The Vessel NYC
The eye-catching Hudson Yards has been open since March 2019. What the building on Public Square and Gardens in front of The Shops shopping center is actually supposed to represent is not exactly known. New Yorkers love it, though.
Design, art, or just a stairwell of a different kind. But it is a fact that the Vessel looks really unique and you can take great photos. Initially, you could climb up to the Vessel and enjoy the view from the top, but then the stairs and elevator have been closed to the public for some time.
But I have great news: The Vessel has been open to visitors again since October! Unfortunately, however, unlike in the past, visits are no longer free but cost $10 per person (or $15 if you want to book a flex ticket online).
What is the Vessel in NYC?
You can hardly miss the vessel in New York. It is about a 5-minute walk from the train stop at Hudson Yards. It can also be seen directly from the High Line, which is now connected to Hudson Yards.
Designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick (designer of the “Rolling Bridge” and the UK Pavilion at Expo 2010), “The Vessel” offers around 2,500 steps to climb and descend. The symmetrical steel structure, which is connected to 154 interwoven stair segments, continues to attract tourists from all over the world.
The Vessel is probably one of the most unusual buildings you will ever see. It’s part structure, part sculpture, part giant staircase that could’ve straight come out of a M.C. Escher painting.
Walking tours at The Vessel NYC
If you would like to explore the area with a special tour guide during a walking tour there is a great tour that we highly recommend. The two-hour tour takes you to the Vessel in NYC and the close by High Line and offers a great overview of the neighborhood, its architecture, and the art scene. This way you’ll make the most of your visit to this mesmerizing area.
The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)
We’ve chosen the 50 best spots, events and activities to showcase the full diversity of New York City. Even after more than 20 visits, the city never gets boring for us. And with our recommendations, you’ll have a really good time in New York, too, and you’ll have plenty left for your next visit. If you’re not planning a trip yet, you’re sure to get wanderlust after perusing this list!
Views from the Vessel in NYC
The view itself is quite unspectacular, as you don’t get very high and can’t see over the other buildings. BUT: the view into the interior of the vessel is really great and The Vessel is high enough to make your knees a little shaky (in a positive way!).
From here you have a good overview of the Hudson Yards and you can admire the High Line from above. New Jersey is also visible, but unfortunately, there is not much to see there. Sorry New Jersey!
Climbing the stairs is fun (even if it is a little exhausting!) and you can take really special photos, as the architecture is quite impressive and the colors play wonderfully in the sunlight. Photographers will have a great time here.
Your visit to the Vessel should be more for the structure itself than for the view from the top. Otherwise, you will be disappointed. However, we are optimistic that this can still change for the better, since the major Hudson Yards project is far from complete.
What’s new at The Vessel?
As mentioned above, tickets are no longer free. A standard ticket costs $10 and can be purchased either online in advance for a specific time slot or on-site. There are also $15 flex tickets that can be bought online and are not tied to a specific time.
Furthermore, not all parts are accessible to visitors anymore. Some areas, for example the ones facing the Hudson River, are closed off above a certain height and safety nets have been installed everywhere.
The elevator can be used by anyone, prioritizing people with disabilities. The elevator runs once every 15 minutes, so there may be waiting times.
What can you do after visiting The Vessel New York?
After visiting The Vessel, you can either explore the Hudson Yards or walk along the High Line to the Meatpacking District.
Or you can visit the shopping and food mall right next door, which includes The Little Spain. This is a fantastic food market with delicious food, great design and a huge selection of tasty snacks await you here.
My tip: Visit the Edge Observation Deck for an overwhelming view over the city. The Edge is included in most New York attraction passes. To find the best pass for you, you can use my free NY Pass Advisor.
FAQ
Where is the Vessel of New York located?
The Vessel is located all the way on the west side of New York City between 10th and 11th Ave, located right by the Shops and Restaurants at the Hudson Yards. You can get off at Penn Station and walk a few avenues west, or get off the train at the Hudson Yards station.
When is The Vessel open?
The Vessel is open daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
When is the best time to visit The Vessel in New York City?
That’s easy: The best time to visit The Vessel NYC is during sunset. In that light the bronze structure really comes to life. Make sure to google ahead of your visit when the sun will approximately set. Just get there an hour beforehand to really soak it all in. That will give you more than enough time to truly enjoy the view and take a lot of pictures.
Do you need tickets for the Vessel in NYC? Is entrance to the Vessel free of charge?
Yes, since it’s reopening in October 2024, you need a ticket to visit the Vessel. You can buy tickets online or on-site.
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