Vessel At Hudson Yards Admission Ticket

Be careful of ordering tickets through TripAdvisor. I inadvertently ordered two tickets when I just needed one and both the TripAdvisor and the vendor pointedfingers at each other in trying to arrange a refund. Ultimately, I learned that TripAdvisor has 100% cancellation fee, meaning there is no possibility of refund. Meanwhile, ostensibly, you can see great views of the city in the Hudson from the top of the vessel, half of it has been blocked for legitimate reasons, but it makes the experience less worthwhile. If you’re feeling like you want a good workout and want to walk up the steps, go for it. But it’s really not a necessary stop when visiting NYC. Instead, go walk the nearby Highline for free.

It was raining but we enjoyed it. Very nice view.

The structure is impressive and unique from the outside, but paying to go up and view the city/area from there isn't worth it—even though the price is relatively low for the city's attraction. The view isn't anything special, the climb to the top floor is strenuous (there is an extremely slow elevator, though I prefer the actual experience of walking up), the upper levels are enclosed by netting that hinders photography (you can only shoot through the relatively large mesh openings), and you cannot go all the way to the very top.

It’s a stunning structure in a beautiful location. The views of the skyline from the top are amazing (minus the protective net). I had fun doing this solo.

The place is really cool in terms if architecture. That alone is worth the $38 we paid. Unfortunately, the elevator was not working and I have a bad knee. The site didn't state the elevators were not operational or we'd have skipped it. If you pay in advance you'd have no way of knowing but apparently the staff was letting you know if you paid on premises. What made matters worse, the net off certain parts for who knows why, so once you go in, you make your journey up, with the bad knee, and end up walking another 4 flights more to get out! I was pretty unhappy and in pain. I did get a refund in the end. The netting screws up the photo ops too. They do bilk you $30 for a picture that I swear the site said was included. I guess they mean, we'll take a picture of you, but you'll have to buy it, lol. Again, I still recommend for the marvel, but check ahead if you have any mobility issues.

Just passed its 10th birthday (the shops opened August 16, 2016, the hub itself that March) and it's aged into a genuine landmark. Santiago Calatrava built it inside Daniel Libeskind's WTC master plan, and the whole building is oriented so that on every September 11 the sun comes through the central skylight and throws a stripe of light across the floor between 8:46 and 10:28. The skylight actually opens that morning. Very few visitors know this. The interior is one continuous white space, ribs overhead, Italian Lasa marble underfoot, and it handles a million people a week without looking tired. Compare it to Grand Central: that one's Beaux Arts and warm, this one's cold and sculptural, and both work. The shopping is forgettable chain stuff. Eataly on the upper level is the exception and worth a coffee. Underground you can walk west through the concourse to Brookfield Place without ever hitting the street, useful in winter.

Very worth a visit. Pricey, but it’s a unique structure and it’s becoming an important NYC landmark.

The Vessel is a uniquely shaped structure, made up of 154 interconnected staircases and it was built to be explored, not just viewed. Before we even got there, I thought that it was more than likely I wouldn’t manage to climb to the top. There is a lift but it is clearly reserved for wheelchairs and disabled – which was fine and we wouldn’t have tried to use it, except as we were meandering around the ground level, we were almost ordered inside the lift by a very authoritative lady (we weren’t going to argue), who was rounding up anyone who stood still long enough – either that or she took one look at us and decided we needed the lift, if we were ever going to see the top. We were very happy to be corralled, as that made such a difference, as coming down was no problem at all. The Vessel is not easy to describe; the nearest is to say it is like a honey-comb, narrower at the bottom, and is 16 storeys (150 feet) high. The 154 flights of stairs, with 80 landings, is made up of almost 2,500 steps. Apparently, it was inspired by the ancient stepwells of India, but designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick. The framework is made of polished, copper-coloured bronzed steel and glass, which reflect so many different angles all at once and the open-air design allows you to look out at the surrounding buildings and the Hudson River, while the angled polished steel and glass create reflections all around. It was very interesting to walk down and around the various levels; the staircases do not go down as you would expect, with a flight of stairs, a landing and the next flight leading down from that; you might have to walk along to get the right flight down or even have to go up a flight to be able to then get a flight down. This made people watching quite funny, as, in addition to that, some staircases were cordoned off (who knows why) but that meant that for those who had split up or just unintentionally taken a different turn, thinking they would meet up on the next landing, they often didn’t and were in a right muddle. One child (probably 10/11 years old), was trying to follow his Dad’s shouted instructions across the Vessel, as Dad wanted a photograph of his son on the opposite side of the building but because of the odd nature of the stairs, doing what his Dad said, just resulted in more confusion and after several minutes of shouting, his Dad just told him to get to the ground level, as best he could and they would have to meet up there!! Watching it was hilarious!

Impressive architeture, nice view East River

This is a beautiful vessel. Good for getting your daily steps.

I visited the Vessel in Manhattan, New York, as a tourist. Like most visitors, you expect to pay for the attraction and enjoy the full experience. I won’t argue that the Vessel is a beautiful and impressive structure. However, the experience doesn’t live up to what its design seems to promise. Most of the stairways are blocked off with safety netting, preventing visitors from accessing large portions of the structure. As a result, you can’t reach the highest level. Even more disappointing, the best view—the Hudson River and the New Jersey skyline—is completely inaccessible. In my opinion, the admission price isn’t worth it. You can enjoy the architecture and take great photos from the surrounding area and the ground level without paying to go inside.

DISAPPOINTED because we already lined up but we were told to go to another line to get the actual ticket from THE VESSEL. So our entrance was delayed for some time and missed the end of the air show for the 4th of July. I bought those tickets to skip the line but apparently we had to line up twice!

What a strange interesting and unusual structure this is. Worth going to look at even if you do not want to pay, enter and climb. It is a series of staircases on many levels aimed at those who want to get exercise in an unusual environment. If you are visiting Hudsons Yard / The Edge do not miss out and look at this building or if you are into fitness have a go.

What a cool first experience! Even though we are native New Yorkers, this was so worth it! The world Cup was on and USA was playing Australia on a big screen right below the Vessel, which we could see!

It's a lovely place in terms of architecture and tranquility. It's not worth climbing all the way to the top; there are too many stairs, and it doesn't offer anything different up there, not even the view. It's more beautiful to take pictures from the bottom. The online ticketing process is efficient, and the admission system, including security, is quick. It's a pleasant place, but nothing spectacular.

Last time we visited NYC, a few years ago, this structure was closed apparently due to some suicides! This visit we saw you could go on it and maybe the anticipation and expectation was too much because on a whim we decided we had to visit. $17 each got us a ticket and we were there at opening time 11.00am. A very officious steward ushered us rudely from near the entrance when we were sheltering from the wind while online trying to get the tickets. Excitedly we were one of the first in but not before security check and a loud equally obnoxious shouting woman yelled at people to do this or that - a message to that steward take a chill pill or find a job not involving people! as you are useless at it. Security check of bags was not thorough as I’d expect after the past as someone with wire cutters could easily get them through and they could still jump if they wanted to!! Inside we were invited by a quiet steward to pick some stairs and start our journey. We proceeded to ascent to the top. 7 sets I think of stairs And admittedly the copper symmetry is worth a look and different views than get at ground floor but was it worth $17 I am not sure. We chose to walk down the steps than take the lift - slow slow lift we took some pictures of the symmetry and found many of the stairs were shut so you couldn’t go all the way around and that frustrated us as it wasn’t clear then at the bottom we found old shouty yelling exit exit this way - so we did! Disappointed frustrated and wished we hadn’t - in my opinion it’s seriously not worth the money!

Easy and cool experience with some great pics!

Since didn’t go all the way up, personally I would not travel to this side of town just to see the copper stairs. But it was very unique to see if you were in the neighborhood. Maybe view from top might worth to visit?

I had seen the Vessel multiple times since it opened, but it was always closed to the public, so I never got to go inside until recently. And honestly, it’s a completely different experience. Seeing it from the outside doesn’t even come close. Once you’re inside and make your way all the way up, the perspective changes entirely. The structure, the views, the angles, it all hits differently. And the photos? Easily some of the best you’ll get in the city. Pro tip: book your ticket in advance and try to go earlier in the day to avoid crowds and get cleaner shots. If it’s open, don’t just look at it, go up. It’s worth it.

Safe your money for the Edge instead!! What a rip off. We were amongst the very early people to enter this structure since it reopened (this morning). I understand the history, but dear me….so much of it is off limits. They don’t tell you this beforehand - what an absolute rip off!! Fabulous to look at, externally, a really beautiful building. But charging people to go up it…..seriously???

I went to the park, but I didn’t actually go to the top of the vessel. I believe you can walk up or take the elevator inside. There was a charge to admission. From the park, you could easily access the shops at Hudson yards, the High Line Park, and the off broadway theatre The Shed

Its a very poor expérience for 15usd. There's nothing exciting to do inside other than seeing the arquitecture. I went with an elderly person that was never able to go to the top because the elevator was taking 40 m... And she only had 4 persons in front. I was able to go up to the top floor, however most of the sides are closed to the public, so you can't even walk! Really really bad experience, there is so many amazing places in the city, but definitely only nice to see it for free from the outside. Can't believe you have to pay for nothing.

The Vessel, located in Manhattan, is a lovely spot for views, clicks & views, given the unique shape of the building and the views all around.

Very pretty and unusual but a waste of time and money to go up. Worth a photo but lots of the routes are fenced off inside and when you do get to the top there’s not a lot to see. One to photograph but save your pennies.

Open, no, ONLY half is open! You can't walk all the way around. And even if you could, it is not worth the admission. It is worth viewing from the street. Wished we'd just done that...view from a distance.

This attraction is overrated. The top floor is not accessible. You just realize that once you are almost there, at the ticket booth no one informs you, and paying $15 just to go up not even the top… overpriced. It looks good from the outside and view from the height down is cool but not what I have expected

Pre-booked for 31st July as was told it was likely to sell out, but was closed due to rain, so circumstances completely outside of our control. Staff there couldn’t help with rescheduling and just said to email for rescheduling or refund. I emailed next day asking to reschedule but no response, so we ended up rebooking and paying for more tickets to visit on 2nd August as our holiday was coming to an end and we really wanted to visit this building. Still chasing a refund for our original tickets, sent two emails, filled in the contact form on their website, and messaged on instagram, and I’ve had NOTHING back from anyone. Absolutely disgusting customer service, and I’ve noticed another lady who booked the same day as us has left a review saying she can’t get a refund either. I’m appalled at the lack of customer care or contact from this company, happy to take your money TWICE and then ignore you. I will be pursing this via other avenues as it’s been over a week now. STEER CLEAR, there are much better things to see in NYC.

The top floors facing the water are still closed. They have not explicitly stated that at the ticket counter. Unethical folks running this show. Not worth the price

The vessis now a unique attraction for the visiting tourist. On first seeing this monumental structure on is immediately curious. Then after entering the structure the eyes go up toward the sky and the many steps that must be climbed in order to reach the summit of the sculpture called the vessel. As one climbs ever upward, the smiles of those descending from above spurs us forward so that we also can share the glee that comes from accomplishment. After a ten minutes climb we've arrived! Joy fills the air and my wife and I are all smiles. We encourage everyone who visits New York to experience this fantastic attraction. Your camera is a must.

The building is quite the design and engineering feat. It has a series of many short flights of stairs leading you up and down, and as you circle the building you get different perspectives of the Hudson River, river, plaza, buildings, roads, etc. What we didn't know was that due to a sad spate of suicides a few years ago, key portions of the Vessel are blocked off, namely the top rung. Apparently, they haven't been able to design a way to install the protective netting that covers the accessible spaces on to those top levels. The blocked upper accesses/stairs were a surprise and puzzle to us, and if there was a sign explaining that we missed it. A security person clued us in. If you are at Hudson Yards or walking the Highline it's probably worth the $12 admission (July, '25,plus the obligatory small service fee and state tax) but maybe not to make a special trip, unless the entire structure becomes accessible someday.

Was stunned as we rounded the street corner to see this massive 16 story free standing copper/brass structure before us. The sun shone on the patina of the metal which added more jaw dropping thoughts. There is an ADA elevator (with advanced tickets to the top). The Vessel associates could not have been more accommodating. You can ride back down but please try to walk. It is an experience. Take your time--view the Hudson River, the High Line, shops, etc.

For $15 this a GREAT value in New York City. Yes, the Vessel is not as high as other observation decks, but high enough. The Vessel is on the highline, a GREAT way to walk this part of New York City. Hudson Yards also has a high rise observation deck.

I was quite excited to come here since I had some time. I came to go up for sunset. The structure is very unique and it looked like a very interesting place to wander around. You can only pay by card even at the counter so it's easier to just buy online prior to getting there, otherwise, you're wasting time being in line unnecessarily. There is an elevator to the top but I quite liked being able to walk up the stairs to get interesting views of the area. However, half of the structure was closed off, with netting covering the stairs. It also happened to be the side which was facing the river. You are able to get to the top but it was a very small portion. It was also smaller than the other buildings around it so you don't really get to see much at the top other than the immediate area below. The interior was interestingly designed and the lighting was also nice. I was just a bit disappointed that you couldn't explore the entire structure.

Fun place for some good photo ops. We were able to walk up to about the 7th level. The wiring doesn't really interfere with your ability to take some good pictures. It was probably about a 20 minute visit for us. No need to buy tickets in advance because it is easy to get them on site. And if you have visited The Edge the same day as you visit the Vessel, you get a 20 percent discount by showing your Edge tickets at the Vessel ticket booth.

We thought it might really be a different spot to visit on our NYC visit. We walked quite a distance from Soho area to get to Hudson Yards, close to the Vessel. It is very impressive - had never seen anything quite like this futuristic structure. Walk all the way up and enjoy the view! Good phot ops!

Definitely unusual and interesting - a dramatic structure at the northern end of the Highline Path in NYC. You can walk up and around, and apparently do this for free onThursdays (I'd suggest checking the Vessel's website for current arrangements. This was opened to the public to walk around in and then closed for a while when people took their lives by jumping from it. Additional safety features were added and now it's open again to climb. When walking through it, or simply looking at it, it's unusual and worth a visit.

The building is really different in design and the surroundings are very nice and decorated with benches, and trees and lights everywhere. At the time we were not allowed to go to the top but you can go inside and see the base of the building, which offers a pretty amazing view! There was a big screen tv with deck chairs showing football there are food trucks available. there is a Starbucks too we ended up having a couple of coffee and relaxing on the deck chairs

Not worth the $10 to go inside! Plus, they made it difficult to purchase tickets. Chicken wire obstructed poor views of a rail yard. You couldn't even go to the top due to construction. The outside is impressive. Skip the inside.

My partner wanted to do this so we booked our tickets for 10am when it opened and it was so quiet. Do pre book tickets if you can makes things a lot quicker. We went up and realized you could get to the top as it's locked. You do get some cool pictures but the highest point you can reach is on the opposite side to the river with no real view. Maybe I just don't appreciate art in the way this is supposed to be appreciated.

Most excellent views in a truly art-work piece of architecture. Worth your while visiting and climbing up. Spectacular views.

Quite an impressive building, to be honest. It was a pretty cold day to visit: -7! Felt like -14! Lucky blue sky sunshine etc to make it up. It reopened after some suicides. The price to pay is that the nets everywhere on the 1st floor upwards. Not good for photos of course. Well.. It is close to the water with some funny angles so you will experience some strong head winds whichever the direction. Be prepared!

At just $10 each, we thought this was a must do activity and one that complimented our tour of Hudson Yards. The architecture is stunning, simply stunning. The climb itself gets your heart pumping so be prepared as you start the ascent. Staff were friendly and thorough in their security checks upon entry. There’s some netting the higher up you go. The construction makes for a stunning central focus in this new development and from the top you can appreciate the beauty of the local area, as well as the piece itself.

Wanted to visit the Vessel for a long time and finally was able to do it now. Interesting design for sure. Cool to take some pictures, particularly by placing the phone down at the center. Some portion of the stairs were cordoned off, which was a bummer. It was windy when we were there, but maybe something can be done to block that wind maybe. As the 3 sides are covered by buildings and one side left open, wind is forcing its way with even more tenacity? But definitely something can be/need to be done to break that wind.

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.

A strange rip off where it’s $10 per entry, they check your bags and you “enter” to climb stairs. A few picture opportunities but that’s about it

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.

Visited here on 10/12/24 and on 13/12/24 we went up the stairs on this attraction . The design is very good and is safe with netting on the outside . The entry is a bit expensive at 10 dollars each but the staff there were really friendly and helpful and on a very cold day we went up and had done great views and photo opportunities. It’s a place to do once but worth a visit . The shopping centre is also great and worth a visit . The shops are high end but at Christmas it’s decorated beautifully and worth checking out

My nephew and I had a couple hours to kill before our trains after a midday Thanksgiving, so we wandered over to the head of the High Line, and noticed that the Vessel seemed to be open. I had been wanting to do it for a while, but it was closed when I checked a few months ago, so it seemed lucky to find it open. We got on line to buy tickets - and then went nowhere. There was some problem with the ticket sales, but the young man at the booth was not communicating with anyone. He seemed to be deliberately hiding. After about 20 minutes, sales resumed, slowly. It was only then that we realized the tickets are timed, and we would have to wait another 20 minutes before being allowed to enter. It was a chilly, windy, gray day, so not ideal for an open air adventure above ground. That, combined with the fact that the top two levels are no longer accessible, left us feeling like the climb was not worth the $10 ticket price. The views are nice, but not that better than the view from the elevated plaza at the base of the Vessel, and the most attractive part of the structure is the beautiful copper cladding on the outside. Once you're on the inside, it's just a bunch of staircases. So two bits of advice if you do go - buy your tickets online before you go ($5 extra to skip the timed entry), and go on a nice day.

This NYC landmark has finally re-opened after safety net installation, just in time for the NYC Marathon 2024 event. All NYC Marathoners got a free ticket by showing bibs or medals. Otherwise, ticket costs $10