Edge — Attraction in New York

Visiting The Edge is not only about the view - and thank God for that!

I've been to four out of the five major NYC observatories, and while the views here weren't my personal favorite, I still had an incredible time! Yes, you absolutely get the 360-degree view as promised, but I felt somewhat detached from the city, some of the Hudson Yards skyscrapers partially blocked the view, and I could only see the ESB from the side, not the front. Even though these are my critical subjective observations that others might not share, I did have an amazing time up here!

The platform itself is intriguing with its triangular shape facing southeast, offering great views of Downtown Manhattan, Brooklyn, and part of Midtown. On a clear day you could even see both bridges - Verrazano Narrows and Washington Bridge.

Claiming to be the highest outdoor skydeck (336 meters above ground) in the Western Hemisphere, it's undoubtedly a tourist magnet. The platform features large glass panels that provide clear and obscured views of the city. The panels are even angled for a bit of an adrenalin experience! I also appreciated the staff's efforts to keep the glass clean, given how quickly such places tend to get dirty.

The edges can get crowded, with people queuing for pictures as they are quite Instagrammable spots. Speaking of crowds, I arrived in the late afternoon, and it was busy but not overly crowded. However, as sunset approached, the platform became a bustling place with hundreds of tourists, making it difficult to secure a spot near the glass panels. This is typical of any New York observatory experience though. I must say I was slightly disappointed with the glass floor view because it wasn't entirely transparent.

For me, this visit was about more than just the views; it was about the entire experience of being up there and witnessing the vibrant atmosphere of the place. It felt different, more lively, or social than any other platform I have ever been to, mainly because of the three bars located across the two floors, offering a variety of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beers, and champagne. Enjoying the sunset with a well-crafted cocktail elevated my whole experience (although it's not cheap, it's totally worth it). There's also a restaurant on the upper floor, but I'm not sure if reservations are required.

I appreciated the ample seating, especially around the triangular stairs leading to the upper floor. Even though they were usually full, I managed to find a seat and enjoy the view. The perspective from this spot, with people moving around the platform in the foreground and the dwarfed skyline of Downtown Manhattan was almost surreal!

Getting to the observatory is relatively straightforward, with access through the mall. Tickets can be purchased online (recommended) or from machines, but I managed to save nearly 50% on mine by using a third-party source, so a bit of research paid off. Even at full price, it's totally worth the visit. The security check was less strict than I anticipated (no bag scanning), so it didn't create any significant delays.

At the ground floor, there's a small exhibition about the building itself before you embark on the elevator ride to the 100th floor. The elevator ride was quite enjoyable; it felt incredibly smooth, and the only giveaway that we were ascending several floors per second was my popping ears. Going down took a bit longer, as many people wanted to leave after sunset. If you encounter long queues at the elevators on the lower floor, try the ones on the floor above, but be aware that the organization might not be optimal, and some people might try to jump the queue. There is a gift shop at the upper floor of the deck as well as at the ground lobby.

In total, I spent over two hours here, soaking in the city's atmosphere and enjoying a beautiful summer sunset with a drink in hand. It was a fantastic experience, although if you're seeking a spectacular view of the city, there might be better options. I visited on a Thursday in...

Stunning Views and Modern Design, But Pricey and Crowded

Visiting The Edge at Hudson Yards was an exciting experience, but it had its ups and downs.

Pros:

Incredible Views: The Edge offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of New York City. The observation deck is 1,100 feet above ground, and the glass-floor section gives a thrilling perspective of the streets below. The skyline views are unparalleled, and on a clear day, you can see for miles, including iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and even the Atlantic Ocean.

Sleek, Modern Design: The architecture of The Edge is impressive, with its sharp, angular design fitting perfectly into the futuristic feel of Hudson Yards. The outdoor sky deck, with its unique triangular shape, is a standout feature that sets it apart from other observatories in the city.

Interactive Experience: The Edge offers several interactive elements, including a multimedia exhibit that explains the construction and design of Hudson Yards. The digital experiences and touchpoints enhance the overall visit, especially for those interested in architecture and urban development.

Cons:

Expensive Admission: The ticket prices are quite high, especially if you opt for add-ons like the glass of champagne at the bar. While the views are stunning, the cost might be prohibitive for some, particularly when considering the additional fees for sunset or priority access tickets.

Crowded and Long Waits: Despite timed entry tickets, The Edge can get very crowded, especially during peak hours. This can make it difficult to fully enjoy the views or take photos without a crowd in the background. The wait times for elevators can also be long, adding to the overall crowded experience.

Commercial Atmosphere: Some visitors might find the experience a bit too commercialized. The gift shop, bar, and promotional aspects can detract from the experience for those looking for a more serene or less commercialized visit. The presence of a bar and lounge area, while a nice addition for some, might feel out of place in what is primarily an observation deck.

Overall: The Edge at Hudson Yards is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience New York City from a unique vantage point. The modern design and stunning views make it a standout among the city's observatories. However, the high cost and potential for crowds might be off-putting for some visitors. If you're willing to splurge and don't mind sharing the space with others, The Edge offers a memorable and visually...

TL;DR: Overpriced, understaffed, and overwhelmed. Despite its trendy status, Edge NYC delivers mediocre views with inexcusable wait times.

As someone who has visited all of New York's premier observation decks—One World Trade, Top of the Rock, and Empire State Building—I approached Edge NYC with high expectations that were, unfortunately, thoroughly unmet.

I reserved a sunset ticket for 7:10pm, paying a premium for the coveted golden hour views. Upon arrival (precisely on time), I was confronted with a queue reminiscent of product launch days—stretching far beyond what any reasonable visitor should expect. More troubling was the discovery that they were still processing visitors scheduled for 40 minutes earlier, indicating significant operational issues.

A courteous staff member—the sole bright spot in this experience—suggested I leave for dinner and return around 8:00pm to bypass the initial wait. I took this advice, sacrificing the sunset viewing I had specifically paid extra to enjoy.

Returning at 8:30pm, I was able to reach the entry checkpoint without waiting, only to discover this was merely the first of several bottlenecks. Another full hour passed before reaching the elevators to the 101st floor—an inexplicable delay for a venue that positions itself as a premium attraction.

The observation deck itself suffers from severe overcrowding, diminishing what could otherwise be a contemplative experience. Edge employs just two primary elevators for visitor transport—woefully inadequate for the volume they accommodate. The views, while certainly elevated, lack the commanding perspectives offered by Top of the Rock or One World Trade.

The descent proved equally frustrating, requiring another hour-long wait despite management's belated decision to open additional service elevators to address the congestion.

In summary, Edge NYC represents poor value for money and time. It's an overpriced, overhyped attraction offering mediocre views coupled with operational inefficiencies that suggest fundamental planning flaws. New York visitors would be better served by directing their time and resources toward the city's established observation decks, which deliver superior experiences without the excessive waiting times.

The management should stop overselling tickets knowing how much capacity they can handle at a...