Views from The Edge

Perched high above Manhattan, The Edge gives you a unique view of New York City’s skyline.

As the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, it lets you take in the city’s famous landmarks, neighborhoods, and sights as far as 80 miles (129 km) away.

From spotting the Empire State Building during the day to enjoying Hudson Yards lit up for the holidays or watching the city glow at night, visiting The Edge is an experience you won’t forget.


Enhance your Edge experience


Views to expect from The Edge

What’s ahead

Iconic Landmarks to Spot from The Edge

Morning views from The Edge NYC

From The Edge you can take in the expansive views of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. 

The Empire State Building stands tall with its distinctive Art Deco design, while the Chrysler Building’s spire shines next to it. 

One World Observatory rises at Ground Zero, offering a striking presence on the skyline. Summit One Vanderbilt’s silhouette adds a modern touch to the view. 

On clear days, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are visible in the distance, with Central Park stretching across Manhattan like a green cover. 

Closer to Hudson Yards, the Vessel’s unique honeycomb structure stands out, and the Hudson River flows beneath the city’s bridges, including the Williamsburg Bridge linking Manhattan and Brooklyn

You can choose from three different ticket options to visit The Edge: the general admission ticket, Express Pass, and Flexi Pass.

Neighborhoods in Sight

Night views of the streets and neighborhoods surrounding Hudson Yards

The views from The Edge do not just stop with tall buildings, you can spot a few neighborhoods as well from the deck.

To the south, the Financial District stands out with its blend of historic skyscrapers and modern architecture, marking the heart of Wall Street. 

Nearby, the Lower East Side and East Village showcase their vibrant, artistic energy and rich cultural history. 

Soho’s cast-iron buildings and upscale boutiques are easily visible, as are the charming streets of Greenwich Village, known for its bohemian spirit, and Washington Square Park

Compare The Edge with other NYC observation decks!
New York City boasts five observation decks, each providing a unique perspective of the skyline. You can compare The Edge with other iconic decks like the Empire State Building, Summit One Vanderbilt, and One World Observatory to determine which view and atmosphere best suit your visit.

Day vs. Night – How the View Transforms

The Edge Day vs. Night view

The views from The Edge change dramatically throughout the day, offering unique experiences at different times. 

During the day, the city stretches out clearly, with landmarks like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty easily visible. 

The bright light highlights the architecture and activity below. As sunset approaches, the city is bathed in warm tones, and the skyline reflects the shifting colors. 

That’s why this is the best time to visit The Edge. 

The city lights gradually illuminate when night falls, creating a vibrant display that transforms the skyline into a glowing sea of lights. Each time of day offers a distinct and memorable perspective of New York City.

Seasonal Views and Special Light Displays

Empire State Building’s top lit up at night

During the holiday season, Hudson Yards transforms into a winter wonderland with over two million twinkling lights, 115 miles of string lights, and 725 decorated evergreen trees that goes on from late November to early January.

The Empire State Building, visible from The Edge, features a nightly light show, with its spire illuminated in various colors and effects for five minutes every hour between sunset and 2 pm.

Unique Angles and Photo Opportunities

A visitor leaning on a glass window at Eastern point of The Edge observation deck.
Image: Destinationlesstravel.com

The triangular glass-floored platform that extends 80 feet (24 mts) from the 100th floor provides a stunning vantage point at Eastern Point, where glass surrounds you on all sides. 

This photo spot can sometimes get too crowded, since tourists wait in lines to click pictures. 

For a fresh perspective, have someone capture your photo from the Skyline Steps for shots with the Empire State Building as your backdrop.

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Researched & Written by
Akshaya Rajkumar is a distinguished travel writer passionate about road trips, tourist attractions, and discovering local cuisines. Her travel ethos is rooted in the belief that the joy of a journey lies not just in the destination but in the experiences along the way. Her extensive travels have enriched her writing with authenticity and insightful commentary. Akshaya’s work captures the essence of each destination and serves as a valuable guide for those looking to discover new places. Her articles are a treasure trove of tips for locals and tourists, making her a trusted voice in the travel community. Favorite travel movie: Into The Wild. Next destination: Cape Town.