The Edge NYC Views

One of New York City's great attractions is called The Edge. And since March 2020 it offers the most breathtaking open-air views in the entire Western Hemisphere.

Cecilia Gaitán

Cecilia Gaitán

6 min read

The Edge NYC Views

Enjoying the best views of The Edge | ©Laura Peruchi

The New York skyline has a new (literal) vantage point called the Edge. Located at the west end of Manhattan, in the trendy Hudson Yards neighbourhood, this ultra-modern observatory offers privileged, panoramic views of the entire island.

Landmarks such as the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the World Trade Center and even the Statue of Liberty. And places like Central Park, the Hudson River, Downtown and New Jersey. All this and much more, from an outdoor terrace of 700m2.

If you want to live an experience marked by vertigo and amazement, you can't miss this viewpoint. You will have the chance to see New York from a bird's eye view and take away a souvenir of all its attractions. This is what you will see from its 345-metre height.

1. The Empire State Building, a legend

The Empire State Building| ©Hellotickets
The Empire State Building| ©Hellotickets

New York is full of attractions, but one of the crown jewels and a must-see in every photo is the Empire State Building. The city's other great landmark and the tallest in the world from 1931 to 1972.

While you have a coffee at the Edge and take in the panoramic views, you can observe this imposing Art Deco-style architectural masterpiece, 381 metres high and 102 floors. It is also one of the must-see sights in the Big Apple that I recommend you don't miss. You can easily get advance tickets at Hellotickets from just over 35 €.

Book your tickets for The Edge observatory without queuing up

2. A skyscraper to fall in love with, the Chrysler Building

The Chrysler at night, illuminated| ©Hellotickets
The Chrysler at night, illuminated| ©Hellotickets

It's a New Yorker's favourite and although it's not the tallest in the row, it steals the show in photos. The Chrysler Building 's exquisite Art Deco architecture stands out against the skyline and makes it a visual icon.

Built in 1931 and standing 319 metres tall, it enjoyed a year on the podium of the tallest skyscrapers. Unfortunately it is not possible to visit the inside, but from the terrace of The Edge, you can admire this marvellous construction by the architect William van Alen.

Book your tickets for The Edge observatory without queuing up

3. Ground Zero with One World Observatory

The One World Observatory| ©Hellotickets
The One World Observatory| ©Hellotickets

Ground Zero is one of the most exciting and impressive places in Manhattan. It was the site of the famous Twin Towers until they were destroyed by the terrorist attack of 11 September 2001. After this tragedy, it was decided to undertake reconstruction work to bring the area back to life, in honour of what happened.

From the 100th floor of The Edge you will be able to see another of the great New York observation decks of recent times, the One World Observatory. Inaugurated in 2014, initially under the name Freedom Tower, it is now one of the landmarks of the Big Apple.

And from its 100th floor, you'll also have an impressive panoramic view of the city. You can secure your ticket from €35 if you don't want to miss the skyline from another point of view.

Book your tickets to The Edge observatory without queuing up

4. The new Summit Observation Deck at One Vanderbilt

The new Summit| ©Hellotickets
The new Summit| ©Hellotickets

Also opening in 2020, the state-of-the-art Summit One Vanderbilt observation deck is part of the new construction that has revamped the skyscraper photo and which you can see from the terrace of The Edge.

It is located in the Grand Central area and is 427 metres high. Although its observation deck, The Summit, is not one of the highest in the city, it is the highest in the centre and a sensory experience. It has an interior terrace, balconies, glass lifts and a sort of box suspended in the air with views of Madison Avenue. One more experience worth adding to the list, right?

5. Downtown New York with the Financial District

Downtown as seen from The Edge| ©Hellotickets
Downtown as seen from The Edge| ©Hellotickets

If you decide to visit the Edge, you'll be able to fully appreciate the Lower Manhattan area and its mythical neighbourhoods such as the East Village, Lower East Side and the Financial District, as well as the essential Soho, Greenwich Village, Little Italy or Chinatown. Everything you're sure to see on foot, you'll also be able to enjoy from the air. The magic of Manhattan is in its streets, its diversity and its vibrant character wherever you go.

The 700 m2 outdoor terrace of the Edge Observatory will allow you to take home a souvenir of these dreamy panoramas of one of the most visited cities in the world.

6. Hudson Yards, a neighbourhood of luxury and modernity

Hudson Yards| ©Hellotickets
Hudson Yards| ©Hellotickets

The Edge is located in one of Manhattan's newest and hippest neighbourhoods, Hudson Yards. So the foreground views of all the buildings are worth it. This area was built from nothing, on a former train depot platform, and thanks to one of the most expensive private real estate investments in the United States.

If you have a little time to visit the observation deck, I recommend strolling through Hudson Yards and admiring the myriad of skyscrapers that coexist here. Hudson Yards is also directly connected to the High Line, a must-do if you're visiting the Big Apple.

I recommend walking through this park along the Hudson River, bordering the city and enjoying its landscapes and all the entertainment options you'll find along the way.

7. The Vessel

The Vessel| ©Hellotickets
The Vessel| ©Hellotickets

You'll see it from the 100th floor of the Edge and it will leave you speechless when you visit. The Vessel is already an icon of New York City. A most original and imposing work of art and architecture, ideal for photography lovers. Shaped like a beehive, vase, corset or whatever your creativity inspires you, The Vessel is a labyrinth of 2,500 steps and 16 floors that you can't miss when you go to Hudson Yards.

Keep in mind that it holds no more than 700 people at any one time, so make sure you get in beforehand (if you want to do so when you go up to The Edge).

Access is free at certain times of the day but if you want to avoid the queues or just want to make sure you get in, get your ticket online at The Vessel.

8. On a clear day, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty| ©Hellotickets
The Statue of Liberty| ©Hellotickets

One of the charms of The Edge observation deck is its proximity to the Hudson River. This allows us as visitors to appreciate the immense views of the metropolis, but also the scenery of the river and the city of New Jersey on the other side.

Also on the horizon, we will be able to see Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Both are must-see tourist attractions for which you can get tickets on Hellotickets and be assured of all the attractions that Manhattan has to offer.

9. Central Park

Central Park, a bird's eye view| ©Hellotickets
Central Park, a bird's eye view| ©Hellotickets

If we approach the northern point of the large outdoor terrace offered by The Edge, we will see the great green lung of Manhattan, Central Park, from the sky. One of the largest urban parks in the world, thanks to its 340 hectares. A symbol of New York and a place for strolling, rest, entertainment and distraction for tourists and locals alike.

Central Park has it all. Forest, lakes, waterfalls and even a Zoo. It is ideal for walking, cycling or hiring a carriage tour. The perfect plan to take a break from the vibrant routine of New York.

10. The Hudson and some of its bridges

The Hudson at sunset| ©Hellotickets
The Hudson at sunset| ©Hellotickets

One of the advantages of The Edge's location is its proximity to the Hudson River on the west bank. From the top of the observation deck you can watch the boats plying its waters and some of the most popular bridges connecting Manhattan Island to Brooklyn (such as the Williamsburg Bridge) and the rest of the city.

From here, if you go up at sunset, the Hudson will look like a mirror or a huge silver sea and will help you get a much better sense of the city's plan and its sheer size. To do this, take a look at my article on the Edge's opening hours and choose your favourite time of day to visit.