Hell’s Kitchen: New York’s up-and-coming neighborhood

What to Know About Hell’s Kitchen

• Hell’s Kitchen sits on the West Side of Manhattan, between Times Square and the Hudson River. The Upper West Side borders it to the north, while the new Hudson Yards neighborhood marks its southern edge. Among all of New York’s neighborhoods, Hell’s Kitchen may not be the most famous, but it has transformed dramatically over the past two decades. New hotels and restaurants have sprung up throughout the area, making it feel like a western extension of Times Square.
• The name Hell’s Kitchen speaks for itself—literally meaning “the kitchen of hell.” It reflects the neighborhood’s past as one of New York’s poorest areas, a rough and lawless place. In the 1960s and 1970s, tourists would never have ventured here. Crime rates were among the highest in the city.
• Everything changed starting in the 1980s. The transformation accelerated in the early 2000s as real estate prices soared across Manhattan. Abandoned factories and dusty warehouses gave way to luxury apartments, boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Today, Hell’s Kitchen is a vibrant, multicultural, and safe neighborhood.

What to See in Hell’s Kitchen

• Hell’s Kitchen offers countless restaurants at every price point and for every taste—from Italian cuisine to Asian specialties to classic American fare. Ninth Avenue has earned the nickname “Restaurant Row” for good reason. Try the Westway Diner on 9th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets for casual dining. For something more upscale, The Marshal on 10th Avenue between 44th and 45th Streets focuses on seasonal ingredients.
• The Hudson River waterfront is worth exploring too. At the end of 46th Street, you’ll find a surprise: the aircraft carrier Intrepid. This former US Navy vessel has been transformed into an outstanding museum of aviation and space, the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum. It’s one of New York’s top attractions, with spectacular views of the neighborhood and Midtown’s skyline. The Intrepid is included in New York City passes, including the City Pass New York and the New York City Explorer Pass—a great way to explore the area.
• Hell’s Kitchen is closely tied to Broadway musicals, thanks to its proximity to Times Square’s theaters. The neighborhood is home to the prestigious Actors Studio at 432 West 44th Street. Founded in 1947, this institution has trained generations of future stars. To understand the neighborhood, catch the musical Hell’s Kitchen, which tells the story of American singer Alicia Keys’ early life. Hell’s Kitchen is the only New York neighborhood to have inspired a Broadway musical.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I visit Hell's Kitchen?

Visit the Intrepid in early afternoon, then explore the neighborhood. Stop for a drink at a local bar, then enjoy dinner in the area. You’ll experience New York like a local. If you’re in the mood, you can continue the evening at a trendy club.

Which celebrities live in Hell's Kitchen?

Many actors have chosen to live in Hell’s Kitchen, including Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, and Christian Slater. Singer Alicia Keys also calls the neighborhood home.

Hell’s Kitchen in Photos

Neighborhood Map