The Vessel
The Vessel
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsObservation Decks & Towers
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
This bold, beehive-looking structure is one of the most iconic buildings in Midtown Manhattan and the centerpiece of Hudson Yards. This spiral staircase has 154 interconnecting flights of stairs, and together with its reflective copper metal exterior, creates a surreal appearance and unique photo op. It also offers amazing views of the city and river from different vantage points. Although the upper floors are currently closed to the public, you can access the ground level for free. It's a great stop to make if you're heading to Bella Abzug Park, or on a tour of Hudson Yards and The High Line. – Tripadvisor
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards, New York City's newest neighborhood, is a gleaming beacon of urban renewal. The soaring structures of this architectural marvel house a plethora of high-end boutiques, an array of dining options from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, and a fresh cultural scene marked by The Shed, a venue for innovative arts. The iconic Vessel, a honeycomb-like structure of staircases, serves as the centerpiece, promising an unparalleled view of the city for those who ascend its heights. Access is a breeze, with several subway lines serving the area, and Penn Station just a short walk away. A visit to Hudson Yards offers a novel experience of New York City, blending luxury, culture, and awe-inspiring architecture.
How to get there
- 34th St – Hudson Yards • 3 min walk
- 34th St – Penn Station • 10 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,502 reviews
Excellent
900
Very good
453
Average
113
Poor
26
Terrible
10
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Steyf
Salon-de-Provence, France358 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
We loved riding on this beautiful structure. You can only go up one side and not to the top floor as a safety measure but that's wow. Beautiful. We did it at the end of the day at night and with the Christmas lights it is even more beautiful. About 10 euros the entrance so go ahead
Automatically translated
Written 6 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Steyf! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed climbing the building, especially with the stunning Christmas lights. Your recommendation and enthusiasm mean a lot to us. We hope to welcome you back for more memorable moments!
Written 7 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Régis1972
Lancy, Switzerland20,144 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Opened in 2019, The Vessel is halfway between a sculpture and an observatory. It is actually a monumental 15-storey staircase composed of 2500 steps. The particularity is that its 154 stairs intertwine like a maze and are all interconnected. From the top, we will have a view of the Hudson River, New Jersey but also the Hudson Yards shopping center.
When I discovered this work in 2019, I had the opportunity and the opportunity to climb. You could book your slot for free via the internet or pay USD 10.- to get in. Since then, the site has closed (first you could just go inside without going upstairs and then permanently closed) and was still not accessible as of June 2024. Indeed, it seems that several suicides (!) prompted the authorities to close the site. A priori, work is underway to secure the Vessel and allow for a future reopening. To see with the shopping center before strolling on the High Line that starts at the bottom of the Vessel.
When I discovered this work in 2019, I had the opportunity and the opportunity to climb. You could book your slot for free via the internet or pay USD 10.- to get in. Since then, the site has closed (first you could just go inside without going upstairs and then permanently closed) and was still not accessible as of June 2024. Indeed, it seems that several suicides (!) prompted the authorities to close the site. A priori, work is underway to secure the Vessel and allow for a future reopening. To see with the shopping center before strolling on the High Line that starts at the bottom of the Vessel.
Automatically translated
Written 18 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luigi L
Monza, Italy384 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
They told me about it as a new work and in fact it is new both as an installation and as a concept. There is always a bit of a queue (in the sense that you enter with limited groups so most likely they will give you a free ticket and tell you to come back at the free time), next door there is a new shopping center with shops and restaurants so you can go eat there or go shopping or you can go visit another place and then come back at the time your group can enter. Beautiful, worth visiting
Written 24 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alexjoemom
usa34 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
We visited The Vessel on Thursday, 12/12/24. It was a clear but windy day. The Vessel is very cool. You do not get the full experience from just looking from outside. Its a great bargain in NYC to be able to climb the Vessel and lookout for $10. Yes, there are nets for safety now, but the netting is wide and you can easily stick a camera outside the net to take pictures. The net did not impede our visit. We found it to be a fun and amazing experience. It wasn't overly crowded and you could take your time and enjoy the beautiful view.
Written 15 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cam25Caloveto
Putignano, Italy364 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Live makes much more, like everything in New York. A notable work in the new Hudson Yards neighborhood, it is not accessible because they are securing it (they are mounting anti-fall nets). Very beautiful, not great but equally impressive.
Automatically translated
Written 16 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SwonQonDoi
Boston, MA405 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
During our trip to New York, we had the chance to visit the Vessel, a fascinating attraction located on the west side of Manhattan.
The Vessel is a striking architectural structure that also serves as a centerpiece and public landmark within the Hudson Yards complex.
Since opening to the public, it has become very popular. Its unique design draws many travelers to check it out. The Vessel resembles a beehive from the outside, stands 16 stories tall (approximately 46 meters), and consists of 154 flights of stairs, 2,500 steps, and 80 landings. Visitors can climb to the top for a beautiful view of the west side of the Hudson River.
It's no surprise that people visit this place often; exploring the Vessel was a really cool experience. There are many picturesque spots perfect for photographs that no one should miss.
We had a great time at the Vessel and highly recommend anyone visiting New York stop by.
The Vessel is a striking architectural structure that also serves as a centerpiece and public landmark within the Hudson Yards complex.
Since opening to the public, it has become very popular. Its unique design draws many travelers to check it out. The Vessel resembles a beehive from the outside, stands 16 stories tall (approximately 46 meters), and consists of 154 flights of stairs, 2,500 steps, and 80 landings. Visitors can climb to the top for a beautiful view of the west side of the Hudson River.
It's no surprise that people visit this place often; exploring the Vessel was a really cool experience. There are many picturesque spots perfect for photographs that no one should miss.
We had a great time at the Vessel and highly recommend anyone visiting New York stop by.
Written 16 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robyn Deverett
Toronto, Canada188 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
What is there to do in New York when it rains? Why naturally one should visit an outdoor architectural gem!
We came here on a rainy day at night, and we weren’t sure if that was a good call. But the Vessel is amazing at night. Certain sections were blocked off, but we would pretty much take the stairs all the way to the top, and take in the surrounding views.
Worth visiting if you have the time.
We came here on a rainy day at night, and we weren’t sure if that was a good call. But the Vessel is amazing at night. Certain sections were blocked off, but we would pretty much take the stairs all the way to the top, and take in the surrounding views.
Worth visiting if you have the time.
Written 1 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robyn, we’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Vessel, even on a rainy night! It truly is a stunning experience, and your adventurous spirit shines through. Thanks for sharing your visit with us, and we hope to see you back for more architectural wonders!
Written 4 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachel & Andy
392 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Visited: 10/07/2023
A very stunning architectural structure. It is unique and interesting visually, and you can on occasion go up and see the views from the top. On our visit we couldn’t go to the top, but we could go inside and see inside from the ground floor. It is situated in a nice space as well, with a large space that hosts events periodically (signs dotted about for them). You also have an eyeline view of the waters edge from here which contrasts the skyline opposite. A lovely space to visit if you have the time.
A very stunning architectural structure. It is unique and interesting visually, and you can on occasion go up and see the views from the top. On our visit we couldn’t go to the top, but we could go inside and see inside from the ground floor. It is situated in a nice space as well, with a large space that hosts events periodically (signs dotted about for them). You also have an eyeline view of the waters edge from here which contrasts the skyline opposite. A lovely space to visit if you have the time.
Written 30 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flávio Amorim
Parnamirim, RN1,278 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
The Vessel has an impressive architecture! Located in the Hudson Yards region, which houses major New York sights, The Vessel stands out as a spectacular monument! Always very busy and a good place to take photographic recordings! The internal access, at the time of my visit, was closed, but still worth a visit!
Automatically translated
Written 2 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karl Walker
County Mayo, Ireland341 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
Vessel is a futuristic spiral staircase at Hudson Yards. It has 154 flights, 2,500 steps, and 80 landings. Amazing place! The building is really cool, and the surroundings are also pretty cool and decorated ( benches, and trees and lights everywhere).
Written 30 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour, nous y allons début février. Je vais bientôt réserver (14 jours avant).
Selon vous quel est le meilleur créneau horaire. Nombreux parlent du coucher du soleil. Du coup selon vous quelle est la meilleure heure en février.
Merci infiniment pour votre aide précieuse 👍
Written 13 January 2020
Nous sommes allés à midi à 13h30 en hiver, il est préférable de s'abriter car il est à côté de la rivière. Et soyez ponctuel. ils ne vous laissent pas entrer avant votre horaire
Written 30 January 2020
Bonjour est ce que le vessel est ouvert le 25 decembre
Written 23 October 2019
How do you get free tickets to view
Written 4 September 2019
You can check the Hudson Yards website for free reservations. I recommend that you try to book it in advance if you have a particular time/day you'd like go. Otherwise, it can be hit or miss as to how crowded it is and whether you'll be able to get free tickets if you show up and use the kiosks at the Vessel. (The "Flexipass" is the one that costs $10, so if you are looking for free viewing--and no reason not to--then don't choose the Flexipass.)
Written 7 October 2019
Alexandra C
San Antonio, Texas
My family will be visiting in a few days. Do we have to reserve tickets in advance? What is the best time to visit – in the morning, or in the evening?
Written 29 July 2019
Given that you'll be arriving within this week, you will have to obtain your tickets there at the kiosk. Expect to enjoy other activities after you've gotten your tickets since more likely than not; your time slot will be several hours later. You've got the beautiful mall in the same complex; TimeSquare not very far, or take the High Line to the Whitney Museum; among other things. Morning hours are less congested but night time is truly special for the sunset and the magnificent night-time views. If you're averse to the heat, nighttime hours are also more comfortable. Enjoy!
Written 30 July 2019
Vicky
Chicago, Illinois
The date we want to go no longer have free tickets online. There are 8 of us and we’re planning to be there Tuesday evening. Will it be busy at that time and do you think we can get free tickets when we get there?
Written 20 July 2019
Honestly, when we visited it was almost empty! i think that if you are on site and still want to take the stairs it is possible. You can have the same view from the green line and the beautiful malls around the Vessel.
Written 23 July 2019
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