The Ultimate Weekend in New York City's Chelsea Neighborhood

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Advisor - Casey Stein
Curated By

Casey Stein

  • New York City

  • Arts & Culture

  • Food & Wine

  • City Travel

  • Sightseeing

  • Local Culture

  • Foodie

Aerial view of a city skyline during day time.
Curator’s statement

Experience the vibrant heartbeat of New York City, the city that never sleeps, in the dynamic neighborhood of Chelsea. If you find yourself with just a weekend to spare, immerse yourself in the perfect blend of culture, cuisine and exhilarating entertainment. Chelsea encapsulates the essence of this extraordinary city, offering an unparalleled experience that captures the very spirit of New York.

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Where to stay in New York City

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Things to do in New York City

A seating area next to a water feature during the daytime
  • The Highline: Take a stroll 30 feet above the city streets! Along the way you will see some captivating contemporary art. During the spring season there are food vendors offering great bites along the way. However, there are plenty of exits provided along the way to head down into the neighborhoods below grab some amazing food!

  • Art Galleries: Chelsea is filled with tons of art galleries to explore for free! Gagosian, Dia Chelsea, Pace and David Zwirner are a few of my favorites!

  • Chelsea Market: Whether you are interested in shopping, dining or people watching make sure to visit the Chelsea Market. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste some of the best tacos in the city at Los Tacos.

  • Hudson Yards: Situated near the Chelsea neighborhood, this area offers plenty to do. Explore the mall for an amazing shopping experience. Steps outside the mall enjoy breathtaking views of The Vessel. Enjoy some of the top restaurants in the city. One being Electric Lemon which is a rooftop restaurant with great food, drinks and views. Be sure to secure tickets to The Edge to see some of the best views in the city. Hudson Yards truly has it all!

  • Fifth Avenue: Walk up and down the iconic Fifth Avenue for some of the best shopping in the city!

  • Whitney Museum: If you want to immerse yourself with incredible modern and contemporary American art this is the museum to go to on your trip.

  • Artist and Fleas: To find some unique pieces go shop at the Artist and Fleas.

  • West Side Highway: Enjoy a scenic stroll along the West Side Highway and be sure to stop at Little Island along the way.

  • Eataly: Visit the Italian marketplace that offers a variety of restaurants, food and beverage counters, a bakery, and a market to enjoy. Whether you want to pick up some cheese, wine and gelato to take to the park or sit at one of the counters and enjoy a fresh bowl of pasta, the choice is yours. Additionally, check out the rooftop restaurant that offers a delicious seasonal menu.

  • Madison Square Park: Head into the park to relax and enjoy some people watching in the park. If you get hungry head over to the Shake Shack conveniently located in the park.

  • Swingers: For a fun activity go to the trendiest indoor mini golf venue. They offer three different courses. The venue has multiple bars and offers you a “caddy” on the course serving you drinks while you play. Be sure to come hungry as they have some great food vendors! You can order food before or after you play from places like Sauce Pizza and Fonda. Perfect for groups or a memorable date night!

Places to in New York City

Meat patties, arugula and bread on a plate.

Where to Eat:

  • S&P Lunch: You cannot come to NY and not experience a diner. S&P has the classic diner charm to check that off on your trip. My personal favorites on the menu are the tuna melt (one of the best in the city in my opinion) and the Flatiron delight with pastrami. You really cannot go wrong with anything on the menu!

  • Cafe Chelsea: Located in the Hotel Chelsea this restaurant is a must hit! The Chelsea burger is a must get and the sheet ravioli (Ravioles du Dauphine) that is all over instagram is worth the hype. Some other menu highlights include the steak tartare and the goat cheese croquettes. When you are done with dinner you can head over to the lobby bar which always has a fun crowd for a post dinner martini!

  • KazuNori: Satisfy your sushi cravings with the city's most exceptional hand roll bar. The rolls are made fresh right in front of you. They are high quality and hit the spot every time!

  • Jack’s Wife Freda: A great brunch spot in the neighborhood (they also have a few locations throughout the city). I highly recommend the salt and pepper eggplant, and be sure to get an extra side of their homemade hot sauce, available for purchase to bring home with you (I always try to have it in my fridge). I also love the green shakshuka and the poached eggs with roasted tomato and haloumi. Such a cute spot!

  • Sappe: This newly opened Thai hot spot is a must go to! The vibes are incredible! The space is made to look like a Bangkok nightclub. The food is fantastic! They are known for their meat skewers which are packed with flavor, some other must get dishes are the seafood tom yum soup. The cocktails are incredible and named after female protagonists from Thai novels. You will not regret going here!

  • Cecconi's Nomad: For some amazing Italian food head over to Cecconi’s. They have a great lunch pre-fixe lunch menu. They are known for their killer negroni that you can enjoy at happy hour everyday from 3-5pm. You can also stop by for some of their amazing pastas and pizzas for dinner.

  • Cafeteria: Step into a classic New York City spot, famously featured on Sex and the City. The dining experience features both great food and captivating people-watching. Their imaginative menu, showcasing dishes like the mac and cheese spring rolls, adding a unique twist to your everyday favorites. I highly recommend checking it out!

  • 7th Street Burger: For a laid-back and casual experience, make your way to 7th Street and indulge in one of the best smash burgers NYC has to offer. Do not forget to get a side of loaded fries!

  • Anita Gelato: You have to get a sweet treat while on your vacation! Anita Gelato is an absolute must for gelato. They have an array of flavors to choose from, you're guaranteed to leave satisfied!

Where to Drink:

  • Oscar Wilde: This bar is always in theme for whatever is going on that month! It is always lively guaranteeing a fun experience during every visit. They make exceptional cocktails and even have food. Spot by and be sure to get a picture with Oscar out front!

  • La Noxe: New York is known for its cool and trendy speakeasies. This is one of my personal favorites, hidden within a subway station truly making it the ultimate NY experience. They serve exceptional drinks, my favorite is the Secret Garden and have an intriguing atmosphere. This spot is an absolute must-visit for those seeking a unique and memorable experience.

  • Little Ned: This cozy and intimate cocktail bar has great ambiance and a remarkable martini. They also offer some great food to complement your visit.

  • The Portrait Bar: Discover the latest gem in the neighborhood, a trendy bar serving exceptional cocktails and delectable cuisine. The vibes are a 10 out of 10!

  • The Fleur Bar: While visiting New York you must go to a rooftop bar, especially at sunset if possible. This spot not only offers 360 views of the city but also incredible drinks! The atmosphere is fantastic and as the evening progresses, it seamlessly transitions into an excellent late-night destination.

Need to know

Chelsea is just one section of the wonders of New York City. Let me assist you in curating the ultimate itinerary for your New York adventure. Reach out, and together, we'll plan an unforgettable trip through all the enchanting neighborhoods that make New York City truly extraordinary!

Advisor - Casey Stein

Travel Advisor

Casey Stein

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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, A Thrilling Three Day Blitz in Lisbon.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to New York City.