Things to do at Hudson Yards in NYC

In New York there are always a thousand new things to see and do: it's a place that's alive and constantly changing. It's hard to imagine that on an island as congested as Manhattan there was still room to build, but then the miracle of Hudson Yards happened.

Whether you are visiting New York for the first time or you are a regular traveler in the Big Apple, you have to take advantage of one of the tours to get to know Hudson Yards, the trendy new neighborhood in Midtown, built on what was once a dreary train depot along the Hudson River.

This area, accessible on foot from Times Square, combines skyscrapers with a super innovative design, the highest observatory in the city, luxury shopping malls and of course, The Vessel, the new tourist attraction in Manhattan. As if that were not enough, here ends the High Line, the elevated park built on an old railroad track. In short, it is one of the best parks in New York, a must!

Hudson Yards is considered the largest private real estate project in the history of the United States. This new neighborhood, built on an industrial area, was too centrally located to be so underutilized. In a city like New York, where the square meter is highly valued, many set their eyes on this area to revitalize it.

What to see at Hudson Yards?

Count on the fact that touring this area can take you, more or less, half a day (depending on the free time you want to spend shopping or having lunch or dinner in its restaurants). To make the most of your time, this is my proposed itinerary:

At Hudson Yards begins (or ends) one of Manhattan's greenest promenades, the High Line. The High Line is basically a linear park of about a mile and a half, built on an old railroad track that runs along the Manhattan side of the Hudson. My advice is to hitch a ride on the High Line from Chelsea Market (Gansevoort St. subway: 14th St - 8th Ave) to gradually approach Hudson Yards and immerse yourself in its skyscrapers.

Start walking after lunch: it will take you about an hour to complete the High Line route, although it will take you a little longer if you stop to enjoy the views, take pictures or rest on one of the benches or loungers. The High Line also organizes astronomy events, pilates or guided tours free of charge (check their calendar on their official website).

Don't let the cold overcome you if you go in winter, the walk along the High Line is worthwhile at any time of the year (although it is in spring and summer when you will see it more lush).

Useful Info

• Start: Gansevoort St (subway: 14th St - 8th Ave)
• End: 34th St (subway: 34th St - Hudson Yards)
• Where to access by stairs: Gansevoort St, 14th St, 16th St, 18th St, 20th St, 23rd St, 26th St, 28th St, 30th St and 34th St.
• Where to access by elevator: Gansevoort St, 14th St, 16th St, 23rd St and 30th St.
• Price: Free of charge
• More info: Guide to the High Line in New York City

Already surrounded by skyscrapers and luxury apartments, you will see that the environment is completely different: welcome to the future! The end of the High Line will lead you to The Vessel, a sort of giant beehive that has become the symbol of the Hudson Yards neighborhood.

The Vessel is a futuristic 45-meter structure that will allow you to have great views of the city from different heights, approaches and angles (don't forget to bring your cell phone or camera with enough battery). You can climb this labyrinth from four different staircases that will take you to the top: my advice is to spend some time there enjoying the views of the city and the structure itself and playing with your camera.

Buy your tickets for The Vessel well in advance and look down from its top over the Hudson River, The Shed cultural center, the High Line park and the surrounding skyscrapers. Even if you look closely you'll see One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building on the horizon.

Useful information about the Vessel

• Address: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
• Directions: 34th Street-Hudson Yards Station Subway Station (Line 7)
• Hours: Daily, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
• To learn more: How to get on and how much it costs to enter The Vessel

And now the sun is starting to set and it's time to put your vertigo to the test. The Edge is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in New York, especially for its impressive glass floor. The skyscraper from which it hangs is called 30 Hudson Yards and its silhouette has changed the Manhattan skyline.

This futuristic, arrow-shaped open-air observatory located on the 100th floor is 345 meters high and this makes it the highest open observatory in the Western Hemisphere. Climbing The Edge is an exhilarating experience. From its 700-square-meter glass terrace, you'll feel the impact of the wind and have unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of New York.

As with The Vessel, I recommend that you buy your tickets for The Edge in advance to make sure you can get in at the time you want, on the day you plan to go.

Useful info

• Address: 30 Hudson Yards (North Tower), New York City, NY
• Directions: 34th Street-Hudson Yards Station Subway Station (Line 7)
• Hours: Every day, 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m.
• To learn more: How to get on and how much it costs to enter The Edge

To get up to The Edge, you'll have had to enter the luxury shopping center The Shops at Hudson Yards and go to the fourth floor. Shopaholics will go crazy in this seven-story, state-of-the-art mall in the 20 Hudson Yards building, where the best of the "fashion universe" comes together.

It has more than 100 stores and boutiques of haute couture such as Dior, Fendi or Kenzo, joined by brands such as Zara, H&M or Uniqlo, suitable for all budgets.

Helpful Info

• Address: 20 Hudson Yards, New York City, NY
• Directions: 34th Street-Hudson Yards Station subway station (line 7)
• Hours: Monday to Saturday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

After the shopping and adrenaline released at The Edge, you'll have worked up an appetite for dinner. Hudson Yards also offers some great dining options in New York.

A bite to eat in Little Spain

The Little Spain Market, a gastronomic space located in the 10 Hudson Yards building, dedicated to the flavors of traditional Spanish cuisine by the prestigious chef José Andrés in collaboration with the brothers Ferrán and Albert Adriá, will catch your attention.

Bravas, tortilla de patata, pintxos and churros have arrived in New York to stay and conquer the United States. Little Spain has a dozen stalls where you can savor great classics of Spanish cuisine such as tapas, sandwiches, cocas, all kinds of fried foods and, of course, Spanish cheeses, sausages and wines.

Shake Shack

Located in The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, Shake Shack began as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park that was a success. In 2004 they opened their first location and have since made thousands of people happy with their hamburgers, hot dogs, shakes and wavy fries.

Kawi

This is a Korean specialty restaurant located on the fifth floor of The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards mall at 20 Hudson Yards. It's the perfect place to eat if you're looking for a slightly more upscale experience. Don't miss their clam dish with spicy sauce and wagyu rice cakes. If you want, you can book a table on their website.

Peach Mart

Japanese style, this take away stand located on the fifth floor of The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards mall at 20 Hudson Yards sells delicious spicy chicken kimbap and katsu sandwiches with breaded pork and sauce with a samurai flavor that will transport you to the Far East without leaving Manhattan. You can see their menu here: Peach Mart

Other restaurants

In addition to these places to snack, the offer is completed by the restaurants Mar, Leña and Spanish Diner with outdoor space and a grocery store where you can buy all kinds of typical products of Spanish cuisine such as olive oil, canned food or bomba rice, among many others. Without a doubt, eating at the Little Spain Market is one of the best things to do in Hudson Yards.

The Shed is another ultra-modern building that will catch your attention as soon as you see it. Designed as a cultural center, it gathers all kinds of artistic experiences (theater, dance, music, technology...) and brings together the brightest national and international talents of the moment. For this purpose, they have designed a risky, interesting and original program. You can check it out on their official website.

As a curiosity, I tell you that its roof is retractable and can adopt one position or another depending on the needs of the programming of the moment, exposing a second building. I had already told you that a visit to Hudson Yards would be a trip to the future, right?

Hudson Yards is the area between 10th and 11th Avenues and 30th and 34th Streets along the Hudson River(I can't resist telling you that this entire area cost a whopping $25 billion to develop!).

To go to the Hudson Yards neighborhood, I recommend 100% public transportation; as always, in New York the fastest way to get around is usually the New York subway. The closest station is: 34th Street - Hudson Yards Station (line 7, the purple one). You can also walk to Hudson Yards if you are in Midtown.

Another option to get to Hudson Yards is to use a cab or Uber, a very comfortable way, but depending on rush hours, maybe not so fast. If you are walking around Midtown, you can probably walk there.

The answer is yes. Any place surrounded by green areas and spectacular buildings will allow you to have some time to play but also to be distracted by the shapes of the skyscrapers. In addition, The Vessel, for example, has elevators if you have a stroller and The High Line also has access ramps and elevators.

In addition, it is precisely in the High Line park that you will see many New York families strolling on weekends. If you have come to New York with your children, take them to enjoy the modernist Hudson Yards without a doubt.