Is the Vessel at Hudson Yards Worth It in 2026
The afternoon sun shines through the Vessel. All photos by John O’Boyle / The Empty Nest Explorers
We walk past The Vessel at Hudson Yards all the time. For one reason or another, we never went inside. There was a lot of buzz around it when it first opened, but we never made it over there at that time. And then it closed for a long stretch.
Now it is open again. So in the spirit of Empty Nest Exploring, John and I finally planned a visit.
To tell you the truth, I never quite understood the point of the Vessel. It always looked more like a copper beehive to me than any kind of vessel. But it is rather attractive - it's shiny and symmetrical and admittedly striking against the more neutral buildings around it. So ok. I am a fan of public art as a rule, so I decided to just enjoy it as that.
And you know, it was better than I expected. We went on a Monday and it was quiet. The staff could not have been nicer and for 14 bucks, it is not a bad deal.
The interior of the Vessel.
| 📍 Location | 20 Hudson Yards, Manhattan's West Side. A 2-minute walk from the 7 train at 34 St–Hudson Yards. |
| 🎟️ Tickets | Timed entry from $14. An enter-anytime flex ticket costs a little more. Book at vesselnyc.com. Kids 5 and under free. |
| 🎫 Free Thursdays | NYC residents can visit free on Thursdays with ID. |
| 🕐 Hours | 11am–7pm daily. Hours shift by season, so check the site before you go. |
| ⏳ Time Needed | About 30 to 45 minutes. |
| 🏛️ The Climb | 154 flights of stairs in short, easy sections. An elevator is available. |
| 📷 Photography | A camera lens fits right through the netting, so your outward shots are not blocked. |
| ℹ️ Best For | Public art fans, photographers, and anyone already visiting the Edge or the High Line. |
So, is the Vessel worth it?
Here is our honest take. It is nice. It’s not “amazing”. It is not going to change your life.
We would not call it a “must-do”. We would call it a “very-nice-to-do”, especially if you are already in the area for the Edge or the High Line.
The Vessel really is meant to be explored from the inside, and now that I’ve done it I can appreciate why. I enjoyed being amidst all the symmetry, which gives the Vessel a temple-like feel. (There’s supposed to be something spiritual about geometry, right?) Especially when someone chimes the gong on the first level, and it echoes through the structure, it feels almost meditative.
Kind of nice!
Closeup of the safety netting inside the Vessel.
Does the safety netting around the Vessel ruin the experience?
When The Vessel first opened, it had no barriers around it. After several tragic deaths, it was closed for a long time so the design could be re-thought. It came back with floor-to-ceiling steel mesh on the upper levels.
So does the netting ruin the experience? For us, no.
From the ground, you barely notice it at all. You really have to be looking for it.
The netting starts around the second floor. Up there, it does feel a bit like being in a birdcage, but you quickly get used to it, and it’s not terrible.
We think it is a fair trade. The nets are the whole reason the Vessel can be open at all.
Go City includes Top of the Rock, plus the Empire State Building, Edge, One World Observatory, and more. If you're visiting several attractions in a few days, it can be a good deal. Just do the math first. Add up what you actually want to see, then compare it against what the pass covers.
A quick note: some links here are affiliate links. That means if you book or buy something through them, we earn a small commission. You pay nothing extra, and it helps keep this blog going. We only recommend things we actually believe in.
The climb and the elevator at the Vessel
You have many option of stairs when climbing the Vessel.
As far as the climb goes, it’s easy enough. It’s a series of short staircases, so you are really just ascending a little at a time. You can stop on any deck to rest and take in the view. You can also go back down whenever you want, so if you’ve had enough climbing, you can call it a day.
There is also an elevator, but it was closed until 5:15 when we were there. Not sure why. But as we intended to walk anyway, it didn’t matter to us.
It’s a cool-looking elevator though - it’s got an open view as you ascend and it runs on a curved track that follows the widening shape of the Vessel as you go up. Might be fun just for the ride.
The views from the Vessel
A tennis match on the big screen, followed by the train yard and the Hudson River viewed from the Vessel.
The view was better than expected - considering it’s not that high. Mostly, you get a nice overview of the Hudson River. You also just get to admire the buildings of Hudson Yards, which all have a unique, modern character. The whole area gives me a bit of the vibe of the modern part of the London skyline - each building having a futuristic shape of its own.
If you are a train buff, you will appreciate the New Jersey Transit railyards below, which houses dozens of trains. It’s a leftover from when all of Hudson Yards was a railyard. Which is an interesting bit of history.
On our visit, we did not quite reach the very top. A lightning storm was rolling in, so the staff gently asked everyone to come down. Apparently this is something that happens frequently - the structure is all metal so they don’t take any chances.
But they give you plenty of forewarning so there is no rush to go down. It was all very calm.
A note for photographers and public art fans visiting the Vessel
If you like geometry and clean intersecting lines, you will love the Vessel. Even the safety mesh repeats the pattern of the diamond shapes created by the intersecting lines. I found it very Zen. Peaceful.
For photographers - John had no trouble at all shooting with his Canon R5 through the mesh. The gaps are wide enough to slip a lens right through. Your photos looking out are not blocked.
Don’t miss looking up when you first enter. Being at the center underneath is such a classic view. In fact, when the Vessel was closed, they did let visitors into just the entrance to have that “looking up” experience. It’s really fun - with the Hudson Yards buildings peeking into the open top.
Looking out the top of the Vessel from the ground floor.
Getting to the Vessel
The Vessel sits at 20 Hudson Yards on Manhattan's far West Side.
The easiest way there is the 7 train. It drops you at 34 St-Hudson Yards, right at the door.
We walked from Penn Station. It is only a few blocks, about a 10-minute stroll. The A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3 lines all stop at Penn.
If you are coming up from Chelsea, walk north on the High Line. It leads right into Hudson Yards.
A rideshare can drop you at the plaza too. Traffic on the West Side runs slow, so the train is usually faster.
If you are new to the NYC subway system, we break it down for you in our post, NYC Subway Guide for Visitors: How to Ride Like a Local.
Tickets for the Vessel, and is the Edge combo a good deal?
Our timing was uncertain that day, so we pulled over on our walk there and bought timed tickets on the website. Apple Pay worked at checkout, which is always handy on your phone.
Timed tickets ran us $14 a piece. They also offer an enter-anytime flex ticket that you pay a little more for, but convenient if you need the flexibility.
There is a combo that pairs the Vessel with the Edge and saves 10% on both.
If the Edge is already on your list, the combo shaves a little off. If the Vessel is more of a maybe, you can also show your Vessel ticket at the Edge box office for a discount on Edge admission.
We have a full review of the Edge at Visiting the Edge Observation Deck in NYC: all you need to know.
Vessel or the Edge: which should you do?
People often ask which one to do, the Vessel or the Edge. They sit right next to each other, but they are very different experiences. Here is a quick side-by-side to help you choose.
| The Vessel | The Edge | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A climbable honeycomb sculpture | An outdoor sky deck on the 100th floor |
| Height | 150 feet, 16 stories | 1,131 feet, 100 floors up |
| The experience | Climb the stairs or take the elevator | Ride up fast, then walk out onto a glass floor |
| The views | The Hudson River and the nearby skyline | 360-degree views, up to 80 miles on a clear day |
| Tickets | From $14 for timed entry | From around $40, cheaper if you book ahead |
| Time needed | 30 to 45 minutes | About 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Free option | NYC residents free on Thursdays with ID | None |
| Our take | A very-nice-to-do | Worth the splurge for the big views |
In a nutshell: The Vessel is a quick, low-cost stop. The Edge is the splurge for real height and big views.
If you have the time and the budget, doing both in one visit works well. They are steps apart.
The plaza, shopping, and food at Hudson Yards
Food trucks ring the plaza around the Vessel, making it easy to grab a bite after your climb.
The plaza itself is really pleasant. The day we went, they had a tennis match up on a giant screen - sports and movies are shown out there often. It gives the whole square a fun, social feel.
Hudson Yards also has a lot of shopping. Some of it is high-end. There are everyday stores too, like Lululemon and Levi's.
If you just want a quick snack, there is a large Whole Foods in the complex.
One of our favorite food spots here is José Andrés' Little Spain. It gathers a few Spanish restaurants under one roof. We love Spanish food! If you haven’t tried it you should! For some ideas on what to try, take a look at our post, What to Eat in Spain
You are also steps from the Edge. The High Line runs right up to Hudson Yards as well. For the full lay of the land, a guided High Line and Hudson Yards walk makes a nice add-on.
The Highline runs directly next to the Vessel and Hudson Yards.
FAQs about the Vessel
Is the Vessel worth visiting?
It is nice, though it will not blow you away. We would call it a very-nice-to-do rather than a must-do. It is best if you are already near the Edge or the High Line.
Can you go to the top of the Vessel now?
Yes. The top platform is open again as of the 2026 reopening. You get views of the Hudson River and the buildings of Hudson Yards.
Does the safety netting ruin the experience?
We did not think so. You barely notice it from the ground. It is easy to look out and take photos through the netting. We think it is a fair trade for having the Vessel open again.
How much are Vessel tickets?
A timed ticket starts at $14. An enter-anytime flex ticket costs a bit more. A small processing fee applies when you book online. Kids 5 and under are free.
Is the Vessel free?
It is not free for most visitors. NYC residents can visit free on Thursdays with ID. Everyone else needs a paid timed or flex ticket.
How many stairs are in the Vessel, and is it a hard climb?
It has 154 interconnected flights of stairs and 80 landings - but you won’t use anywhere close to them all! You could visit ten times and use ten different paths up. The climb is easier than it looks because it comes in short sections. You can rest on any deck and turn back whenever you like.
Is there an elevator at the Vessel?
Yes. It runs on a curved track with an open view as you rise. Hours for the elevator can vary, so ask staff when you arrive if you need it.
How long do you need at the Vessel?
About 30 to 45 minutes is plenty. It is a quick stop, not a half-day outing.
Can you take photos at the Vessel?
Yes, and the netting does not really get in the way. A camera lens fits right through the gaps. The angles and intersecting lines make for fun shots. Make sure you look up from the bottom when you enter the Vessel for a classic view.
How do you get to the Vessel?
The 7 train stops right at Hudson Yards, a 2-minute walk away. From Penn Station it is only a few blocks on foot. If you are on the High Line, walk north and it leads you straight there.
What else is there to do at Hudson Yards?
Plenty. The plaza often shows sports and movies on a giant screen. You will find lots of shopping, a large Whole Foods, and great food like José Andrés' Little Spain. The Edge observation deck is right there too.
Should you buy the Vessel and Edge combo?
It saves 10% on both, so it helps if you already plan to do the Edge. If the Vessel is a maybe, look into showing your Vessel ticket at the Edge box office for a discount instead.
Is the Vessel or the Edge better?
They are different, so it depends on what you want. The Vessel is a fun, cheap stop that takes about half an hour. The Edge is a bigger thrill with sweeping views, for around $40 and up. If you can, do both, since they sit right next to each other.
About the Authors
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John and Debbie O'Boyle are the team behind The Empty Nest Explorers. John is a professional photographer whose work has been published by The New York Times, NBC News, and Getty Images. He is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers, has been part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team, and has received two New York Emmy nominations. Debbie is a writer and photographer with 30+ years of experience, formerly with The Star-Ledger and NJ.com. Together, they create in-depth travel guides for couples and empty-nest travelers who want to make the most of every destination. |
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The Vessel is open again at Hudson Yards, safety nets and all. We finally climbed it on a quiet Monday.
Here is our honest take on whether it is worth it and how it compares to the Edge next door.