Known as one of the trendiest locales in the entire city, the area is marked by cobblestone streets, designer residences created from converted factories and industrial buildings, and dazzling futuristic architecture. It feels vibrant and chic, and it has a distinctive tech-friendly vibe thanks to the presence of Google HQ and a prominent Apple store on the corner of 14th Street and 9th Avenue. Public transportation options are all nearby and include several bus lines and access to nearly every subway line including the A/C/E/L/F/M/ and 1/2/3.
Within the Meatpacking District alone are the coveted designer boutiques of: Hermes, Tory Burch, Diane Von Furstenburg, and Marni. Restoration Hardware’s flagship Manhattan location combines a stunning gallery-style shopping experience with a glamourous rooftop restaurant. Pastis is a must-try French spot, while Starbucks Reserve caters to high-end café culture. The Standard Hotel has a popular restaurant and rooftop bar with amazing Hudson River views.
The Whitney Museum of American Art, the Rubin Museum of Art, and the dozens of art galleries sprinkled throughout Chelsea are perfect for weekend walkabouts, while the High Line, Hudson River Piers and Greenway, and Little Island are incredible greenspaces to be enjoyed yearround. Chelsea Piers offers one-of-a-kind fitness, athletic, and recreational facilities for those wanting to stay active as well as the landscaped bicycle path. Other highlights include Chelsea Market and nearby Union Square and Washington Square Parks.
Once the cornerstone of the city’s industries in the 90’s, today it is the buzzing center of the world’s contemporary art scene with its numerous, prestigious galleries, such as the Gagosian Gallery and la Pace Gallery. Art, however, is not the only attractive draw in Chelsea, a wide range of trendy bars, nightspots and fine dining restaurants are nestled in together with visionary urban transformation works, such as the recent relocation of the Whitney Museum to the area, into a building designed by Renzo Piano or the Highline, making Chelsea easily one of the most innovative and prestigious places in the city.
"Once they were three distinct neighborhood, now they are three interwined spirits."
The best shops in the West Village include designer flagships, quirky independent boutiques, and America’s oldest apothecary, C. O. Bigelow Chemists. Although the West Village stretch of Bleecker Street may have morphed into a mini Madison Avenue, non-chain stores still survive in the neighborhood. Aedes de Venustas is an opulent bath-and-body shop that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Paris. Alexis Bittar offers the jewelry designer’s trademark Lucite cuffs and oversized crystal-encrusted earrings. At Darling, the owner’s dramatic flair is evident in the vintage clothing she stocks. Zoomies is all about pampering your pooch, with offerings such as ginger and blueberry-flavored puppy treats and evil-eye charms for collars.
When it comes to dining, the West Village offers many choices. At Tartine, chef Thierry Rochard creates simple and tasty French dishes, and since the restaurant is BYOB, you can drink the finest of French wines with your meal. The popular Swine combines fine food and beverage offerings, including a gluten-free menu, with amazing music, sexy ambiance, and warm service. The pork chops at The Little Owl on Bedford Street are widely regarded as the best in the city.