Hudson Yards: New York’s newest neighborhood
Hudson Yards has emerged on the banks of the Hudson River, west of Midtown Manhattan. Discover this must-see New York neighborhood with its iconic architecture and attractions.
What You Need to Know About Hudson Yards
- Hudson Yards is a massive urban development project launched in 2012 along the Hudson River. Construction took nearly 10 years to complete. This brand-new neighborhood occupies western Midtown in Manhattan, between Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen. The project was developed jointly by American developer Related Companies and Canadian developer Oxford Properties.
- The neighborhood sits above the railroad tracks and rail yard of Penn Station. The 30 railroad tracks are now covered by a massive concrete slab supported by 300 caissons and weighing 35,000 tons. An enormous engineering feat.
- Hudson Yards is organized around a central plaza surrounded by 6 skyscrapers: towers 10, 15, 30, 35, 50, and 55 Hudson Yards. The tallest building in the neighborhood is 30 Hudson Yards, which reaches 395 m (1,296 ft). This tower is open to the public and houses the spectacular Edge observation deck at its top.
- In total, the neighborhood includes 5,000 apartments, over 100 shops, a school for 750 children, a hotel, and public gardens. According to Oxford Properties, Hudson Yards is the largest private real estate development since Rockefeller Center in the 1930s. The project cost is estimated at over $25 billion, making it the most expensive real estate project in U.S. history.
What to See in Hudson Yards
The Vessel
- The Vessel is a striking structure 45 m (148 ft) tall standing in the center of the plaza. It consists of 154 staircases and 2,500 steps. The structure was designed by British designer Thomas Heatherwick.
- Since October 2024, you can climb the staircases and enjoy views from the top. The stairs are now protected with steel mesh to ensure visitor safety.
The Edge
- The Edge observation deck is located on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards. The Edge stands out from other New York observation decks with its dramatic architecture. The deck features an outdoor terrace that seems to defy gravity, suspended 345 m (1,131 ft) above the street.
- You can also walk on a glass floor with views straight down. Visit The Edge in the afternoon or at sunset for the best experience.
The Shed
- Art lovers should visit The Shed, the neighborhood’s cultural center. The Shed has two floors dedicated to exhibitions and an auditorium for concerts, performances, and shows. The cutting-edge building was designed by American architecture firm Diller Scofidio.
- One distinctive feature: the outer shell is movable and can slide along rails powered by motorized machinery.
The Shops
- Directly across from the Vessel, you’ll find The Shops shopping center. Browse luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Dior, Fendi, and Piaget, as well as more affordable fashion retailers including H&M and Levi’s.
- On the ground floor, a large food court offers dining options. Tip: grab a meal here and continue exploring the neighborhood.
The High Line
- Hudson Yards marks the northern end of the High Line, New York’s famous elevated park. Combine a visit to Hudson Yards with a walk on the High Line before or after.
- The northern section of the High Line loops toward the Hudson River, giving you a complete view of the neighborhood. You’ll see the different towers and can capture a unique photo of the Empire State Building rising between the buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Hudson Yards famous?
Hudson Yards is known as a brand-new neighborhood in New York and a remarkable real estate development featuring 6 impressive skyscrapers. It’s essentially a city within the city. It’s a top destination when visiting New York, especially for ascending to the Edge observation deck at the top of the neighborhood’s tallest tower.
How long does it take to visit Hudson Yards?
Plan about an hour to explore the neighborhood, walking through the gardens and The Shops. Photography enthusiasts will enjoy capturing reflections from the buildings and the Vessel. Add another hour if you want to visit the Edge observation deck. Consider dining or having lunch in the neighborhood as well. Overall, you can easily spend a half-day in Hudson Yards.
Hudson Yards in Photos
