Planning a trip to New York City and wondering which observation deck is truly worth your time and money? Edge NYC at Hudson Yards is one name that keeps coming up and for good reason. It is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, sitting 1,131 feet above Manhattan. Whether you have seen the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock before, Edge offers something completely different.
Visiting Edge NYC for the first time can feel a little overwhelming. There are multiple ticket types, different experiences on offer, and a whole rooftop climbing adventure called City Climb on top of it all. This guide covers everything you need to know before you go, so you can plan your visit with confidence and get the most out of every minute up there.
By the time you reach the glass floor overlooking Manhattan and feel the open air around you, you will understand why this place has become one of the top tourist attractions in New York City. From sunset champagne toasts to the heart-pounding City Climb experience, there is nothing else quite like it in the city.
What Is Edge?
Edge is an indoor and outdoor observation deck located on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards in Manhattan. It opened in March 2020 and quickly became one of the most talked-about attractions in New York City. The deck juts out roughly 80 feet from the side of the building in a dramatic triangular shape, giving visitors the feeling of floating above the city with nothing but glass and open air around them.
What makes Edge stand out from other observation decks like Top of the Rock or One World Observatory is its design. The angled glass walls wrap around you at an angle, the floor beneath your feet is partly made of glass, and the open platform extends out over the Hudson Yards neighborhood. It is a genuinely thrilling outdoor platform, not just a standard rooftop lookout.
The experience begins on the 4th floor of The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, where guests enter a multimedia pre-show before taking a high-speed elevator to Level 100 in about 52 seconds. Once up top, you have access to both the indoor and outdoor sky decks, the glass floor, a champagne bar, and more.
How to Get to Edge NYC
Edge is located at 30 Hudson Yards in Manhattan’s West Side, and getting there is straightforward from most parts of the city.
By subway, the easiest option is the 7 train to 34 Street–Hudson Yards. This is the closest station, just a short walk from the entrance. If you are coming from Midtown, you can also take the A, C, or E train to Penn Station and walk west for about 15 minutes.
The entrance to Edge is on Level 4 inside The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards. Do not go to the main lobby of 30 Hudson Yards head into the shopping mall and look for the Level 4 elevator banks that take you to the Edge entrance. One mistake I made on my first visit was heading to the wrong entrance, which cost me a few minutes. Follow the signs inside the mall and you will find it quickly.
If you are driving, parking is available nearby at 10 Hudson Yards and One Hudson Yards on West 30th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues. Note that parking in this area can be expensive. The Vessel, the iconic honeycomb sculpture, is right across the street and serves as a good landmark to orient yourself.
Opening Hours
Edge NYC is generally open from 9 AM to 10 PM daily. However, hours can change depending on the season, private events, and holidays. The last elevator to the top departs approximately 50 minutes before closing time, so do not leave your arrival until the very last minute.
Always check the official Edge NYC website before your visit to confirm the hours for your specific date. Sunset and weekend hours can sometimes be extended, and special events may affect access.
Edge NYC Ticket Options
Edge NYC offers several ticket types to suit different budgets and preferences. Prices start from around $34 and go up depending on the experience you choose. Here is a breakdown of the main options:
General Admission (from $34–$50): This is the standard timed entry ticket. You choose a date and time slot, and it gives you access to the indoor and outdoor sky decks including the glass floor, skyline steps, and eastern point. This is the best-value option if you are flexible with your schedule.
Flexible Ticket (from $64): This ticket allows you to visit on your chosen date at any time, without being locked to a specific time slot. It costs more but is worth it if your schedule is unpredictable.
Champagne Experience (from $63–$88): This includes general admission plus a glass of champagne at the champagne bar. There are versions with and without priority entry.
Sunset Ticket (from $109): This is the premium experience champagne, priority entry, and a visit timed around sunset. If catching the sunset over the New York skyline is a priority for you, this is the one to book. I highly recommend booking this well in advance because it sells out regularly.
Early Bird / Advance Discount: Edge offers savings of up to 35% when you book at least 14 days ahead. If you know your travel dates, booking early is the single best way to save money.
City Climb Ticket: Separate from standard admission, this is the outdoor climbing experience above the deck. It is priced at around $185 per person and includes Edge admission. More details on this below.
A $2 processing fee is added to all tickets. Tickets are generally non-refundable, though Edge offers a Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee that lets you rebook or receive a 20% discount at the bar if bad weather affects your visit.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When we reached Edge on a clear afternoon, the experience started well before we even got to the top. After going through security on Level 4 which includes bag checks similar to airport-style screening you enter a short multimedia experience that tells the story of Hudson Yards and the engineering behind the building. It is genuinely interesting and sets the mood nicely.
The elevator ride up to Level 100 takes about 52 seconds. It is a fast and smooth ride. When the doors open and you step out, the views hit you immediately. The indoor level has floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides, offering 360-degree panoramic skyline views of Manhattan. From here you can already see the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Hudson River stretching out to the west.
Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for a relaxed visit. If you want drinks at the champagne bar or plan to spend time at Peak restaurant, budget more time. Weekends and sunset slots are the busiest, so expect more people during those windows. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter and more relaxed for photos.
Things to Do at Edge NYC
The Sky Deck
The main attraction at Edge is the outdoor sky deck on the 100th floor. This is where the building juts out over Hudson Yards, surrounded by angled glass walls that lean outward. The sensation of standing on the open-air platform with the city spread out below is genuinely hard to describe. The views stretch in every direction east toward Midtown, north toward Central Park, west across the Hudson River to New Jersey, and south toward Lower Manhattan and the harbor. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
Glass Floor
One of the most talked-about features at Edge is the glass floor. A section of the outdoor deck is made from thick tempered glass, and when you step onto it, you are looking straight down 100 floors to the streets below. My friends experienced a mix of wonder and pure fear the first time they stepped onto it. The glass is strong engineered to hold significant weight but knowing that does not make it feel any less intense. Most people do a quick shuffle across and then cannot stop laughing at themselves.
Skyline Steps
The Skyline Steps are a series of tiered outdoor steps that rise above the main deck level, giving you progressively higher views of the Manhattan skyline as you climb. They are one of the best photo spots on the entire platform. The angle from the top of the steps looking toward Midtown is spectacular, and because they are elevated, you get a slightly different perspective than you do from the flat deck below.
The Eastern Point
The Eastern Point is the far tip of the triangular platform, where the building juts out furthest over the streets below. Standing here gives you an unobstructed view to the east, with the entire Manhattan skyline laid out in front of you. This is one of the most dramatic spots on the deck for photos and for simply taking in the scale of the city. On a clear day, you can trace the skyline all the way from Midtown down to the Financial District.
Champagne Bar
The champagne bar at Edge is located on the outdoor platform and offers one of the most unique drinking experiences in New York City. Sipping champagne at 1,100 feet with nothing but open air and skyline views around you is the kind of moment that stays with you. The bar serves champagne by the glass as well as other beverages. If you did not book the champagne ticket package, you can still purchase drinks at the bar during your visit.
The 101st Floor
Above the main 100th-floor deck is the 101st floor, which offers a slightly elevated indoor viewing area. The views from here are excellent and the 101st floor tends to be a bit less crowded than the main deck. It is also where you will find Peak, the signature restaurant.
Peak Restaurant
Peak is a full-service restaurant located on the 101st floor of 30 Hudson Yards, offering indoor dining with sky-high views of the city. The menu focuses on modern American cuisine and the setting is exceptional. It is one of the most elevated dining experiences literally and figuratively in New York City. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekend visits. Note that a separate restaurant reservation is required; Edge admission alone does not include access to Peak for a meal.
Best Photo Spots at Edge NYC
Edge is one of the best places in New York City for skyline photography. Here are the spots that consistently deliver the best shots.
Top of the Skyline Steps
The top of the Skyline Steps gives you a wide, elevated view of the Manhattan skyline with the glass deck and railing in the foreground. This is a classic Edge shot that frames the city perfectly. Early morning light from the east makes this spot particularly beautiful.
Midway on the Skyline Steps
Halfway up the steps, you can get a slightly lower angle that shows more of the platform itself along with the skyline. This is a good position for wider shots that include more of the Edge structure in the frame.
On the Glass Floor
Standing or crouching on the glass floor creates a striking photo that shows the city streets far below beneath your feet. It takes some nerve, but the result is one of the most unique images you will take anywhere in New York City. Have a friend take the shot from slightly above for the best perspective.
The Eastern Point
Standing at the very tip of the Eastern Point and shooting back toward the building gives you a shot that includes the skyline wrapping around you on both sides. It feels like the bow of a ship sailing through Manhattan. This angle also captures the angled glass walls of the deck beautifully.
The 101st Floor
From the indoor 101st floor, you can shoot through the large windows to get a frame-within-a-frame effect on the skyline. The glass creates a slightly different quality of light than the outdoor platform, which can be interesting at sunset or at night when the city lights reflect off the window.
Best Time to Visit Edge NYC
The best time to visit Edge NYC depends on what you want to experience.
For clear panoramic views and the most comfortable conditions, aim for a clear weekday morning. The deck is less crowded, the light is crisp, and you can take your time without feeling rushed.
For sunset and city lights, the golden hour just before sunset is stunning from Edge. The warm light hits the Midtown skyline perfectly, and as the sky darkens, the city lights begin to glow. Sunset tickets sell out well in advance, especially on weekends, so book early.
For avoiding crowds, weekday mornings and a few hours before closing tend to be the quietest. Avoid weekends and public holidays if you want more space on the deck.
Seasonally, fall and winter days with clear skies often have the best visibility. Summer visits are popular and busier. Winter visits can be cold and windy on the open deck, so dress accordingly.
What Happens if the Weather Is Bad?
Edge stays open during most weather conditions, including rain. The indoor level and enclosed areas of the deck are accessible regardless of conditions. However, the outdoor sky deck may be closed during extreme weather such as high winds, lightning, or severe storms at the sole discretion of Edge management.
If the outdoor deck is closed or conditions significantly impact your experience, Edge offers its Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee. You have two options: a 20% discount voucher at the Edge bar to use on the day of your visit, or the ability to rebook your ticket for a different date. Staff members will assist you with this process when you arrive.
One practical tip: always check the weather forecast before heading to Edge, especially if seeing the outdoor deck is the main reason for your visit. A clear day makes all the difference.
Edge NYC Stats
Edge is not just impressive to visit the numbers behind it are genuinely staggering. Here are some key facts:
Height: 1,131 feet above street level (outdoor sky deck). The City Climb summit reaches over 1,200 feet.
Floor: The outdoor observation deck sits on the 100th floor. Peak restaurant and an indoor viewing area are on the 101st floor.
Highest outdoor sky deck: Edge holds the title of the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.
Platform design: The triangular platform extends 80 feet beyond the face of the building.
Glass floor: The glass panels are eight inches thick tempered and laminated to hold significant weight safely.
Elevator speed: The high-speed elevators travel from Level 4 to Level 100 in approximately 52 seconds.
Building: 30 Hudson Yards, one of the tallest buildings in New York City and the second tallest in the Western Hemisphere.
City Climb NYC
The City Climb Experience
City Climb is an outdoor building ascent that takes place above the Edge sky deck. It is the highest open-air building climb in the world, reaching over 1,200 feet above the streets of Manhattan. You scale the exterior of 30 Hudson Yards via a 45-degree angled staircase, guided by trained staff, until you reach the very crown of the building. The experience takes between 75 and 90 minutes from check-in to completion.
The climb is divided into three main sections The Cliff, The Stair, and The Apex each progressively more exposed and more exhilarating. You climb in small groups, but the leaning-out moment at the top is done individually. Friends and family can watch from the Edge deck below, which is a nice touch.
I spoke with someone who did City Climb on a clear autumn evening and their description was simple: nothing could prepare you for the feeling of leaning out over Manhattan at that height. It is not for everyone, but for those who want an adrenaline rooftop experience unlike anything else in the city, this is it.
Ticket Price
City Climb tickets are priced at approximately $185 per person, including taxes. This price also includes access to the Edge observation deck. Tickets are non-refundable. There is no waiting area at Edge for City Climb participants, so arrive on time for your scheduled slot. You can purchase tickets directly through the Edge NYC website.
Age, Weight & Other Restrictions
Before booking, make sure you meet all the requirements. City Climb is not a standard tourist attraction — it is a physically demanding outdoor experience with strict safety rules.
Age: Participants must be 13 years or older. Those aged 13 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Height: Between 4 feet 9 inches and 6 feet 7 inches.
Weight: Minimum 65 lbs and maximum 310 lbs (140 kg).
Health conditions: City Climb is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant, has a heart condition, suffers from vertigo or motion sickness, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Breathalyzer: All participants must pass a breathalyzer test with a BAC under 0.080 before the climb begins.
Personal cameras are not allowed. Photos and video are taken by City Climb staff and are available for purchase after your experience, or included with certain combo packages.
Getting Geared Up
Before the climb begins, you are taken to Basecamp on the 100th floor. Here, you store all your personal belongings including jewelry, watches, and bags in a locker. You are then fitted with a climb suit and a harness. Staff members check your harness multiple times before you exit the building. The suit is provided for you just wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing underneath and make sure you have closed-toe shoes. The preparation and briefing process takes approximately one hour.
The Cliff
The Cliff is the first exposed section of the climb, where you step out onto a platform at the edge of the building and lean out over the city for the first time. This is the moment when the scale of the experience becomes real. The city drops away below you, the wind hits your face, and you get your first unobstructed look at Manhattan from high above. The guide talks you through what you are seeing and keeps the atmosphere calm and exciting.
The Stair
The Stair is the central section of City Climb a 45-degree angled staircase on the exterior of 30 Hudson Yards. You ascend step by step along the outside of the building, clipped to The Rail the entire way. The views expand as you climb. Looking out to the east you can see the full span of Manhattan. To the west, the Hudson River and New Jersey stretch into the distance. The physical effort is moderate it is stairs, not a vertical wall but the exposure is intense.
The Apex
The Apex is the summit of City Climb and the highest point any visitor can reach at 30 Hudson Yards. At over 1,200 feet, you are higher than anyone else in New York City. This is where each climber takes their turn leaning out over the edge, held only by the harness and The Rail, with nothing but air and Manhattan below. It is the defining moment of the entire experience. Many people describe it as one of the most memorable things they have ever done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edge NYC worth it?
Yes, Edge NYC is worth visiting, especially if you are in New York for the first time or want a different perspective from other observation decks. The glass floor, open platform, and views set it apart from Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, and the Empire State Building. Booking in advance and visiting on a clear day makes the experience significantly better.
How far in advance should I book Edge NYC tickets?
For general admission on a weekday, a few days ahead is usually enough. For sunset tickets or weekend visits, book at least one to two weeks in advance. Sunset slots sell out quickly, especially in spring and fall.
Can children visit Edge NYC?
Yes, there is no specific age minimum for the Edge observation deck. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For City Climb, the minimum age is 13, and those aged 13 to 17 must be with an adult.
How long should I plan for a visit to Edge NYC?
Allow at least one hour for a comfortable visit to the observation deck. If you want to dine at Peak or spend time at the champagne bar, plan for two hours or more. City Climb adds another 75 to 90 minutes.
What is the difference between Edge and City Climb?
Edge is the observation deck on the 100th floor an indoor and outdoor platform with panoramic skyline views, glass floor, and champagne bar. City Climb is the outdoor building ascent above Edge, reaching over 1,200 feet. You can do Edge without doing City Climb, but City Climb always includes access to Edge.
Is Edge NYC the tallest observation deck in the world?
Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. It is not the tallest in the world, but it is the highest of its kind in this half of the globe.
What should I wear to Edge NYC?
Dress for the weather, especially if you plan to spend time on the outdoor deck. Wind at that height can make it feel significantly colder than street level. Flat, non-slip shoes are recommended for the glass floor and Skyline Steps. For City Climb, comfortable layered clothing and closed-toe shoes are required.
Can I visit Edge NYC on a rainy day?
Yes. The indoor level remains open in most weather. The outdoor deck may be closed during extreme weather, but Edge offers a weather guarantee that allows you to rebook or receive a partial discount if conditions significantly affect your visit.
Conclusion
Whether you are after panoramic skyline views, a glass of champagne at 1,100 feet, or the most intense adrenaline rooftop experience of your life via City Climb, Edge NYC delivers on every level. It stands apart from every other observation deck in the city not just because of its height, but because of the way it puts you right out into the open air above Manhattan. Book your tickets in advance, pick a clear day, and bring your camera. You will not regret it.