Is The Edge NYC worth it?

Is The Edge NYC worth it? Yes, absolutely—especially if it’s your first time in New York, you love skyline views, or you want exciting photos from a thrilling height. 

With its outdoor sky deck, glass floor, and stunning 360° views, The Edge offers a modern and unforgettable way to see the city. 

But if you’ve already visited other observatories, are on a tight budget, or don’t like heights, it may not feel as special. 

For a full breakdown of pros, cons, and how it compares to other decks, let’s dive into the details in this article.

The Edge Experience: What to Expect

The Edge is a sky-high observation deck in New York City, located on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards. 

It’s one of the highest outdoor sky decks in the Western Hemisphere and gives you amazing views of the city.

When you arrive, you enter through “The Shops at Hudson Yards” and take a super-fast elevator to the top in just 52 seconds. Once you step out, you’ll find yourself standing on a large, open-air platform with glass walls and angled glass floors that make you feel like you’re floating above the city!

On a clear day, you can see famous landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Hudson River, and even the Statue of Liberty. 

There’s also a Champagne Bar where you can sip a drink while enjoying the view. 

Visiting during sunset or sunrise makes the experience even more magical, with golden light and stunning colors.

Is it worth the price?

The Edge offers three main types of tickets:

• General Admission – starts from $39 and includes access to the outdoor sky deck.
  
• Flex Pass – starts from $73 and lets you visit at any time on the selected day (great if you’re unsure of your timing).
  
• Express Pass – starts from $98 and lets you skip all the lines, perfect if you’re in a hurry or visiting during busy hours.
  

Now, let’s break it down to see if it’s worth your money.

Pros:

• Breathtaking views: The Edge offers wide, clear views of New York City from the 100th floor. On a clear day, you can see the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Hudson River, and even the Statue of Liberty.
  
• Modern and exciting design: The glass floor makes it feel like you’re walking in the sky. The angled glass walls add a thrilling touch to your photos.
  
• Unique photo spots: It’s a photographer’s dream. Every angle gives you something Instagram-worthy.
  
• Less waiting time: Compared to the Empire State Building or Summit One, the lines at The Edge tend to move faster, especially with the Express Pass.
  

Cons:

• Extra charges: Want to visit at sunset? That costs more. Want a glass of champagne at the bar? That’s also extra. The total price can rise quickly.
  
• Weather matters: Since The Edge is outdoors, cloudy, rainy, or foggy weather can spoil the view. There’s no refund if the weather isn’t good.
  
• Crowded at sunset: Many people love to visit at sunset, so the deck can get packed during that time, making it harder to take photos or enjoy the view in peace.

Compared to other observation decks

New York City has a few famous observation decks, and each one offers a different experience. 

Here’s how The Edge compares to the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and Summit One Vanderbilt:

So, what makes The Edge special?

The Edge stands out with its outdoor glass floor, angled glass walls, and open-air design that truly makes you feel like you’re floating above New York City. It offers a mix of modern style, thrilling elements, and remarkable scenic views, creating a unique experience unlike any other observation deck. If you’re picking a spot based on adventure and jaw-dropping skyline views, The Edge is often the most exciting and memorable option.

Who will enjoy The Edge the most?

The Edge is a fun and exciting place that many different people will enjoy.

• First-time visitors to NYC will love it because it gives a perfect view of the city from above. It’s a great way to see all the famous buildings at once.
  
• Couples will enjoy the romantic views, especially during sunset. It’s a lovely spot to take photos together.
  
• Photographers will find amazing photo opportunities from every angle—day or night.
  
• Families with teens will enjoy the thrill of the glass floor and the cool experience of being so high up.
  
• Architecture lovers will appreciate the modern design of the building and the way the platform is built out into the sky.

If you enjoy great views, exciting experiences, and taking photos, The Edge is definitely for you!