One World Observatory vs the Edge

The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, The Edge at Hudson Yards, and other observation decks in New York boast the best skyline in the World.

With so many world-class observation decks, it can be difficult for visitors to decide where to see the city’s spectacular sights.

While the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock are historical structures that provide a timeless experience, One World and The Edge are the most modern observation decks.

One World Observatory opened to the public in 2014, and The Edge at Hudson Yards debuted in 2019.

In this article, we will compare One World Observatory vs The Edge at Hudson Yards so you can make a correct decision from every point of view. 

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One World Observatory 

You wouldn’t expect an observation platform to spark a debate, but this one does. Some New Yorkers have refused to visit the Financial District since 9/11. 

They claim that the area is sacred and that nothing should have replaced the Towers. 

Those who have visited the memorial can safely say that 9/11 will not be forgotten. 

The memorial honors all lost lives, from those in the towers to those on the planes, those on the street, and the first responders on the front lines when disaster strikes.

That is where the One World Observatory begins. 

It all begins at Ground Zero. You can only enter the building if you are reminded of what the Freedom Tower represents and the sacrificed lives to bring it to life.

It does not and does not attempt to replace the Twin Towers. 

Its role is to usher in a new beginning. And it does so brilliantly by reminding you of history while giving you hope for the future.

The Edge at Hudson Yards

One of the most recent additions to the New York City observation lineup is part sightseeing and thrilling adventure. 

The Edge opened earlier this year and has the highest outdoor platform in the United States. 

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, the glass walls are tilted out, and portions of the floor are glass and see-through. 

Worth

The Edge is part of Hudson Yards’ newest Manhattan addition, including the fantastic art/stairs piece “The Vessel.” 

All of this is part of the “new” New York landscape. It is environmentally conscious, green, sustainable, and futuristic. 

Go to Hudson Yards and check out Edge to learn how the city focuses on energy, climate change, adaptability, and the future.

Edge is also worth a look if you’re a daring adventurer and the other more modest platforms bore you. 

The Edge had something about those slanted glass walls, and that glass floor makes you doubt your safety and sanity.

The Edge also has a bar and stadium-style seating with views of the platform and the city. 

It’s a great place to get some good vibes, but don’t overdo it and walk out on that glass floor.

The entrance to the One World Observatory plays into history, not only our past but also the history of the ground. 

It is the city’s archeological backbone. It all begins in the basement, in the rock. It demonstrates how the building’s foundation is a fortress that stands firm. 

The SkyPod elevator offers a unique experience of gliding up 102 flights while displaying the architecture of New York in video and photos from the 1700s to today.

You exit on the 100th floor and watch a brief video about the workers and their hopes for the Freedom Tower, after which the projection panels disappear, leaving you with the one world observatory view at night.

It transforms into a mystical fantasy at night as the sun sets and the city lights up. 

Nothing short of stunning describes the expansive view of the metropolitan skyline. 

The fact that you are sitting on the ledge of a tall skyscraper only heightens this beautiful panorama’s impact.

One World Observatory View 

The views from the One World Observatory observation deck are breathtaking.

Visitors can see many of the Financial districts because the World Trade Center is in the southern part of Manhattan near the water.

The Hudson and East Rivers, the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building, the Grand Central Terminal, the Flat Iron Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and parts of New Jersey are also visible from the One World Observatory.

With sparkling lights and towers in every direction, the One World Observatory night view gives visitors a unique vantage point. 

The One World Observatory at night is an unforgettable experience that will leave you spellbound. 

One World Observatory and The Edge both offer spectacular New York views.

The One World Observatory view at night provides a breathtaking panorama from a vantage point unlike any other.

Experience the magic of the New York City night sky with your One World Observatory tickets.

Admission to the observatories

One World Observatory offers two types of tickets, whereas The Edge offers only one experience.

Visitors can access all exhibits and observation decks with their entry tickets.

The standard ticket to One World gives you access to all three floors – Levels 100, 101, and 102.

If you want to use the Explorer iPad, purchase a Priority ticket.

Tickets to The Edge at Hudson Yards include access to the indoor and outdoor decks on Level 100.

Glass Floor, Angled Glass Walls, Skyline Steps, and Eastern Point are also accessible to visitors.

Every visitor to the observatory receives a complimentary digital souvenir photo.

Price of the tickets 

The One World Observatory tickets price for an adult is around $48, while at Hudson Yard’s Edge it also costs $48. 

At The Edge, visitors aged 62 and up are considered seniors, whereas visitors aged 65 and up are considered senior visitors at One World Observatory.

Children under five are admitted free to both attractions, while children aged six to twelve receive a $6 discount off the adult ticket price.

Attractions with elevators

Tourists who visit One World Observatory are intrigued by its high-speed elevator, which uses time-lapse technology to show the evolution of New York City over the last 500 years.

The five high-speed elevators reach the 100th floor in 47 seconds and travel at 37 km/h (23 mph).

Edge at Hudson Yards is located on Level 100 and is accessible via a high-speed elevator in 52 seconds.

You can see New York City forming right before you during the ride.

Exploration tools for your visit

One World Observatory offers some intriguing tools for exploring New York.

Tourists who come with their families and children enjoy spending time at One World’s Sky Portal.

It is a circular glass disc 4.2 meters (14 feet) wide on which visitors can stand and see unobstructed views of the streets 100 floors below.

Another tool available at One World is the City Pulse, which consists of interactive rings of high-definition monitors that allow guests to view New York’s landmarks and neighborhoods in a novel way.

Tour Ambassadors, the ultimate New York City insiders, lead the interactive presentations at One World Observatory’s City Pulse.

If money isn’t an issue, try One World’s Explorer iPad with a Priority ticket.

The Skyview Channel and the Restaurant Channel are available on the Explorer iPad.

The Skyview Channel provides a virtual tour of New York’s most famous landmarks, while the Restaurant Channel provides information on lesser-known restaurants and their famous dishes.

The Edge at Hudson Yards has a Glass Floor where visitors can stand (or lie down!) and look down 100 stories.

Guests can also get a better view by sitting on the Skyline Steps.

They can see over the top of the glass panels and past the Edge of the deck from the steps.

Decks for outdoor observation

The One World Trade Center observatory is entirely enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

You can also visit the One Dine restaurant on the 101st floor of the One World Trade Center, which offers unrivaled views of New York City. 

From the restaurant’s expansive windows, diners can take in iconic landmarks. 

The Edge has an outdoor sky deck 100 floors above Manhattan and an indoor observation deck.

This triangular platform suspended in midair provides an adrenaline rush.

If you want to experience the thrill of an outdoor platform, The Edge is a better option than One World Observatory.

Crowds to be expected

One World Observatory receives approximately 3 million visitors annually, while The Edge, a newly opened observation deck, receives fewer visitors.

However, both NYC attractions will be crowded if you visit during the peak summer months.

Both observatories are best visited when they open for the day or during sunset, which can get crowded.

You can avoid crowds by visiting on weekdays and purchasing your tickets in advance online.

One World Observatory vs the Edge: Which one to choose?

Choosing between One World Observatory and The Edge at Hudson Yards is not a matter.

Both New York attractions have advantages, and which is best for you will depend on what you want to get out of your trip to the top.

If you want to spend time on an outdoor observation deck, go to The Edge at Hudson Yards.

If you want to go at night, choose The Edge because it is open until midnight, whereas the One World Observatory closes at 9 pm.

If you want to avoid the crowds during peak summer months, One World Observatory is a better option because it has skip the line tickets which allows you to avoid the crowds. 

If you intend to visit the 9/11 Museum and 9/11 Memorial, the One World Observatory is a better choice because they are all nearby and can be explored daily.

Here’s a popular tour that includes all three sites: the 9/11 Memorial, the 9/11 Museum, and the One World Observatory.

Whatever observatory you choose, please keep the following in mind:

1. Purchase your tickets in advance online. It saves you money while avoiding long lines at the venue.

2. Before purchasing your tickets, check the weather and make sure the day is clear.

3. The observatory is always colder than it is on the ground. Always bring an extra layer with you.

FAQs

Featured Image: Edgenyc.com, Lhabum / Getty Images