Height: 1,100 feet (Level 100) Time Needed: 60 – 90 Minutes (or More Key Features: Breathtaking Views, Glass floor, Beverages, Nightclub Certain Nights Cost: General Admission $42
Location & Nearest Transit: 30 Hudson Yards (7 Train to 34th St–Hudson Yards)
There are many observation decks in Manhattan and in my opinion, each has its own amazing attirbutes, but for me, personally, there is something very special about The Edge.
It doesn’t matter what time of day that you go, the views are sure to invite oooohhs and ahhhhs. I have been three times, at different times of the day and different seasons, and I never get tired.
Going to The Edge NYC is more than a one-stop experience. First you arrive at Hudson Yards, and that in and of itself is a treat. From the gorgeous Vessel, to the shops at Hudson Yards, you are primed, for a first class treat. And while there are not multiple floors (like The Summit One Vanderbilt– which I also liked), nor the history of The Empire State building, the views are simply spectacular.
The Edge is an observation deck located at 30 Hudson Yards on Manhattan’s West Side. The outdoor sky deck sits approximately 1,100 feet above Manhattan on Level 100 and is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. But calling The Edge simply an “observation deck” doesn’t really describe what you are getting. The experience combines the indoor immersive installations, the elevator ride, the outdoor sky deck and, if you want to make it several hours (brunch, lunch or dinner), dining high above Manhattan. That is one of the reasons The Edge stands apart from some of the other observation decks in Manhattan. You aren’t simply taking an elevator to the top, looking around and taking a few pictures. There is actually something to do before you get there, and then there is the view once you do.
One of the things I love about visiting The Edge is that it gives you a reason to spend time at Hudson Yards. You can walk around The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, look at the architecture, grab something to eat or simply spend some time around The Vessel. The Vessel is particularly beautiful from the outside, and its unusual honeycomb-like structure gives you something interesting to look at before you even head up to The Edge.
If you are coming from The High Line, it is also an easy addition to your day. The Edge entrance is inside The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, and Hudson Yards is accessible by the 7 train as well as the A, C and E trains at 34th Street–Penn Station. This is why I wouldn’t plan a visit to The Edge as something you rush in and out of. Make Hudson Yards part of the experience.
The elevator isn’t your ordinary elevator. The elevator experience is part of the new SKYRISE installation. The 52-second ride uses cinematic visuals, sound and motion to give you the feeling that you are flying upward through Manhattan. You are going 100 floors in less than a minute, which alone is pretty impressive. The elevator ride is short, but it doesn’t feel like you’re simply standing in an elevator waiting for the doors to open. It is designed as part of the experience of getting to The Edge. And then the doors open, and that is when you realize just how high you are.
One of the biggest changes to The Edge is what happens before you reach the outdoor deck. The new indoor experience includes seven installations: Prism, Pulse, Skyrise, Reflections, Kaleidoscope, Infinite City and Crystal Cave. Some are interactive, some are visually dramatic and some are simply fun to photograph.
The Edge gives you 360-degree views of Manhattan and the surrounding area, and because of its location on the West Side, you get a perspective of New York that is very different from what you see from Midtown’s more traditional observation points.
You can see the Hudson River, downtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building, Central Park and the surrounding skyline. And then there is the glass floor. If you have ever wanted to stand more than 1,000 feet above Manhattan and look straight down, this is your chance. The outdoor deck also has angled glass walls and Skyline Seats that let you lean into the view.
For me, this is where The Edge really works. There are plenty of places in New York where you can get a beautiful skyline photograph, but standing out over Manhattan, with nothing immediately in front of you except glass, sky and the city, is a different experience. The outdoor sky deck and its glass floor, angled glass walls, Skyline Seats and eastern point are included with admission.
I have visited other observation decks in Manhattan, including SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and I don’t think you need to pick one and declare it the “best.” They are different. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has multiple floors and a very different indoor experience. I liked it. The Empire State Building has something no new observation deck can recreate: history. You are standing inside one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. One World Observatory is also, not to be missed (in my opinion!)
The Edge is different. It is modern, open and experiential. You get the indoor installations, the elevator experience, the outdoor sky deck, the glass floor and the Hudson Yards setting—all as part of one visit. For me, that combination is what makes The Edge special.
Here is something I think people should know before buying a ticket: The Edge can be more than an observation deck visit. There are dining and drinking options associated with the experience, including Peak with Priceless and Avenue Sky Lounge on Level 101, as well as the Skyline Bar & Café on Level 100.
The dining experience on Level 101 is a reason to go by itself. You aren’t just going to a restaurant with a nice view. You are having dinner 101 stories above Manhattan. If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or special occasion—or simply want to do something different while visiting New York—this is worth considering.
Peak with Priceless is located on Level 101 and offers full-service dining with panoramic city views. The restaurant has been redesigned with a dining room and lounge experience, with the views visible throughout the space. If you are already planning to have a nice meal in Manhattan, this is something I would seriously consider. You don’t necessarily have to choose between visiting The Edge and having dinner. You can make them part of the same experience.
Avenue Sky Lounge is another option on Level 101, giving you the opportunity to enjoy drinks and nightlife high above Manhattan. If you are a chocoholic, the cake is TO DIE FOR. Ok, you know my weakness. For me, going to The Edge is an experience rather than a quick view of the NY Skyline. I love it!
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Yes. Guests who spend at least $60 per person on food or drinks at Peak with Priceless or Avenues Bar (the restaurant on Level 101 directly above the observation deck) receive complimentary admission to The Edge after their meal.
While you aren’t getting in without spending money, this promotion essentially turns your Edge admission ticket into a food and beverage credit. If you were already planning to buy a ticket to the deck and grab lunch, dinner, or cocktails in Manhattan, booking a reservation at Peak is one of the smartest ways to visit. Be sure to check Peak’s official website when reserving, as minimum spend requirements and promotional access policies can change.
I can spend at least 90 minutes there, and sometimes more. I just love soaking in the views — that is for the observation deck alone. If you combine The Vessel, Hudson Yards, and/or eating up there, it can be 3+ Hours. You make your tour.
Unquestionably, twilight so you can get the best of daytime and sunset. But I am going to be annoyed I didn’t gatekeep this! LOL.
That depends on what you want to see. Daytime gives you clear views of Manhattan and the Hudson River and lets you see the city stretching in every direction. Sunset gives you the changing light over Manhattan, while night turns the city into a completely different landscape of lights.
If photography is important to you, I would consider the time of day carefully. If the goal is simply to experience The Edge, however, I don’t think there is one “correct” time. New York looks different from up there throughout the day.
Yes, The Edge is my go to place for me–it helps that I am a cross-town bus away, but I can’t say enough about this place. Some people like the other decks better, and I will say they all have something special to offer, but this one is my REPEAT visit place.
Getting to The Edge is straightforward whether you use public transit or hire a vehicle.
TRAIN: The most direct option is taking the 7 Train directly to the 34th Street–Hudson Yards subway station. Upon exiting, walk past The Vessel into The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, where elevators will take you straight to the main Edge ticketing hub on Level 4. Alternatively, travelers arriving via the A, C, or E subway lines, or commuter rail through LIRR and NJ Transit, can step off at 34th Street–Penn Station and enjoy a short 10-minute walk west along 33rd Street straight into the complex.
BUS: the M34-SBS crosstown line drops off right at 11th Avenue and West 34th Street, placing you steps from the main entrance. The M11 and M12 buses also serve the surrounding 10th and 11th Avenue corridors with frequent stops nearby. Visitors taking a yellow taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft should ask their driver to drop off at 30 Hudson Yards near 10th Avenue and West 33rd Street, or at the main entrance of 20 Hudson Yards along Hudson Boulevard. From either entrance, head inside and take the escalators or elevators up to Level 4.
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