One of the absolute coolest sites in NYC is The Vessel, a 150-foot tall (47 m) sculpture/spiral staircase in Hudson Yards.
It's a must-see for anyone who loves architecture, those seeking great views of New York City or simply likes walking up stairs for a workout!
I like it for all three reasons and as a local tour guide, I always recommend my tour guests to at least go and see it.
This amazing attraction reopened in October 2024 after nearly a three-year closure.
I'm so glad it has so that you and everyone who visits NYC can check out the Vessel.
And in this short clip below, Katie, a fell tour guide with Tours by Foot NYC, takes you to the Vessel.
- What Is the Vessel?
- How to Get Tickets
- Where Is It?
- Walking Tours
- The Edge Observation Deck
- Things to Do in NYC
WHAT IS THE VESSEL?
Part conventional structure, part sculpture, the Vessel is probably the most unusual staircase you have ever seen.
It's the imaginative work of the English architect Thomas Heatherwick.
Made of concrete and bronzed steel, the Vessel is a spiral staircase that is 150 feet tall (47 meters), with 154 interconnecting flights of stairs with landings that you can stop at along the way.
It looks like a honeycomb somewhat. It's hard to describe and is best seen to get it.
Even better, walk up it and get your cardio workout!
Joking aside, walking up the Vessel is an interesting experience because each landing offers different views of the city and the Hudson River.
When it opened in 2019, I had the opportunity to go up the Vessel with friends and it was worth the hike.
Unfortunately, the Vessel was closed in 2021 after four people killed themselves by jumping from the highest floor.
With the reopening, safety measures have been put in place. The first two levels of the Vessel will be fully open.
Every floor above the second has steel mesh screens that look like webbing.
Fortunately do not impact the beauty of the design too much.
The top floor will remain closed.
TICKETS TO THE VESSEL
The Vessel is open Monday to Sunday 10 am to 9 pm (the last entrance is at 8 pm).
You can stay as long as you'd like but 30 minutes is more than enough time to climb the stairs and take photos.
There are two types of tickets: General Admission and Flex Admission.
General admission tickets require that you book a date and time to visit.
Make sure to arrive within the entry time frame indicated on your ticket.
If you are late, you may be admitted depending on capacity and if time slots are available.
Flex admission tickets require that you book a date but you can arrive any time during open hours.
Prices
- General Admission $10
- Flex Admission $15
- Children 5 and under are free
TIP: NYC residents get free admission every Thursday. Must show ID upon entry.
Tickets can be reserved online or purchased in person at the Guest Services counter adjacent to the Vessel.
I highly recommend buying them online. to ensure you get in.
You are allowed to request a maximum of 14 tickets.
To purchase tickets for groups of 15+, email groups@hudsonyardsnewyork.com
How to Get Free Tickets
Before the vessel closed in 2021, holders of several tourist attraction passes had free admission to the Vessel without making a reservation.
Simply show your pass at the main entrance and you will be given a free ticket for the next available entry time.
Read our post comparing NYC tourist attraction passes to see which one, if any, is best for you.
The Vessel is located in the center of Hudson Yards, a large complex of includes shops, residential apartment buildings, public green space, and commercial space.
Hudson Yards is in the Chelsea neighborhood on the west side of Manhattan at 10th Avenue and 33rd Street.
Use this Google Maps link to get directions from your starting location to the Vessel.
Or you could just let us take you here. Take a look at the tours we offer below.
Some nearby attractions are High Line Park, Pier 66 and Pier 64 with great views of the Hudson River and Midtown Manhattan.
The Empire State Building at 34th Street and 5th Avenue is five long city blocks away on foot or a quick subway ride away.
If you are new to the NYC subway, then you might find the following posts helpful:
Before or after you visit the Vessel, consider taking one of our guided tours of the High Line.
A tour of this stunning elevated park can easily be combined with your visit to the Vessel.
Our All-in-One Downtown Manhattan Tour concludes at the northern end of the High Line, just blocks away from the Vessel.
Check our tour calendar to see if our tour times work well before or after seeing the Vessel.
If you can't make it to one of our guided tours, there are other options, such as our GPS-enabled audio tour of the High Line or taking a tour with a different tour operator.
See our post on High Line Tours to read reviews of companies that offer tours.
If you are considering purchasing a New York tourist attraction pass, a daily tour of the High Line is included with both the Explorer Pass and the New York Pass.
