Everyone knows the photos of the New York City skyline taken from the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center. But now a completely new and very spectacular viewpoint has been added: Edge. Also called Hudson Yards Observation Deck. It is the tallest open-air bridge in the Western Hemisphere with a glass floor.
What is Edge?
Edge is a privileged vantage point from which you have a phenomenal view of the world-famous New York skyline. The viewing platform is at a height of 325 meters. It is a kind of triangle-shaped protruding point that protrudes 25 meters. Of course there is an elevator to get up: in one minute you are on the 100th floor. From there you can see the city from a completely different angle than you have ever seen before. You’ll find Edge in Hudson Yards, an entirely new area of Manhattan, which also includes The Vessel. That is why the name Hudson Yards Observation Deck has been around for a long time. It has now been renamed Edge, which is a fitting name.
What makes Edge so special is the glass floor. You can look down through a small part of the viewing platform. And those who dare can also sit on this glass floor 325 meters high. According to the director of Hudson Yards Experiences, “it feels like walking in the air”. Fortunately, not the entire floor of Edge’s protruding platform is made of glass, it’s just part of it. If you need something strong to overcome your fear of heights, there is good news: Edge also has a champagne bar to add an extra touch to the New York view.
And how is the view?
The reason to visit Edge is obviously the view and it’s worth mentioning. You have a view of the Empire State Building, the Hudson River and all the other famous skyscrapers in Manhattan. If you are lucky – the weather has to be good and you have to have good eyes – you can even see the Statue of Liberty. But it’s mostly about the New York skyline itself. Especially when it’s dark and millions of lights bring color to the city, it’s very special to look down on this city from your wish list.
Visit Edge
The viewing platform is located on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, as the skyscraper is called.
Edge New York is open every day, seven days a week, from 10am to 10pm. The last lift goes up 50 minutes before closing. On the website you will also find exactly what time the sun sets. The hour before sunset, the golden hour, is the best time to visit Edge.
Buying a ticket online is slightly cheaper than on the website: 38 USD online and 40 USD on site. You can book online to visit Edge. It is the new hotspot in the city, so it will be difficult to choose between Edge, Empire State Building and Top of the Rock. All three offer amazing views of Manhattan, although this new one is really special because you stand against a glass wall and therefore have a much better view.
City Climb: even more exciting
If such a viewing platform isn’t exciting enough for you, you can go a step further. City Climb is also new and only for people who are not really afraid of anything. Above the viewpoint you can climb a little via a staircase on the side of the building. You do this in a special harness, at a height of 365 meters. Those who dare will even stay over the edge. And yes, the view is amazing, and hardly anyone else has done it yet, but still … City Climb costs 185 USD. Here you will find more information.
Nice to know about Edge
- The observation deck weighs no less than 347,000 kilograms and is made up of 15 parts from 16,000 to 45,000 kilograms screwed together.
- The outdoor observation area is a total of 697 square meters and is surrounded by 79 glass panels. These are made in Germany and Italy, among others.
On Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards is Manhattan’s newest recreation area. The area is obviously on the banks of the Hudson River, just north of the High Line. Hudson Yards has since opened another tourist attraction: The Vessel. A building with a unique shape (reminiscent of an inverted honeycomb) composed of stairs and platforms. It is intended as a kind of work of art that people can actively use to do a workout, for example. You will feel the scales of The Vessel in your calves.
When you walk on The High Line you can see Edge well and also see that only part of the viewing platform has a glass floor.
