Chelsea is an up-market area of midtown Manhattan with loads to see and do. Top of the list is The High Line (pictured above). This is a former overhead railway line which has been converted into a linear park. The planting is superb and most of the plants nestle alongside the original railway lines. As you’re high up, the views are great and you never need to stop at a ‘Don’t Walk’ sign! The High Line starts at Hudson Yards and stretches for around 1.5 miles (2.3km).
Hudson Yards itself is a lovely place to explore. It borders the Hudson River and offers sightseeing and recreation options including the Vessel (pictured above). This is a striking landmark, constructed using inter-connected staircases. It reminded us of the moving stairs at Hogwarts in Harry Potter! Admission is $10 (2025 prices) and it offers lovely views out over the parked trains towards the river. It’s a sort of architectural art installation meets visitor attraction and great fun to explore. Also at Hudson Yards, there are shops, cafe’s and The Edge observation deck.
Right next to The High Line, you’ll find Chelsea Market. This building occupies an entire city block and used to be the Nabisco biscuit factory (pictured above). This is where the Oreo cookie was invented! Now, the inside has been transformed into a shopping mall packed with food stores. The concourse is open from 7am to 10pm daily and it’s a great place to head if you want quality cooked food or fresh fruit and veg. We loved the industrial feel of the whole complex too with exposed pipes left in place as a feature.
The other area worth exploring in Chelsea is the part that borders the Hudson River. The Chelsea Piers offer leisure and recreation with green areas to relax in. Head south along the path of Hudson River Park and you’ll even find a beach with sun loungers and parasols at Gansevoort Peninsula. On a sunny day the loungers fill up fast, but it’s a lovely place to soak up the sun and watch the boats omf on the river.
LOCATION MAP
This map shows the location of Chelsea Market but you can move it around to see other highlights in the area. Chelsea is a great place to stay when visiting New York too, so do check out the accommodation options via the map.