West 20th St, Chelsea

Right in the heart of this once-great neighborhood, whose swish black-turtleneck elegance has rather declined with time, West 20th Street is a veritable cacophony of New York culture. Trendy gays in line at fading nightclubs, over-eager twenty-somethings from the suburbs, and a fair few tourists all mingle in this crowded nightlife scene. While nearby Gotham Comedy Club, Joyce Theatre, and similar venues provide a cultural outlet, the scene here is largely bar and club based. Check out the Chelsea Wine Cellar for a slightly posher night on the town, or get drunk and dance all night at the seedy 40/40. Star Lounge Chelsea has a long pedigree; the Chelsea Hotel once hosted the likes of Dylan and Hendrix. That said, however, you may find the meat market and shots-downing a bit scuzzier than you'd like. Hit up some of the more low-key restaurants, like The Basil, a popular Chelsea Thai, the hilariously named Cafe Grumpy, or do some shopping at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market, one of Manhattan's few remaining finds. Transport is at 18th Street for the 1 and 2 trains, or at 23rd for the F and M.

There's not a ton to do on West 20th street. Chelsea, in general, to me is just meh. It's pretty commercial around this area. And, anything over by 10th is pretty barren unless you're over in Meatpacking territory. West 20th around 9th and 10th is the home to a lot of art galleries. Chelsea, as a whole, is sort of art gallery terrain. If you want to spend a couple of hours in the afternoon looking at art of the gallery form -- this is a good place to start. 454 West 20 is the house where Jack Kerouac wrote On the Road (it was his mother's house ((obviously, not a lot as changed in the way of artists living with their parents until they're old)). If you're into Kerouac, this is the place to stop by and have a lurk. That whole block is historical landmark turf. Most of Chelsea is giant apartment buildings -- or, luxury dorms -- but this block has some of the oldest homes in Chelsea.
West 20th and 9th Ave is where the Atlantic Theatre is. Co-founded and directed by David Mamet and William H. Macy, this is one of the best theatres to catch a play. Forget Broadway: theatres like this is where all the good stuff is happening. Between 8th and 7th is a pretty safe place to live if you're apartment shopping in Chelsea. That's where the 10th precinct NYPD is stationed. So, at least if something bad happens, you won't have far to run. 6th and 20th is one of the most peculiar malls I've ever been into. It used to be Church and still very much looks like a church from the outside. But, inside is this strange shopping area with very loud nightclub - electronic style music blasting. You can get some interesting but overpriced jewelry, Hunter boots and cupcakes in this place (called The Limelight). But, I just don't know why people go in there. It's kind of awful. And, they cover up most of the really beautiful stained glass windows. There are three churches on this street in a two block radius but the one that is actually really old and quite beautiful is not a church anymore. Weird.
Not really a ton of New Yorkey things to; but, it's worth walking down for those two old, beautiful blocks.

A great area with a superb development comprised of multi-roomed apartments. Complex is really picturesque and has a central park area with fountain. Squirrels are so comfy here they come right up to you.

See the fireworks on 4th of July by walking to the East River, go to Veniero's Italian bakery for some heavenly pastries, or walk down to the village ... it's all here on the lower East side.