Best Time to Visit The Edge NYC

In March 2020, The Edge finally opened its doors to the public, becoming one of New York's most desired attractions for tourists and locals alike. Its 345 meters high and terraces with glass floor and walls, offer the possibility to see the city from the sky like no other viewpoint.

If you have already made the decision to visit it or you are still hesitating, I tell you everything you need to know in order to choose when to book your tickets for The Edge, the best time to go up and tour its terraces. I advise you to plan this visit, because it is definitely already among the must-see in NYC.

Without a doubt, sunset is the best time to visit The Edge. You'll have breathtaking views of New York as the city lights come to life. Plus, you'll be able to appreciate the city in a thousand colors and hues and take home the most spectacular photos. Watching the lights of the city that never sleeps come to life as the sun sets is something you will never forget.

To go up at sunset, you should know that if you buy your ticket through the official website, you will be charged an increase of about 9 € for access in this time slot. But in Hellotickets you can buy your ticket for The Edge at the same price, whatever time you choose to make the visit.

However, if you prefer to avoid crowds and have a more relaxed experience, the early morning hours are also ideal. This way you can contemplate the New York skyline in peace and quiet and take pictures without so many people around, making the most of this iconic attraction. The Edge Observatory is open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. to midnight and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., depending on the season. And barring very extreme weather conditions, the observation deck never closes its doors.

On extreme weather days (snowfall, high wind or heavy rain) you might find the outside terrace (the one with the glass floor) closed for security reasons. It would be a shame to miss it because it is the most impressive. So I recommend that before you go, check the weather forecasts if you travel in winter, in case they announce a great deluge or a monumental snowfall.

Anyway, keep in mind that from the indoor observatory you will also have incredible views and you can see the city in 360º, rain or shine. This will also allow you to take wonderful pictures and live the adrenaline of this experience in a more conservative way. Also, it is a good option for people who are not so fond of vertigo (like me!).

As a final tip, I would recommend you to choose a sunny day before buying your ticket for The Edge, as the clouds could also blur your views (and your photos). If you buy your tickets on Hellotickets you will be able to make changes, which gives you more flexibility to choose the best time to go up.

If you are overwhelmed by the crowds and want to have New York at your feet and almost all to yourself, the early morning hours are ideal for your visit to the Edge. It is the time slot with less crowds.

From 8 am, the observatory opens its doors, so if you do not mind getting up early, buy your ticket for The Edge at this time of day and you will have 700 square meters of terrace to fly over the city in freedom. Plus, if it's the winter season, you'll be able to watch the sunrise from Eastern Point! All to yourself.

Ceci's Traveller Tip

If you want to visit The Edge with few people, it is important that you buy your tickets in advance. This will ensure that you will be among the first to get in, and you will avoid queues. You can get your ticket on Hellotickes from 42€.

New York is photogenic at any time of the year, but if you are going to climb The Edge, the best time to take pictures of Manhattan from the top is at sunset. If you're lucky and it's a clear day, you'll be able to take thousands of photos and see a myriad of color palettes. It's a way to make two visits in one and take a dreamy souvenir with the best views from The Edge.

When buying your ticket for The Edge, keep in mind that this time slot is also the most crowded, so it won't be easy to find a place to set up your camera without someone crossing in front of you. The same goes for the floor and glass walls. At that hour it is usually difficult to find them spotless and they can affect the sharpness of your photographs.

If you are interested in setting up your travel photography set there and not having to dodge too many tourists with your lens, then I recommend that you go early in the morning. It's the time of day when there are fewer people, the facilities are impeccable and you'll be able to display your creative talent with peace of mind.

The Edge offers a different experience depending on the time of day and the season of the year you visit. Choosing the best time to visit depends on whether you prefer to avoid crowds, enjoy romantic scenery or admire the illuminated city.

Morning, an experience full of tranquility

During the early hours of the day, The Edge offers a quieter atmosphere without large crowds. In addition, the views are very clear, perfect for taking pictures. In fact, on clear days, they can be seen from a great distance.

Sunset, the golden hour for the visit

Sunset, due to the golden and pink tones that characterize it, is ideal for those looking for a memorable experience and spectacular views. For this, it is recommended to arrive at least an hour before sunset, as it is a time in demand and there can be large crowds. It is also one of the most romantic times of the day.

Night, the magic of the illuminated skyline

And at night, the Manhattan skyline illuminated with vibrant lights will dazzle you. If you like illuminated views and urban ambiance under the stars, you'll love this experience.

The best time to visit The Edge depends on personal preference. If you value tranquility and sharp photos, opt for the early morning hours. On the other hand, if you prefer a romantic experience and dazzling colors, sunset is your best choice. And if you are looking to enjoy the illuminated city, a night tour will be unforgettable, although it may imply an additional supplement in the price.

If you're concerned about budget and prices at The Edge observation deck, you should know that, unfortunately, it doesn't offer free visitor days. And the only visitors who have access to a reduced rate are children between 6 and 12 years old and seniors over 62.

So my best recommendation to save or get the best rate, is to get your tickets for The Edge in advance through Hellotickets. This way, you can ensure the day and time of your preference, paying a single price without surprises. In addition, offering free cancellation and exchanges will allow you to better choose the day and time to go up.

The most expensive times

By the way! If you want to save, you should know that access on peak days and hours, carries an increase of € 1.5 per ticket and the time slot when you see the sunset, costs about € 9 more on the price of the ticket you have chosen. So if you buy your ticket at the ticket office or on the website of the viewpoint, be sure to go at times that do not have these additional charges.

The most flexible option in time and price: tourist passes

Tourist passes are an excellent option as they will allow you to access the visit at the time you want, without date and time constraints and at a very competitive price. In addition, many of them have priority access, which will save you a lot of time.

If you're visiting New York with children or seniors, it's best to find a day and time to go up to the Edge when it's less crowded. While the rooftop terrace is 700m2 and there is enough room to accommodate a generous capacity, you will enjoy the ride more if it is not crowded.

Going early in the morning, around noon or even in the last hours before closing may be good options for you to consider taking this family-friendly ride. Remember that with your ticket to The Edge you will have access to the bar and restaurant, so you can also enjoy lunch or dinner, surrounded by movie-like views.

My advice is spring and fall, which are also the best times of the year to tour New York City. New York in spring and autumn has pleasant temperatures, reasonable prices and fewer tourists. All of these are determining factors when choosing when to travel and therefore visit the Edge.

It is open 365 days a year and does not close for anything in the world (except for an unusual weather event). But climbing 345 meters up a skyscraper is not something you do every day. And to get the most out of the experience, it requires that you pay attention to the weather conditions that will accompany you on your trip before you purchase your ticket for The Edge.

New York can be very extreme in winter and summer. Snow and very cold in winter; hot, rainy and very humid in summer. That's why I recommend the in-between seasons, which are the least likely to condition your visit. On the contrary, they will give you the chance to appreciate the best views of the city at its best.

The best time to purchase your tickets to The Edge to maximize your visit is early in the morning and, if possible, on a weekday. If your New York City getaway is only for a few days or if you're on a tight schedule because you don't want to miss anything, you should make room for the Edge in your schedule and leave the visit planned.

Since tickets require a reservation date and time, you can make sure you'll be among the first visitors. You'll be able to tour it with a small crowd, take all the photos you want, and maybe even have time for a coffee at the bar on the 101st floor.

Of course, I recommend that you get your tickets in advance to avoid wasting time waiting in line at the entrance and running the risk of having to enter later than you thought.