Neighborhood x Neighbourhood: New York City's Meatpacking District

Owing its name to the many New York City meatpacking plants that once called the neighborhood home, the Meatpacking District has retained its historical character and cobblestone streets. The area is now known for fashionable shops and its nightlife scene and is easily accessible by the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E and L subway line. Check out some of the city's highlights.

An elevated park built on a railway trestle, the High Line runs from Gansevoort Street north to West 30th Street, between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues. The public park hosts curated art installations alongside a range of greenery. The final section of the park will extend half a mile to 34th Street and is expected to open this fall.

The Whitney Museum of American Art plans to open its new, nine-story building in the Meatpacking District, on Gansevoort Street between the Hudson River and the High Line, in 2015.

The neighborhood is home to several luxury stores including Diane von Furstenberg’s flagship store and Christian Louboutin, who opened a men’s store in the area in 2012. Across from DVF, Jeffrey, a high-end designer clothing store, has called the Meatpacking District home since 1999.

Once home to the National Biscuit Company, Chelsea Market is now a food hall and retail concourse. Highlights include crepes at Bar Suzette, fresh baked bread at Amy’s Bread, beef pie at Tuck Shop and mac and cheese at Ronnybrook Dairy.

The Meatpacking District houses a selection of well-known restaurants. Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurant Spice Market serves upscale Asian street food like steamed shrimp dumplings and charred chili-rubbed beef skewers. Nearby, Dos Caminos is known for its Mexican offerings, and Fig & Olive is popular for Mediterranean dishes. Also in the Meatpacking District, Macelleria, an Italian steakhouse, specializes in Northern Italian cuisine. A French café and bistro, Bakehouse Bistro & Bar serves everything from French pastries in the morning to grilled tuna Niçoise for lunch and dinner.

Visitors looking to extend their stay can spend the night at one of the neighborhood’s several hotels. Dream Downtown has loft style guest rooms, a rooftop pool and several dining and nightlife options including PH-D and The Beach. The Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC houses a rooftop pool, and the rooftop bar and lounge, Plunge, the hotel also has a spa, event space, outdoor grill and nightclub, Provocateur.

The Meatpacking District is a popular destination for its nightlife spots. Opened in 1992, Hogs & Heifers is a dive bar destination. For live music, the Highline Ballroom features performances including R&B, rock, pop and jazz.

For New Yorkers and visitors looking to relax in the Meatpacking District, there are several spas and salons including Bumble and bumble. Exhale spa, whose offerings include spa therapies and fitness classes, and Prieto Select, a hair and makeup salon, are both located at the Gansevoort.

Visit: www.nycgo.com/nxn