10 MEATPACKING DISTRICT

Before this area became one of Manhattan’s most fashionable neighbourhoods, it was home to dozens of meatpacking plants – hence the name. At night, though, it housed some of New York’s most legendary queer clubs including Tunnel, The Anvil, Crisco Disco, Nell’s and many more. But as the meatpacking plants closed, the area became a developer’s dream. The conversion of the High Line, the above- ground rail tracks that once brought meat to the area, into a park signalled the beginning of the area’s rebirth. Luxury hotel, The Standard, High Line – located literally on the High Line – hosts queer parties including Back On Top with Susanne Bartsch, while fashionable – albeit straight and expensive – clubs line the cobbled streets. Here you can eat at some of the city’s best steakhouses such as Valbella; rack up your credit card bills at Jeffrey New York, the gay- owned, curated fashion experience; and spend time at the brand- new Whitney Museum of American Art, where an Andy Warhol exhibition is on until the end of March.