Meatpacking District

The Basics

This former industrial center used to be made up largely of slaughterhouses, meatpacking plants, and scores of open-air meat markets. Today, the neighborhood is better known for its high-end boutiques and restaurants. Although the Meatpacking District has changed significantly over time, its past remains evident. As you wander the cobblestone streets, you’ll find facades from former meat lockers, and even a few meat packers still operating in the area.

The best way to learn about the neighborhood’s transformation is to explore with a guide. Walking tours of the Meatpacking District often include visits to the High Line elevated park and nearby Chelsea Market. Sex and the City–themed tours also usually stop by the district, the setting for several memorable scenes from the TV show.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Meatpacking District is a must for culture lovers and travelers interested in New York City history.

• The cobblestone streets that dominate the area can be tricky for wheelchair users to navigate.

• The neighborhood’s nightclubs typically enforce strict dress codes.

• Reservations are recommended for the neighborhood’s restaurants.

How to Get There

The Meatpacking District is located on the far west side of Manhattan, bordered by Chelsea to the north and the West Village to the south. About a 10-minute walk away, 14th Street is the closest subway station, served by trains A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, and L.

When to Get There

The Meatpacking District is vibrant 24 hours a day. When you visit depends on which side of the neighborhood you want to experience. Morning is good for shopping, people-watching, and coffee-drinking, while late night is the time for barhopping and club-going.

The High Line

The opening of the 1.45-mile-long (2.33-kilometer-long) High Line heralded the completion of the Meatpacking District’s makeover. Once a freight line running along the edge of the district, the High Line is now one of New York’s beloved green spaces. Stroll through the elevated park while enjoying views of Manhattan and the Hudson River—you’ll even spot the Statue of Liberty. To learn about the project, take a High Line walking tour.

Ways to explore

The best way to learn about the Meatpacking District’s transformation is on a walking tour. Stroll down the cobblestone streets past the old industrial warehouses, walk the High Line elevated park for a magnificent view across the Hudson River, or visit the uniquely landscaped gardens of Pier 54 and Little Island.

For the inside scoop on the coolest spots to eat, drink, and shop, join a dedicated shopping tour, a Sex and the City tour that visits popular destinations from the TV series, or a food-tasting tour that includes hotspots like Gansevoort Market or Chelsea Market.

Accessibility

Most attractions are accessible, but the district’s cobblestone lanes can be tricky for wheelchairs and strollers.

Age limits

The district’s bars and nightclubs are exclusively for guests over 21.

What to pack

Camera, photo ID, a jacket (it can get windy so close to the Hudson)

What to wear

Elegant, casual clothing in the daytime; dressy evening wear at night.

Not allowed

Bars and nightclubs in the Meatpacking District enforce strict dress codes and entry requirements, so do your homework before you show up.

Amenities

Restaurants, shops, bars, public restrooms, ATMs

Address

The Meatpacking District is a small area along the banks of the Hudson River on the border of Midtown and Lower Manhattan. It’s accessible by public transport or on foot from neighboring Chelsea and the West Village.

Driving

Even if you manage to navigate the narrow roads and one-way streets of the Meatpacking District, finding a parking spot is unlikely. Take the subway instead, then organize a taxi or rideshare service to pick you up at the end of the night.

Public transportation

The closest subway stations are 14th Street/Eighth Avenue (A, C, E, L), just two blocks from the Meatpacking District, and 14th Street (1, 2, 3), three blocks away.

Best times to visit

The Meatpacking District is a true 24-hour district, and it’s worth experiencing it by day and at night, as each offers a completely different vibe. Come for a leisurely brunch at one of the food markets, followed by an afternoon stroll along the High Line, then return after dark to party into the early hours.

Best days to visit

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are the best nights for bar hopping and partying. For daytime shopping and dining or happy hour prices, opt for a midweek visit instead. Note that the Whitney Museum of American Art is closed on Tuesdays.

Best months to visit

The banks of the Hudson River are a magnet for sunseekers in the summer months, especially the Gansevoort Peninsula with its riverside beach. To avoid the crush of summer tourists, May, September, and October are the best months to visit.

Special events

Pop-up events, street festivals, and themed nights are often held in the Meatpacking District, especially in summer or around holidays.