When you think about iconic skyline experiences in New York City, few places compare to the Edge at Hudson Yards. Towering 1,131 feet above the ground, it’s the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere—a truly thrilling way to view the city from above. Offering 360-degree NYC skyline views, The Edge gives you a whole new perspective of the Big Apple, with the Hudson River on one side, and Manhattan stretching endlessly in every direction.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong New Yorker, the Hudson Yards Edge experience is unlike anything else. It mixes architectural design with heart-pounding heights, creating a memory you won’t soon forget. From the sloped glass walls that lean out over the city to the transparent glass floor that lets you stare straight down, it’s part thrill ride, part photo-op, and part reflective city moment.
Getting to Know The Edge
The Edge opened in March 2020 and immediately became one of the most popular must-see NYC viewpoints. Located in the ultra-modern Hudson Yards development on Manhattan’s West Side, it sits atop 30 Hudson Yards, a striking skyscraper designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates.
The deck itself juts out from the building’s 100th floor, suspended in mid-air with angled glass walls and an outdoor viewing platform that provides a real sense of floating above the city. The platform is 80 feet long and extends about 65 feet out, providing some of the most remarkable NYC rooftop views available.
For those who love stats: The Edge is 1,131 feet tall (344 meters), and the platform gives you access to 7,500 square feet of outdoor space. The elevator ride to the top takes only 52 seconds, and when those doors open, you’re met with an entirely new world—sky, steel, and a seemingly endless horizon.
Inside, you’ll also find an indoor observation space with floor-to-ceiling glass panels, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the Hudson Yards Edge experience regardless of the weather. Whether you’re dodging summer heat or winter chill, the experience is fully immersive.
What You’ll See from the Top
The Edge offers some of the clearest NYC skyline views around. To the south, you can spot the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Turn east and admire the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and One Vanderbilt. Looking north, Central Park adds a rare touch of green among the steel, and on a clear day, you can even catch the George Washington Bridge. The Hudson River sprawls to the west, and beyond that, the skyline of New Jersey.
Because of its open-air design and angular glass walls, you’re not just seeing the skyline—you’re immersed in it. The sloped glass allows you to lean forward and almost become part of the view. Plus, the glass floor section provides a thrilling view straight down to the streets below.
The best time to visit? Many say just before sunset. You’ll catch the golden hues of the city bathed in evening light, watch as the skyline glows, and then see the lights of the city turn on one by one.
Each season brings something special. In spring, cherry blossoms in Central Park contrast against skyscrapers. In fall, the colors shift into a glowing amber palette. And in winter, snow-capped rooftops create a scenic, snowy wonderland.
Architectural Design and Engineering
The Edge is not just an observation deck—it’s a marvel of modern engineering. Suspended out from the side of the skyscraper, it relies on cantilevered steel framing and high-strength glass to give visitors the experience of floating. The glass walls tilt outward at a six-degree angle, providing an interactive element for those brave enough to lean out.
The floor panels include 79 glass tiles, engineered to withstand high wind loads and the weight of visitors, making the walk across completely safe—even if your heart skips a beat. It’s an architectural feat that turns the act of looking out into a full-body experience.
The design of The Edge was inspired by the idea of creating a platform that breaks away from the traditional building form. Instead of looking out a window, you’re pushed into the sky, surrounded by nothing but the elements and the skyline. It’s what sets The Edge apart from other sky-high observation decks NYC has to offer.
The Glass Floor: Do You Dare?
For many visitors, the highlight is The Glass Floor—a section in the middle of the outdoor deck where the ground beneath your feet vanishes. It gives you a straight-down look at the streets of Manhattan, 100 floors below. The first step can feel surreal. You know it’s engineered for safety, but your instincts still say otherwise.
This is where you’ll hear plenty of laughter, nervous gasps, and camera clicks. It’s the ultimate Instagram moment and one of the most talked-about features of The Edge.
If you’re visiting with friends or family, challenge each other to stand still on the glass and look down without flinching. It adds a playful touch to your Hudson Yards Edge experience and creates unforgettable memories.
Things to Do at Hudson Yards
If you’re planning to explore more than just The Edge, there are plenty of things to do at Hudson Yards before or after your visit. The entire development is one of NYC’s most ambitious recent projects, blending luxury living with public spaces, shopping, and art.
Check out The Vessel, a massive honeycomb-shaped staircase with great photo ops. Visit The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, featuring everything from high-end fashion to casual bites. For art lovers, the Shed is an innovative cultural space that hosts exhibitions, performances, and interactive installations.
There’s also the High Line—a transformed elevated railway turned public park—that runs right through Hudson Yards. Walk along its landscaped paths and enjoy another unique perspective of the city.
Whether you’re a foodie, a shopper, or a culture buff, Hudson Yards has something to offer, all with The Edge as its crown jewel.
Ideal for All Kinds of Visitors
Whether you’re a couple looking for romantic NYC rooftop views, a solo traveler capturing content, or a family with kids seeking something exciting, The Edge suits everyone. It’s ADA-accessible, family-friendly, and offers photo ops that everyone will appreciate.
The included digital souvenir photo is a nice bonus, so you won’t have to worry about asking strangers for a picture. Plus, the Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee lets you rebook your visit if conditions aren’t ideal.
There are also options to upgrade your ticket for priority access, so you can skip the lines, or purchase flexible “anytime” tickets if your plans aren’t set in stone.
Tips for Visiting
Here are a few quick tips to make your Hudson Yards Edge experience even better:
- Go early or late to avoid peak crowds, especially on weekends.
- Sunset visits are popular—book ahead for those time slots.
- Dress for the wind; even on warm days, it can get breezy at that height.
- Check the weather to maximize visibility.
- Look down! Don’t forget to try the glass floor.
- Book online to guarantee your preferred time.
Why The Edge Is One of the Top Sky-High Observation Decks NYC Offers
New York City has several famous viewpoints, including the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock. But the Edge Hudson Yards stands out because it offers a truly open-air design, allowing you to step outside and interact with the skyline.
It also avoids the crowded, enclosed feeling that some indoor observatories have. Instead, you’re in the elements, surrounded by nothing but glass and sky.
For thrill-seekers, photographers, architecture lovers, and travel bloggers, it’s one of the best sky-high observation decks NYC has ever built. It’s new, it’s bold, and it feels tailor-made for the Instagram age without sacrificing genuine awe.
It’s also part of a broader movement in urban design—blending experience with functionality. The Edge isn’t just a lookout point; it’s an event space, a photo destination, and a celebration of how we experience cities in the 21st century.
Nearby Attractions to Complete Your Day
While The Edge alone can be the highlight of your NYC visit, there’s even more to explore within walking distance. Hudson Yards is part of Manhattan’s rapidly transforming west side, and it’s surrounded by other neighborhoods and attractions worth checking out.
Just a short walk south lies Chelsea Market, a food lover’s paradise. Housed in the old Nabisco factory, it’s now home to dozens of vendors selling everything from lobster rolls to artisanal donuts. If you’re visiting The Edge around lunchtime or dinner, it’s a great stop to sample local and international eats.
If you’re in the mood for art, head over to the nearby galleries in Chelsea. The neighborhood is a hub for contemporary art, with dozens of free-entry galleries showcasing everything from emerging artists to global names. Or continue your walk along the High Line, an elevated park built on a former railway line, offering gardens, public art, and city views.
The Hudson River Park to the west offers waterfront walks, bike rentals, and even kayaking in warmer months. It’s a quieter contrast to the sky-high energy of the Edge at Hudson Yards and provides a scenic way to wind down your day.
Dining with a View
Whether you’re looking to toast your visit or just refuel, there are great dining options near the Edge Hudson Yards, NYC. On the 101st floor of the same building, Peak is a sleek restaurant offering seasonal New American cuisine with equally impressive NYC skyline views. It’s a perfect complement to your Edge visit if you want dinner and views all in one place.
The Shops at Hudson Yards also house well-known names like Mercado Little Spain—a Spanish food hall by chefs José Andrés and the Adrià brothers. You’ll find tapas, churros, paella, and sangria in a lively, beautifully designed space.
If you prefer something quick and casual, Sweetgreen, Shake Shack, and Bluestone Lane are all nearby, offering healthy bowls, burgers, and Aussie coffee respectively.
Making a reservation at Peak in advance is highly recommended, especially around sunset hours when everyone wants a table with a view.
Edge vs. Other NYC Observation Decks
New York City offers several observation decks, but each has its own vibe. Top of the Rock offers unobstructed views of Central Park, while the Empire State Building gives you that classic old-school feel. One World Observatory is fully enclosed and tech-driven, with impressive floor shows and guided experiences.
So, where does the Edge at Hudson Yards stand out? It’s all about the openness, the angle, and the architectural statement. You’re not just looking out, you’re stepping into the sky. The angled glass panels, outdoor exposure, and protruding design all add an element of thrill not found in enclosed decks.
Plus, its position on the city’s far west side means you’re looking across the city, not just over it. The NYC rooftop views from The Edge are expansive, especially westward across the Hudson River, giving you a perspective most decks can’t offer.
Make It Part of Your NYC Bucket List
With so many must-see NYC viewpoints, it can be hard to choose. But The Edge combines innovation, thrill, and scenery in one iconic package. It’s a place to see New York from above—to take it all in, from the rivers to the rooftops.
You won’t just see the city. You’ll feel it—the pulse, the scale, the energy. And when you lean into the wind, with Manhattan beneath your feet, you’ll understand why this spot captures hearts (and photos). Ready to turn your NYC visit into an epic experience? Explore Visit NYC for everything—from skyline views to secret hangouts—to make your trip legendary.
