Meatpacking District: a trendy neighborhood in New York

What you need to know about the Meatpacking District

• The Meatpacking District is a neighborhood in the heart of Manhattan, along the Hudson River, between Chelsea and Greenwich Village. Its name comes from the many slaughterhouses that operated here from the late 19th century through the 1960s. In 1900 alone, the neighborhood was home to more than 250 slaughterhouses.
• The slaughterhouses began closing in the 1970s, as nightlife and organized crime took over. By the 1980s, Meatpacking was a neighborhood to avoid. Rising real estate prices across Manhattan sparked a dramatic transformation starting in the 1990s. Today, this former rough area is one of New York’s trendiest neighborhoods.
• The Meatpacking District has preserved its old brick warehouses and cobblestone streets, blending historic character with modern energy. It’s a neighborhood worth exploring during your New York visit.
• The Meatpacking District marks one end of the remarkable High Line elevated park. Consider arriving from Hudson Yards or heading north through the neighborhood. Along the way, you’ll pass under the Standard Hotel, one of the area’s iconic luxury properties.

What to see in the Meatpacking District

• The Meatpacking District has become a major shopping destination. Fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg was among the first to open here, with a flagship store at 874 Washington Street. Major brands followed, including Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Sephora, Lululemon, Samsung, and Apple. Just north of the neighborhood, don’t miss Chelsea Market, a former biscuit factory converted into shops and restaurants.
• The neighborhood is also home to several important museums, starting with the prestigious Whitney Museum of American Art. The Whitney relocated from the Upper East Side in 2015 to 99 Gansevoort Street. The cutting-edge building was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. Beyond its outstanding art collection, the museum offers unique views of the neighborhood and Hudson River from its outdoor terraces. Highly recommended. The area also has numerous art galleries.
• Another museum worth visiting: the Ground Zero Museum Workshop. Created by a photographer who documented the rescue and recovery operations at the 9/11 site, it offers another perspective on those tragic events.
• Also worth exploring is the Museum of Illusions New York, offering a lighter, more playful experience. Discover the fascinating world of optical illusions in an interactive, hands-on setting. Expect stunning photos and plenty of laughs.
• Don’t miss Little Island, an artificial island on the Hudson River waterfront. This unique park sits on stilts.
• The Meatpacking District has countless trendy restaurants, bars, and clubs, plus several rooftop venues. Try the rooftops at the Standard Hotel and the Gansevoort Hotel, two of New York’s best rooftops. Enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over One World Trade Center.

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Meatpacking District mean?

The name refers to the neighborhood’s history as New York’s main meat processing center. From the late 1800s through the 1960s and 1970s, slaughterhouses dominated the area. Though the slaughterhouses are long gone, the name stuck. Today, the neighborhood has traded beef for fashion and nightlife—a transformation the local business association enjoys pointing out.

When should I visit the Meatpacking District?

Plan to visit in late afternoon to browse the shops along Gansevoort Street and nearby streets. Then grab a drink at one of the neighborhood’s bars or rooftops. Be prepared for crowds—this is a popular destination. The area has many restaurants too. If you’re visiting the Whitney Museum, allow extra time for a proper visit without rushing.

Meatpacking District in photos

Neighborhood map