Edge Observation Deck Times Square & Hudson Yard Tour

The Edge Observation Deck Times Square & Hudson Yard Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the best of New York City’s iconic landmarks. Beginning at the bustling heart of Rockefeller Center and Times Square, the tour guides guests through the city’s rich history and captivating atmosphere. The highlight, however, lies at Hudson Yards, where the highest outdoor sky deck, The Edge, provides breathtaking 360-degree views of Manhattan’s ever-evolving skyline. With engaging commentary from knowledgeable guides, this tour promises to give you a fresh perspective on the city’s transformation – one that you won’t soon forget.

Key Points

• The tour provides access to the Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, offering breathtaking 360-degree views from 1,100 feet above ground.
• The tour includes visits to Rockefeller Center, known for its iconic Christmas tree and ice rink, as well as Times Square, the vibrant "Crossroads of the World."
• Guides offer historical insights and commentary on the innovative design and neighborhood transformation of Hudson Yards, the newest district on Manhattan’s West Side.
• The tour meeting point is located at the Public Art Atlas, situated between Rockefeller Center and Times Square, providing easy access to the key attractions.
• While the tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Hudson Yards and the Edge, some guests have reported inconsistent entry processes and long wait times, as well as a high price point.

Exploring Rockefeller Center

At the tour’s starting point at Rockefeller Center, visitors are immersed in the iconic plaza, best known for its towering Christmas tree and ice rink during the winter months.

The guide will point out the Art Deco architecture and share the history of this beloved New York landmark. Guests can admire the stunning sculptures and fountains that adorn the sprawling public space.

Throughout the year, the plaza hosts a variety of events and activities, from outdoor concerts to holiday markets.

Whether it’s your first or fifth time, exploring Rockefeller Center is a quintessential New York experience that sets the tone for the rest of the guided tour.

Discovering Times Square

From Rockefeller Center, the tour then ventures towards the pulsating heart of New York City – Times Square.

This iconic intersection, known as the "Crossroads of the World," is a dazzling display of bright lights, towering billboards, and bustling crowds.

Visitors will be captivated by the energetic atmosphere as they take in the sights of the famous Broadway theaters, the giant digital screens, and the iconic TKTS booth.

The guide will provide insights into the history and significance of Times Square, allowing guests to fully enjoy the electric ambiance that makes this location so iconic.

After exploring this vibrant district, the tour continues on to the next destination – the Hudson Yards.

Experiencing Hudson Yards

Leaving the bright lights and energy of Times Square, the tour guides guests towards the recently developed Hudson Yards, New York City’s newest district.

Situated on Manhattan’s West Side, this modern architectural marvel is home to The Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors will ascend 1,100 feet above the ground, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city skyline.

The tour also explores the rest of the Hudson Yards complex, including its high-end shops, restaurants, and public art installations. Guides provide in-depth commentary on the district’s innovative design and the ambitious project’s transformation of the neighborhood.

Entering The Edge

The ascent to The Edge begins as guests make their way through the grand entrance of Hudson Yards.

Visitors are immediately struck by the scale and architectural marvels of this new district. To access The Edge, guests proceed through security and then board high-speed elevators that whisk them up to the observation deck.

The experience is defined by several key elements:

1. Unparalleled 360-degree views from the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.
2. Transparent glass floors that allow visitors to look down onto the streets below.
3. Thrilling, angled glass walls that create the illusion of standing on the edge.
4. Informative and engaging exhibits that highlight the history and development of Hudson Yards.

Tour Meeting Point

The tour meeting point is located at the Public Art Atlas, 630 5th Ave, New York, NY 10111, situated between 50th and 51st Streets. This central location offers easy access and visibility for tour participants. The meeting point provides a convenient starting point to begin the exploration of Midtown Manhattan’s key attractions.

Meeting Point	Public Art Atlas
Address	630 5th Ave, New York, NY 10111
Cross Streets	50th and 51st Streets
Nearby Landmarks	Rockefeller Center, Times Square
Transit Options	Subway (N/Q/R/W/1/2/3/A/C/E)
Tour Start Time	Scheduled departure time

The meeting point’s strategic positioning sets the stage for an immersive tour experience, allowing participants to transition seamlessly from the starting point to the featured attractions throughout Midtown.

Tour End Point

The tour concludes at the expansive Hudson Yards development, a cutting-edge district that serves as the endpoint for this engaging exploration of Midtown Manhattan.

Visitors will find themselves immersed in the heart of this vibrant new neighborhood, surrounded by soaring skyscrapers, innovative architecture, and a bustling array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

As the tour wraps up, guests can:

1. Admire the breathtaking views from The Edge, the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere.
2. Explore the whimsical public art installations and lush green spaces that characterize the Hudson Yards district.
3. Discover the diverse culinary offerings and upscale retail experiences that make this area a must-visit destination.
4. Continue their NYC adventure by easily accessing nearby subway stations and other transportation options.

Tour Logistics

Participants meet at the Public Art Atlas, a designated gathering point located between 50th and 51st Streets on 5th Avenue.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 25 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. Operated by WalksNYC, LLC, the tour is priced from $129.99 with a Lowest Price Guarantee.

Confirmation is received upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible.

Reviews for the tour are mixed, with some feedback regarding occasional entry issues at The Edge observation deck.

Guest Reviews

According to the available reviews, guests have provided mixed feedback regarding the Edge Observation Deck Tour.

While some praised the stunning 360-degree views from the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, others encountered issues with entry and access.

The tour has a 3.2 rating based on 11 reviews, indicating room for improvement.

Key points from the reviews include:

1. Inconsistent entry process, with some guests reporting long wait times and difficulties accessing the deck.
2. Limited availability of the alternative St. Patrick’s Cathedral option.
3. High price point compared to the overall experience.
4. Excellent views and a unique opportunity to explore Hudson Yards, but lacking in overall customer satisfaction.

Recap

The Edge Observation Deck Times Square & Hudson Yard Tour offers an unforgettable experience, immersing visitors in the heart of New York City. From the iconic Rockefeller Center to the soaring heights of The Edge, this tour showcases the city’s transformation and provides a unique perspective on Manhattan’s captivating skyline. With knowledgeable guides and breathtaking views, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to explore the city’s most famous landmarks.