Vessel is a work of art and a 46-metre-high structure situated in the Hudson Yards area beneath the skyscraper featuring the famous viewing platform, The Edge.

Immediately after its opening in 2017, the Vessel became a popular tourist attraction and is one of the most photographed spots in New York.

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Our tips and recommendations:

• Buy your tickets on arrival – there are no queues and you’ll save 2 usd on the online booking fee
• The Vessel isn’t covered, so we don’t recommend visiting when it’s raining
• Check out our reviews of our stays at The Plaza and The Standard High Line

Beehive-shaped structures and 154 flights of stairs

Stephen Ross, CEO of the property development company operating in the Hudson Yards area, wanted to create a transformative and monumental work of art in a public space that would be accessible to everyone.

The structure, reminiscent of honeycombs stacked on top of one another, was ultimately created by the architect and artist Thomas Heatherwick.

The base is just 15 metres wide and gradually widens to over 40 metres.

In total, the individual floors are connected by 154 staircases and a single lift that runs every quarter of an hour.

A unique atmosphere and views

Although Vessel isn’t a proper viewing platform – the surrounding skyscrapers tower far above it and you can only see the nearest buildings from here – crowds of tourists still flock here precisely because of the unique views into the very heart of the structure itself.

Thanks to its circular shape and bronze façade, you can take some fantastic and original photos inside the Vessel.

Although the interior of the Vessel is closed at night, the whole structure is beautifully illuminated, so it’s well worth a visit even after dark.

Admission and opening hours

The Vessel is open every day from 11:00 to 19:00. However, last admission is at 18:00.

You can buy tickets online for a specific time via the official website, although it is not common for long queues to form here.

You’ll also pay an additional processing fee of 2 usd for online tickets compared to buying them on the day.

The price, including tax and fees, ranges from13 usd to 18 usd.

Prices are lowest on weekdays and highest during the holidays, public holidays and at weekends.

Official website:vesselnyc.com

How to get there

The Vessel is located at the northern end of the High Line, beneath The Edge viewing platform and one block from Penn Station.

Nearest underground station

• 34 St–Hudson Yards(approx. 50 metres) – purple line 7
• 34th St–Penn Station(approx. 300 metres) – Blue lines A, C, E

Bus routes M11, M12 and M34 also pass nearby.

Read about our experiences travelling on the New York subway.

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