If you’re afraid of heights, this isn’t the place for you! The highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere just opened its doors, so grab your cellphones – the selfie angle is strong here.
This newest offering in Manhattan beats both the Willis Tower and the One World Observatory by about 80 feet, and honestly? As someone that has done both, this experience looks to be much better and more engaging. If you’re into beautiful views and really impressive pictures, this is a bucket list item for sure.
Located in Manhattan’s far West Side and called “The Edge”, this observation deck is made of nearly 100% indestructible glass. Jump up and down, throw something… you can’t break it if you tried.
It was designed by the Rockwell Group, along with KPF, and it’s supposed to be more than just an observation deck. They hope to use the building to educate and instruct people as well.
“We really don’t want people to think of us as an observation deck,” VP of Husdon Yards Experiences Jason Horkin said of The Edge.
Besides the incredible, nearly 360º views of New York and New Jersey, those who are willing to shell out $38 (the base price for adults) get a fully interactive experience.
Similar to when you go to the viewing deck of the Willis Tower, visitors go through a walkway that has both audio and visual stimulants. The media gives a history of the tower and the Edge.
The 52-second elevator ride to the Edge is a cinematic experience. Viewers are able to watch animated sketches that depict famous New York landmarks being built from the ground up. As the elevator continues up, the city falls away to a skyline and the clouds, really driving home how high you are.
Not into the blinding sun? That’s okay, because Edge is open 365 days a year now, from 8 am to midnight daily. If you’re over the bright sun, you can score tickets to this in the evening, when the city is lit up.
Standing on top of New York City with all those lights twinkling? It must be breathtaking.
Unlike many observation decks, lingering isn’t just welcome at Edge, it’s encouraged. When you get your tickets, you choose a specific time slot in which to go up to the top. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to take your cellphone selfie and scram.
Edge encourages lingering on the deck to get the full experience, and a full-service restaurant is available on the 100th floor. It sells snacks, champagne, and even a full lunch. Get your glass of bubbly and stand on the Edge overlooking one of the biggest cities in the world.
Edge is open now, and anyone – residents and visitors alike – can experience this amazing new deck and the educational experience offered alongside it. It’s 3,000 full square feet of glass and views that are sure to impress even the most hardened New Yorker.
