The Vessel New York Tickets: how to buy and prices
I tell you how to climb and get the most out of one of Manhattan's most innovative buildings.
Structure of The Vessel as seen from the exterior | ©Hellotickets
Built as part of the Hudson Yards redevelopment project, a new upscale residential neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan, The Vessel is a futuristic structure somewhere between a work of art and a tourist attraction that has become the emblem of this trendy district.
Designed by the prestigious architect Thomas Heatherwick, since its inauguration it has become an essential visit to make in New York. The Vessel is one of the most popular attractions in New York, so getting your tickets in advance for The Vessel will save you from waiting in endless lines and will guarantee you access to enjoy the views. I'll tell you how to get your tickets online to go up The Vessel!
How to buy tickets for The Vessel
The best way to get your tickets for The Vessel is to buy them online in advance. This option is perfect to save endless lines and enjoy the views offered by this spectacular building, one of the city's newest additions to its cast of iconic tourist attractions.
Booking this ticket in advance will ensure you have time to visit the inside of this monumental sculpture. It is as spectacular on the outside as it is on the inside. It rises more than 45 meters from the ground having 16 levels from the base to the top floor. It consists of 154 flights of stairs that connect 80 landings where you can stop to contemplate the views.
On the ground floor there are four paths that extend to the heights through a total of 2,500 steps. Although it may seem barbaric, if after choosing your path you ascend without wandering through this labyrinth (which is difficult because you will want to take a good turn), you won't actually have to climb so many steps and the climb will be well worth it.
Reserve time to enjoy your visit calmly, because although it seems that you will see it very quickly and that at first glance you will leave everything "covered", each staircase or path opens a completely different views. If you like photography, bring your camera (or cell phone) with enough battery, because you'll get tired of playing with the optical effects it generates.
What the exterior of the structure looks like
For starters, you should know that from the moment it opened in spring 2019, The Vessel has been an instant hit. Located in Hudson Yards, a new residential neighborhood on the west side of the island along the Hudson River, it rises imposingly among grand skyscrapers and beautiful gardens. With advance admission to The Vessel you can enter, get lost and contemplate its nooks and crannies.
It will be easy to recognize it because it is a real magnet for the eyes. This futuristic structure that many resemble a beehive, a vase, a rib cage or even a shawarma is covered with copper-colored steel plates that give warmth to the whole and reflect the surrounding landscape at the same time.
What the views are like from the top
From the top of The Vessel you can enjoy fascinating views of the Hudson River, the surrounding skyscrapers, The Shed cultural center, the High Line Park. Even if you scan the skyline you'll see One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building. And, of course, the magnetic internal structure of the building. The views to the ground are breathtaking. I insist: you won't stop taking pictures!
Where The Vessel is and how to get there
The Vessel is at 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, United States. You can comfortably walk there from Times Square or from the High Line (you are sure to visit it during your trip). Otherwise, it is easily accessible by public transportation: the nearest subway stop is 34 St Hudson Yards (line 7).
Opening Hours
The Vessel is currently closed indefinitely.
Normal hours are: daily, 11 AM to 7 PM.
Buy tickets for The Vessel at the box office
You can try to get your free ticket for The Vessel at the building's ticket office, which opens at 11 AM. Early in the morning it will be easier to have availability but given the large influx of visitors it is not guaranteed that there will be tickets and you run the risk of being left out.
Accessibility
- For visitors with reduced mobility who use wheelchairs, The Vessel has an elevator to the top floor of the sculpture.
- Service animals are welcome
- Accessibility needs must be indicated at the time of booking.
Fun facts about The Vessel
- It was inaugurated on March 15, 2019
- It was designed by the English architect Thomas Heatherwick, author of the cauldron of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
- The Vessel looks like a jewel. Not only from an architectural point of view but also from an economic point of view: it cost a whopping $200 million exceeding the initial budget of $75 million.
- Although everyone now knows it as The Vessel, there was a time when it had another, less catchy name: New York's Staircase or, literally, the stairs of New York. However, given the number of nicknames with which New Yorkers refer to this monument (beehive, corset, shawarma, vase...) the company that owns it opened a contest to find the best name for it, can you think of any catchy one?
- A ticketing system was set up to ensure that there are no more than 700 people touring the monument at any one time.
- Until relatively recently, the area where The Vessel is located was a large, industrial-looking esplanade that served as a parking lot for trains. However, this area has been revitalized and this innovative building acts as a ventilation canopy for the railway parking lots, storage for drainage and a place for rainwater management.
But... what is Hudson Yards?
Just when we thought there was no more room in Manhattan to build new neighborhoods, Hudson Yards was born, in what was once an industrial train depot along the Hudson River. But in a lively and constantly changing city like the Big Apple, where square footage is highly valued, many set their sights on this centrally located and underutilized area to revitalize it and turn it into a luxury residential area in Midtown New York.
Hudson Yards is still under construction and new skyscrapers, cultural centers, gardens, offices and shopping centers will be opening in the coming years. For now, the best excuse to visit Hudson Yards is The Vessel, but it's not the only one:
Take the opportunity to visit Little Spain Market
This is a Spanish gastronomic market with the seal of renowned chefs such as José Andrés or the brothers Ferrán and Albert Adriá, which brings authentic Spanish cuisine to New York. This restaurant space joins the trend initiated by other markets such as Eataly and Le District focused on Italian and French cuisine, respectively.
Check out The Shed
It is New York's new multi-arts center created to present all kinds of artistic experiences (dance, theater, technology, music...) for all communities.
The project hopes to bring together the most outstanding talents of the moment. One of its most amazing qualities is that it is built as two buildings in one as the quilt-like outer shell has wheels and can be moved to reveal a completely different second building.
Climb The Edge Observatory
At 345 meters high, the Edge Observatory at the 30 Hudson Yards skyscraper is the tallest open observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. It is located on the 100th floor of the building and has wonderful views of the Hudson River, Downtown and the One World skyscraper.
If you like New York observation decks, you should definitely add the Edge Observatory to your list along with the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock and the One World Observatory. They all offer a unique and different look at the skyline of the City of Skyscrapers. I tell you what you need to know to visit them here: Climbing the Empire State Building, NYC Top of the Rock Tickets y The Edge New York Tickets: how to buy, prices and schedules.
Stroll along the High Line
New York has several green spots that are true oases of tranquility in the middle of this bustling city where New Yorkers come to enjoy nature. However, High Lane is not like the others. It is an elevated park built on an old abandoned railroad track that was recovered to turn it into a space full of vegetation, mural art and sculptures that extends along more than twenty streets.
It takes about an hour to walk along High Lane and I recommend that you visit it during the spring and summer, when it is at its lushest and most beautiful.
Go shopping at The Shops
Whether you feel like grabbing a drink before or after your visit or you want to indulge yourself in a luxury store, the shopping mall that you will find right in front of The Vessel structure is perfect for that. Strolling through its luxurious corridors and seeing the views of The Vessel from inside is also very worthwhile.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ticket to access The Vessel?
Yes, The Vessel is a structure-monument recently opened in New York and you need a ticket to get in, since the capacity is also quite limited.
Is it free to enter The Vessel?
Yes, on the official website they are releasing some free tickets. You will have to be attentive to get them, as they usually sell out soon. Otherwise, you can book a standard ticket to ensure access.
Is The Vessel still closed and when will it reopen?
The Vessel is currently temporarily closed and no reopening date has yet been announced.
Is it worth climbing The Vessel and how much time should I spend on it?
Yes, it is well worth it, both for its own avant-garde architecture and design and for the views it offers from its top. With an hour you will have enough time to walk around it and "play" to photograph its best angles.