30 Hudson Yards – The Sixth-Tallest Building in New York City
The sixth tallest building in New York City is 30 Hudson Yards. Part of the larger Hudson Yards development, the area is a super-luxe shopping, dining, and activity hub.
The Bare Essentials: 30 Hudson Yards
David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) designed 30 Hudson Yards. If the name rings a bell it’s because Childs and SOM were responsible for One WTC.
Standing at an impressive 1,295 feet, 30 Hudson Yards was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox with 103 floors, 2.6 million square feet and 50 elevators,
The building sits on Manhattan’s West side near Chelsea, Penn Station and the Javits Center. It is part of the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project that revitalized the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s West Side Yard.
Filled with different companies, the building includes the global headquarters of WarnerMedia. It has a large space with amenities ranging from a cafeteria and fitness center, and a two-level auditorium with an outdoor deck.
The Edge Observation Deck
Although an office building, 30 Hudson Yards includes one-of-a-kind visitor experiences.
The Edge is a 1,000-foot-tall outdoor observation deck. It’s the tallest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere and the city’s second-highest observation platform after One World Observatory.
The cantilevered deck juts out from the 100th floor, offering a transparent surface. Views are to the south and east of Manhattan. In clear weather, you can see the surrounding boroughs and across the Hudson River, 80 miles into New Jersey.
Edge tickets start at $38.00.
The Edge At 30 Hudson Yards vs. One World Observatory
Both buildings offer stunning views of the city. It’s hard to say which one is best. Comparing the observation decks would be like comparing your favorite ice cream flavors, they may taste different, but they all taste great.
The observation decks are on a high floor or the roof of the building. Meanwhile, the Edge is a triangle that sticks out from the main building.
Bonus Thrills
Nine-foot-tall clear glass surrounds the outdoor observation deck. It slants outward by 6.6 degrees so visitors can lean into it and view the street below. The edge also has a large glass triangle in the floor that’s 225 square feet so you can peer downward.
Edge City Climb
City Climb allows visitors to go up a 45-degree angled staircase on the outside of the skyscraper at 1,200 feet. It’s dubbed the “highest open-air building ascent in the world.”
Participating in the $185 activity means taking some special precautions. A presentation on safety protocols includes a Breathalyzer test. Visitors then don a blue body suit so that nothing can fall off of their bodies. All climbers wear special safety harnesses.
The Sky High Bar
At 1,149 feet high, the 101st floor has the Peak bar with breathtaking views. David Rockwell designed the space that has a grey marble bar and a lounge that seats up to 60 people.
There’s plenty to choose from with 1,400 bottles of wine and a list of 300 high-end spirits. The food is luxurious too, with items like shrimp, caviar and oysters.
30 Hudson Yards Restaurant
30 Hudson Yards is home to a José Andrés–backed Spanish food hall, Asian-inspired Wild Ink, Greek restaurant Estiatorio Milos, and more.
The Vessel
The 16-story modern landmark is a unique part of the redevelopment area. Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio designed the spiral staircase. It is made of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs. These total almost 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings.
Since June 2021, the Vessel has remained closed after a teenager committed suicide by jumping from the building. The structure has grappled with suicide attempts over the past decade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Is 30 Hudson Yards NYC a residential skyscraper?
No, the supertall building is filled with offices. Warner Media has its global headquarters there and that includes HBO, CNN, and Warner Brothers.
Where is 30 Hudson Yards?
30 Hudson Yards is at 33rd Street and 10th Avenue. The address is 500 West 33rd Street, New York, NY.
What's the best time to visit The Edge?
For the best views and lighting, visit the Edge around sunset. You’ll also want to check the weather to ensure it will be clear.
How Far is City Climb at the Edge?
First, visitors climb 32 steps to reach The Cliff. Then, they go up The Stair, which has 161 steps that are at a 45-degree incline.
Is The Edge 30 Hudson Yards worth the money?
The Edge is not your typival observation deck. Being outdoors and not contained within the building, it is a one-of-a-kind experience in New York City.
Conclusion
30 Hudson Yards is far more than a tall office building. Between the restaurants, shopping, and sky-high thrills, it is a must-visit destination.