New York Edge: Tickets, Tips & Our Honest Review

What Is The Edge in New York?

The Edge is one of the highest observation decks in New York. It’s located in the Hudson Yards neighborhood and is known for its sleek, modern glass design.

This spectacular platform absolutely belongs on our list of the top New York attractions — and it’s a genuine must-see for every visitor.

The angular observation platform sits at 1,131 feet on the 100th floor of the skyscraper.

The standout feature of The Edge New York — beyond the breathtaking views — is the glass floor in a small section of the platform, through which you can look straight down at the streets of Manhattan below.

The Edge Tickets: Admission to the Observation Deck

To help you find the best Edge ticket for your trip, we’ll walk you through all your options, compare them side by side, and share our personal recommendation.

Where Is the Best Place to Buy Your The Edge Ticket?

The best way to get your New York Edge ticket is to buy it online in advance.

Buy Edge tickets through the official Edge ticket shop

Buy Edge tickets through GetYourGuide

Why? Because you’ll have a much more relaxed experience at The Edge, and picking a time slot at checkout makes it super easy to plan your sightseeing. On top of that, buying Edge tickets on the spot can come with a price premium due to high demand.

The official ticket shop carries all tickets available for The Edge New York. On GetYourGuide you’ll find the Standard Ticket, Flex and Express Tickets, as well as tickets for the City Climb and a great combination ticket. A comparison table is coming up next.

One important difference: the official ticket shop does not offer refunds after cancellation. GetYourGuide, on the other hand, allows cancellations up to 24 hours before your visit with a full refund — which is a real advantage if your plans might change.

If you prefer to be spontaneous and are willing to pay a few extra dollars, you can also buy a ticket with a time slot at an on-site kiosk.

What Types of The Edge Tickets Are There and How Much Do They Cost?

In these two tables you’ll find all standard tickets for the Edge NYC observation deck, the prices, and a link to the ticket shop.

New York Edge Tickets from the official provider

New York Edge Tickets from a third-party provider

When Are The Different The Edge Tickets Available?

The Standard Ticket and the Flex Ticket are generally always available. Only during peak season might it get tight for a completely spontaneous visit — and prices may go up then too. So it’s best to book online.

The Sunset Ticket is very limited. Book it several weeks before your trip to New York to avoid missing out.

The VIP Ticket with the Champagne Experience is very exclusive, but essentially always available, since very few visitors book it.

The tickets we recommend on GetYourGuide are all still very easy to get on short notice — for the same day or the next day at the latest.

Can You Visit the Edge New York Observation Deck Without Planning Ahead?

Yes, you can visit The Edge spontaneously. There are several ticket kiosks inside the building. That said, you may face longer wait times, since you’ll need to choose a time slot when purchasing your ticket.

If you want to visit The Edge on a whim, we recommend going early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the biggest crowds.

Is The Edge Included in a New York City Pass?

Yes, The Edge is included in two New York passes: the New York Pass and the New York Explorer Pass.

If you’re thinking about buying a city pass for New York, we recommend doing the math carefully and comparing all the passes to find the best deal for you.

Our pass comparison will help you with that:

Our Ticket Recommendation for New York Edge: Standard Ticket (GA)

For your visit to the Edge Hudson Yards observation deck, we recommend the Standard Ticket (General Admission). It’s the most affordable and most popular ticket for The Edge, and it gives you an unforgettable experience without any frills.

The Standard Ticket includes:

• Admission to the Edge observation deck at 1,100 feet with glass floor
• Access to the angled glass walls for unique photos
• 360° panoramic views of the New York City skyline
• Access to The Edge Bar

The price for the Standard Ticket is:

• Adults (ages 13–61): approx. $40–$45
• Children (ages 6–12): approx. $35–$38
• Children under 5: free
• Seniors (ages 62+): approx. $38–$42

Here’s where you can buy the Standard Ticket:

• Online through the official Edge ticket shop
• Online through GetYourGuide
• On-site at a ticket kiosk

When purchasing your ticket, you’ll select a fixed entry time that you’ll need to stick to. Once you’re there, you can upgrade your ticket if you’d like — for example, by adding the EdgeWalk. We’ll explain that in more detail below.

Getting There: How to Reach New York Edge

The Edge New York City is located in Hudson Yards — specifically at 30 Hudson Yards on the West Side of Manhattan.

The exact address is: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, USA
The Edge on Google Maps

There are several ways to get to The Edge. Here are our recommendations:

By New York City Subway

The 7 train is your best bet. Get off at the 34th Street – Hudson Yards station. From there, it’s only about a five-minute walk to The Edge.

Check out our tips for riding the subway in New York!

On Foot

If you’re already in Midtown, you can simply walk west toward Hudson Yards. From Times Square, it’s about 15 to 20 minutes on foot.

Edge New York Platform: What to Expect During Your Visit

So you can make the most of your time at The Edge, here’s a rundown of how your visit will go and what you need to know.

Edge New York Hours

The Edge observation deck in New York City is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Last admission is at 9:00 PM.

During peak season, extended hours from 8:00 AM to midnight are possible.

What Is the Best Time to Visit the Sky Deck Edge?

The best time to visit The Edge in New York depends on your preferences — whether you’d rather have a daytime view, catch the twilight, or see the city at night.

Fewer people are on the platform early in the morning and in the evening. In the morning, the air is clearer, offering even better and farther-reaching views.

That said, visiting at sunset is seriously beautiful — just be prepared for larger crowds at that time.

If you want to experience New York City’s sea of lights from above, The Edge is absolutely worth it after dark too. Keep in mind, though, that you won’t be able to spot as many details as you would during the day.

Are There Different Entrances for Different Ticket Types?

The Edge New York has only one main entrance, which you’ll find in the Hudson Yards complex.

Once you’re inside and have your ticket with a time slot, head to the ticket and security checkpoint. From there, you’ll be directed accordingly based on the type of ticket you have.

Wait Times at The Edge New York

Wait times at The Edge depend on the time of day, the day of the week, and the season.

The longest wait times occur:

• on weekends
• on holidays
• during school vacation periods

During those times, wait times of 30 to 60 minutes are possible — even with a booked time slot.

The shortest wait times occur:

• on weekdays (Monday through Thursday)
• early in the morning
• in the evening (after sunset)

During those times, you’re looking at only five to 20 minutes.

Security at The Edge New York

Security screening at The Edge is similar to what you’d find at an airport or other major New York attractions.

You’ll need to pass through a security checkpoint with a metal detector, and your bag will be scanned and inspected.

The security check is generally quick and straightforward. As long as you’re not carrying any prohibited items, it usually takes just a few minutes.

What Can You Bring to the Observation Deck and What Is Not Allowed?

These items are NOT allowed on the Edge observation deck:

• Large bags, suitcases & bulky luggage
• Weapons & sharp objects (knives, scissors, pepper spray)
• Large pieces of luggage or suitcases
• Drones (not permitted in Hudson Yards)
• Selfie sticks & large camera tripods (small handheld cameras are allowed)
• Outside food & drinks (there is a café at the top)
• Large strollers (for New York in general, we recommend a travel stroller anyway)

These items ARE allowed on the Edge observation deck:

• Handbags & small backpacks
• Phones, cameras & small tripods
• Baby gear (e.g. small diaper bags, but no large strollers)
• Umbrellas (no large golf-style umbrellas)
• Medications & medical devices (e.g. insulin, asthma inhalers)

Is The Edge in New York Accessible?

Yes, The Edge in New York is fully accessible and easy to navigate for visitors with limited mobility.

There are accessible elevators from the entrance all the way up to the observation deck, and the entire platform is step-free, including the glass floor section.

Accessible restrooms are also available at The Edge New York.

How Much Time Should You Plan for the Edge Observation Deck?

Plan on spending about one to one and a half hours at the Edge observation deck.

The exact amount of time will depend on how long you want to stay up top to enjoy the views, take photos, and try out the various interactive features.

What Can You Do on the Edge Platform?

Not sure yet whether the Edge platform is right for you? These highlights might just convince you:

The View from The Edge New York

The view from The Edge is simply incredible. You get completely unobstructed views of New York City in every direction.

No matter which way you look, there’s something spectacular to see — from the Hudson River to Manhattan’s skyscrapers all the way to the East River. The panorama is so sweeping that you feel like you can take in the entire city all at once.

One top pick is of course the unforgettable view of the Empire State Building, along with a stunning look at Central Park.

Glass Floor Thrills

The glass floor is what makes the Edge observation deck so special. It’s made of strong, tempered glass designed to withstand extreme loads. You can stand on it and feel like you’re floating in mid-air. From here, you’re looking 1,100 feet straight down at the streets of New York.

Don’t worry though — the entire platform is not made of glass. Only a small section is. And that section is monitored by security to make sure not too many people are standing on it at once. It’s genuinely safe.

Fun fact: When you stand on the glass floor, you experience what’s known as the “swimming effect” — an optical illusion where you feel separated from the world above you and the ground below.

The Edge Multimedia Exhibition

The multimedia exhibition at The Edge is an interactive and immersive experience that gives you an even deeper appreciation of the city and its history.

Throughout the exhibition space, you can explore various virtual perspectives of the city and browse digital maps showing how New York has changed over time.

Various audiovisual elements — including sound effects, video walls, and projected images — create a really cool immersive environment.

Best of all, the exhibition is included with your Edge ticket. No additional admission required.

The Edge Restaurant & Bar

The Edge New York has two bars and a restaurant: the restaurant Peak and the Peak Lounge & Bar on the 101st floor, plus the Edge Bar on the 100th floor — right on the observation deck.

The Edge Bar offers a selection of cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. You can also grab snacks like sandwiches, wraps, and pastries.

Drinks range from $5 to $22, and snacks run $5 to $12.

The bar’s hours are tied to the observation deck’s opening hours.

For the restaurant Peak, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance. You can do so easily through the official website, where you’ll also find the menu.

The EdgeWalk

The EdgeWalk, also known as the City Climb, is a New York activity for adrenaline junkies. You walk along the outside of the building’s façade, secured by a harness and ropes. Literally on the edge.

To take part, you’ll need to book a tour. It lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and is organized in small groups. You can purchase your EdgeWalk ticket online in advance or on-site.

To do the EdgeWalk, you must be at least 14 years old and weigh a minimum of 88 pounds. Good physical fitness is also recommended to safely enjoy the experience.

Our Experience: Is New York Edge Worth It?

We showed up at The Edge New York City spontaneously at 9 in the morning. At that hour, a walk-up visit is still totally doable, and tickets at the kiosk are easy to get that early.

And an early start at a New York sightseeing spot also means fewer people — at least a little.

The visit kicks off with the multimedia exhibition, which takes you on a fascinating journey through the history of Hudson Yards and the Edge observation deck. It’s genuinely captivating to learn all the background before heading up to the platform.

So, now a bit wiser than before, we stepped into the elevator and shot up 1,100 feet into the New York sky in 60 seconds, arriving at the observation deck.

The entire platform has both an indoor and an outdoor section. Inside, the floor-to-ceiling glass walls give you a 360-degree panoramic view of New York.

But the real highlight is of course the terrace. It’s triangular, and its pointed outer tip extends 65 feet out from the building. All around you, there’s nothing but sky and a seemingly endless expanse. The massive city suddenly looks tiny.

But don’t worry! The platform is surrounded by nine-foot-high glass walls, which give you a sense of security without taking away from the thrill.

And speaking of thrills: you’ll get plenty at the center of the platform. That’s where the glass floor is, and you look straight down 99 stories. Absolutely incredible!

We were also blown away by the unobstructed view of the Empire State Building. The sight was so impressive that we suddenly weren’t sure we still needed to go up there — maybe the view from here was already enough for us.

The Edge truly is the most exciting observation deck in New York and an absolute must if you want to experience the city from a completely new perspective.

From the very first moment until we were back on solid ground, it was a one-of-a-kind experience we definitely won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

The Neighborhood: Combining The Edge with Other New York Highlights

The Edge New York City is located in the heart of Hudson Yards, one of the newest and most modern neighborhoods in New York City. The area is a mix of gleaming skyscrapers, upscale shopping, art installations, and high-end restaurants.

That means you can easily combine your visit to the observation deck with a stroll through the surrounding neighborhood.

These points of interest are close to The Edge:

• The Vessel: a massive, climbable art installation with a spiral structure made of staircases
• The Shed: a stunning building that hosts regular art exhibitions — currently vacant, unfortunately
• High Line: one of New York’s most beautiful parks, built on a former elevated rail line right next to Hudson Yards
• Chelsea Market: a hip food market with restaurants, boutiques, and artisan shops
• Pier 57: a historic pier on the Hudson River that has been transformed into a modern cultural & food destination
• Little Island: a floating island with green hills and small performance stages

The Edge New York Area on the Map

To give you a good overview for your sightseeing, we’ve marked The Edge and the surrounding highlights on a map.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Edge New York