One of the most popular neighborhoods in NYC, Hell’s Kitchen houses a lot of attractions tourists will enjoy.
Apart from being home to several parks where you can relax, you can also find fascinating museums within the area where you can learn and discover new things.
Near it, you can find many of New York’s top attractions, too, making it a convenient place to stay in.
While it had a rough and gritty past, Hell’s Kitchen today has a lot more to offer to those visiting its streets.
If you want to check out Hell’s Kitchen and the popular tourist hubs near it, here are the 21 best things to do on this side of New York City:
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Did you know Hell’s Kitchen serves as a home to a museum with an aircraft carrier?
Located at Pier 86, it’s a non-profit museum that focuses on educating people about astonishing aircraft and vessels.
The Intrepid, an aircraft carrier used from World War II until the Vietnam War, serves as the most popular piece in this museum.
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Apart from these vessels, the museum also has artifacts and exhibits that give the public a glimpse of life while onboard the vessel during its heyday.
Other pieces found in this museum include the Enterprise space shuttle, which you can find at the Space Shuttle Pavilion.
When you enter that area, you can learn more about the history of space exploration throughout history.
When in Hell’s Kitchen, don’t miss your chance to visit this fascinating museum.
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Water-based activities are not the first things you think of when visiting New York City.
However, establishments like Manhattan Kayak Co. makes this possible.
Here, you can rent equipment for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the Hudson River.
It also offers classes and tours from beginners to experts.
Tours are also available for those who want to witness NYC from another perspective.
Spend time sailing with Manhattan Kayak Co. and make unforgettable memories of your trip to NYC.
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New York is teeming with galleries and museums, where you can learn about other cultures.
At Hell’s Kitchen, particularly, you can find The Irish Arts Center.
This place aims to show the heritage and culture of the people from Ireland through art.
It does so through performance arts, such as theater and music, as well as through film viewings.
Apart from sharing Irish culture through art, it also aims to create and strengthen partnerships with other cultures while preserving Irish culture and heritage for the years to come.
Visit this place to learn more about Irish culture and the local Irish community in the U.S.
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A great way to pass the time while in New York is by seeing the city from different perspectives.
From Hell’s Kitchen, you can do this by going onboard a cruise ship.
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If you ask tourists or locals, many would recommend going on a cruise with Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises.
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Trusted by many, this service has been open since 1945 and has helped more than 80 million passengers see New York from a gorgeous perspective.
It offers a lot of options for boat tours available all year round.
If you’re looking to spend some time sightseeing, consider also going on a boat ride to see the New York skyline.
You can find Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises on Pier 83.
If you want to look for interesting gifts to take home with you from Hell’s Kitchen, drop by Delphinium Home.
First opened in 1999, this gift shop offers a wide array of items and cards that you can buy for your friends and family.
The shop itself offers a fun and lively ambiance, so you can also have a wonderful shopping experience apart from getting cool items.
Stop by Delphinium Home and pick up some gifts for your loved ones when you’re in the area.
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Looking to spend a lazy afternoon strolling through a park?
Or do you want to stay active and go for a jog?
If so, head on over to Hudson River Park.
This 550-acre park next to the Hudson River is a great venue to go for a walk or to exercise.
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You can also just hang out with your buddies at one of the benches around the park while drinking some coffee.
You can also find bike rentals at Bike and Roll at Pier 84, which many consider one of the best ways to explore the neighborhood.
Overall, spending some time at Hudson River Park should stay on your itinerary while visiting Hell’s Kitchen.
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DeWitt Clinton Park is one of the oldest parks in Manhattan that is located right by the Hudson River.
The said park’s origins can be traced back to 1902, when it started as the city’s first community garden.
Modern-day DeWitt Clinton Park serves as the go-to hangout spot for many people residing in Hell’s Kitchen.
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Here, you can find many sports fields and courts, which prove to be popular among younger people.
You can also find Maria Clinton’s Perennial Garden here, where you can see, apart from the gorgeous plants, many birds, butterflies, and wildlife the flora attracts.
The Park also contains a “doughboy” statue, which serves as a memorial to young men who sacrificed their lives during the First World War.
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First established in 1991, the Sean Kelly Gallery has housed many exhibitions of works made by internationally renowned artists.
As such, this gallery has become popular worldwide, with many visitors coming over to bask in the beauty of the gallery’s collections.
Within its 30 years of existence, this gallery has expanded its roster of artists, as well as its ways of reaching out and sharing fantastic art with everyone around the world.
Apart from its in-house exhibitions, you can also check out their online exhibits, filled with equally astonishing pieces.
If you love and appreciate art, coming here during your visit to Hell’s Kitchen should stay at the top of your itinerary.
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Located at 626 11th Ave. the Landmark Tavern first opened its doors way back in 1868, making it one of the oldest bars you can find in New York.
Apart from being a great hangout spot with your travel buddies, you can find that many stories about this establishment exist, thanks to its long history.
First, it served as an Irish Saloon opened by a fellow named Patrick Henry Carley by the Hudson River.
It then moved to its current location during the Prohibition era, when it continued operations illegally as a speakeasy.
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Legend has it that the tavern is also haunted by the spirit of a Confederate soldier who died in a bathtub after a bar fight.
Urban legends aside, this place serves great drinks and bar food that you and your friends will definitely enjoy.
So, stop by this highly interesting pub during your visit to Hell’s Kitchen.
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Another interesting historic landmark, the building at 412 West 47th St., served as the first headquarters of the popular publication The New Yorker.
Journalist couple Harold Ross and Jane Grant started the paperback in 1925 at an apartment building.
The said publication published the works of many authors that have become popular through the years, from Roald Dahl to Stephen King.
While the current headquarters of The New Yorker is found somewhere else, it’s interesting to visit and see where an iconic publication first started its operations.
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If you love popular conventions, then you would already be familiar with Javits Center.
This place has hosted many of the world’s most popular conventions, events, and expos, including the New York Comic-Con, Auto Show, and Marathon Expo.
Apart from events, you can also find several retail restaurants here to fill your stomach.
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Additionally, it features an impressive Green Roof garden, which, since its opening, has served as a sanctuary for wildlife in the middle of the New York Metropolis.
Here, you can find up to 29 species of birds and even thousands of honeybees, which may not be like anything you’ve seen around NYC.
If you’re visiting Hell’s Kitchen, check out the latest events happening at Javits Center or book a tour of its magnificent Green Roof garden.
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Many know about Hell’s Kitchen for a number of reasons.
One of them is that people can find some of the best restaurants in the city at the neighborhood’s Restaurant Row.
The term “Restaurant Row” serves as the nickname for the strip of eateries located between 8th and 9th Ave., particularly on 46th St.
Here, you can find some of the most delicious and most diverse food offerings in New York.
Chances are you’re bound to find something that you will surely enjoy at one of the establishments found here.
For foodies who visit Hell’s Kitchen, make sure to add Restaurant Row to your itinerary.
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With a name being the Turkish word for coffee, a lot of people consider Kahve as a local staple since it opened in the area.
It features a comfy and friendly atmosphere, perfect for sipping some coffee.
Here, you can enjoy Turkish and Colombian coffee, as well as a myriad of coffee drinks.
Get your morning cup of Joe or stop by for a lovely afternoon drink at Kahve when you visit this neighborhood.
Hell’s Kitchen is home to one of the oldest and most beloved pottery studios in New York City.
Pottery NYC, formerly Clay Time, has been a part of the city for over two decades.
The studio specializes in custom pottery-making classes for adults and children of all ages.
It offers a variety of options, including wheel-throwing classes, hand-building workshops, glazing instruction, and special events such as paint-your-own-pieces parties.
All classes are taught by experienced potters who can provide both technical guidance and creative inspiration during each class.
Bocca di Bacco has been a staple of Hell’s Kitchen for decades and continues serving the finest Italian cuisine in the heart of Manhattan.
With its classic Mediterranean dishes and warm atmosphere, Bocca di Bacco is the perfect place to spend an evening with family or friends.
If you plan a romantic date or a casual lunch meeting, this iconic restaurant will not disappoint.
The menu features many traditional Italian favorites like spaghetti and wood-fired pizzas.
For those who prefer lighter fare, there are plenty of salads, pasta, and antipasti options.
The chefs make sure to include seasonal specials that keep diners coming back for more!
No matter what you order, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh ingredients that have been carefully sourced from local suppliers.
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Considered by many as the most popular destination in NYC, you can find Times Square just a couple of minutes away from Hell’s Kitchen.
Known to be one of the busiest crosswalks in the whole world, this place is always bustling with events, filled with sights to see and sounds to hear.
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A lot of commercial establishments surround the area, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Additionally, this place is known for the colorful marquee displays plastered in all corners of this area.
If you want to witness how lively New York City can get, head on to Times Square and see what all the hubbub is about.
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One of the best ways to spend time in the city is to catch one of the most spectacular shows known worldwide.
Situated just 10 minutes away from Hell’s Kitchen, you can catch performances at one (or several) of the 41 theaters that stand in this area of the city.
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From long-running shows to fresh new productions, you are bound to find performances here that you and your friends can enjoy.
If you love the theater scene, you can also stop by at the Drama Book Shop, where you can find merchandise and memorabilia related to the most popular productions that took place in this district.
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One of the most popular museums in the city, you can find and appreciate some of the world’s most famous art pieces at the Museum of Modern Art or MoMA.
Located at 11 West 53rd Street in midtown Manhattan, just 15 minutes away from Hell’s Kitchen, this museum serves as the home to a collection of the best and most popular modern and contemporary art masterpieces.
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Its collection features works by world-renowned artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, and many others.
Apart from paintings, MoMA also showcases different visual arts media, including photography, film, and even performance art.
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After visiting its collections, you can stop by at some of the dining options you can find here, too.
It’s one of the best places for everyone to visit while in New York.
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The Hearst Tower is an iconic architecture that stands out among the area’s sky-high buildings.
The 46-story skyscraper features an angled glass façade, allowing for optimal views of the city from its observation deck.
Its signature design includes a slanted roof and curved triangular windows, creating a distinctive silhouette against the Manhattan skyline.
Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, this building also offers sustainability solutions such as rainwater collection and energy-efficient lighting systems that enhance its environmental friendliness.
The tower is home to some of New York’s most influential companies while maintaining its unique character.
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Berry Blonde Spa is the newest addition to the city’s thriving beauty and wellness scene.
Located in Manhattan’s trendy SoHo district, the modern spa offers a variety of treatments, including massage therapy, facial care, lash extensions, and more.
All services are designed with relaxation and rejuvenation in mind, incorporating luxurious products that benefit both body and mind.
The spa’s signature service is the Berry Blonde Signature Facial which combines essential oils, natural herbs, and fruits to deliver maximum skincare results.
The massage menu includes hot stone therapy and advanced therapeutic techniques such as myofascial release and neuromuscular therapy.
Guests can choose from packages ranging from half-day indulgences to full-day retreats for a more immersive experience.
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Located on the Upper East Side, the interactive Museum of Ice Cream is a wonderland for ice cream lovers!
Guests can explore numerous rooms of colorful and creative installations dedicated to celebrating the delicious treat.
At the museum, guests can expect plenty of photo ops, like a cherry-on-top carousel, banana split slides, and an ice cream sandwich pool.
The interactive elements let visitors become part of their ice cream adventure as they explore each room.
Look no further than the Museum of Ice Cream for those looking for a unique experience in NYC.
Experience some of the most underrated yet wonderful experiences New York City has to offer by heading to some of the awesome attractions in Hell’s Kitchen.
When planning a visit to the city, consider spending a few days exploring this area of Manhattan.
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