Chelsea is a district of Manhattan that New Yorkers love for its art galleries and art scene, High Line and historic brownstones. To fully explore it, here are the very best streets in Chelsea NYC!
Chelsea is such an essential lively part of Manhattan, a New York One Day Itinerary would not be complete without it. Just like a visit to the famous DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View or to the most impressive skyscrapers of the NYC Skyline, Empire State Building and Summit One Vanderbilt.
The Chelsea neighborhood isn’t as famous as Midtown Manhattan, which means there are still plenty of hidden gems to discover.
We want you to explore Chelsea’s famous and secret streets to fully capture the energy of this neighborhood.
Where is the district of Chelsea in New York City?
Chelsea is located in the west part of Manhattan, right below Midtown and above the West and Greenwich villages. It is bordered by 34th street to the north, 14th street to the south, 6th avenue to the east and… by the Hudson river to the west!
Chelsea is, by far, one of the best areas to stay in New York for the first time. Here are the best streets to explore.
10 Best Streets in Chelsea NYC
After visiting this neighborhood several times and asking New Yorkers, we’ve put together a good list of the best streets in Chelsea, New York City! Here it is, with the famous streets first.
Famous Streets in Chelsea NYC
From the Highline to its iconic entertainment venues, the famous streets of Chelsea NYC have plenty of things to see. It’s so easy to get lost and miss important spots by only one street. That’s why we’ve listed all of the famous streets of Chelsea.
🧗 33-34th Streets
Some of the best streets to swing by in the Chelsea neighborhood of NYC are the iconic 33 and 34th Streets. 34th St is the northest street of the district, making it a good starting point.
You’ll find everything from incredible boutiques to an iconic concert and sports venue, as well as a famous Big Apple attraction.
Start at the intersection of 34th St. and 6th Ave, and you’ll be right in front of New York’s iconic Macy’s. You can step inside for some shopping.
Then, walk west down 34th St. to 8th Ave. From here you’ll find yourself by Penn Station and the iconic Madison Square Garden. This venue is home to both the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, and hosts concerts for some of the most populat artists on the planet.
Continue walking west on 33th St. and you’ll pass the Vessel, an iconic structure to explore that should be on everyone’s NYC 7-day itinerary. It is open from 10 AM to 8 PM, but seeing it from the outside is already impressive.
Right by the Vessel, you can also find the City Climb and the Edge observation decks, as well as the art center The Shed. A hotspot for skyline activities!
🛤️ The Highline Elevated Street
Some people don’t really consider the Highline as a street, but it is! A 1.5 mile super cool elevated street. The Highline Park was built into a historic railway trail.
It begins west of 34th Street and stretches the length of Chelsea, mainly along 10th Avenue.
This passageway lined with vegetation on all sides, offers panoramic views of the wide New York streets it crosses. It is open from 7 AM to 8 PM.
You can come here for a walk, jogging, or simply to have a relaxing time with a book or with friends and family. It’s definitely one of those bucket list places that visitors remember.
🍜 West 15th Street
The first part of West 15th Street, from the 6th Avenue to the 9th Avenue is mostly residential. It’s a great street to stroll in to discover typical New York City houses, made with brown bricks and black exterior steel staircases.
Then, from the 9th to 10th Avenues, there is one of the crown jewels on this street: the Chelsea Market! It is located in a beautifully repurposed former factory, and brings thousands of people every day.
The market boasts a mix of boutique shops and gourmet food stalls, making it a haven for foodies and shoppers.
Whether you’re craving handmade sushi, decadent pastries, Tibetan food or a fresh cup of coffee, there is anything you could think of!
West 15th St ends at Pier 57 Rooftop Park. Because Manhattan can get overwhelming with its big towers, Chelsea’s piers are always a great place to have a picnic or relax at the end of the day, with sea views.
🎨 10th Avenue (and its parallel streets from 20th to 24th)
10th Avenue is one of the best streets in Chelsea NYC, for two reasons. First, it runs parallel to the High Line, giving residents and visitors easy access to this elevated park.
Second, the number of galleries in all adjoining streets to the left of 10th Avenue is INSANE. We recommend the David Zwirner gallery on W 19th Street for contemporary arts. It is especially famous for its neon installations.
But in this section of W 19th Street, which is only a few meters long, there are 6 galleries. And in the Chelsea Arts District, which stretches from 18th to 28th Street (but especially from 20th to 24th), between 10th and 11th Avenues, there are some 200 galleries.
It is recognized as one of the most important gallery districts in the world. It would be a shame to visit Chelsea without going to this unique area, right?
⚓ Piers at Hudson River Park (Piers 62 and 64)
The Piers at Hudson River Park are some of the best places to hang out in Chelsea thanks to their blend of nature, recreation, and stunning views.
Stretching along the Hudson River, the piers 62 and 64 offer expansive green spaces, walking paths, and places to relax right on the water.
They’re perfect for jogging, biking, or simply catching a sunset over the river. Pier 62 features a skatepark and carousel, while Pier 64 has large lawns ideal for picnics.
The atmosphere is both peaceful and vibrant, attracting locals, families and creative types alike. It’s one of the few places in Manhattan that’s both social and serene, away from the skyscrapers.
Secret Beautiful Streets in Chelsea NYC
Here are a few of Chelsea’s streets that are a little off the beaten track – to a certain extent, though, because we’re still in Manhattan. These streets are more animated by locals and their activities than by tourists, so you can get to know the very heart of Chelsea!
🌸 West 28th Street (The Flower District)
West 28th Street, located between the 6th and 7th Avenues, is definitely one of the cutest and most beautiful streets in Chelsea. The street is lined on both sides by plant and flower shops for hundreds of meters!
This is so incredible, you can’t believe it keeps going and going! Definitely one of the most unique streets of Chelsea, where you can smell the perfume of thousands of different plants on a simple walk.
It’s like walking in a garden of flowers, but in the middle of Manhattan! We recommend heading there in the morning, when this flower market is the most alive.
🏨 West 23th Street
This street crosses all of Chelsea, from the Chelsea waterside in the west to the 23rd Street station in the east. Between the 11th and 10th Avenues, it’s full of art galleries.
Then, it’s mostly store units and restaurants. But one building stands out at number 222: it’s the Chelsea Hotel. It was built in the 19th century in an architectural style described as both Queen Anne Revival and Victorian Gothic.
The building is impressive for its 12-storey height and noble brickwork. Back in the days, it was a housing cooperative and became a residence for numerous writers, musicians, artists. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
🧱 West 17th Street
West 17th Street crosses Chelsea from the Hudson River to 6th Avenue. It is a great street to discover the Chelsea of locals, as it’s a residential one.
On both sides, you’ll find typical red brick buildings with small porches and exterior metal staircases. From time to time, a small square, a playground, sports area, or street art.
There are also a few cafes and restaurants, and entertainment centers, such as the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art. It’s one of the best streets in Chelsea to live in!
🏝️ Little Island and its winding paths
At the very south east of Chelsea, at the end of West 13th Street, there’s a structure that looks like a tropical island space shuttle.
Little Island is both a floating park and an artistic structure, designed by Heatherwick Studio and landscape architect Signe Nielsen. It’s the Central Park of Chelsea (an even better one, if you ask us!).
The park is supported by 132 tulip-shaped concrete pots. This human-made island is a marvel in its own right, but it also offers some incredible sunsets and views over Chelsea.
In addition to the winding walkways surrounded by plants found in any park, this one boasts two performance amphitheaters! A unique venue for year-round performances.
The best season to visit is spring to September, for a late picnic in the park and good weather for the outdoor performances.
🌻 If you are visiting NYC at the end of summer, here are the best things to do in Brooklyn in September!
🌮 9th Avenue
9th Avenue runs the entire length of Chelsea, parallel to the famous 10th Avenue. It is a little less polished than 10th Avenue, with a more relaxed vibe.
You can find small bars, bakeries, diners and restaurants from all over the world there. Are you more into Mexican or Japanese food? Would you like to try palestinian dishes?
There is everything your taste buds could dream of on 9th Avenue! This is one of the best streets in Chelsea to eat.
Best Streets in Chelsea, New York City: FAQ
🗺️ Suggested Travel Route: 1 day itinerary in Chelsea
Here is the perfect 1-day itinerary to see all of Chelsea’s best streets!
- Start your day north of Chelsea between 33th and 34th streets. Pass by the Madison Square Garden and head to the Hudson Yards to see the marvelous Vessel.
- Head to the flower district on West 28th Street! The perfume of flowers will delight all your senses.
- Walk the High Line south and see Chelsea from above!
- Choose a restaurant of 9th Avenue for lunch
- Explore West 23rd Street and its historic Chelsea Hotel
- Head west to the end of 23rd Street to relax at the piers of the Hudson River Park
- Stroll through the numerous art galleries located on 24th to 20th St, between 11th and 10th Aves
- Walk south to the fabulous Little Island and witness the sunset of a lifetime
- Eat dinner at Chelsea Market
- Optional: you’re only a few blocks away from the best streets in Greenwich: the jazz club area! We recommend the Blue Note for the full experience if that’s your first time listening to jazz, but all clubs are great.
What are the best streets to stay in Chelsea NYC?
It would probably be 9th or 10th Avenue if you want to be close to everything, from restaurants and main attractions in Chelsea. If you want to be in a street with a more local vibe, we recommend West 20th to 24th streets.
The Moore Hotel is located on West 22nd Street, ideal to visit Chelsea. It’s a luxury hotel that offers spacious rooms, an elegant decor, a rooftop and… a fitness center! So you can stay fit while visiting the Big Apple.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,5/10 based on these reviews
Here’s a more affordable option that is located on West 23rd Street: Leo House. They have clean rooms with confortable beds, a dining room and even an onsite chapel for hotel guests! The breakfast is included.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8/10 based on these reviews
What are the best streets to explore Chelsea and its famous spots?
The best streets to see the main attractions of Chelsea definitely are 33 and 34th Streets, the HIghline, and the 20th to 24th Streets between the 11th and 10th Avenue for their art galleries.
What are the best streets to eat in Chelsea?
Aside from the obvious Chelsea Market and surroundings, 9th Avenue is ideal because there are cafes, bakeries and restaurants from all around the world.
What are the best streets for shopping in Chelsea?
Chelsea Market is not just a food place, it also boasts a bunch of artisanal and vintage shops. 8th and 10th Avenues offers a mix of casual streetwear, chain stores and some thrift shops.
What are the most beautiful streets in Chelsea?
The award for the most beautiful street in Chelsea NYC goes to… both West 28th Street for its flower shops, and Little Island for its unique, dreamy design!
What are the less beautiful streets in Chelsea?
Beauty is subjective—some may find the raw, urban vibe of these streets authentic or appealing. However, some sections of the 10th Avenue or West 30th to 34th Streets tend to be less visually appealing because there are more construction and traffic areas.
Final Thoughts on the Best Streets in Chelsea NYC
The best streets of Chelsea are a mix of the iconic High Line to the serene piers of Hudson River Park, the flower-lined streets to the cutting-edge galleries of the Chelsea Arts District.
This part of Manhattan effortlessly blends creativity, culture, and calm.Yet, it still feels like a real neighborhood. It’s a place where history lives in brick façades, where artists still create, and where locals and visitors mix in cafés, parks, and galleries.
🚗 Looking beyond Chelsea: Next Adventures from NYC
Once you’ve explored New York City, and walked through every street of our beloved Chelsea, why not extend your journey to other parts of the East Coast?
Start with the hidden gems in Upstate New York to see a mix of waterfalls, lakes and charming small towns! Then, head to New England or go on a road trip from New York to Maine.
If you are more of a city person, visit Washington DC or Boston, and the nearby beach towns of Cape Cod. The east coast of the United States is full of nature wonders and incredible cities!
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