Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with new information.
The edge — the public observatory clings to the 100th floor of a glittering new skyscraper in New York City — opened to the public in March 2020. Just days after its grand launch, it was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Since reopening, Edge has become one of the most popular observatories in the city. It’s adding even more services to its line of experiences, including a new “skating in the sky” activity that will be available from mid-March and a permanent climbing experience that takes you even higher — in the harness.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, here’s what you need to know about Edge.
Edge observatory
From a height of more than 1,130 feet, the outdoor patio extends nearly 80 feet from the side of the building. On a clear day, it offers sweeping views of Manhattan, the Hudson River, and beyond, New Jersey and surrounding counties.
In a word, the observatory at One World Trade Center is taller, at 1,368 feet, but it’s inside — as is the top floor in the Empire State Building (1,250 feet). The outdoor observatory is on the 86th floor of that skyscraper, at 1,050 feet, about 80 feet from Edge. And from Edge, you can enjoy a pretty good view of both landmarks.
For visitors familiar with the observatory experience at One World Trade and the Empire State Building, a visit to Edge can feel familiar.
You’ll likely pass 20 Hudson Yards, one of the main entrances to the retail, dining and office complex across from Vessel, and head up to the fourth floor.
On your way to Edge after security, you’ll pass a series of multimedia rooms designed to distract from the feeling of being stuck in a row.
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There’s a photo opportunity (think: step and repeat, no red carpet) and informational display that describes the neighborhood’s groundbreaking engineering and clean energy initiatives. After all, the entire neighborhood is raised on a platform above the working tracks.
But your real purpose here is the outdoor observatory. An elevator takes you to the 100th floor in less than a minute, while a video shows how Hudson Yards turned from a series of blueprints and sketches into a working residential area.
A spacious interior, crafted by the Rockwell Group, features marbles and neutral metals that appear to change color as the light changes throughout the day. An impressive staircase with seemingly suspended steps takes you to the Peak restaurant on the 101st floor.
Or, you can stay on the 100th floor and head out to the Edge.
You’ll be immediately drawn to the 225-square-foot triangular glass panel on the floor.
Edge features large 9-foot glass panels that stick out at a slight angle, which adds to the platform’s fine, borderless experience. Out here, no metal stand can distort your view of the city. In fact, each of the 79 panes of glass is separated by an open border designed to give you a completely uninterrupted view — no glass, no glare, just the sky — and about Theoretically, a perfect photo with your smartphone camera.
(In practice, that didn’t really work for me; maybe iPhone photography techniques needs some work.) But with the naked eye, I can confirm that, without any reflections or barriers, the view is breathtaking.
At the easternmost point, visitors can lean back against the horizon. It is designed so that only one person can stand in the corner at a time, making it perfect for photography.
The wind can really blow outside at the Edge — you can feel how high you are because there’s nothing else to block the airflow. However, when you go up the grandstand-style stairs (probably the tallest in the hemisphere), the building itself blocks the wind and you can enjoy an almost quiet, peaceful moment. Well, except for those who inevitably share space and take selfies around you.
Admittedly, I am a sucker for this type of attraction. Whenever I visit a city for the first time, I immediately go the highest point possible. It’s a great way to get a land — and an even better way to get it amazing aerial photos of a city.
But Edge really wows you as you walk through the revolving glass doors. Maybe it’s because you got a blast of wind in your face. Or, it could be a near-glare and reflective view. Plus, with its glass floors and angled walls, Edge is a light suspenseful recreation.
But travelers craving more thrills can climb even higher by literally scaling the skyscraper’s exterior.
Climb the city
In November 2021, Edge launches City Climb, a way for daredevils to climb to an even higher point on a glass tower. It is considered the tallest outdoor building on Earth. Participants can wear blue overalls, follow a series of harness checks and safety instructions, and climb 45-degree stairs before leaning out of the building and waving at observers on the observatory below.
From putting on the jumpsuit and harness, climbing the stairs, and learning to let go and lean towards Manhattan, the whole experience took about 2 hours. It’s not a cheap way to spend an afternoon, but it comes with serious bragging rights about conquering the most adventurous observatory experience in the city.
Most recently, in January of this year, Edge announced a seasonal 1,024-square-foot ice rink that, in keeping with the observatory’s preference for superlatives, is the tallest ice rink in New City. York. From now until March 14, you can skate to see the skyline, and on Thursday and Friday nights there will even be a live DJ spinning the beats while you dance on the ice.
Hours and admission
General adult admission for Edge starts at $40 if you book the date and time of your visit online. Tickets for children 6 to 12 years old start at $35, while senior tickets start at $38.
The Flexible Pass must still be reserved for a specific date, but allows Edge visitors at any time. Adults, children and seniors will each need to budget an additional $20 each for flexibility.
Admission to the City Climb is $185 and participants must be 13 years of age or older (adults 18 years of age and older must be accompanied by any minors). The City Climb ticket includes access to the Edge, plus a medal (to brag about, of course) and a video recording of your climb.
For visitors who want to put on their skates before (or after) the sights, Sky Skate charges an extra $10 in addition to standard access to the Edge ($50 for adults, including 30 minutes on the rink and rentals) skating shoes).
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Although Edge continues to grow, it is no longer the newest observatory in New York City. No, that distinction belongs to Important conferenceopening in Midtown above Grand Central in October 2021.
Additional reporting by Laura Itzkowitz.
