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Our favorite things to do in Hudson Yards … and where to enjoy a cocktail or two!

a group of people riding horses on a city street

Sightsee, Get Your Art On and Drink!

Hudson Yards officially opened in March of 2019. This high profile $20 billion development is located on the north end of the High Line. Hudson Yards is a 28 acre mixed used development built over rail yards. It features luxury shopping, a climbable public-art sculpture, restaurants (several by the world’s most famous chefs) and soon, a 100th-floor outdoor observation deck.

We end our Chelsea Market & High Line Food Tour at Hudson Yards so we wanted to provide a run down of things to do and what to see after the tour.

 

SIGHTSEE!

The Spur, the High Line extension

As a local, walking the High Line is still one of our favorite things to do. We are so proud that the city and citizens of New York had the vision to create and fund such a wonderful project. It’s truly awe inspiring and captures so much of what makes the city so special. For the past 10 years, the High Line has been growing northward but in 2019, the last leg was finally opened. This section has panoramic views up and down 10th avenue, the largest gardens of the High Line, the Coach Passage entranceway featuring 60-foot-tall cathedral ceilings, open space for public arts programming, and the Plinth. The Plinth is one of the only sites in New York City featuring changing, contemporary public art commissions. Each commission will remain in place for 18 months. 

a group of people riding horses on a city street

 

The Vessel

The Vessel is a 150-foot-tall, honeycomb-like structure comprised of 154 interconnecting flights of stairs and 2,500 individual steps. It offers great views of the city, the Hudson river and beyond. Entrance is free (get a ticket at the booth in front of the entrance). Our lovely tour guides will snap a photo of you in front of this now iconic NYC landmark.

a group of people standing in front of a building

 

The Edge

We haven’t experienced it yet but this is sure to be a popular attraction. The Edge is the highest outdoor deck in the Western Hemisphere. Located on the 100th floor, 1100 feet above the ground. There is also a glass floor for those brave enough to look down. Timed tickets are $36 and flex passes are $56.

a group of people walking on a pier

 

ART!

The Shed

See what’s going on at The Shed — from traditional museum exhibitions to live music and theater, we love the unique and fresh programming. There is also a Danny Meyer restaurant / bar open to the public if you want to go inside and at least check that out.

a group of people standing in front of a building

 

West Chelsea Art Galleries

Starting just south of Hudson Yards from about 29th Street down to 20th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues and to the West Side Highway you can wander and pop in whatever galleries look interesting! A few of our favorites: Paula Cooper, Kasmin, Sikkema Jenkins, Metro Pictures, Lehmann Maupin, Hauser and Wirth, Luhring Augustine, Paul Kasmin, Marlborough and three big ones: Gagosian, Pace and David Zwirner.

a vase of flowers on a table

 

DRINK!

If you really want to act like a local, you’ll grab a beer, cocktail or glass of wine after a long day of walking around enjoying all that NYC has to offer. Here’s our top three favorite spots to grab a drink (or food!) in Hudson Yards:

Legacy Records:

We love this quote by NY Times food critic Pete Wells: “…Legacy Records, is unusually good and very popular and if somebody invites you there, you should know why you are having dinner down the street from the Javits Convention Center and a stable where Central Park carriage horses go to be hosed down at night.” It’s a bit pricey for us but we do love a good scene so it’s a great place to grab a drink and soak it all in. And some of our friends DJ there from time to time so we know it’s a great spot. 🙂

a group of people sitting at a table in a restaurant

 

Queensyard:

Two words: THE VIEW! If you love the Vessel, this is the spot for you. Incredible views in a unique space. If you find yourself wandering the mall, head up to the fourth floor to rest your feet and savor a libation.

a group of people sitting at a table in a restaurant

 

Mercado Little Spain:

Mercado is a large lower level food hall, created by a trio of very famous chefs: José Andrés and Ferran and Albert Adrià. The hall celebrates all things Spain (at least food and wine). I studied abroad and lived in Spain and coming here brings me back! Grab some tapas and enjoy a nice glass of Spanish wine.

a group of people sitting at a table in a restaurant

 

Yes, there’s a swanky new mall and if you see any stores you want to visit, by all means. Personally, we are trying to stop shopping all together but when we do, we shop vintage, avoid plastics and seek out sustainable brands. We hope you enjoyed our list of what to do in Hudson Yards!