NYC Chelsea Market and High Line – Voluntourist Travel Review
Look up anything about NYC’s trendy Chelsea neighborhood and you’ll see it commonly described as a cool mix of uptown glam infused with downtown gritty yet chic style. It’s filled with a diverse community of artists and professionals who are welcoming to all.
It’s a prime location for hotels, restaurants, bars and attractions like the Chelsea Market and High Line, which is 1.45 mile long elevated linear park. It was created on a former New York Central Railroad spur and is one of the more unique and fun places to visit in NYC.
It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues, and there are several entry points to staircases that take you to the High Line along the route.
It is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly with elevators at 14th, 16th, 23rd and 30th.
There’s a restroom at 16th and another one Gansevoort St. at the Diller–Von Furstenburg Building.
It’s one of my favorite places to hang out because it’s such a great way to see the most beautiful views of the city and Hudson River during the day or night. It opens at 7am and closes at different times in different seasons.
The High Line is always packed with locals and tourists no matter what time of year, so prepare for a slow walk. But to me, that’s the best way to enjoy it. It takes about 30 minutes to do from beginning to end and there are a few seats here and there.
On a nice day, it’s fun to bring food and just hang out taking in the sights. It’s one of the few free to do in the city.
From the High Line, you can hit up the Chelsea Market, which is around the corner. It’s another popular must see place that offers a variety of delicious food and awesome shopping.
If you’re looking for a wide range of good food–the Chelsea Market is packed with numerous different vendors. You can get anything from fresh seafood to pizza to tacos.
Always a long line, but worth the wait!
In addition, there’s a new local section downstairs that opened last summer. It’s meant to help those who live in the neighborhood pick up produce, meat and cheese conveniently and without dealing with the tourist crowded upstairs area.
And anyone looking for funky and unusual finds, you can check out the flea market area. But don’t expect cheesy touristy items–instead you’ll see vintage clothing, jewelry, home decor and artwork. There’s also an Anthropology.
The Chelsea Market is a vibrant historic place that you should add to your list of places to go. It gets super crazy busy, so get there early. Consider going for breakfast instead of lunch or dinner.
You’ll feel like you’re in a large underground food hall with gourmet choices. Make sure to walk through all of the stalls and explore all of the choices before deciding where to eat. There’s so many good places.
There are a few tables throughout, but not many so beware. There are a few restaurants that have seating, but not many so keep that in mind.
There are elevators and restrooms.
Anytime is great to visit the market and High Line. The only downside is the amount of people you’ll have to deal with, but that’s anywhere in NYC.