Welcome to the first video tour of our two part series dedicated to the Meatpacking District, a small neighborhood in Manhattan, New York, arguably one of New York’s most fashionable neighborhoods!

You will find a mix of the beautiful and functional in the old Gansevoort Market, or the Meatpacking District as it is better known, located on the west side of Manhattan.

The Meatpacking District is roughly bordered by west 14th street to the north, Gansevoort Street to the south, the Hudson River to the west and Hudson Street to the east.   It is located between two other great neighborhoods, Chelsea to the North and the West Village to the south.

Video Tour of the Meatpacking District – Part 1 (5:12)

Gansevoort History

Originally an Indian trail, this street was named after General Peter Gansevoort who, during the American Revolution, had a fort built on this very street.  In the 1880s, a marketplace was established along with the construction of factory buildings, which helped to establish an industrial landscape  in the area.

One of the largest businesses was packing meat, hence the name ‘Meatpacking District’.  More recently as the plants began to move out, buildings in the neighborhood became derelict and forgotten.

Highline Park in the Meatpacking District
Highline Park in the Meatpacking District
Preservation of the Meatpacking District

In the 1990s high end retailers began moving in and establishing themselves in the old factories which became the catalyst for the district’s transformation.  Today, the district is a vibrant neighborhood of remaining meat packers, high-end retail commerce, restaurants, offices, clubs, galleries, and apartments.   The most current preservation project is the High Line Park, which begins in the Meatpacking and runs through the full length of Chelsea.

Apartments in the Meatpacking District

If you’d like to experience the Meatpacking District like a true local, you should definitely rent a vacation rental or furnished apartment from New York Habitat. There’s no better way to experience this city than to live in a real New York apartment.

For example, take a look at this furnished 1 bedroom apartment, which is situated on the boarder of Chelsea and Meatpacking District (NY-14397). It is located on the top floor of a 3-story walk-up building and features the beauty of interior exposed brick. There are hardwood floors throughout the apartment, air conditioning  and, of course, a fully equipped kitchen.

Another great option is this furnished studio apartment that is situated right on the border of the Meatpacking District and Chelsea (NY-14585).  The apartment is on the second floor of a walk-up building, features a living and sleeping area along with a separate kitchen and a dining area. The apartment has a decorative fireplace along with an air conditioner to provide comfort during the hot summer months.

Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave)

You’ll still find a great market in the area. The Chelsea Market borders the Meatpacking District and Chelsea.

This New York food destination aims to please.  Inside the old National Biscuit Company’s (Nabisco) factory there is  a marketplace representing some of the best that New York has to offer.  Here you can find vendors unique to the New York area, selling everything from sushi to gelato; any craving can be quenched at this eatery.

Pier 54 (West St & West 13th St)

If you’re in the Meatpacking District in the summer, make sure you check out the schedule for yearly events held at Hudson River Park’s Pier 54, found at West St and West 13th St.

RiverRocks is a rock festival held every summer at Pier 54 that focuses on up-and-coming artists.  It has featured such groups as the White Stripes and Rooney.

You can also enjoy a free outdoor film and free popcorn throughout the summer at Pier 54. Check the RiverFlicks website for show times.

Well, that’s a wrap of our first episode of our video tour of the Meatpacking District. If you’ve know some fun spots in the Meatpacking District  to share with us, please leave a comment below.

Continue watching  part 2 of our Meatpacking series, and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!