Key Takeaway:
- The Meatpacking District has turned from a center of the meat trade into one of Manhattan's busiest areas for shopping, dining and nightlife.
- The High Line starts here at Gansevoort Street and runs 1.45 miles north to 34th Street.
- Chelsea Market, the Whitney Museum of American Art and Little Island are all within a short walk.
The Meatpacking District runs from West 14th Street south to Gansevoort Street, and from the Hudson River east to Hudson Street. Its name is literal. The area was the city's meat market, and by 2024 only one meatpacking business remained, the Gansevoort Meat Market.
What replaced the warehouses is a compact neighborhood you can cover on foot: a park built on an old rail line, a major American art museum, a food hall in a former cookie factory, a park on the river and blocks of shops, restaurants and bars.
The history and transformation of the Meatpacking District
Long before the meat trade, a Lenape trading station called Sapohanikan stood on the riverbank, roughly where Gansevoort Street meets Washington Street today. The footpath that led inland from it became the foundation for Gansevoort Street.
In the 20th century the district was dominated by meatpacking. As that industry faded, nightclubs and other entertainment venues moved in, followed by high-end boutiques and restaurants. The opening of the first section of the High Line in June 2009 sped up the change, and The Standard, High Line hotel and the Whitney Museum also opened in the district this century.
What is the fastest way to get to the Meatpacking District from JFK or Newark
If you are flying into New York and want to reach the Meatpacking District quickly, the fastest option from the airports is a helicopter transfer into Manhattan followed by a short drive. BLADE offers year-round helicopter flights between Manhattan and JFK and between Manhattan and Newark, about 5 minutes in the air, from $195 per seat.
BLADE Lounge West, at the West 30th Street Heliport, is the closest of BLADE's Manhattan lounges to the district. From there, the Meatpacking District is a short car ride south along the West Side.
High Line Park - A Unique Park with Stunning Views
Overview of the High Line Park
The High Line is a 1.45-mile elevated park built on an abandoned section of the New York Central Railroad's West Side Line. It begins in the Meatpacking District at Gansevoort Street, three blocks below 14th Street, and runs through Chelsea to the edge of the West Side Yard on 34th Street.
The idea came from Friends of the High Line, a nonprofit founded in 1999 by Joshua David and Robert Hammond to save the old viaduct and reuse it as public open space. The first section opened in June 2009.
Features and attractions along the High Line Park
- Gardens and walkways. Planted gardens and seating areas line the elevated path.
- City views. Walking above street level gives you a different angle on the West Side and the Hudson.
- Public art. The park has hosted art installations since its opening, beginning with Spencer Finch's The River That Flows Both Ways.
Start at the Gansevoort Street end, next to the Whitney, and walk north at your own pace.
Best time to visit the Meatpacking District
The best time to visit depends on what you want to do. For the High Line, weekday mornings and early afternoons are typically quieter and better for photos. For restaurants, rooftop bars and nightlife, Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest. In colder months, indoor stops like Chelsea Market and the Whitney make the area comfortable to explore.
Chelsea Market - Combining Shopping and Food
Overview of Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is a food hall, shopping mall, office building and television production facility on Ninth Avenue in Chelsea, just north of the district. The building dates to the 1890s and was once the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) factory complex, where the Oreo cookie was invented and produced. It is now owned by Alphabet, Google's parent company.
What to do in Chelsea Market
Come hungry. Walk the main concourse, sample from the food vendors and browse the shops. It is a good stop before or after the High Line, and an easy choice on a rainy day.
Whitney Museum - Showcasing Contemporary Art
Overview of the Whitney Museum
The Whitney Museum of American Art is at 99 Gansevoort Street, at the southern end of the High Line. Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney founded it in 1930. The museum moved into its current building, designed by Renzo Piano, on May 1, 2015.
Highlights and exhibitions at the Whitney Museum
The Whitney focuses on modern and contemporary American art, with an emphasis on living artists. It is the largest repository of Edward Hopper's artwork and archives. Every two years it organizes the Whitney Biennial, a survey of work by emerging American artists that is considered the longest-running survey of contemporary art in the United States. Check the museum's calendar for current exhibitions before you go.
Additional Notable Places to Visit in the Meatpacking District
Little Island
Little Island is an artificial island and public park on Pier 55 in Hudson River Park, near West Street and West 13th Street. It was designed by Heatherwick Studio and opened on May 21, 2021. Footbridges at 13th and 14th Streets connect it to the riverfront. The park has two concession stands, a small stage and a 687-seat amphitheater.
Shopping and nightlife
The district's old warehouses now hold fashion boutiques and an Apple Store at 14th Street and Ninth Avenue, along with restaurants, bars and clubs. Walk Gansevoort, Washington and West 14th Streets to see the mix of old industrial buildings and new storefronts.
Budget-Friendly Options for Exploring the District
Much of the district is best seen on foot. A walk on the High Line, a loop around Little Island and an hour browsing Chelsea Market fill a day without much planning. Many events at Little Island's amphitheater are free or low-cost, so check its schedule. Check current prices and hours for ticketed stops like the Whitney before you go.
Guided Tours to Explore the Meatpacking District
If you prefer a guide, look for walking tours that combine the High Line, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. A tour adds history and context to a route you could also walk on your own.
FAQs about Fun Things To Do Near NYC's Meat Packing District
What are some fun things to do near NYC's Meatpacking District?
Walk the High Line, eat at Chelsea Market, see the Whitney Museum of American Art and visit Little Island on Pier 55.
Where is the Meatpacking District?
It runs from West 14th Street south to Gansevoort Street, and from the Hudson River east to Hudson Street, with Chelsea to the north.
Where does the High Line start?
At Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District, next to the Whitney Museum. It runs 1.45 miles north to 34th Street.
What was Chelsea Market originally?
The Nabisco factory complex, where the Oreo cookie was invented and produced.