See New York City from the tallest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere

Offering spine-tingling views of one of the world's most famous skylines, New York's Edge observation deck is now open, taking visitors more than 1000 feet above the city's streets.

Billed as the tallest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere (the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world's tallest) and rising 1131 feet above ground on 100th floor of Hudson Yards, Edge officially opened to the public on 11 March 2020. At 81 feet taller than the Empire State Building, it provides 360-degree, 80-mile views of the Manhattan skyline, western New Jersey, and New York State, with nothing but glass-paneled walls between you and the streets below.

A mere 52-second elevator ride takes you to the main attraction: the 7,500-square-foot outdoor viewing deck, a wind-swept platform extending nearly 80 feet out into thin air, complete with a 225-square-foot glass insert that allows you look straight down.

The whole outdoor space is enclosed in 79 nine-foot-tall glass panels, each weighing in at 1400 pounds and angled 6.6 degrees outward, so there's absolutely nothing getting in the way of the views – except maybe your nerves. "Stepping onto Edge is like walking out into the sky," according to Jason Horkin, executive director of Hudson Yards Experiences.

You can get an even higher perspective by taking the skyline steps to a seating area, where there's plenty of room to gawp at the city with a group of friends or family. People are encouraged to linger and enjoy the experience. If you're feeling especially daring, there's a viewing space at the eastern point of the deck with room for just one person to stand alone and take in the wind-whipping views, surrounded by nothing but glass and sky.

If you're not a fan of heights, you can sip a glass of wine or nibble on snacks at Peak, a restaurant and bar on the 101st floor, without the vertigo-inducing elements. The space is designed to provide the same spectacular, unobstructed views of New York City, whether you're seated at a plush banquet, a cozy table for two, or a perch at the bar. (Reservations are recommended, especially around sunset.)

Edge at Hudson Yards is accessible and service animals are permitted. It's open daily from 8am until midnight (romantics should head for sunrise or sunset). General admission tickets for a set date and time are US$36/€32 when purchased online and US$38/€34 when purchased on site, while admission for children is US$31/€28 with tickets purchased online, or US$33/€30 on site. New Yorkers get in for US$34, while seniors, active and retired members of the military, and groups receive special rates. Flex passes offering open entry on the date of your choosing are also available.

For tickets and information, visit edgenyc.com.

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