Hudson Yards is a new neighbourhood in Manhattan. Located between Hell's Kitchen and Chelsea, east of Midtown, it has quickly become one of the most attractive areas in New York. Although it is mostly home to skyscrapers, there are also several tourist attractions that are definitely worth discovering! In this post, I'll give you a tour of the best places in Hudson Yards 😊
The Edge observation platform
New York City already had several iconic observatories, such as the Empire State Building’s own, the Rockefeller Center's Top of the Rock, and the One World Trade Center. In 2020, a new observation platform opened in the Hudson Yards neighbourhood. The Edge offers brand new and ever more impressive views of New York, thanks in particular to its glass platforms.
Located between the 100th and 103rd (and last) floors of a 395 metre high tower, The Edge offers a unique 360 degree view of Manhattan. The main platform is located on a large terrace on the 100th floor of the building. It is bordered by glass walls that slope outwards, allowing people to lean over the void and offering a truly impressive view – and sensation 😁
On the floor in the centre of the terrace is a glass platform through which one can see the city, more than 300 metres below.
And for those for whom all this is not enough, know that it is possible to continue your visit with the City Climb experience, which will allow you to walk along the façade of The Edge to reach a small platform 387 metres high.
The High Line
The High Line is a former elevated railway that was completely transformed into a suspended park. And not just any park – it is now probably the most popular walkway in New York, nothing less!
The High Line stretches for about 2.3 km along the bank of the Hudson River, and passes through several neighbourhoods, including the Meatpacking District, Chelsea and of course Hudson Yards at the end. From it, it is possible to enjoy beautiful views of Manhattan, the docks and the New Jersey shoreline, but also to sunbathe and relax on a bench, and even enjoy a variety of activities (visits to temporary exhibitions, yoga classes...).
Take a guided tour of Hudson Yards and Chelsea 🚶♀️
If you want to discover this new part of Midtown Manhattan without missing anything, I recommend taking a guided tour. Following a local guide, you will walk along the High Line for a dive into the history of this part of Manhattan, all while enjoying beautiful views of the city and of the biggest attractions of Chelsea and Hudson Yards, such as The Shed and The Vessel. As an option, you can add to this tour by accessing The Edge observation deck, to enjoy one of the most impressive views of New York.
The Vessel
This architectural marvel has quickly become a major attraction in New York City and a symbol of this new neighbourhood in full transformation. The Vessel is a monument, a work of art and an observatory all in one. Opened in 2019, this building imagined and designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick is quite difficult to describe. Its shape though, with its honeycomb structure, is reminiscent of a honeycomb. It rises 16 storeys, almost 50 metres high.
The Vessel is actually a huge set of interlocking staircases and landings that open outwards, allowing one to admire the city from different angles and heights. But it is also the play of perspective on the building's interior structure that makes this experience so amazing.
You may have seen a photo of The Vessel and thought it was not a must-see, but it is! Once there, you will understand why this monument attracts so many visitors, and much like them, you will want to take a picture of it to immortalise the moment 📸
The Shed
The Shed is the major cultural centre that opened in Hudson Yards in 2019. It is a museum, art gallery, performance and concert venue, as well as an architecturally striking building. Located just off The Vessel and the High Line, this futuristic building is striking in its shape and moving glass structure – which is able to slide to double its size.
In this multi-disciplinary centre, many disciplines and arts are featured, so as to offer a varied offer for all types of audiences. One of the aims of the centre is to provide exhibition space for young artists and to showcase lesser-known art forms.
Shopping in Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards has quickly become one of the best places to shop in Manhattan. The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards is a luxury shopping mall, a stone's throw from the High Line and The Vessel. It also serves as the gateway to The Edge observatory.
This ultra-modern shopping mall is home to over 100 shops and numerous restaurants spread over 7 floors. You will find boutiques of the most famous brands such as Dior, Cartier, H & M, Kenzo, Levi's and Louis Vuitton, as well as cafés, tea rooms and restaurants serving cuisines of various styles and origins.
Have you booked your activities in New York? 🗽
If you're looking for activities to make the best of your stay in New York City, you’ll be spoilt for choice! 😁 Between visiting the iconic buildings, sensational activities like a helicopter flight over New York, New York museums and guided tours – you definitely won't have time to get bored if you're wondering what to do in New York!
However, remember to book your activities beforehand so you don't end up missing anything 😉
How to get to Hudson Yards?
Hudson Yards is a small, central Manhattan neighbourhood that is easily accessible by underground. It is located along the banks of the Hudson River, near Pier 66.
The nearest station is 34th Street – Penn Station, which is served by the New York underground lines 1, 2 and 3.
This is the end of this article! I hope you've enjoyed it and that it did make you want to visit the Hudson Yards area 😄
0 Comments