The High Line
Built on an elevated railroad line, The High Line is a public park extending almost two miles on the West Side of Manhattan. It begins at Gansevoort Street and 34th Street in Hudson Yards. It ends in Chelsea at Gansevoort Street and Washington Street. You will find several access points throughout its length, making it easy to explore different areas along this elevated trail. You can access the Whitney Museum of American Art, Chelsea Market, and Chelsea Piers from The High Line.
As you make your way up or down The High Line, keep an eye out for almost every type of art you can imagine. From murals to sculptures, artists from all over the world have contributed to enriching this innovative park. The majority of the park is self-seeded to encourage native vegetation and wildlife to call the park home. There are also more intentional gardens to explore. Throughout the park, you will find public-use spaces with open areas designed to encourage people to gather and spend time outdoors. If you want to explore the entire park, it will take you about two-three hours. It is about two miles from The Marmara Park Avenue, making it a 20-minute taxi ride.
Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen is adjacent to Times Square on the West Side, running from 8th Avenue to the Hudson River and 34th to 59th Streets. The neighborhood was once so rough and dangerous with wandering gangs that an infamous tenement building was nicknamed “Hell’s Kitchen” in the 1800s, and the name stuck. This neighborhood has transformed into a thriving cultural epicenter, boasting an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, theaters, and shops. From its iconic landmarks like the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum to its charming brownstone-lined streets and waterfront parks, Hell's Kitchen offers a dynamic blend of old-world charm and modern flair.
Hudson River Park
Head over to the Hudson River in Hell’s Kitchen to enjoy the Hudson River Park, America’s longest riverfront park. This urban greenspace offers four miles of recreational activities on the water, athletic courts and fields, kids activities, dog parks, dining, an estuary lab, walking paths, and many beautiful pieces of gorgeous statuary and sculpture.
Ars Nova
Since 2002, Ars Nova has been a center for discovering and nurturing the talents of budding theater, music, and comedy performers, writers, and directors. Ars Nova is characterized as presenting innovative, unconventional, and “surprising new work.” The New York Times called Ars Nova a “fertile incubator of offbeat theater.” Some of the artists they lay claim to helping include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Beau Willimon, Amy Herzog, and Dave Malloy.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
This legendary dance company was founded in 1958 by dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey. Ailey’s work as founder celebrates African-American culture and continues to shape the modern dance art form. Featuring live performances at New York City Center, touring productions, education programs, and highly respected dance academies, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has a profound effect and legacy on American modern dance.
Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
American maritime and military history comes alive at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. This collection of museums and interactive exhibits is housed on and around the massive aircraft carrier Intrepid. Other must-sees at the complex include the Space Shuttle Pavilion (featuring the Enterprise space shuttle), the British Airways Concorde, and the Growler submarine.
Restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen
You will find restaurants serving mouth-watering dishes from around the world when visiting Hell’s Kitchen. This is just a sampling of what you will find when looking for eats in Hell’s Kitchen.
● Kochi- Korean
● Hyderabadi Saiqa- Indian
● LumLum- Thai
● Lovely’s Old Fashioned- American burgers
● Steak Frites- French
● Kashkaval Garden- Mediterranean
● Kohoku-Ku Ramen- Japanese
● Chi-Chinese
● Rice X Beans- Brazilian
● Guantanamera- Cuban
● Inti- Peruvian
Ardesia Wine Bar
Old meets new in several ways at Ardesia. From the structure the bar is in to the wine list served, you will see a blending of tradition and history with new innovations. A showpiece is the wine wall that was modeled after Hell’s Kitchen’s recognizable fire escapes. There are over 20 wines you can enjoy by the glass and over 100 offered by the bottle. The food menu is a bit eclectic, including deviled eggs, salted cod fritters, portobello fries, burrata, mini tacos, and chicken liver mousse.
Dutch Fred
One of the legends of Hell’s Kitchen credits a veteran policeman, “Dutch Fred,” with giving it its name. This bar honors the history of this NYC neighborhood with its 1920s theme and decor. Flat screens play white and black movies. Vintage tiles line the floor and walls. However, it is the craft cocktails that give this bar its claim to fame. Try the Hell Is A Mild Climate, Braveheart, Paradise Found, Working Class Hero, or Red Is The New Black. There are also small bites, bigger bites, and a late night menu.
Hudson Yards
Within a few blocks, you will find a 720,000-square-foot retail complex. It includes 100 diverse shops and culinary experiences, offices, public art, the EDGE, The Vessel, and The Shed. The Hudson Yards area underwent a major redevelopment in recent years, resulting in plenty to discover.
EDGE
Feel like you are floating when you stand at the edge of the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. This one-of-a-kind design has a point that is suspended in mid-air to create a feeling of flying or floating when you stand at its point. You will be 100 stories up, surrounded by glass railings and floor, giving you 360-degree views of the city. Sip cocktails in the clouds with views you can’t get anywhere else. For the adventurous, sign up for City Climb. It is the highest open-air building climb in the world. Strap into a harness and scale up to 1,200 feet above the ground outside of a skyscraper.
The Shed
This revolutionary building is an innovative concept come to life with eight levels, two large galleries, a theater, a rehearsal space, an artist lab, and an event space. It has a telescoping outer shell that can open and close over the building’s base along rails to double the amount of covered space. You can visit the Shed on your own or attend an event. There is also an on-site cafe where you can get a quick bite.
Peak
If you can’t get enough of the sky-high views, then visit Peak for dinner or cocktails. Gaze out over the city from the 101st floor as you enjoy a three-course meal of classic American fare. Or visit later in the evening for a more relaxed lounge atmosphere.
Milo’s Wine Bar
Sit down for pre-dinner drinks at this elegant and modern wine bar. The menu features over 100 Greek wines and creative seafood plates. The upscale feel is classy, embodying the modern Hudson Yards culture.
Chelsea
For more than 130 years, Chelsea has been New York City's arts district, attracting culture hounds from all over the globe. The neighborhood, which is bound by Sixth Avenue to the east and the Hudson River to the west and about 20 blocks from about West 14th to 34th streets, has only recently become a renowned cultural hub. It started as a Native American trading post, then it became an industrial hub with the Hudson River Railroad, and with the eventual abandonment of warehouses and lumberyards. In recent years, major architectural developments have occurred, and an influx of some of NYC's coolest cultural venues and restaurants has occurred.
Chelsea Market
A fashionably industrial, red brick warehouse that was formerly the Nabisco Biscuit factory is now home to Chelsea Market. This popular indoor food market houses 35 different vendors featuring everything from tacos to gourmet chocolate to wine, seafood restaurants, baked goods, coffee shops, merchandise, fashion retailers, and more. Check out the manufactured indoor waterfall fashioned with relics from the former Nabisco factory.
Little Island
Since its opening in 2021, this award-winning park has become a must-visit spot for locals and visitors. It features open lawns, zen spaces, interactive exhibits for children, and a 687-seat amphitheater. A food kiosk in the park also offers delicious bites, treats, and adult beverages. However, what makes this park famous is where it is located. It “floats” above the water as an artificial island.
Whitney Museum of American Art
Explore 63,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits. Founded in 1931, the collection features the work of American artists. There is plenty to see with a collection totaling over 15,000 pieces from about 2,000 artists. There is also a continuous stream of rotating and visiting exhibits.
Atlantic Theater Company
The Atlantic Theater Company is an award-winning Off-Broadway venue founded by David Mamet and William H. Macy that produces contemporary plays from new and seasoned playwrights. Over the years, the Atlantic Theater Company has produced 150+ plays, with several productions eventually moving to Broadway, including The Band’s Visit and Spring Awakening. The Atlantic Theater also offers conservatory programs for both adults and teens that teach Mamet’s and Macy’s proprietary acting techniques.
Gallery District
Chelsea is regarded as “the” art scene in Manhattan and is also very influential internationally. By some accounts, the neighborhood is home to 350 galleries. Its art district, located between 10th and 11th Avenues (and West 18th to West 27th streets), offers a huge array of art from both emerging and world-renowned artists. Chelsea’s art galleries feature mostly contemporary art and traditional photography, prints, sculpture, paintings, and more.
Restaurants in Chelsea
Shukette
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant markets of the Middle East, Shukette offers a modern twist on traditional Mediterranean cuisine, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. Rustic wooden tables and vibrant tiles set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Don't miss the signature dishes like the crispy falafel sliders, lamb kebabs, and roasted eggplant with tahini. Pair your meal with a selection of handcrafted cocktails, local wines, or artisanal beers.
Rangoon
The Chelsea location of Rangoon is the second location of this much-loved restaurant in Brooklyn. Its menu features familiar favorites and more adventurous cuisine. Highlights include Burmese disco fries, fried chicken, and grilled lemongrass pork meatball skewers. There is also a selection of small plates perfect for sharing cocktails with friends.
Bars in Chelsea
Porchlight
Enjoy southern hospitality in the heart of New York City at Porchlight. There is a game room, rustic reclaimed wood throughout, and delicious cocktails. The menu features Southern favorites like bourbon bar nuts, beef jerky, smoked olives, cheddar biscuits, hush puppies, chili, and a fried shrimp Po’boy.
Sid Gold’s Request Room
This classic piano bar is full of camp and kitsch, ensuring you have a good time and feel at home. You won’t find any pretentiousness or velvet ropes here. Once entering, you are in the front main bar area, which tends to be the tamer bar. Head through the velvet curtains, and you enter the clubhouse, where anything goes. Think karaoke, but cooler with a live piano.
Where to Stay When Exploring New York City
There was a time when locals and visitors wouldn’t even consider going into Hell’s Kitchen or Hudson Yards. However, times and neighborhoods change, and today, you can safely visit these historic places. So venture beyond Midtown and explore the vibrant culture of New York City. When you book your stay at The Marmara Park Avenue, you can enjoy luxury while being within a short distance of the best these eclectic neighborhoods have to offer.
Book your stay at The Marmara Park Avenue and explore the west side of Manhattan.
