12 Fun Things To Do In Hudson Yards NYC

Parks in New York City such as The High Line bring a little bit of tranquility to the concrete jungle. It is an elevated walking path and runs from Hudson Yards to the Whitney Museum on Gansevoort Street.

This 1.5-mile-long park was built on a historic freight line. It is absolutely free to visit and is filled with small gardens, benches, flowers, and views of the Hudson Yards, river, city, and Chelsea.

This popular park stands 30 feet above street level on an old rail line. You can get into this spot through any of the 11 entrances which are also staircases. 

If you are planning to take a stroll here after visiting the Chelsea Market, this distance is about 30 minutes.

Hours: Open Daily from 7 AM to 10 PM

Note:

• The opening hours are longer during the summer months.
• On Weekends, holidays, and busy days, you will need to make a reservation to walk here.

Want to know the one absolute must-do thing in Hudson Yards? It is visiting the observation deck at The Edge, which gives 360-degree views of the city.

Climbing this iconic building is a thrilling experience on its own. The 700-square-meter glass terrace will not only give you 360-degree panoramic views, but you will also feel the impact of the wind.

It is the highest outdoor sky deck not only in the city but in the whole Western Hemisphere. As it is suspended in mid-air, it gives visitors the feeling of floating in the sky.

This skyscraper has completely changed the Manhattan skyline. Well, this viewpoint surely is a unique experience you are not going to get anywhere else in the city. 

Visitors can look 100 stories down from the remarkable glass floor as well. They can also lean out over the city on the angled glass walls while sipping some drinks.

Although it is a little fancy and expensive, The Edge is totally worth it.

Address: 30 Hudson Yards

When you are already at The Edge, why not try out the City Climb? This thrill factor was introduced in late 2021.

You will wear a harness and scale the skyscraper's outside to the highest outdoor observation deck in NYC. If you want more adventure, you can lean over the edge to get a real thrill.

To stand on the platform and look out over Manhattan, that too without any walls and glasses, is pretty amazing. If you want the most thrilling view, put it on your New York bucket list.

The ticket prices start at $185 per person. The best option is to reserve the tickets online. The ticket will also include a visit to the Edge sky deck.

Located in the heart of Hudson Yards, Public Square and Gardens is one of the smartest parks ever built. After strolling around for a bit, you are sure to love the expansive parks and garden with plenty of shaded outdoor seating.

This square has a commanding centerpiece, a monumental interactive design made to be climbed and explored. Well, most parks come with trees, plants, flowers, and shade; what is so special about this place, you ask? It has jet engines.

This space is an engineering marvel with super-chilled roots, loads of trees, and smart soil, making it, unlike any other park in the city.

It was built for year-round enjoyment and is a sustainable project that is going to last generations.

During sunny days, one can grab a snack and take a seat, bask in the modern green space, and enjoy horticulture.

The Shed at Hudson Yards is an arts center that hosts several events such as the New York Fashion Week. It is also used as a theater and gallery space.

Absolutely a one-of-a-kind space, The Shed has a unique design as it was created to be a cultural institution in New York City. Check out the performance art events and the fine art installations here.

You should check out their website to see what events are happening and secure the ticket in advance online.

It is a multidisciplinary arts center that will physically transform itself in order to accommodate every performance, exhibition, and installation it hosts.

The outdoors is marvelous and so is the indoors. The Shed also gives space to emerging artists and local talents.

Enjoy unlimited outdoor fun at The Backyard. Enjoy outdoor programming from sports watch parties on the Big Screen to weekly DJ Jam sessions.

If you are looking for some live entertainment, wellness sessions, or just fun with family and friends, The Backyard is the go-to place.

The Big Screen here is 30 feet and is free and open to the public. It is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Be it games, series, or tournaments, you can watch everything here.

You can also play, sing, and dance together here with Mozart for Munchkins. The Makelnspires workshops that are centered around science, technology, math, and art are also equally fun.

The Backyard Bites also provides a wide range of food truck offerings. From tacos, burgers, street food, and veggie burgers, you can enjoy varieties of food.

Hudson Yards' luxurious shopping mall is one of the best places to shop in NYC. The shops and restaurants at Hudson Yards might not be the first place to pop into the head when it comes to shopping, but you will get everything you want here.

With 100 stores and chain brands like Banana Republic, Uniqlo, Sephora, Lululemon, Artizia, H&M, Brooks Brothers, and Madewell, this place does stand out. It also has designer outputs such as Tori Burch, Kate Spade, Dior, Kenzo, Coach, Fendi, and more.

This new retail mecca has several levels of high-end shops and restaurants.

After all the shopping, you gotta try out one of the 25 restaurants on site. Some of the best places for snacks and refreshments include Bouchon Bakery, Blue Bottle Coffee, Bluestone Lane, and Kith Treats.

If you are looking for something a little more than snacks, Fuku and Citarella Gourmet Market is the go-to. For a fine dining experience, go to Queensyand and Electric Lemon.

The centerpiece of Hudson Yards, The Vessel, is a must-see free place in New York City. Although climbing is not accessible now, the ground-level base is open to the public and completely free.

It is 150 feet tall and offers beautiful views of the Hudson River, Midtown Manhattan, and the Hudson Yards area.

This futuristic spiral staircase does look like something that just came out of a science fiction movie. This soaring new landmark is the go place to enjoy a new perspective of the city.

It consists of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs and the vertical climb is one of its kind.

Note: Reservations are not required.

Hudson Yards has some amazing coffee places to go to. You can grab some coffee while exploring the area or sit and enjoy the views from the park.

If you want some authentic Australian coffee, Bluestone Lane is the go-to place. They also serve breakfast items such as salmon toast, croissant sandwiches, and more.

Head to Blue Bottle Coffee for some Everything Cruffin, a combo of muffin and croissant.

Grab some Everything Croissant from Daily Provisions along with some good coffee.

Brunch and breakfast in Midtown Manhattan are unlike anywhere else in the city. With a wide variety of options, one can choose from many places to enjoy the best food.

If you want dishes with fresh and seasonal ingredients, visit Electric Lemon. Their food is light and clean. They also have an 800-square-foot terrace with amazing views of the Hudson River.

Bluestone Lane 55, located in Hudson Yards, is also a great pick for brunch as well as breakfast.

After a whole day of shopping and exploring, what better to relax than a good dinner?

Check out Little Spain Market, a large space fully dedicated to the flavors of traditional Spanish cuisine. It has a ton of stalls where one can savor delicious classics of Spanish cuisine such as tapas, cocas, Spanish cheeses, wines, and more.

Want something comforting? Go to Shake Shack for their burgers, hot dogs, wavy fries, etc.

The Peach Mart, located on the fifth floor of The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards Mall has some of the best chicken Kimbap, breaded pork, and katsu sandwiches.

Spanish Diner has outdoor space and a grocery store where one can buy and eat delicious Spanish food.

Try out some of the best bars and nightclubs in NYC at Hudson Yards.

Porchlight specializes in craft cocktails, and their cocktail list is as long as the Hudson River. Also, they serve some mouthwatering southern-style food.

The Gallow Green Rooftop Bar, an urban oasis, is very popular for their drink menu. Small trees, flowers, and shrubs make a cozy nook that is tucked away in the small spaces.

Want some live music, dinner, and drinks? The Wine Barrel Restaurant is the go-to spot. The views of the sunset here are magnificent as well. They serve craft cocktails, beer, wine, and wood-fired pizzas.