Edge is an observation deck on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors of Hudson Yards in Manhattan

Edge opened in March 2020 at 30 Hudson Yards, a residential and office tower in the Hudson Yards development on the west side of Manhattan. The deck sits 1,131 feet above street level and occupies three floors of the building. Unlike other observation decks in New York City, Edge has an outdoor component: a cantilever platform that extends 65 feet beyond the building's edge on the 101st floor, with a glass floor and transparent railings.

The deck is open to the public year-round. Hours vary by season — typically 8 a.m. to midnight in summer and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. in winter, though these change and should be checked before you visit. The site is accessible by subway (A, C, or E train to 14th Street; then a walk through Hudson Yards) or by car to the parking garage beneath the complex.

Key Takeaways

  • Edge tickets cost between $38 and $48 per adult depending on the time of day and how far in advance you buy, with discounts for children, seniors, and New York State residents.
  • The outdoor cantilever platform on the 101st floor has a glass floor and is the main feature that distinguishes Edge from other observation decks in the city.
  • Tickets are timed entries; you choose a specific arrival window when you buy, and the deck typically allows 2 to 3 hours of access once you enter.
  • The deck closes during severe weather, and visibility can be poor on cloudy or rainy days, so checking the forecast before you go matters.
  • Food and beverages are available on-site at higher prices than street-level options, and outside food and drink are not permitted.

Ticket prices and how to buy them

Edge sells tickets online through its website and at the box office on the ground floor of 30 Hudson Yards. Online tickets are cheaper than walk-up tickets. Prices shift based on the time of day and the day of the week — peak times (typically late afternoon and evening on weekends) cost more than off-peak times (weekday mornings and early afternoons). As of 2024, adult peak tickets run around $48, while off-peak adult tickets are closer to $38. Children ages 6 to 12 and seniors 65 and older receive a discount, usually $10 to $15 off the adult price. Children under 6 are free.

New York State residents can purchase discounted tickets year-round with proof of residency (a driver's license or state ID). The discount is typically $5 to $10 off the standard price. Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more and should be arranged in advance through the Edge website or by phone.

Tickets are timed entries. When you buy, you select a specific arrival window — usually in 15-minute or 30-minute increments. Once you enter, you can stay for approximately 2 to 3 hours. There is no re-entry if you leave the deck.

What you see and how the three floors are organized

The 100th floor is the entry level. It holds the ticketing area, a coat check, and restrooms. This floor also has a small gift shop and the entrance to the food and beverage area. The 101st floor is the main observation level and the location of the outdoor cantilever platform — the feature most visitors come for. The platform extends 65 feet beyond the building's exterior wall and has a glass floor, so you can see straight down to the street. The railings are transparent, which maximizes the view but can be unsettling for people with a fear of heights.

The 102nd floor is the highest level and offers 360-degree views of the city, New Jersey, and on clear days, parts of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. This floor is entirely indoors and has large windows on all sides. Both the 101st and 102nd floors have interpretive displays that identify landmarks, neighborhoods, and geographic features visible from that vantage point.

On a clear day, you can see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, and the George Washington Bridge. Visibility depends entirely on weather and air quality. Cloudy, hazy, or rainy days significantly reduce how far you can see.

When to visit and weather considerations

Edge is open every day of the year except for occasional closures due to severe weather. High winds, lightning, or heavy snow can force temporary closure of the outdoor cantilever platform or the entire deck. The site posts closure notices on its website and social media accounts, usually with a few hours' notice.

Clear days with low humidity offer the best visibility. Early morning and late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and colors across the cityscape. Sunset visits are popular but cost more and require arriving well before dusk to account for the timed-entry system. Winter days are often clearer than summer days because humidity is lower, though the outdoor platform can be cold and windy. Spring and fall are generally good times to visit — mild weather and decent visibility without peak-season crowds.

Rainy or overcast days are not ideal for sightseeing, but the deck remains open unless conditions are severe. If you have flexibility, checking the weather forecast and rescheduling for a clearer day is worth considering, since the view is the primary reason to visit.

Food, beverages, and what you can bring

Edge operates a café and bar on the 100th floor called Ascent. It serves coffee, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as light food items like sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Prices are significantly higher than street-level restaurants — a coffee might cost $6 to $8, and a sandwich $15 to $20. Alcoholic beverages are available but subject to New York State law; you must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol.

Outside food and beverages are not permitted on the deck. You cannot bring your own coffee, snacks, or drinks from outside the building. This policy applies to all visitors. If you want to eat before or after your visit, Hudson Yards has numerous restaurants and food vendors in the complex below, and the surrounding neighborhood has additional options within a short walk.

Accessibility and facilities

Edge is accessible to visitors with mobility disabilities. The building has elevators that go directly to the 100th floor, and the observation decks themselves are wheelchair accessible. Accessible restrooms are located on the 100th floor. Service animals are permitted on the deck.

The outdoor cantilever platform on the 101st floor has a glass floor and transparent railings, which some visitors find disorienting or anxiety-inducing. If you have a fear of heights or vertigo, you can stay on the 102nd floor or in the interior portions of the 101st floor, which have solid flooring and views through windows. There is no separate route that avoids the cantilever entirely once you are on the 101st floor.

A coat check is available on the 100th floor for a small fee. Lockers are not available, so large bags should be checked or left behind. Photography and videography for personal use are permitted throughout the deck.

How Edge compares to other observation decks in New York City

New York City has three major observation decks open to the public: the Empire State Building (86th and 102nd floors), One World Trade Center's One World Observatory (100th, 101st, and 102nd floors), and Edge. All three offer 360-degree views of the city, but they differ in height, location, and features.

Edge is the highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere at 1,131 feet. The Empire State Building's 86th floor is at 1,050 feet, and One World Observatory's 100th floor is at 1,368 feet (making it slightly higher than Edge). Edge's distinguishing feature is the outdoor cantilever platform with the glass floor on the 101st floor — neither the Empire State Building nor One World Observatory has an equivalent outdoor component. One World Observatory has a larger footprint and more interior space. The Empire State Building is the oldest and most iconic of the three.

Ticket prices are comparable across all three, ranging from roughly $35 to $50 for adults depending on the time of day. All three use timed-entry systems. The choice between them often comes down to which view you prefer, whether you want an outdoor experience, and how crowded each deck is on the day you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy tickets at the door, or do I have to buy them online in advance?

You can buy tickets at the box office on the ground floor of 30 Hudson Yards, but online tickets are cheaper and allow you to choose your exact arrival time. Walk-up tickets are subject to availability and cost more. Buying online in advance is recommended, especially on weekends or during peak season.

Is the outdoor platform safe if I'm afraid of heights?

The cantilever platform is engineered to strict building codes and is safe. However, the glass floor and transparent railings are designed to create the sensation of being suspended in air, which can be distressing for people with acrophobia or vertigo. You can visit the 102nd floor and the interior sections of the 101st floor without stepping onto the cantilever.

What should I wear to Edge?

Wear comfortable shoes — you will be standing and walking on the observation decks. Dress for the weather outside, since the outdoor cantilever platform is exposed to wind and temperature. In winter, bring a coat and gloves. In summer, sunscreen and sunglasses are useful. The indoor portions of the deck are climate-controlled.

How long does a typical visit last?

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours on the deck. Your timed ticket allows approximately 2 to 3 hours of access once you enter. How long you stay depends on how many photos you take, whether you eat or drink on-site, and how crowded the deck is.

Can I visit Edge if I'm visiting from out of state?

Yes, Edge is open to all visitors. Out-of-state visitors pay the standard ticket price. Only New York State residents with proof of residency receive a discount. There are no restrictions based on where you live.