The 30 Hudson Yard skyscraper, informally known as "The Edge", became a popular tourist attraction immediately after its completion in 2019.

Its outdoor Edge Observation Deck is currently one of the top-rated observation decks in New York City. It was opened to the public in 2020.

The Edge is currently the 6th tallest skyscraper in New York City.

Our tips and recommendations:

• Book tickets in advance for the lowest price
• Expect higher prices at sunset
• Allow 30-75 minutes for your visit
• Make a reservation at the Peak Restaurant and you'll get admission to the observation deck included (instructions below)

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The world's tallest outdoor observation deck

The view of the city of skyscrapers from up high will thrill any traveler, even more so when the observation deck is open-air. And the spacious triangular terrace jutting out from The Edge's structure on its 100th floor offers just such an opportunity.

The observation deck is 350 metres above the ground , making it currently the world's highest outdoor observation deck located on (rather than directly integrated into) a building. Only the Cabo Girão Skywalk, on a 580-metre-high cliff on the Portuguese island of Madeira, is higher.

The lookout has an indoor section behind glass as well as an outdoor terrace with an iconic triangular shape that you can see from the walkway.

However, the outdoor terrace is also behind glass and you can't take photos completely without glass barriers. The only shots without glass and with the entire view can be taken from the staircase.

At the exit on the ground floor you can buy souvenirs in the large shop.

The glass floor and climbing the building

The Edge will not only offer an outdoor observation deck, but a complete interior floor with observation windows that will provide 360-degree views of all of New York City.

In the middle of the outdoor terrace, daredevils will walk giddily across a glass floor through which they will see 350 feet down to the very ground. Not to worry though, the glass section can be quietly bypassed.

Another popular attraction is the City Climb, where, with a classic climbing belay and a guide, you climb up metal walkways from the terrace to the very top of The Edge skyscraper at 395 metres.

Admission and opening hours

The Edge Observation Deck is open daily from 9am-10pm. The last elevator goes up 50 minutes before closing time.

Tickets are definitely recommended to buy online at the official website: edgenyc.com/en. Especially if you want to head here for sunset. At these times, tickets are usually no longer available on site.

Prices vary throughout the day

Prices at the exact time are tiered according to the attractiveness of the time of day, with evening time being more expensive. A sunset time ticket is 10 usd more expensive, and a "peak time" ticket is 4 usd more expensive (usually purchased less than 4 days before the scheduled visit.

Ticket prices on the website are always quoted without tax, which is only displayed at the last step.

You will pay different prices on weekends, holidays, and on exposed days (holidays), and it is roughly 4 usd to 6 usd cheaper to get in on regular weekdays.

Below are examples of prices after tax for adults.

There are 3 admission options to choose from:

• Advance Saver - the cheapest admission price if booked more than 14 days in advance.
  • this option may not be available on some weekends or public holidays
  • you buy your ticket for a specific time
  • 39,20 usd during the day
  • 55,53 usd during sunset
• General Admisson - standard admission fee when booking less than 14 days in advance
  • you buy your ticket at the exact time
  • 51,17 usd during the day (average price - may be slightly lower on weekdays, slightly higher on some weekends)
  • 65,33 usd during sunset (average price)
• Flex Admission - admission at any time you prefer
  • 78,39 usd at any time (average price)

Children ages 6-12 get tickets about 10% cheaper and seniors over 62 get tickets about 8% cheaper.

City Climb price

For a City Climb "climb" then you will pay, including tax, on average around 215 usd. The price is higher at sunset times or on some busy weekends, while the lower price tends to be on weekday mornings.

Official website: edgenyc.com

How to get "free" entry to The Edge? Peak Restaurant

Want to have a unique upscale restaurant experience while getting free admission to The Edge?

Book a table at the restaurant Peak with Priceless located in the 101st skyscraper, a few feet higher than The Edge itself.

The minimum spend is 60 usd per reservation, but you don't have to pay any deposit.

Reservations should be made at least 14 days in advance on the official peaknyc.com website.

At the same time, your restaurant reservation includes admission to The Edge Lookout. You do not need any receipt or proof. There are escalators leading directly from the restaurant to the viewpoint. You can't get there except by showing your confirmed reservation.

The restaurant Peak with Priceless offers 360° views of New York City.

Menu and our experience

The menu includes modern American cuisine, and quite frankly, we weren't too thrilled with the food. Both dishes were extremely oily.

The cocktails, on the other hand, were great!

The prices of the starters are between 20 usd and 30 usd. The main courses are priced between 28 usd to 65 usd and the cocktails around 23 usd.

You can see the full menu on the restaurant's website: peaknyc.com/restaurant-bars.

Is a visit to the restaurant with admission to The Edge worth it?

If you want to experience a luxurious dinner with a view, then absolutely yes. We spent around 160 usd including tax for dinner for two and a total of 4 cocktails here.

But for just the entrance to The Edge at sunset time alone, we would have paid around 130 usd for 2 on a weekend !

Meanwhile, you can enter the view from the restaurant at any time, including during sunsets.

So in the end, the 2 main meals and 4 cocktails actually only cost us 30 usd, if you deduct the price of admission to the viewpoint.

Accommodation at The Edge

The Hudson Yards area around the skyscraper is one of the most fashionable in New York City, and you'll find several quality hotels.

For a typical New York price of around 400 usd per night, you can stay at a hotel like Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown West ****.

Right across the street from The Edge Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards *****, one of the top-rated luxury hotels in Manhattan.

How to get to The Edge?

The Edge skyscraper is located in a part of Manhattan called Midtown in Hudson Yards. Within a 15-minute walk, you can walk to places like the Intrepid Museum and High Line Park.

Nearest subway station

• 34 St-Hudson Yards (approx. 50 metres) - Purple Line 7
• 34 St-Penn Station (approx. 300 metres) - blue lines A, C, E

The M34 bus line also runs to Hudson Yards.

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