Last Updated on April 5, 2022
Hudson Yards is the all the rave right now in New York City as it is growing and transforming Manhattan’s west side. With new attractions, such as The Vessel, as well as new hotels and living spaces, both locals and tourists are curious to see the evolving neighborhood. The Edge Observation deck, however, is an attraction that allows guests to see far beyond Hudson Yards.
What is The Edge in Hudson Yards?
The Edge in Hudson Yards is an outdoor observation deck on the west side of Manhattan that allows both locals and tourists to enjoy the stunning cityscape of NYC from a bird’s eye view.
What makes this observation deck so unique is the triangular overhang architecture that projects the deck 80 feet off the side of the building. If the thought of this scares you, don’t worry, you can hardly tell while you are up there.
Though, one of the big draws to the overhang architecture is the large glass bottom area of the Edge that guests can stand over to see straight down to the street 100 floors below.
Steering clear of glass-bottom floors? Don’t worry, that’s not the only way to enjoy the Edge. There is a set of steps similar to the red steps in Times Square for guests to sit and take in the breathtaking view.
P.S. You can even upgrade your ticket to get a glass of champagne while you’re visiting the Edge in NYC.
Where is the Edge Observation Deck and how do I get there?
The Edge Observation deck is located in Manhattan’s west-side neighborhood, Hudson Yards. Its fairly central location on the island makes it easy to get to via walking, subway, or taxi.
Located between 30th and 33rd Street right between 10th and 11th Avenue, the closest subway stop would be taking the 7 line to 34th Street – Hudson Yards. This will drop you off less than a block away from the Edge.
Another option of how to get to the Edge in Hudson Yards is by walking the High Line. There is a High Line exit right at 30th Street between 10th and 11th Avenue.
Traveler Tip:
If planning to walk around the city a lot on your trip to New York City, I highly suggest wearing Allbirds! They are seriously the most comfortable walking shoes I’ve ever purchased – I even walked 16.5 miles in one day around NYC and my feet felt fine after!!!
How high is the Edge Observation Deck?
The Edge Observation Deck is the tallest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere sitting on the 100th floor at 1,131 feet.
How much are the Edge Observation Deck Tickets and how do I get them?
What’s the cost of the Edge Observation Deck Tickets?
The cost of tickets for the Edge in New York City vary based on age, the time you’re visiting, and if you have any applicable discounts, such as if you’re a local or in the military. The prices also slightly vary depending on if you purchase them on site or online.
Currently, tickets for adults are around $40 – they are cheaper online as opposed to purchasing them on site. Discounts for seniors and children are between $2 to $5 off. The best deal, though, is for military members and military spouses who receive 20% off their ticket price. Military members must purchase their tickets on site as there is not an option to purchase with this discount online.
If wanting to upgrade to a champagne ticket, which includes a glass of champagne, expect to pay an extra $17 per ticket.
During prime time, which is at sunset, the cost of the tickets go up $10, unless you are military, in which the ticket prices will remain the same discounted price.
Where to purchase the Edge Observation Deck tickets?
There are a few ways to purchase the Edge Observation Deck tickets. The cheapest and most flexible option is online. If purchasing tickets on site, you will not only be paying more, but likely you will have to come back later for your entrance time slot.
In front of the entrance to the Edge on the 4th floor of the Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards (the large mall where you’ll find the Edge), there are self-service kiosks you can also purchase tickets on.
For military and local tickets, you will have to purchase tickets on site to show proof of ID.
When is the best time of the day to visit the Edge?
There’s really no bad time to visit the Edge Observation Deck (unless it is rainy or really overcast with low clouds). Sunset is the prime time to visit the Edge Observation Deck, but expect lots of crowds.
Evening, after the sun has set, is also a great time to go to see the cityscape lit up, though note that getting good pictures may be tough in the dark, and the glass floor is very difficult to see through at night.
During the morning and afternoon, the attraction is a little less crowded and it is much easier to see through the glass floor. Pictures also turn out much better with some daylight.
You can also come early morning before the Edge even opens for occasional yoga classes on the deck taught by Equinox.
Which is the best observation deck in New York City?
Manhattan offers multiple observation decks to get a bird’s eye view of one of the most impressive metropolises in the world. Some of which include the observation decks at the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, and the One World Observatory at the One World Trade Center.
The great thing about these iconic observation decks is that they offer a bit of history as well as interactive exhibits to accompany your visit.
Though, what I really like about the Edge Observation Deck is that it offers stunning views of all of these iconic buildings that you [obviously] can’t see when you are standing at the top of one of them.
With being positioned in Hudson Yards on the western edge of Manhattan, you can clearly see the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, One World Trade Center, and everything in between without sacrificing getting to see one or the other.
If you are interested in actually learning more about the history of one of these places though, beyond just seeing stunning views of the city, I’d suggest experiencing one of the more iconic options. Though, if you are simply going for the views, the Edge in Hudson Yards is the best option!
Military Spouse Travel Tip
Although it is not advertised, plan to purchase tickets on site prior to your visit to receive a 20% military discount with ID (that’s even cheaper than the local’s entrance fee!).
An added bonus to that is military pays the same discounted price during sunset hours as well, which is when the price typically increases an extra $10 for general public.
Know that if you do purchase your tickets on site, there is a chance you will not be able to enter at that time and may have to come back at your entrance time slot. If you have a specific time you want to visit The Edge Observation Deck, make sure you purchase tickets early, especially if during sunset hours.
My Experience at the Edge in Hudson Yards
I was visiting NYC for the weekend by myself and had just taken the bus in to Port Authority Bus Station from Atlantic City. Many people don’t enjoy traveling by themselves, but there’s plenty of things to do in New York that traveling alone is actually sometimes my preference to have the chance to see and do whatever I want.
Solo Travel in NYC
The one issue with traveling alone in the city, though, is figuring out what to do in the evenings. Maybe as an outgoing extrovert – unlike myself – this could be easy to just post up at a bar and meet new people, but for me, all I wanted to do was enjoy my time on my own in the Big Apple.
After having just visited Little Island, Chelsea Market, and then making my way up to the Vessel, I remembered that the Edge Observation Deck was a fairly new attraction that I hadn’t visited in the city yet.
I navigated my way to the Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards where I was directed up to the 4th floor and found the Edge gift shop, which is also where the entrance is to the observatory. Unfortunately, there were no times to go up within the next hour or two, but that I could come back at 7:00 PM.
Purchasing tickets to the Edge Observation Deck
I went to the on site counter to purchase my tickets and, out of habit, asked if they offered any military discount, not expecting much, if any, at all. I was thrilled to discover the discount was 20%! The front desk staff were so friendly and helpful as they booked my ticket and even waived the sunset fee of $10. Overall, the experience was a steal!
I had two hours to kill, so I wandered around the area and stopped in one of my favorite shops, De Janeiro, which has a great selection of name-brand clothing for discounted prices (basically like a boutique TJ Maxx or Marshalls).
My time slot was getting close to get in line for the Edge, so I made my way back but wasn’t thrilled to see a long line ahead of me (this was clearly the busy time to visit, right at sunset).
Standing in lines to go up
I stood in line for about 15 minutes before having to show my ticket and vaccination card (yes, they do require all guests to be vaccinated in order to enter). After getting through that line, I had to stand in another line for another good 15 minutes in order to get through security where they will check everyone’s purse and bags. Once making it through that, everyone gets their picture taken, which can be purchased after your visit.
Finally, once you think you’ve made it through all the lines that there could possibly be, you go through another door where you get to wait in one more line. Thankfully, this line is to go up the elevator. There were only a few people ahead of me, so I only had to wait about 10 minutes.
Traveler Tip:
When purchasing tickets, if you want to go at a specific time, note that it may take an addition 30-45 minutes to even get up to the Edge Observation Deck. This is primarily for busy times, such as at sunset. Though, if you are wanting to actually see the sunset, plan on getting your ticket time for at least an hour before the sun sets.
Unfortunately, I ended up missing the sunset, but that was okay. Right as I stepped off the elevator, the views of the cityscape at night were stunning.
Granted I’ve been to other NYC viewing points in the past, but I had never been able to see all of the iconic buildings from this view at once – the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and Rockefeller Center – as I had always been on top of one of them.
Enjoying the cityscape views
I steered clear of the large crowd hovering over the glass bottom area and found an open spot near the window to check out my favorite city from above.
Traveler Tip:
When traveling alone, taking pictures of yourself gets tough unless it’s always a close-up selfie or you have space to set up a tripod. In crowded tourist spaces like the Edge, always look for a couple or small group who are trying to take a selfie. Go up and ask to take their picture for them in return for them taking a picture of you. This always works!
After getting some photos and making my way to the glass bottom area (which was still too overly crowded), I found a nice spot on the steps to sit down and just take in the views while I people-watched. I think the Edge having the steps to sit down and relax is what makes this my favorite observation deck in the city, since other view points are so crowded and small that you usually just go and leave right away.
I sat on the steps for probably almost an hour just taking it all in. Visiting the Edge Observation Deck was the perfectway to spend the evening on my own in New York City.
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase an item through a link on this page, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can read the full disclaimer here.
Check out these other cool things to do in NYC:
