Jeff N.
Yelp
I was on the fence about checking out the Edge, being that we had already done something similar with the View from the Shard in Central London, not long before that. But we needed something to kill the time that was close enough to the hotel we were staying at without needing to use the train, before we set off for the Oasis show. Fortunately, my wife was on board with checking out the Edge on the 100th floor of Hudson Yards, as the view is quite spectacular.
It is a little pricey to go check out. For two people, the cost is approximately $110 after tax, etc. If you want photos that show you in front of different backdrops, they usually cost $45, but drop to $40 if you are indecisive and back out. The staff we spoke to weren't clear on whether the magnet we wanted to have our picture placed on would be included or not. The person we talked to on the top floor said it was included in the purchase. The ones on the 4th floor, when we returned, said it wasn't and mentioned it would be a line item on the receipt. They also weren't the easiest to communicate with, so that was irritating.
Outside of that, the views were amazing. The glass that surrounds the outdoor observation deck is at least four thick panes that seem very durable. There is also a glass floor that allows you to look directly down 100 floors to the bottom, where you can see 10th Avenue. You have uninhibited views of the Hudson where you can see the Financial District with the World Trade Tower and the Statue of Liberty in the further distance, as well as Brooklyn with the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and up the river seeing the rest of Manhattan into the start of what is the Hudson Valley.
They also offer cocktails on the outdoor observation deck, which was nice to enjoy palomas while we enjoyed the view. They also have a restaurant on the next floor up if you are so inclined.