The Vessel
The Vessel
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsObservation Decks & Towers
Monday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
This bold, beehive-looking structure is one of the most iconic buildings in Midtown Manhattan and the centerpiece of Hudson Yards. This spiral staircase has 154 interconnecting flights of stairs, and together with its reflective copper metal exterior, creates a surreal appearance and unique photo op. It also offers amazing views of the city and river from different vantage points. Although the upper floors are currently closed to the public, you can access the ground level for free. It's a great stop to make if you're heading to Bella Abzug Park, or on a tour of Hudson Yards and The High Line. – Tripadvisor
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Hudson Yards
How to get there
- 34th St – Hudson Yards • 3 min walk
- 34th St – Penn Station • 10 min walk
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10,000 within 5 kms
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2,866 within 10 kms
See what travelers are saying
- PattyMargate, Florida649 contributionsAmazing building with spectacular architectureThis is a really cool building like a honeycomb! Definitely an obligatory spot to visit in New York and the best part is that is free!! Perfect for take pictures!! And isn’t to big so you don’t going to need more than one hour here!Visited May 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 11, 2024
- JackOld Bethpage, New York3,409 contributionsVery coolThe Vessel is a very cool monument in Hudson Yards right at the end of the High Line. Unfortunately, you can’t go to the top, but the view from the bottom is very cool. There are always clouds of people surround the Vessel, but I still recommend visiting.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 15, 2024
- SwonQonDoiBoston, Massachusetts405 contributionsExplore the Beehive @ The VesselDuring our trip to New York, we had the chance to visit the Vessel, a fascinating attraction located on the west side of Manhattan. The Vessel is a striking architectural structure that also serves as a centerpiece and public landmark within the Hudson Yards complex. Since opening to the public, it has become very popular. Its unique design draws many travelers to check it out. The Vessel resembles a beehive from the outside, stands 16 stories tall (approximately 46 meters), and consists of 154 flights of stairs, 2,500 steps, and 80 landings. Visitors can climb to the top for a beautiful view of the west side of the Hudson River. It's no surprise that people visit this place often; exploring the Vessel was a really cool experience. There are many picturesque spots perfect for photographs that no one should miss. We had a great time at the Vessel and highly recommend anyone visiting New York stop by.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 16, 2024
- Luigi LMonza, Italy385 contributionsModern and charmingThey told me about it as a new work and in fact it is new both as an installation and as a concept. There is always a bit of a queue (in the sense that you enter with limited groups so most likely they will give you a free ticket and tell you to come back at the free time), next door there is a new shopping center with shops and restaurants so you can go eat there or go shopping or you can go visit another place and then come back at the time your group can enter. Beautiful, worth visitingVisited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 24, 2024
- craig1086Atlanta, Georgia1,992 contributionsTake a Trip to the BeehiveDefinitely something you want to see if visiting. It's become an iconic structure in Manhattan. It has a few nicknames that people call it, but it's an architectural marvel for sure. You can't go up any farther than the base, due to unfortunate circumstances. On some evenings it's also lit up, so it's good to go see at any time. The plaza is busy, as shopping and the Edge exhibit is next door. It's just a few steps from the subway, so easy to get there.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 27, 2024
- FLHarlockTavares, Florida4,941 contributionsDon’t jump!I’ve been looking forward to climbing The Vessel for months. It truly is an amazing structure. Sad to find it closed because of jumpers. Still is an incredible piece of architectural art. Worth a visit. I will be back to climb it eventually.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten June 8, 2024
- Rachel & Andy392 contributionsUnique and stunning.Visited: 10/07/2023 A very stunning architectural structure. It is unique and interesting visually, and you can on occasion go up and see the views from the top. On our visit we couldn’t go to the top, but we could go inside and see inside from the ground floor. It is situated in a nice space as well, with a large space that hosts events periodically (signs dotted about for them). You also have an eyeline view of the waters edge from here which contrasts the skyline opposite. A lovely space to visit if you have the time.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 30, 2024
- TravelerNew Hampshire344 contributionsStart your day hereThis is a really cool place to go in NYC. First of all, it’s right in Hudson Yards where you have the Edge, lots of shopping and restaurants, and lots to do. The architecture of the Vessel is so amazing, and it offers some great views. I like to start my day here and then venture off exploring.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 29, 2024
- lalocadr19Falls Church, Virginia6,730 contributionsGreat artThis beautiful architecture in NYC is definitely of different aspects. Great to see. Wanted to see it although it was close. There no admission to climb the top due accident that previously occurred. The vessel is definitely good to admired from the bottom and great to take pictures.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 30, 2024
- Flávio AmorimParnamirim, RN1,245 contributionsA beautiful and impressive architecture!The Vessel has an impressive architecture! Located in the Hudson Yards region, which houses major New York sights, The Vessel stands out as a spectacular monument! Always very busy and a good place to take photographic recordings! The internal access, at the time of my visit, was closed, but still worth a visit!Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 2, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,494 reviews
Excellent
897
Very good
450
Average
111
Poor
26
Terrible
10
Linda G
Philadelphia, PA135 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
My husband and I usually spend a long weekend in NYC at least once a year and we’re always looking for something new and different to do or see. The Vessel was our first stop on this years trip. We purchased tickets ahead of time online. The tickets online cost $10.00 per person and are good for the whole day. You can get tickets for free at the site but they are timed entry tickets and you might have to wait several hours to go in so we purchased ahead so we could go in as soon as we arrived. The structure is beautiful, we walked up to the top but you can take an elevator (there was a line waiting for the elevator). The walk up wasn’t too bad, there are a lot of steps but there are landings along the way so you can stop and look at the view and rest a bit. The view from the top is amazing, we were there on a clear, sunny day so it was really nice. Lots of selfie takers that are kind of annoying as they didn’t seem to be aware of anyone around them and often blocked the steps and the landings. Aside from this it was really enjoyable. I imagine in warmer weather, during high tourist times this is a busy location but since it was January the crowd was small. Good option to add to any NYC itinerary.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
P F B
Edison, NJ1,627 contributions
Feb 2020
Worth the visit with great views and an interesting climb. Looking forward to a return photography visit because the lighting will change as the sun moves. The stairs are not steep and easy to climb each level to the top, but there is also an elevator available that goes to the top and also stops at each level. The Vessel is free, but a timed ticket is needed, but for $10 you can purchase a ticket that allows entry at any time. I visited here on Saturday, but on Friday I attempted to book a time online for the Saturday visit – all the online times were booked so I purchased the $10 ticket – this was well worth the $10 as we were able to enter at 10:00 am when the Vessel opened on Saturday. We were there for about an hour. Upon leaving I overheard another visitor being told that the earliest timed ticket available onsite on Saturday was around 2:00 pm – so same day timed tickets are available, but may be later in the day. So – if you book early enough in advance, you may get a time slot, if not, paying the $10 for a pass to use at any time of the day is worth it. And because access is limited based on time tickets – it’s not crowded!!
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smittenfood
New York City, NY143 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
If you’re interested in cool new architecture you will enjoy this new addition to the nyc skyline. If you take the time to reserve a spot online a few weeks/ days in advance its free if not a small $10 fee applies... this is to ascend the stairs of the vessel and actually experience being inside the structure and climbing it. If not it’s anyway a cool structure to just go see and take pictures of/with. Expect crowds on a day with good weather. The location has some shopping options for people who enjoy luxury malls and also a Spanish speciality food court with some good restaurant options. It’s not a venue you need to shortlist for a short visit to nyc because there are many more interesting experiences to take in when visiting.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy F
Leicester, UK84 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
This is a must see attraction, the architecture is simply stunning and is amazing to climb up with fabulous views from the top. You’ll need a ticket but it’s so worth it, especially because it’s free! We got Flexi Pass tickets for $10 but it gave us the option to arrive when we liked.
You can order them online.
Our visit was in January so it was cold but when you’re at the top it’s even colder! Wear a warm coat and gloves in January!
There is a lift to take you to the top if you don’t or can’t climb all the stairs.
You can order them online.
Our visit was in January so it was cold but when you’re at the top it’s even colder! Wear a warm coat and gloves in January!
There is a lift to take you to the top if you don’t or can’t climb all the stairs.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen B
14 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
The vessel is an amazing piece of architecture, it is beautiful to look at and even better to walk around and take in the views . Entry is free and there are a lot of very friendly staff available to help you make a reservation to enter. I loved it and look forward to returning when all the surrounding construction is complete.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
radx4
Ellicott City, MD2,189 contributions
Dec 2019
We visited The Vessel during the holiday season. I wasn't sure what to expect as it seemed odd to construct a structure consisting of a bunch of stairs. However, it ended up being a really cool experience. The views from different parts of The Vessel are really neat and the copper colored steel looks really awesome. You can see the Hudson River, parts of the Highline, the train yards themselves, and parts of the city.
There is an elevator for handicapped access, but it only runs every 15 minutes or so and is very slow.
Note that tickets are required, although there is no cost for them. We booked about a week or two in advance and had no issues with time selection but a few days out there were few slots remaining. Requiring tickets definitely kept crowds to a minimum.
Overall, the vessel is a really cool structure and totally worth visiting. I predict it will become one of the major monuments in New York City.
There is an elevator for handicapped access, but it only runs every 15 minutes or so and is very slow.
Note that tickets are required, although there is no cost for them. We booked about a week or two in advance and had no issues with time selection but a few days out there were few slots remaining. Requiring tickets definitely kept crowds to a minimum.
Overall, the vessel is a really cool structure and totally worth visiting. I predict it will become one of the major monuments in New York City.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dagmar G
Shelburne, VT355 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I tried to book a free ticket online for today. The website would only do tomorrow. So I figured I would see if I could get in when I got there. I was forced to book online even at the entrance and was told I had looked at the wrong booking website. Shouldn’t there only be one? When I did try to book it right there, it gave me a booking for an hour later, even though there were fewer that 30 people inside. I had to pay $10 to get in without waiting in the mall. After I paid and entered I asked if I could take the elevator to the top and walk down. I was told that it would be a twenty minute wait because the elevator only runs once every twenty minutes. I was not told this information before I paid, so I walked up a few flights, took a few pictures and left. Definitely not worth $10 and not really worth the time even when it’s free. You can’t go in on the spur of the moment, you must wait and hopefully shop in the mall which consists of essentially, Tiffany, Cartier, Rolex, Patek Philippe etc. All of which were completely empty. Take pictures from the outside and keep going. I wanted to see it and did. Never going back.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
missmarie723
New Brunswick, NJ35 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We went on a cold rainy windy day. You’re not allowed to have your umbrella up so bring a hood or hat if you go on a day when there’s inclement weather. The walk up isn’t bad. You have areas where you can stop and catch yourself breath and just enjoy the amazing views. Any direction you look you’ll find breathtaking views. The way the structure is built is great for traffic flow because it has multiple stairs going up and down. It was lit up in red for lunar new year. Don’t forget to go online and reserve your timed ticket. And make sure to walk through the shops at Hudson Yard. Very high end but a beautiful shopping center. The High Line is also easy to walk to from the location.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explorers377
Horsham, PA247 contributions
Nov 2019
A perfect addition and spectacular way to develop an old, unused area. The Vessel, the main attraction at Hudson Yards, is an incredible art installation that should be seen from the ground, as well as the various levels it houses. The views of the Vessel's interior are a geometric mind maze and the views of New York that the structure provides are indeed wonderful as well. While we were there on a cold windy day, I am sure that, although sure to be super crowded, a warm sunny day would make you want to stay and capture the moment even much longer. Plan ahead and get advanced tickets as this is a very popular new attraction.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane M
23 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Booked a free ticket a few days earlier to visit The Vessel. A beautiful piece of interactive art which provides great views from the top over the Hudson River. An easy, steady climb to the top. It may not be that tall a structure compared to the other visitor attractions in the city but my 'sea legs' kicked in at the top being so close to the edge. Glad I did it but certainly glad to return to solid ground! Whilst in the area we perused Hudson Yard mall and walked The High Line - made a change being able to walk more than a block without having to stop at a crossing! A lovely morning of free activities.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour, nous y allons début février. Je vais bientôt réserver (14 jours avant).
Selon vous quel est le meilleur créneau horaire. Nombreux parlent du coucher du soleil. Du coup selon vous quelle est la meilleure heure en février.
Merci infiniment pour votre aide précieuse 👍
Written January 13, 2020
Nous sommes allés à midi à 13h30 en hiver, il est préférable de s'abriter car il est à côté de la rivière. Et soyez ponctuel. ils ne vous laissent pas entrer avant votre horaire
Written January 30, 2020
Bonjour est ce que le vessel est ouvert le 25 decembre
Written October 23, 2019
How do you get free tickets to view
Written September 4, 2019
You can check the Hudson Yards website for free reservations. I recommend that you try to book it in advance if you have a particular time/day you'd like go. Otherwise, it can be hit or miss as to how crowded it is and whether you'll be able to get free tickets if you show up and use the kiosks at the Vessel. (The "Flexipass" is the one that costs $10, so if you are looking for free viewing--and no reason not to--then don't choose the Flexipass.)
Written October 7, 2019
Alexandra C
San Antonio, Texas
My family will be visiting in a few days. Do we have to reserve tickets in advance? What is the best time to visit – in the morning, or in the evening?
Written July 29, 2019
Given that you'll be arriving within this week, you will have to obtain your tickets there at the kiosk. Expect to enjoy other activities after you've gotten your tickets since more likely than not; your time slot will be several hours later. You've got the beautiful mall in the same complex; TimeSquare not very far, or take the High Line to the Whitney Museum; among other things. Morning hours are less congested but night time is truly special for the sunset and the magnificent night-time views. If you're averse to the heat, nighttime hours are also more comfortable. Enjoy!
Written July 30, 2019
Vicky
Chicago, Illinois
The date we want to go no longer have free tickets online. There are 8 of us and we’re planning to be there Tuesday evening. Will it be busy at that time and do you think we can get free tickets when we get there?
Written July 20, 2019
Honestly, when we visited it was almost empty! i think that if you are on site and still want to take the stairs it is possible. You can have the same view from the green line and the beautiful malls around the Vessel.
Written July 23, 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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