Best things to do in Hudson Yards NYC

Opened in 2019, Hudson Yards is the largest private real estate development in US history to date since Rockefeller Center. Located between 10th and 12th Avenue, and between 30th and 34th Street, on the west side of Manhattan, Hudson Yards is connected to the High Line and subway line 7 and can be defined as a residential and commercial complex, as well as a public space and a hotel, and it features shops, restaurants, an art space and tourist attractions such as the Vessel and the Edge. In this post, you can check out things to do in the area!

Vessel

The Vessel is Hudson Yard’s landmark and it is a copper-steel structure that was designed by Thomas Heatherwick. It has more than 154 flights of stairs, and 2500 steps, rising 150 feet above the ground. It is fantastic. The structure was manufactured in Italy and arrived in Manhattan after a 15-day boat trip. Although the Vessel had an original budget of $75 million, the project cost more than $150 million. The visit experience is really interesting.

• Hudson Yards has announced that Vessel is gonna reopen in 2024. Access to the ground-level base is free and currently open to the public. Follow the updates.

Edge

Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere extending out almost 80 feet from the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards. On the floor of the deck is a glass floor expanding 225 square feet; this glass floor offers unprecedented views of the city. The sky deck is bordered by 3,000 square feet of glass walls divided into 79 panels manufactured in Germany and finished in Italy; each panel is 9 feet tall and weighs 1,200 pounds; the glass panels sit on a 6.6-degree angle facing outwards allowing guests to lean out over the city. Because Hudson Yards is located right in the west of Manhattan, at 34th Street, it offers a unique and special view of New York City – especially the island of Manhattan. From the Edge, you can see from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, including iconic buildings like the One World Observatory and the Empire State Building, which is basically facing the Edge. On the floor of the deck is a glass floor expanding 225 square feet; this glass floor offers unprecedented views of the city. Last but not least, the elevator ride to Edge takes 52 seconds.

Tickets

• Adults – start at $47 – children start at $32 – seniors start at $36 – buy your ticket with a digital photo.
• Sunset tickets have a $10 extra charge.
• Sightseeing Pass is the only pass that includes Edge – click here to buy.
• The entrance is at Shops at Hudson Yards (4th floor).

City Climb

City Climb is an aerial adventure experience located at the crown of 30 Hudson Yards that offers guests unparalleled views of New York City while traversing open-edged platforms and stairways. Following a comprehensive safety briefing, Climbers are fitted with specially designed safety harnesses and secured into the course by City Climb Guides via two cables attached to a trolley that seamlessly moves with the Climber throughout the entire journey. After ascending 32 steps to The Cliff, and looking down 1,190 feet to the City below, Climbers approach The Stair which consists of 161 steps on an approximately 45-degree incline. Once they reach The Apex at 1,271 feet, Climbers will have the opportunity to lean out and hang over the platform. The experience culminates with a celebratory medal for inaugural guests and a victory lap on Edge’s outdoor viewing area on the 100^th floor, where Climbers can enjoy the glass floor, angled glass walls, and outdoor skyline steps, or a champagne toast in the sky to their bucket list accomplishment.

• Starts at $185 – more info here!

 The Shed

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It is Hudson Yards exhibition space and a performing arts venue. It has six levels that house 1,250 people seated or 2,700 standing.

• Check the events here!

Equinox Hotel

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It is the first Equinox Hotels luxury 5-star hotel, featuring a regenerating spa, on-site dining, and full access to the Equinox Club. For those unfamiliar, Equinox is a chain of fancy gyms and this hotel is the chain’s first venture in the hotel sector. Good for those looking for a luxurious accommodation experience.

• Book your room here.

The Shops at Hudson Yards

It is a mall with no less than 7 floors and more than 100 stores. Among the brands, there are luxury ones such as Cartier, Dior, and Tiffany, and more “popular” brands such as H&M and Uniqlo and in addition to Madewell, Aritzia, Zara, Sephora, Lululemon, and more! And there are also several experimental and concept stores, as well as restaurants. On the website, you can see all the stores.

Mercado Little Spain

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You can think of Mercado Little Spain as a Spanish version of Eataly, owned by the renowned chef Jose Andres. The large area has 10 vendors kiosks, food court style, offering Spanish tapas, churros, cheeses and paellas, a mini market with products imported from Spain and 4 more restaurants with table service.

• You can check more details here.

Restaurants

There are several dining options at Hudson Yards and here are three suggestions:

Peak

This restaurant is located on the 101st floor of the same building as the mall, more precisely above the Edge, one of the new observatories in the city. Directed by Executive Chef Chris Cryer and designed by renowned architect David Rockwell, Peak offers stunning views of the city in a sophisticated and elegant setting. It’s pretty much the same view you get from the Edge. The menu has main course options starting at $33 (lunch) and at $38 (dinner). In addition to the restaurant, Peak also features PEAKABOO, a bar experience every Thursday – Saturday night from 11pm – 2am. They offer light bites, bottle service, cocktails, and spectacular views – all with beats from New York’s best DJ’s.

• Did you know? If you dine at Peak, you can access Edge for free!
• Check the menus.

This is a British-designed restaurant inspired by the rooms of an English country house. In fact, the decoration of the place is a dream and the view of the Vessel is a plus. The menu features modern British cuisine with influences on both sides of the Atlantic. I have been there for brunch and also for dinner and I loved it! The food is delicious – and the dishes are beautifully presented. There is a price-fix lunch option for $39 from Monday to Friday (starter and main course) and brunch for the same price as well (Saturday and Sunday). At dinner, main courses start at $33.

• • Check the menus on the website.

Estiatorio Milos

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This is a Mediterranean restaurant – featuring more precisely Greek cuisine – with a super sophisticated atmosphere and a view of the Vessel. They are open for dinner, lunch and brunch – and have a special price fix men for lunch during the week, which includes a starter, main course and dessert for $39. The food is delicious and fresh, with lots of fish and seafood options. It’s really worth it!

• Check the menus on the website.

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Laura Peruchi

Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!