Concealing a sordid history of prostitution, drugs and Mafia control, the Meatpacking District was originally home to around 250 slaughterhouses and packing plants, and is now one of the most fashionable neighbourhoods in New York.
Tucked between Midtown and Downtown, it’s where Samantha moved to in Sex and the City, although it’s a little more trendy these days.
We only discovered the Meatpacking District because we were staying at The Jane Hotel, which is located just a couple of blocks south of the area. We walked through it every day and absolutely fell in love with what we saw and did there.
Things to see and do in the Meatpacking District
It’s a tiny neighbourhood, covering just four by four blocks (roughly), stretching along the Hudson just south of Chelsea. It might be small, but it is mighty, with a lot to offer visitors.
First, there’s the shopping.
I wasn’t a huge fan of 5th Avenue, but I did love the Meatpacking District. Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin, Stella McCartney and Diane von Furstenberg were just a few of the boutiques we passed in this gentrified area.
You might also like: Window Shopping on Fifth Avenue, New York
The stores are all in gorgeous historic buildings, and the whole neighbourhood is a blend of historical warehouse buildings, shiny new architecture like the glassy Apple store, and upmarket hotels and restaurants.
If designer clothing, beautiful old brick warehouses and great food aren’t enough to convince you of the merit of this neighbourhood, there are other attractions such as the High Line, a disused elevated railway track that’s been converted into a spectacular public park, pop-up art exhibitions and my favourite place in New York, Chelsea Market.
I should add: some people argue that the market isn’t part of the Meatpacking District, but others insist that it is. I am not a New Yorker so I have no idea of the subtleties of a two block radius, but I’m just going to include it because it’s close enough for me!
During our visit we stumbled upon a free exhibition by French street artist Mr. Brainwash. The Meatpacking District warehouse was filled to the brim with brightly coloured graffiti inspired by Banksy.
We had no idea who Mr. Brainwash was at the time, but not long afterwards we watched Exit Through the Gift Shop in amazement! Make sure you watch it if you haven’t seen it already (and you love street art).
On our last night in town we put our glad rags on and headed to the Standard High Line Hotel to enjoy a view over the city from their rooftop bar, The Top of the Standard. I can’t recommend it highly enough for a memorable evening with some of the best views in New York.
The Meatpacking District might not be the most famous of New York’s neighbourhoods, but it shouldn’t be overlooked when you visit. Spend a day strolling, or an evening sipping cocktails in one of the smallest, but certainly one of the most perfect, neighbourhoods in the Big Apple.
Get to know more of New York: Not For Tourists Guide
Note: this post was originally published in 2010 but has been updated in 2016 to make it more relevant and informative.
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I adore the Meatpacking District but then again I do appreciate most of the NYC areas haha! You took some incredible photos, I love the vibrant colors a lot.
Thanks Naomi! I had just bought my camera in New York so I had a lot of fun testing it out while I was there! And I know what you mean – most of New York’s neighbourhoods are pretty amazing! :-)