Ever since the first time I went here way back in middle school, the Meatpacking District has been one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York City. From art and fashion to food and history, the Meapacking encompasses all my favorite things. Here is a guide to what you should do and where you should go if you find yourself in this hip locale!
The Whitney Museum of American Art: Prior to 2014, the Whitney’s impressive collection of American art was housed in an Upper East Side location. Moving downtown was the perfect decision for this institution considering all the modern and contemporary works they have. The Whitney isn’t the only artsy thing about the Meatpacking, though, because there are countless street artists whose works make the perfect NYC souvenir. 
The High Line: Built on a former railroad spur, the High Line is an above-ground, urban oasis of green serenity. Stretching from the Meatpacking (around 12th Street) all the way through Chelsea to 34th Street, the High Line is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city while also getting your step count up!
Santina: This coastal Italian restaurant is THE spot for a light, fresh, and tasty meal. I love starting with the avocado trapanese cecina (essentially a savory pancake) and following it up with the perfectly-tomatoey shrimp zingara rice bowl! Dining here any time of year is a great experience because their interiors are bright and beachy, while their umbrella-filled patio is perfect for a meal al fresco!
The Standard Hotel: Besides being a hip hotel, the Standard is the perfect place for a leisurely brunch, evening drinks, or a fun Friday night out. There are several restaurants here from the Standard Grill to a club called Le Bain (complete with a tub and a balcony with amazing views) to the Biergarten and the Top of the Standard, an ultra-glitzy and ultra-exclusive bar cum lounge. There really is something for every occasion here!
Fig & Olive: This huge, well-lit Mediterranean restaurant is perfect for “ladies who lunch,” tired tourists, and whole families alike. The menu is full of options, but my favorite is definitely the shrimp & salmon salad… with a side of truffle fries. I mean, it is all about balance, right?!
Have you ever been to the Meatpacking? If so, have you been to any of these places or do you have any of your own favorite spots? And if you’ve never been here, is it somewhere you’d like to go to? Let me know in the comments below!
