What to Do During Frieze New York 2025

For contemporary art lovers and gallery enthusiasts, May in Manhattan means the annual Frieze art fair. This year's show is taking place May 7 through 11 at The Shed, which has housed the festival since 2021. Though the Frieze has been making waves in New York since 2012, when the British art fair went stateside with a record-breaking show on Randall's Island. The 2012 Frieze New York even made the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest tented floor at 250,000 sq ft.

In 2025, the Frieze continues to push boundaries, drawing in 65 exhibitors from more than 25 countries and highlighting work from global powerhouses like White Cube and Hauser & Wirth and prominent galleries local to the area, such as Chapter NY and 303. Something special to look forward to at this year's fair is the inclusion of three live performance pieces that bring elements of unexpected playfulness to the viewing experience. The Focus section of the fair also allows attendees to discover work from up-and-coming galleries that continue to push the contemporary art narrative forward. 

While we plan to spend plenty of time on foot at The Shed, a trip to the Frieze is made proper by continuing to enjoy the cultural experiences of dining, shopping, and museum hopping that New York has to offer. We have gathered some of our favorite restaurants, shops, and museum exhibitions happening right now to add to the perfect Frieze itinerary. 

Keep scrolling to read about where to eat, shop, and explore at the 2025 Frieze New York.

Catch Caspar David Friedrich: The Soul of Nature and the opening of Superfine: Tailoring Black Style at The Met

Caspar David Friedrich's emotional landscapes are a hallmark of the German Romantic period. His paintings have been on display at The Met since February, and the last chance to see the exhibition just happens to land during Frieze week. With its final day being May 11 and the opening date for the long-awaited Costume Institute's Superfine: Tailoring Black Style on May 10, it is the perfect time to make the trip uptown to enjoy both sublime paintings and expertly crafted clothing. 

See the newly rennovated Frick Collection

While in the Upper East Side, it is an ideal time to visit the beloved Frick Collection, which just reopened in April. The historic building, which was once the home of the 19th-century American tycoon, Henry Clay Frick has housed his impressive public collection of Renaissance art for almost 100 years. Though during the past five years, the building has gone through a $220 million renovation that closed its doors. Frieze week is the ideal time to visit this landmark. 

Dine at the iconic Hotel Chelsea

Speaking of New York landmarks, one cannot explore the Chelsea neighborhood without at least popping into the lobby of the Hotel Chelsea. The hotel once housed artists who paid their rent with their artwork, and with notable residents such as Patti Smith and Bob Dylan, this stop is not one to skip. With the French bistrot, Café Chelsea, the Basque restaurant, El Quijote, and the Lobby Bar, there are plenty of options to dine in and enjoy the historic space. Bonus, the hotel has an impressive art collection of its own on the walls. 

See Amy Sherald's American Sublime exhibition at the Whitney Museum

Amy Sherald famously painted the Obamas' presidential portraits, and since April, her impressive collection has been on display at the Whitney Museum of American Art. In her work, Sherald aims to tell the story of everyday Black Americans through her creative portraiture. The exhibition includes her iconic painting of Michelle Obama, a gut-wrenchingly moving portrait of Breonna Taylor, and more.

Stop by the hidden Apparatus Showroom

Tucked away behind an indiscreet entrance on West 30th Street is the Apparatus interdisciplinary design studio. Apparatus builds carefully designed interior spaces that feel like stepping out of New York and into another world. Immersing oneself in the Apparatus showroom is a reprieve from the pace of the city and a great opportunity to enjoy awe-inspiring interior design, such as The Red Room shown above. 

Grab a bite at Empire Diner

Empire Diner is the perfect stop for a no-frills meal in Chelsea when Resy is packed. It has the classic interior, but we can still order a nice cut of fish that might raise eyebrows at the standard diner. After spending hours wondering around the booths of the Frieze and gallery hopping in Chelsea, Empire Diner is the perfect stop.

Browse art books at Printed Matter

Since 1976, Printed Matter has been distributing artists' books, bringing pieces off the gallery wall and onto the page. Whether looking to purchase a book or just spend time browsing the extensive selection of works, Printed Matter is worth checking out while in Chelsea.