Hudson Yards

The basics

Hudson Yards is a 14-acre (5.6-hectare) development that includes upscale apartments, hotels, shopping areas, restaurants, and entertainment. Visit to enjoy a large range of activities and attractions, from high-end shops like Cartier and Fendi to restaurants serving casual Spanish cuisine or artisanal coffee. Hudson Yard tours typically visit the High Line, the Vessel, and the Edge observation deck.

Things to know before you go

• Wear comfy shoes; the complex is big, and you can expect to do a bit of walking, particularly if you plan to hike up and down the 2,500 steps in the Vessel.

• Hudson Yards includes a family-friendly play area and café called Camp.

• The Hudson Yards—including Vessel, the Edge, and the Shed—is wheelchair accessible.

• While there’s no need to book Hudson Yards tickets, you do need free tickets to climb the Vessel.

• The Edge is the highest observation deck in the western hemisphere, with top views of the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.

How to get there

Hudson Yards is located between the West Side Highway and 10th Avenue and runs from 30th street up to 34th Street. The site is well connected to NYC public transit: Taking the 7 train to the 34th Street-Hudson Yards station is the easiest route. From the east side, transfer to the 7 at Grand Central Station or take a cross-town bus across 34th Street. You can also take a ferry to the West 39th Street terminal or reach the site from New Jersey via the Lincoln Tunnel.

When to get there

Hudson Yards includes apartments, offices, and other types of buildings, and the various shops, restaurants, and attractions set their own hours. Though there's no bad time to visit, this West Side destination offers enviable sunset views. You can book free tickets to climb the Vessel to admire the sunset on the Hudson River, or try for coveted evening tickets to the Edge observation deck. The area is particularly busy on weekends and during the busy summer tourist season.

Art on Manhattan’s West Side

The West Side has long been one of NYC’s art hubs. After visiting Hudson Yards to see the Vessel, take in some of the area’s other destinations: Take a walk along the High Line to enjoy a variety of public art; wander through the hundreds of galleries in Chelsea; or head south to the Meatpacking District, to the lauded Whitney Museum of American Art (The Whitney).

Do you have to pay for Hudson Yards?

No. The neighborhood known as Hudson Yards is free to enter, as are its stores, shops, bars, eateries, and the High Line public park. But you’ll need to pay to enjoy many Hudson Yard attractions such as City Climb, Edge, and most exhibitions and events at The Shed.

Is it worth visiting Hudson Yards?

Whether it’s worth visiting Hudson Yards depends on how much time you have in NYC and what your interests are. First-time weekenders will probably want to stick with bigger ticket attractions. Photographers, on the other hand, won’t want to miss Edge, while shoppers will find retail therapy aplenty.

Is parking free at Hudson Yards?

No. Parking is not free for everyday visitors to Hudson Yards. But travelers who choose to come by car can save money with discount codes for some nearby parking garages. Most NYC locals find taking the subway to be more convenient than self-driving to this Midtown Manhattan location.

What is the best time to visit Hudson Yards?

The best time to visit Hudson Yards depends on what you want to do there. Sunset is a signature time for capturing panoramic photos from Edge. Foodies will find early evening more atmospheric than lunchtime. Shops are generally less busy in the mornings and afternoons (outside the office lunch break).

How long does it take to walk around Hudson Yards?

With 14 acres (6 hectares) of public space plus more than 100 shops and food and drink outlets, you could easily spend a full day exploring Hudson Yards. Guided tours usually take an hour or more, but time-pressed travelers can stroll past the main highlights in about 20 minutes.

What should you not miss at Hudson Yards?

Although Vessel remains closed to visitors, this 150-foot (46-meter) beehive-like structure is a photo op worth having—as are the shots from Edge, the 1,100-foot (340-meter) observation deck. The Shops mall features over 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) of retail heaven, while you can also walk the High Line public park.

Ways to explore

Those seeking high-end shopping will find everything from Cartier to Fendi, while hungry visitors can enjoy artisan cafés and eateries from well-known chefs such as José Andrés. The main attraction here is the Edge, the Western Hemisphere’s highest outdoor sky deck, which you can see via general admission, flex admission, or priority access. You can also book a Champagne or sunset VIP experience or, for the ultra-brave, a skyscraping adventure up the crown. The Vessel, too, is a ticketed attraction. Hudson Yards tours typically combine several landmarks, including the High Line, the Vessel, and the Edge observation deck.

Accessibility

This neighborhood is wheelchair accessible, including landmarks such as the Edge, the Shed, and Vessel. The Edge offers handheld devices with assistive listening and handheld captioning.

Age limits

There is no age limit to explore the neighborhood, though adults must accompany children under the age of 12 at the Edge and the Vessel. Only those aged 13 and up can do City Climb, and you must be 21 to participate in the Champagne experience.

What to pack

Water bottle, credit card (some cashless businesses)

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, layers

Not allowed

Individual landmarks have restrictions around smoking, large bags, skateboards, and more; check each attraction’s official website for details.

Amenities

Public transportation, public restrooms within the mall, gift shop

Address

Hudson Yards is located between the West Side Highway and 10th Avenue and runs from 30th Street to 34th Street. The site is well-connected to NYC public transit, and travel by subway is strongly recommended over driving.

Driving

If you drive here, be prepared for expensive parking garages and gridlock traffic. You can try your luck at street parking or park in one of the neighborhood garages, such as iPark on West 30th Street.

Public transportation

Take the subway (7 train) to the 34th Street–Hudson Yards station for the closest access to this neighborhood. Alternatively, take the crosstown bus along 34th Street or the ferry to the West 39th Street stop (about a 10-minute walk away).

Best times to visit

All the shops, restaurants, and attractions set their own hours, so plan your visit according to your preferences. Many Edge visitors book a timed ticket to coincide with the sunset.

Best days to visit

Hudson Yards is particularly busy on weekends and during the summer tourist season. To avoid the crowds, try to visit on a weekday.

Best months to visit

The spring (May and early June) and fall (September and October) offer warm, pleasant temperatures without the extremes of summer heat or winter chill.

Special events

Hudson Yards offers a wide range of special events that vary by season; check the online calendar for listings that include yoga classes, outdoor movie screenings, concerts, and puppet shows.