Chelsea

Making the Most of Your Time

Chelsea has a dual life: Typical gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10-6, but at night the neighborhood changes into a party town, with bars (gay and straight) and high-profile nightclubs that don't rev up until after 11.

To truly appreciate the Meatpacking District, make a 9 pm or later dinner reservation at a hot restaurant, then hit the bars to see where the glitterati are this week.

If shopping is your pleasure, weekdays are great; come after noon, though, or you'll find most spots shuttered.