Hudson Yards

"Hudson Yards is not a place I personally visit often, but anytime I have friends visiting NYC from out of town, it always ends up being a must-stop. It’s honestly a great starting point for a classic “modern NYC” itinerary: you can check out the area, take photos outside by the Vessel, visit Edge (which is definitely a fun experience if you’re into observatories), and then walk the High Line all the way to Chelsea Market while exploring the Meatpacking District. Around the holidays, it’s especially worth stopping by because the Christmas decorations and lights outside look very aesthetic and festive—perfect for tourists or first-time visitors. That being said… in my opinion, Hudson Yards is not a big deal. Social media (Instagram/TikTok) makes it look way more impressive than it feels in real life. It’s beautiful, clean, and modern, but it’s not somewhere I’d spend two hours just hanging out. More like a quick iconic stop (especially for photos and sightseeing). The Edge is fun and interesting to do once, although I still think One World Observatory is a better overall experience. But if you’re already here, it’s absolutely worth adding it to your plan. One thing I do love about Hudson Yards is how convenient everything is: there are many places to eat, lots of shopping options, and the subway access is excellent (the 7 train is right there and you can even enter it from inside the mall, which is super convenient in winter). There’s also usually a taxi stand nearby, which is helpful—on a freezing day, we ended up taking a taxi instead of walking the High Line. It’s also close to other great spots like the Whitney Museum, and it can be a really useful shopping stop too. For example, it was the only place where my friends were able to find Meta Ray-Ban glasses in a proper showroom (we couldn’t find them in Best Buy or other stores we tried around the city). Overall: I wouldn’t call it a hidden gem, but it’s a polished and convenient NYC stop that works really well for visitors—especially as the beginning of a High Line/Chelsea itinerary."

"Hudson Yards is one of my favorite spots in New York City, consistently beautiful, welcoming, and surprisingly easy to enjoy at any time of day. Whether you’re visiting the city or you live here, the Shops at Hudson Yards are a must-see. They balance luxury and accessibility in a way most indoor shopping centers don’t. You’ll find everything from Dior and Louis Vuitton to Zara and H&M, plus great cafés, bakeries, and places to sit and unwind. The design itself is stunning, especially during the holidays. The lights, the scale, the views from each level, it always feels like a curated experience, not just a mall. It’s also a perfect indoor activity for cold or rainy days, and a great place to grab coffee in the morning when the stores are just opening. A quick tip: if the first-floor restrooms are busy, take the escalator up. There are plenty of clean, quiet restrooms on the upper levels with little to no waiting. Outside, you can walk over to the Vessel, the backyard plaza, and the waterfront. On clear days you can even catch helicopters passing over the river, all of it feels cinematic. Hudson Yards is also conveniently located near Times Square and Midtown West, so it’s easy to fit into any itinerary. Whether you’re shopping, meeting friends, grabbing a bite, or exploring, it’s a place I always recommend."

"This place is so beautiful and is one of New York City’s most impressive modern landmarks! During our visit it was stunningly decorated for Christmas with lights everywhere . Hudson Yards It’s a perfect blend of architecture, art, shopping, and great food — You can enjoy amazing view of the Hudson River. Inside the mall you will find high end luxury brands , cafe and restaurants."