healing tools are among the treasures on display. The museum also hosts hands-on events for families, cocktail parties, and sessions on mindfulness, among other programs.
Rubin. credit: Rubin Museum of Art
The Joyce Theater
Devoted exclusively to dance, the Joyce hosts troupes from around the world, performing everything from ballet to ballroom. Highlights of its 2023 program include an uplifting cultural display by Atamira Dance Company, a physically charged and visually striking performance of “Cion: Requiem of Ravel’s Boléro”, and a Joyce debut by the acclaimed Mark Morris Dance Group.
credit: Joyce Theater
Read on to discover more about Chelsea.