MEATPACKING DISTRICT

Description

Essentials about the Meatpacking District in brief

There is probably no other district in New York City where you can see the transformation from a once run-down industrial and commercial area to a mega hip residential, shopping and nightlife district like the Meatpacking District. Originally the center of the meat processing industry, the old industrial buildings of the Meatpacking District are now home to countless stylish restaurants, bars and designer boutiques. And when it comes to nightlife, the Meatpacking District is also home to some of New York City’s hottest venues.

The location of the Meatpacking District

The small neighborhood covers an area of only 18 hectares and stretches south of West 14th Street to Gansevoort Street and from the Hudson River to Hudson Street. The Meatpacking District lies between the also very hip neighborhoods of Chelsea to the north and Greenwich Village to the south.

The history of the Meatpacking District

The Meatpacking District owes its name to the large number of meat processing plants that settled in its streets at the end of the 19th century. Around 1900, some 250 slaughterhouses were located here. For a long time, the Meatpacking District was also a center of the nightclub scene and prostitution.

In the second half of the 20th century, many of the butcher shops and slaughterhouses left the district; today, only a few dozen are still located here. In the 1990s, many artists and designers moved into the vacant industrial buildings, setting in motion the transformation of the Meatpacking District into a trendy neighborhood. In 2004, New York Magazine further accelerated the Meatpacking District’s success story with its verdict of “New York’s most fashionable neighborhood.” The High Line made an equally large contribution to the gentrification of the Meatpacking District. The railroad line, which was used as a freight route until 1980 and ended in the Meatpacking District, was converted into a park at the beginning of the 21st century and is now one of New York City’s most popular walking routes. The Whitney Museum of American Art, designed by star architect Renzo Piano, has been another artistic-architectural highlight in the Meatpacking District since 2015.

Characteristics of the Meatpacking District

The main reason to visit the Meatpacking District, however, is its still unbeatable flair. Between cobblestone streets, you can find countless restaurants, bars and designer boutiques in old industrial buildings made of clinker bricks. Because of the popularity of the Meatpacking District and the exclusivity of its stores, you often have to dig a little deeper into your pocket than elsewhere in New York City. However, if you are looking for something special and above all stylish, you will certainly find it here.

Gastronomy and nightlife in the Meatpacking District

When it comes to gastronomy, you are spoiled for choice in the Meatpacking District, so high is the density of excellent places to eat. One highlight worth mentioning, however, is the Chelsea Market. Located in the building of a former cookie factory, the covered market hall features butchers, fish, vegetable and wine merchants, and bakeries offering just about everything a gourmet’s stomach could desire.

The nightlife of the Meatpacking District is also one of the hottest in New York City. Some of the hippest clubs in the entire city are located here. A little tip for tourists: The bouncers in NYC are pretty strict, you should be well dressed and have an ID with you (even if you look older, they often check you and if you are under 21, you don’t stand a chance anyway). In addition, you should be prepared for high prices in the clubs. But in return you get the world’s best DJs and super cool parties. And with a little luck, you’ll run into celebrities like Beyoncé or Rihanna.