EDGE – Highest viewpoint in the Western Hemisphere
Edge is the most incredible observatory in New York, with the highest deck in the entire Western Hemisphere, and a unique 360 degree view of NYC. On one side you have views of Downtown New York, including the famous Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, Verazzano Bridge, Staten Island, and New Jersey further west. To the east, far ahead is the Empire State Building, New Yorker Hotel, Madison Square Garden, and Brooklyn in the distance. To the north, you can see wonderful Central Park, the skyscrapers of mid-Manhattan including the Chrysler Building, the George Washington Bridge, and far in the distance is the Bronx.
In addition to all this view, right in the center of the deck is a glass floor (The Glass Floor) in the shape of triangles, where you can see the streets and tiny cars, 100 floors below your feet, giving the feeling of being floating. Unbelievable and terrifying at the same time.
Edge NYC is located on top of the 30 Hudson Yards building, known as Hudson Yards Mall. In just 60 seconds the elevator takes you from the 4th floor to the 100th floor. As the elevator starts to go up, a video shows the exterior of Hudson Yards which also starts to go up. It feels like you are floating in the sky and as you approach the 100th floor, the speed of the elevator changes slightly to give the effect that you are descending and reaching the ground, it's impressive!
This observatory is definitely a fantastic attraction, and can be visited any time of the year and any time of day (between 8am and midnight in summer)! I particularly recommend it first thing in the morning, or at sunset, which in my opinion is the most beautiful. A golden light reflects on the buildings of the island of Manhattan, the sky becomes wonderful with pink, yellow and orange tones, and the sun sets in New Jersey, giving a show of color and beauty!
Because of all these unique and incredible views, the Edge has become one of the most visited places in NYC.
