Blog · New York · What To See at Edge, NYC’s Newest Observation Deck

What To See at Edge, NYC’s Newest Observation Deck

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August 20, 2021
Edge outdoor skydeck, New York City
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New York’s Hudson Yards has quickly become one of the top tourist destinations in the city. Its rapid rise in popularity is due in part to Edge — a sky deck near the top of the highest building in the complex. Edge opened in 2020.

Located on the 100th level of the building, Edge (often called, “the Edge”) is suspended in mid-air, giving you the unique feeling of floating in the sky. And as the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, you’ll get some amazing views of NYC.

In this post, I’ll tell you everything there is to know about visiting Edge, New York’s newest observation deck.

What it’s like to visit Edge NYC

The design of Edge is one-of-a-kind, with multiple exciting features (besides the beautiful view). Here’s what it’s like exploring Edge.

Your visit starts at ground level, where the high-speed elevator will take you up to the top in just 52 seconds. Once you reach the top, head outside to the outdoor skydeck. Suspended more than 1,100 feet in the air, the ledge juts out 80 feet from the side of the building. It’s plenty spacious too, boasting 7,500 square feet of space. 

In the center of the sky deck is a glass floor, a completely see-through triangle floating 100 stories above the ground. You can look straight down to the city streets below. 

Walk all the way to the corner edge of the deck, otherwise known as the Eastern Point, and you’ll be surrounded by only the air and sky as you look out at the city beyond you. The glass panels along the edges are angled outward, giving you the thrilling sense of leaning out over the city.

View from the Edge sky deck

The view from Edge is unbeatable.

From the western side of Manhattan, you can see all the way from Central Park down to the Statue of Liberty, and beyond. It shows off a panorama of the entire NYC skyline in one gaze. If you walk to the top of the Skyline Seats, you can get an even higher perspective, looking out over the glass panels and past the edge of the deck.

The top also features a restaurant on Level 101. Peak is both a sleek, upscale eatery and bar as well as event space.

How to get tickets 

We offer an exclusive experience to enjoy Edge before it opens to the general public — that means you can take those beautiful selfies without others in the shot! Our VIP Guided Tour of Edge includes the opportunity to visit Edge in the morning before general admission.

We’re offering a limited number of tickets to guarantee a crowd-free experience. You’ll learn all about the sky deck and the fascinating neighborhood of Hudson Yards from your local guide, still with plenty of time to soak up those fabulous 360-degree views on your own.

Included in your tour ticket are:

  • An intro to Hudson Yards
  • A guided visit to Edge
  • Admission to the indoor deck on Level 100 and the outdoor sky deck 
  • Access to the Glass Floor, Angled Glass Walls, Skyline Steps, and Eastern Point

You can book tickets for general admission at Edge directly on their website or at the entrance for a small upcharge. This isn’t the early-bird VIP option in the morning, but depending on your schedule, if you can only visit later in the day, you still need to make it over here, so fit it in when you can!

Peak days may have a slight upcharge when booking online. If you’d like, add on a glass of champagne to drink during your visit or a personalized souvenir photo book (or both). The photo book includes two photos taken for you along with different sections of fun facts and information about both Edge and Hudson Yards

Edge tickets: What you need to know

All tickets have a designated entry time. If you miss that time, you may be able to be admitted during the next available time window, but this isn’t guaranteed. I recommend getting there early and exploring Hudson Yards. There’s plenty to see and do in the area.

Tickets can be presented on your mobile phone or printed. They can’t be exchanged or refunded once purchased. All sales are final.

If you’re going with a tour, your guide will take care of your tickets. For both our VIP Guided Tour of Edge and our Hudson Yards Tour With Edge Upgrade, your ticket is included with your tour.

Events at Edge NYC

You can host a private event at Peak if you’re looking for a chic venue. But there are also events on the sky deck the public can join in.

Summertime features happenings like sky-high yoga on the outdoor deck and summer cocktails at the champagne bar.

How to get to Edge in NYC

Edge is located at 30 Hudson Yards, in the Hudson Yards building complex on Manhattan’s west side. To enter, you must head inside The Shops at Hudson Yards and go to Level 4. 

By subway

To get there by subway you can take:

  • The 7 Train to Hudson Yards
  • The A, C, E train to 34th St.-Penn Station and walk two blocks west

By car

Drivers have the option to park at 10 Hudson Yards, Abington House, or One Hudson Yards. All of these are along 30th Street between 10th and 11th avenue. 

By ferry

Finally, the Midtown ferry stops at the terminal at West 39th Street and the West Side Highway. From there it’s only five blocks south to Hudson Yards. 

What to do near Edge

Stores at Hudson Yards

The Hudson Yards neighborhood is close to multiple popular NYC attractions. Here’s some ideas for how to spend your time before or after visiting Edge. 

Explore Hudson Yards

Don’t leave the area before first checking out the neighborhood. Grab a bite to eat or do some shopping inside The Shops at Hudson Yards.

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. you can enjoy the local farmers market. Or make reservations at one of a few high-end eateries. Everything is shiny and new. The architecture is striking, and the views are some of the best in the city. 

Vessel

Also in Hudson Yards is New York’s newest interactive art installation. Vessel is a honeycomb- like structure with 80 different landings and viewpoints of Manhattan, up to 150 feet in the air. You can experience the city from multiple angles and take amazing Instagram-worthy photos as you ascend the 16 stories to the top. 

Note: Vessel is temporarily closed, although you can still take some pretty cool photos from the ground level. We’ll update this post when it reopens.

The High Line

The northern entrance to this elevated park is just steps away from Edge. The High Line runs from 34th Street all the way down to Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District. This popular NYC park features beautiful views of Manhattan, public art, and a peaceful getaway from the hustle of the city.

We love the High Line so much, we’ve included it on our Hudson Yards walking tour.

Chelsea Market

Walk almost all the way to the end of the High Line and you’ll reach Chelsea Market — a Nabisco factory turned indoor food market.

With over 60 different food vendors inside, you can find almost anything your heart desires. It’s also fun to explore and discover the old factory memorabilia still floating around. 

Times Square 

The lights. The traffic. The crowds of gawking tourists. Times Square is a must-see attraction in New York. And it’s only 15-20 minutes if you walk from Edge. Grab tickets to a Broadway show or see where the iconic New Year’s Eve Times Square ball drops. 

Circle Line Cruise

Credit: Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 2.0

Have tickets to a New York harbor or Statue of Liberty cruise? Well, the Midtown West Pier 83 meeting point is only a few minutes walk away. On your way, you’ll pass the Javits Center and walk along Hudson River Park.

Edge NYC FAQs

What are the hours at Edge?

Edge is open every day from 8 a.m. to midnight during the summer. You can ride the elevator up until 50 minutes before closing. 

When is the best time to visit Edge?

If you want to beat the crowds, the morning is the best time to go, the earlier the better. Late evenings are also less crowded. Going midday can be nice because it easily fits into a day of sightseeing, allowing time to explore Hudson Yards before or afterward.

As far as seasons go, spring and summer are the busiest.If you really want to do sunset, plan for crowds. You’ll also need to book your ticket as early as possible since sunset tickets sell out the fastest. The daily sunset time is posted each day on the Edge website.

Is there a time limit for your visit?

Nope. There is no limit on how long you can stay. But around 45 minutes to an hour should be plenty of time.

Is Edge accessible?

Yes! There are multiple elevators and ramps for those who will need it during their visit. Service animals are also permitted. 

What happens if the weather is bad?

Edge is open during all normal weather conditions. But the outdoor sky deck may close during inclement or extreme weather. If this is the case, tickets may be exchanged (but not otherwise). 

It is recommended that you arrive during your ticketed time, as conditions do fluctuate. You will be advised on weather conditions and visibility prior to entering.

A view of New York from Edge

Edge gives you the rare opportunity to experience New York from the tiniest corner of one of the tallest buildings in the city. No other observation deck in NYC lets you stare straight down from over 1,000 feet in the air. 

Why not let one of our expert tour guides show you around Hudson Yards? You can explore the area with a local, experience the High Line and even upgrade for access to Edge. Or enjoy a VIP experience before Edge opens to the public.

However you choose to see it, you’ll never forget the breathtaking sensation of gazing out across Manhattan. Check out one of the city’s newest and most popular attractions and feel what it’s like to be on top of the world.