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Chelsea is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Manhattan, and there is so much to do here!

From the quirky art displays to the unique highline walk to tasting some amazing food and drinks, Chelsea has got you covered.

I recently visited Chelsea and wanted to share all of the activities I did so you can do them, too.

10 Amazing Things To Do In Chelsea

Here are 10 amazing things you have to do in Chelsea this year!

1. Walk The Highline Trail

The High Line is a unique elevated park that stretches 1.45 miles along an old freight rail line that has been turned into an urban oasis.

Opened in 2009, this innovative green space offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the city skyline.

It features beautifully landscaped gardens, art installations, and seating areas.

We loved strolling the Highline and admiring some unique plants and art sculptures.

It was also fun to look at the weirdly shaped apartments and buildings that line the skyline.

Walking the Highline is one of the best things to do near Chelsea Market, as it brings you right to it!

2. Grab A Bagel From Brooklyn Bagel

Grabbing a bagel is the only way to start your day in NYC, and Chelsea is home to one of the most infamous bagel shops, Brooklyn Bagel.

They are famous for their authentic, hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels, various spreads, and cream cheese.

They are very affordable, too, and the portion sizes are enormous!

3. Bike The Empire State Trail

Who needs taxis and subways when you have the Empire State Trail?

This biking path brings you along the Hudson River from Chelsea down to Battery Park and north. So you can truly sightsee all day long.

We picked up a bike from Citi Bikes before hopping on the trail and taking in all of the scenery in Chelsea.

You can even bike down to the bottom of the Highline Trail and then hike your way back.

Read my entire guide on Biking The Empire State Trail In New York City!

4. Sip Creative Cocktails At LOULOU

Chelsea has many unique cocktail bars, and LOULOU was one of our favorites.

The restaurant, named after the owner’s beloved rescue dog, features French cuisine and cocktails that also hint at New York City flair.

Come here for brunch, dinner, or just drinks. We tried two of their creative cocktails, which looked like art pieces.

See more of their unique drinks! This Chelsea Restaurant Has The Most Creative Cocktails

5. Admire The Art Installations

Chelsea is an artsy district, which is no surprise since it is home to the Fashion Institute of Technology.

So of course, we had to walk around and admire the street art!

We enjoyed just walking the streets of Chelsea and finding some of the quirky art installations and murals.

This neighborhood has such a fun & vibrant vibe!

6. Visit Chelsea Market

The massive Chelsea Market is one of the neighborhood’s top attractions, and you can visit it at the end of the Highline Trail.

The market is filled with fantastic food stands, shopping, and more.

We tried the Big Tings Jamaican Jerk Chicken, which was authentic and delicious!

Then we tried some dumplings in the Pearl River Mart Foods downstairs.

You can shop around, eat, grab food to go, and so much more.

7. Have A Night Out At Bathtub Gin

One of the best things to do near Chelsea Market is visit Bathub Tub Gin!

I tried to visit Bathtub Gin a few times over the past year: once in Los Angeles, at their other location, and once in NYC.

Each time, I failed due to not grabbing a reservation and a lack of planning. I was beyond excited that I could get a last-minute reservation at its location in Chelsea.

First, we had to locate the entry point in the Chelsea district of NYC, a fake coffee shop with a bouncer standing out front.

Once we walked up, we gave him the name of the reservation, and he let us inside.

Then we sipped on handcrafted cocktails and Gin & Tonics. It’s the perfect way to start our night out in Chelsea.

For more drink pics, read Bathtub Gin: The Hottest Speakeasy In Chelsea NYC!

Make sure to visit these 8 Secret NYC Speakeasies You Need to Find in 2026!

8. Grab A Slice At Rocco’s

Rocco’s Pizza in Chelsea, NYC, is a beloved neighborhood pizzeria known for serving classic New York-style pizza.

This no-frills, family-owned spot has been a staple in the community for years.

Drawing both locals and visitors with its mouthwatering, hand-tossed pies.

They have a very affordable lunch special, too: $6 for two slices and a soft beverage.

9. Visit Little Island

One of my favorite parks in Chelsea is Little Island, a newer park that opened in 2021.

This 2.4-acre green space is built on sculptural piers, creating a floating oasis amidst the urban landscape.

Designed by Heatherwick Studio, Little Island features winding pathways that offer breathtaking views of the river and city skyline.

It looked surreal, thanks to its architecture, greenery, and art. It’s such a nice place to spend an afternoon in NYC.

Read more about my visit to Little Island: The Best Park To Visit In NYC!

10. Order Tropical Apps At Jungle Bird

Jungle Bird is a vibrant tiki bar and restaurant in the heart of Chelsea, NYC.

Known for its tropical ambiance and lively atmosphere, Jungle Bird offers an escape with bamboo accents, tiki statues, and plenty of greenery.

The menu is a delightful mix of Polynesian-inspired dishes and classic tiki cocktails.

Signature drinks include the namesake Jungle Bird cocktail, a refreshing blend of rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.

We ordered some lemongrass dumplings and spring rolls with our tropical cocktails, too!

Where Is Chelsea In NYC?

Chelsea is located on the western side of Manhattan, slightly south of Penn Station.

Explore More of NYC

There is so much to do in Chelsea and NYC!

Want more of my favorite New York City hot spots? I recommend trying NYC’s Chinatown Ice Cream Shop: Soft Swerve.

Little Italy in NYC Is Home To This Famous Cannoli, and it’s delicious!

Want pizza? Grab A Slice At The Pie Guy Pizza In NYC

Want more NYC Cocktails? Visit This Speakeasy Is Located In A Subway! and of course, Bathtub Gin: The Hottest Speakeasy In Chelsea.

Here are my picks for 8 Secret NYC Speakeasies You Need to Find in 2026!

If you are heading to Brooklyn, here is My Honest Review Of The Hot Dog Cocktail In Brooklyn.