Chelsea Neighborhood Guide

Our Ultimate Guide to Chelsea

By Pamela Skillings

Updated 05/26/16

chelsea manhattan
••• Photo credit: Tony Shi Photography / Creative RF / Getty Images

Manhattan's Chelsea has it all – nightlife, art, shopping, and recreation at the piers. And, of course, a happening gay scene. It's no wonder that those enormous luxury rental buildings have sprung up all over the neighborhood.

Chelsea Boundaries

Chelsea stretches from 15th Street to 34th Street (give or take), between the Hudson River and Sixth Avenue.

Chelsea Transportation

  • Subway: A, C, and E to 14th, 23rd, or 34th sts.; F to 23rd; 1, 2, or 3 to 14th or 34th sts.; 1 to 18th, 23rd, or 28th sts.; L to 14th St.; 7 to 34th St.–Hudson Yards

    Chelsea Apartments & Real Estate

    Chelsea offers a mix of townhouses, pre-war co-ops, and luxury doorman buildings. You’ll find less expensive deals north of 23rd St. and into the 30’s.

    Chelsea Average Rents (*Source: MNS)

    • Studio/1-Bedroom: $2,630 –$4,588
    • 2-Bedroom: $4,389–$7,272

    Chelsea Nightlife

    The Chelsea club scene is hot. Current favorites include Amnesia, High Line Ballroom, Marquee, and Oak. If you tire of the club scene, check out comedy shows at the Upright Citizens Brigade.

    Chelsea Restaurants

    Francisco’s is THE place to go for great lobster at reasonable prices (and addictive sangria) – this is a crowded, noisy spot that’s great for groups. For a more trendy scene, stop by Elmo for chic comfort food and cocktails.

    Chelsea Parks & Recreation

    The Chelsea Piers has something for everyone – golf, bowling, skating, batting cages, and rock climbing. Kids’ programs include soccer, gymnastics, baseball, and more.

    You’ll also find a fitness center and a deluxe spa. Take your bike or rollerblades down to the Hudson River Esplanade for more green grass and river views.

    Chelsea Landmarks & History

    Chelsea’s origins date back to 1750 and the neighborhood has seen a lot of change since its days as a family farm. Chelsea was the city’s first theater district, a fashionable shopping destination, and a thriving vice district in the 1920s and 1930s.



    Explore Chelsea’s past by visiting landmarks such as the Chelsea Historic District (20th to 22nd St. between 8th and 10th Ave.), where you’ll see architecture from the 1800’s. Don’t miss the Chelsea Hotel, bohemian landmark and former home of writers and artists such as William S. Burroughs and Bob Dylan – though now probably better known as the place where Sid killed Nancy.

    Chelsea Art Scene

    Chelsea is the art capital of New York with more than 200 galleries. They dot the West Chelsea streets between 20th and 28th. Some of the most famous include the Gagosian Gallery on West 24th and the Matthew Marks Gallery on West 22nd.

    Chelsea Neighborhood Statistics

    • Total Population: 40,456
    • Median Age: 40.9 for males, 38.4 for females
    • Median Household Income: $114,486

    -- Edited by Elissa Garay