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City Climb at Edge

Climb a New York Skyscraper

Updated: November 1, 2023

Edge atop 30 Hudson Yards is one of NYC's sky-high observation decks. Going to the top is thrilling, but if you've ever wanted to scale the outside of a skyscraper, try the exciting experience at Edge called City Climb.

This post covers ticket costs, information about the activity, and other details to consider before deciding to do City Climb.


Overview

City Climb is an experience offered by Edge observation deck located on top of 30 Hudson Yards.

Edge opened in 2020, it is the tallest open-air observation deck in the Western Hemisphere.

While the observation deck is almost at the top of the building, it's not the highest point that guests can reach.

City Climb offers visitors the opportunity to climb to the top of the building by traversing a series of open-air platforms and stairs above Edge's observation deck.

Despite its physical demands, City Climb is designed to be approachable even for beginners.

As you ascend, the city's chaos fades into the background and all that remains is you and the stunning view.

Once the experience is over, you can celebrate your achievement by taking a victory lap at Edge's viewing areas and then toast your success at the Champagne bar at Edge.

For those who want this kind of daredevil experience, City Climb is absolutely worth doing.

Whether you are a climbing pro or a novice, the City Climb is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.


City Climb Tickets

While tickets for Edge are relatively affordable, the City Climb experience costs substantially more due to all of the equipment necessary and everything included.

A view of Hudson Yards from the bottom. Image source: Pixabay user Dave Rivera.
A view of Hudson Yards from the bottom. Image source: Pixabay user Dave Rivera.

If you’re wondering what it’s like, make sure to read our section on what to expect.

  • $185 per person including taxes. Tickets are non-refundable.
  • In addition to the climb itself, you also have access to Edge and you get a complimentary digital Edge image.
  • When you purchase your Hudson Yard Ticket, you will select a date and time. You will have a 10-minute entry window, so be sure to be on time.
  • Purchase tickets here.

Before booking, make sure you meet these requirements:

  • Age: 13+ (Climbers aged 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult 18+)
  • Height: 4.9ft - 6.7ft
  • Weight Requirements: A minimum weight of 65 lbs, and a maximum weight of 310 lbs.
  • Climbers aged 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult (18+)
  • No personal cameras are allowed, all photos will be taken by City Climb staff.
  • If you are pregnant, have vertigo, a heart condition, or are using drugs/alcohol, this activity is not advised.

City Climb NYC Discounts

Currently, there are not a lot of discount options for this activity.

Given that it's one of the more exclusive experiences at Hudson Yards, chances are there won't often be many ways to save money on tickets.

Even so, we recommend the following opportunities for anyone who wants to save a few bucks while you're in the area.


Discount Passes

Although none of the New York City tourist passes currently offer tickets to City Climb, there's always a possibility that they could add it in the future.

For now, they at least offer discounted admission to Edge at Hudson Yards. Here are a few more activities you can usually enjoy with these services:

  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
  • Empire State Buildings, Top of the Rock, or One World Observatory
  • Madame Tussauds
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • Museum of Modern Art
  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry  
  • Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
  • Whitney Museum of American Art
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art

If you're interested in saving 50% or more on any of these attractions, make sure to read our post covering NYC discount passes for more information.


Discount Sites

In addition to the tourist passes, this is another great opportunity to save money on tickets to City Climb.

Services like Groupon and LivingSocial frequently provide deals on popular tourist activities such as this one.

Even if they aren't currently offering a discounted rate on this activity, you might still be able to save money using one of their frequently offered coupon codes, which often provide an extra 10% - 20% off.


What to Expect at City Climb

For an incredible aerial adventure, head to City Climb and embark on the highest external building climb in the world! 

During the City Climb experience, you’ll scale the side of 30 Hudson Yards, a nearly 1,300 ft tall skyscraper.


Safety Briefing

First, the staff will give you a safety briefing. This briefing also includes a breathalyzer test that you must pass to insure you are not under the influence of alcohol - a major risk to climbers.

A staff member will also make sure that you meet all the criteria mentioned above in the tickets section, and lastly, you will sign a waiver.

If you pass the criteria, you will be taken to the 100th floor.

Here in a glass room at Basecamp, guests must remove all their belongings (jewelry, watches, etc.) and can store them in a locker. Then guests put on climbing suits.

Climbers must wear comfortable clothing that is suitable for walking and climbing stairs. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions.  

This preparation takes about one hour. Then the fun begins!


The Cliff

It’s 32 steps from Basecamp to the cliff where you can have fun looking out at Lower Manhattan, New Jersey, and the Hudson River.

This is only the beginning.


The Stair & The Rail

Next is a 161-stair climb at a 45-degree incline that takes you to the Apex.

The Rail, a trolley that moves with you through your ascent, will keep you attached at all times.

This walking journey is an easier one, as you’re walking instead of climbing. and a strenuous one, as you will have to pull the harness device along with you.


The Apex

Once you reach the highest point, The Apex, at 1,271 feet high, your guides will show you how to do "lean outs", where you can lean out from the building facing forward, backward, or both!

This is not for the faint of heart! You can see approximately all of Lower Manhattan, Central Park, and the Empire State Building from The Apex.

The City Climb experience is available seven days a week from 9:45 am to 8 pm.

The entire experience will take you approximately 1.5 - 2 hours.


Nearby Attractions

There are a lot of great things to see and do nearby, but the two biggest attractions are pretty obvious: Edge Observation Deck and The Vessel.

The Vessel at Hudson Yards. Image source: Pixabay user michalkka.
The Vessel at Hudson Yards. Image source: Pixabay user michalkka.

You might also want to check out Hudson Yards simply to do a little shopping while you’re in the area.

Here are a few other locations you might want to check out either before or after this activity:

Although only the City Climb at Edge currently offers the opportunity to climb skyscrapers in NYC, you might still want to visit some of the other historic buildings in the city and see the view from there as well.

For more information about these locations, make sure to read our post about which NYC observation deck is best.

About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

Stephen is the CEO of Free Tours by Foot and has overseen the transformation of a local walking tour company into a global tour community and traveler’s advice platform. He has personally led thousands of group tours in the US and Europe, and is an expert in trip planning and sightseeing, with a focus on budget travelers. Stephen has been published and featured in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Yahoo, Washington.org, and more.
Updated: November 1st, 2023
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