A Photographer’s Experience of Sunrise at Edge NYC Observatory

Last Updated on December 23, 2025 by Erin Donahue

NYC is a city that has mastered the art of reaching for the stars, both figuratively and quite literally. One of the most spectacular manifestations of this ambition is Edge NYC Observatory, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, perched on top of 30 Hudson Yards. This modern marvel offers a one-of-a-kind experience that makes you feel like you’re floating in the sky, especially during sunrise.

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Reaching For The Sky

I remember vividly the construction of Hudson Yards being built when I would take the ferry to commute to my office job in Weehawken. I basically watched NYC’s “little Dubai” grow up (quite literally). Since its completion, Edge famously opened up in March 2020, only to be shut down a couple of days after due to the shelter-in-place orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since re-opened, obviously, with crowds seemingly bursting at the seams.

While this popular observatory is a go-to destination for visitors, unlike some of the other observatories in the city, the sky deck of Edge only covers half the side of the building, meaning you don’t get that full 360-degree view. This limited real estate also impacts the crowd size, as everyone wants to soak in the breathtaking sights.

A Floating Sensation

The observatory entrance is located on Level 4 of The Shops & Restaurants at 30 Hudson Yards. While I personally only go up when I’m invited, ticket prices range from $36 to $99, depending on the time of day and any additional amenities you may want to enjoy. A note: experiencing sunrise at Edge NYC observatory is not open to the general public, and is invite-only.

Once you’ve secured your ticket and stepped into the elevator, you’re in for a mesmerizing ride. The ascent is swift and smooth, and the elevator itself is a spectacle with its animated cityscape that rises as you do. The doors open, and there you are, standing at the precipice of the sky, surrounded by an awe-inspiring vista of the city that never sleeps.

Living on the Edge…of NYC

The heart-pounding excitement truly begins when you step out onto the deck. As you look down through the triangular glass floor, you can’t help but feel the adrenaline rush. If you dare, lean out over the city on the angled glass walls, a sensation that’s a bit dizzying. It’s a unique and exhilarating experience, to say the least.

While it may not provide the all-encompassing 360-degree outdoor views of other observatories, it more than makes up for it with its heart-pounding, adrenaline-inducing features and its suspended-in-mid-air feeling. It’s a testament to human ambition and a symbol of New York City’s ever-evolving skyline. So, if you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and see the world from the Edge, don’t let the crowds deter you. There’s magic in this piece of the sky, and it’s a sensation you won’t soon forget.

Watch Sunrise at Edge NYC on YouTube