Top 10 Places to Visit at Hudson Yards

Heading to New York

In my previous blog, I said I had a love/hate relationship when visiting New York, but each visit becomes less stressful and more memorable. When I go into the city, I take public transportation. It is just easy for me. Also, I am better prepared when I go into the city. I brought a book this time, but I would have preferred my headphones.

The train is busy, especially around the holidays, and a dozen conversations and phone calls can be disruptive. I know to wear comfortable shoes. The streets of New York are merciless on your feet. I brought a better bag, so I am not lugging so much and can walk around more freely.

I made excuses for not going to New York before because of fear. Fear of thinking, “What if I get on the wrong train and end up somewhere in Long Island?” or of getting lost walking down New York’s long blocks. I felt small amid the massive skyscrapers towering over me. It used to be a bit intimidating and caused me minor anxiety.

Technology has improved our lives. Today, we can rely on our phones for navigation. I recall the days of MapQuest, printing out directions, or using paper maps. I still wonder how we managed to drive while holding a folded map or sheet of paper. It always makes me chuckle when I think about it. 

Top 10 Places to Visit at Hudson Yards. I will be adding to this list moving forward. There are so many places to explore that I cannot wait to share them with you.

Drive or Public Transportation

When I prepare to go out, depending on whether I am driving or taking public transportation, I do the following.

Driving

• I look at the directions to see which highway I’m taking and whether there will be tolls.
• Check whether there is parking, what the parking price is, how long you can park, and the walking distance to the event.

Public Transportation

New Jersey Transit Family Packages

• I check the arrival and departure times. (I have run through the train station many times, not being mindful of the time.)
• I make sure to bring my headphones, a book, and a battery charger pack (I take many photos and videos and do not want my phone battery to drain).
• A bottle of water and a small snack for my ride.

Download the Hudson Yard App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hudson-yards/id1547302090

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thanx.hudsonyards&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1

Hudson Yards

I was unaware of Hudson Yards until I attended a convention at the nearby Javits Center. Rushing to catch my train, I briefly noticed a beehive-like sculpture and thought I should revisit someday to see it properly. Now I know it is the Vessel. Before its transformation into a vibrant seven-block, $20 billion luxury district with lights and attractions, Hudson Yards was simply a rail yard, later developed into more than 100 shops, restaurants, an art gallery, and entertainment venues.

How to Get to Hudson Yards, New York City

Hudson Yards is located between 10th and 12th Avenues from West 30th to West 34th Streets. For more details, visit Getting to Hudson Yards.

New Jersey Transit Family Packages

MTA

Penn Station is just two blocks east between West 31st and West 33rd Streets and 7th and 8th Avenues. MTA Subway: A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3 Rail: Amtrak, LIRR, New Jersey Transit, PATH Buses: M4, M5, M6, M7, M34, and Q42

MTA New York Subway

The No. 7 Subway is the main conduit to and from Hudson Yards.

Car/Parking

Drivers can park at 10 Hudson Yards, Abington House, and One Hudson Yards, all along West 30th Street between the 10th and 11th Avenues.

Top 10 Places to Visit at Hudson Yards

The Shops at Hudson Yards is located at 20 Hudson Yards, at 33rd and Tenth Avenue in New York. Here you will find over 100 shops, eateries, and Avant Gallery. Explore over 2 million shimmering lights illuminating the mall during the holiday season. There will be plenty of photo opportunities to make memories. Take a complimentary photo with Santa Claus! Level 4 by H&M and Zara. First-come, first-served. Free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. 

December 5th, 4 PM-8 PM
Sip & Shop Presented by VISA

December 6th, 5 PM-8 PM

Visa Cardholders and Wells Fargo Customers

December 7th-9th, 5 PM-8 PM

December 12th-16th, 5 PM-8 PM

• Edge is the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, located at 30 Hudson Yards, with a one-of-a-kind observation deck offering 360-degree views. Or be daring, strap up, and climb the skyscraper for the ultimate adventure.
• The vessel has 154 intricately interconnected flights of stairs, almost 2,500 individual steps, and 80 landings arranged like a beehive. The vertical climb offers remarkable views of the city and the Hudson River. The Vessel remains temporarily closed. Access to the ground-level base is free and open to the public Monday through Saturday, 10 am-8 pm, and Sunday, 11 am-7 pm, with no reservation required.
• The Shed
• The Highline
• Empire State Building
• Javits Center
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
• Whitney Museum
• Madison Square Gardens

Where to Eat at Hudson Yards?

I didn’t know what we would eat, but we were hungry and pressed for time to get back to Penn Station for our train. So we went to Shake Shack, one of our favorites, and many people. The line came out the door when we went, but the service moved fast. There are many options regarding where to eat at Hudson Yards. There are coffee shops, sweet shops, a cocktail bar, and fine dining. For a list of places to eat, visit this website.

Should you visit Hudson Yards? 

The answer is YES! You should visit Hudson Yards; it’s a great time to visit. Hudson Yards is the place to be if you’re sightseeing, shopping, or looking for fantastic photos to capture. If you don’t like big crowds, I suggest visiting in the morning or near closing time to avoid them. Wear comfortable shoes and plan the places you want to see and what you want to eat. And don’t be like me, running to trains. Be cautious of your time.

Download Groupon and see what deals you can find!

I am over my FEAR of traveling to New York; now I need to explore the other boroughs and the subway.