7 of the edgiest things about Edge

Edge: the building equivalent of a person wearing all black with an asymmetrical haircut about to go to a rave. It’s one of NYC’s coolest spots, offering both jaw-dropping views and the chance to pretend you’re in a music video. Of course, we visited – purely in the name of staying relevant - to suss out what makes this observation deck so boldly offbeat...

By Selina Whitby
Edge

Its name 

Madonna, Beyoncé, Eminem, Edge – that single-name energy is reserved only for the elite amongst us. No need for prefixes or polite descriptors, it just introduces itself with one (bold, blunt) word and you get it.  

Edge

On a level with Eminem

Its look  

All sharp angles with a single triangular jutting platform, Edge stands out from the other uniform skyscrapers without trying too hard. It boasts a provocative combo of looking cool and feeling slightly unsafe with all that glass and height. 

Edge

Where glass meets gravity

Its edgy edge 

Think you’re going to stand there and simply admire the view? Think again. Edge’s deliberately angled panels invite you to lean forward onto them and feel as if you’re about to topple off. Whether you accept that invitation is entirely up to you (we did not)! 

Edge

As close as we dared to get

Its bold decisions 

Edge first opened its doors in March 2020 during the pandemic. The pandemic! While other attractions were battening down the hatches, Edge was proudly going against the grain and hosting a big ol’ welcome party. It only stayed open for two days before a re-launch later that year, but we admire its rebellious nature. 

Its surprise thrills 

It’s not just about angled panels here, there’s also a gigantic see-through section of the floor where you can feel like you’re walking on air 1,100 feet above ground. Nothing says ‘fun day out’ more than sightseeing with a little side of sheer terror.  

Edge

Stand here for an extra thrill

Its nonconformist neighbours 

You’re only as cool as your clique and Edge is in good company with The Vessel (a giant honeycomb structure) and The High Line (an elevated park on a railway line) just around the corner. This fashionable trio of offbeat architecture is just waiting to be plastered all over your social feed.  

Its merch 

Brooding shades and line drawn logos and... even more black make this line-up fit for an EDM rave. No colour needed here! 

Edge merch

Deck yourself out in these Edge fashion finds

Ready to be on Edge? 

Check out our full guide to the striking observation deck. Or, check out this must-visit attraction you’ve never heard of.  

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Selina Whitby
Content Lead

Selina is a copywriter and seasoned backpacker who has visited over 50 countries if you count Vatican City, which she does. Her most memorable travel experiences include tubing in Vang Vieng, doing New Zealand’s Nevis Bungee with a fear of heights, and taking a nine-hour flight with a toddler. On her bucket list is Rio Carnival in Brazil, walking the Camino de Santiago, and flying First Class (when she wins the EuroMillions).

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After Lady Liberty: Downtown NYC’s Must-See Spots

You’ve snapped your selfie at the Statue of Liberty, soaked up skyline views, and maybe even climbed to the crown (bravo!). But the adventure doesn’t end at the ferry terminal. Around Lady Liberty’s harbor, you’ll find a treasure trove of history, culture, and classic New York experiences—all just a ferry ride or short stroll away. From powerful museums and beautiful parks to mouthwatering eats and secret streets, Lower Manhattan is bursting with surprises that will make your day unforgettable. Ready to turn your Statue visit into the ultimate downtown NYC adventure? Let’s go!    Our favorite things to do near the Statue of Liberty:  Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration  Battery Park  9/11 Memorial & Museum  Liberty Cruise by Circle Line  Wall Street Walking Tour  The Oculus  Stone Street Historic District  Fraunces Tavern  Museum of American Finance  Charging Bull and Bowling Green  Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration: American Dreams, Real Stories  After you’ve admired Lady Liberty, hop to Ellis Island—often included in your ferry ticket! Once the gateway for millions looking to build new lives, Ellis Island’s museum tells those stories through powerful photographs, personal artifacts, and interactive installations. There’s a buzz of discovery here; you’ll literally walk in the footsteps of new Americans, tracing names on ship manifests and imagining the emotions of arrival.  Wander the restored Great Hall under soaring windows and listen to oral histories that make the distant past feel vivid and personal. The exhibits manage to be both moving and hopeful, spotlighting tales of courage and resilience. History buffs, genealogy fans, and anyone with a curious mind will leave inspired (and maybe a little misty-eyed).  Battery Park: Green Spaces and Harbor Breezes  Once back on Manhattan, take a wander through Battery Park. With flower-packed gardens, the sparkling harbor, and unbeatable views of the Statue herself, it’s the perfect re-entry point to the city. On sunny days, artists sell paintings and music drifts over the lawn.  Check out the quirky SeaGlass Carousel, where fish-shaped pods swirl riders into a neon undersea daydream, or grab a lemonade and people-watch along the promenade. Battery Park is also peppered with memorials, sculptures, street performers, and a refreshing local energy that makes it perfect for a post-ferry stroll or quiet picnic.  Liberty Cruise by Circle Line: See the City from the Water  Already loving those harbor views? Take them up a notch with a Liberty Cruise from Circle Line. These lively boat trips set sail from nearby piers and offer fresh takes on the skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and, of course, Lady Liberty from every angle—no crowds, no stress.  What makes these cruises special isn’t just the views. Commentary from local experts adds fun facts, history, and the occasional bad joke, which somehow just feels right on the Hudson. Combine this cruise after your Liberty Island trip for the ultimate “two ways to see the statue” combo—your camera roll will thank you.  Wall Street Walking Tour: Follow the Money, Feel the Energy  Looking to mix a little money magic into your day? A Wall Street walking tour brings you right to the heart of the Financial District. Guides regale you with tales of market crashes, Gilded Age drama, and jaw-dropping legends about the city’s most famous (and infamous) traders.  Stroll down canyons of glass and stone, pose by the New York Stock Exchange, and stand on the spot where George Washington took the oath of office. The energy here is totally unique—fast-paced, historic, and undeniably “New York.” You don’t have to know your Dow from your Nasdaq; the stories alone are worth the walk.  The Oculus: Where Shopping Feels Like Flying  Not just a transit hub, the Oculus is a soaring architectural wonder just north of Battery Park. Designed to look like a dove taking flight, this breathtaking space is both a photo op and a shopping destination—filled with fashion, tech, and food options for every taste. The natural light and dramatic lines make even grabbing a coffee here feel special.  Stop by for a snack or a bit of retail therapy (hello, Eataly’s cannoli bar!), or just sit beneath the vast, ribbed arches and take in the buzz. It’s proof that even a subway stop can wow in New York.  Fraunces Tavern: Raise a Glass to History  If your ideal afternoon includes a dose of Revolutionary War history and the city’s best shepherd’s pie, Fraunces Tavern is the place. Touted as New York’s oldest operating bar and restaurant, this colonial tavern once played host to George Washington himself.  The atmosphere is all old-wood beams and cozy, uneven floors. Pop in for a hearty lunch or grab a pint in the taproom—try their whiskey flight or classic fish and chips. The on-site museum offers a fascinating look at the birth of America. Even non-history buffs will feel the intrigue.  Museum of American Finance: Dollars, Dreams, and Downtown Drama  Located right in the heart of Wall Street, this museum makes the story of money fascinating—even for those who don’t check stock tickers for fun. Currencies from every era, glittering gold bars, and awesome interactive exhibits bring to life the ups, downs, and outrageous personalities of America’s financial heart.  It’s approachable, never dry, and filled with “wait, THAT happened here?!” moments. If you’re touring Wall Street, tack this on for extra insight (and a few mind-blowing facts to share back home).    From the harbor to historic streets, your day near the Statue of Liberty can be as cultural, delicious, and surprising as you make it. Dive deeper into Lower Manhattan’s iconic sites—or get to know the places locals love for their food, stories, and vibrant energy. One ferry ticket is just the start of a New York adventure you’ll never forget!    Enjoyed this? Check out how to get to the Statue of Liberty, and see the sights in style.    Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started!  
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How to See NYC in 5 Delightful, Action-Packed Days

Ready to soak up New York without missing a beat? Five days means more flavor, more neighborhoods, and plenty of ways to uncover all the city has to offer. We’ll take you to the sky, to the streets, and to tables loaded with local favorites. From city-defining views to hands-on art, wild rides to peaceful gardens, and bites you can’t get anywhere else, this five-day itinerary guarantees you’ll leave with stories, selfies, and sore feet (the best kind, trust us!).  Our top picks to fill your five NYC days include:  Empire State Building  Statue of Liberty  American Museum of Natural History  Central Park  Top of the Rock  MoMA  Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO  High Line  Edge  The Museum of Broadway  Madison Square Garden Tour  Greenwich Village  Whitney Museum of American Art  New York Botanical Garden  Broadway and Times Square  Day 2: Midtown Magic and Skyscraper Marvels  MoMA & Rockefeller Center  Start with modern mastery at MoMA (E, M to 53rd Street), where art icons like Dali, Monet, and Warhol leap off the walls. There’s no better place for a jolt of inspiration.  It’s a quick five-minute walk west to Rockefeller Center. Snap photos with Prometheus or lace up if the rink is open. Top of the Rock’s panorama puts the Empire State Building front and center—a classic city photo-op with all the drama.  Lunch on the Go  Walk north along Sixth Avenue to The Modern (inside MoMA) for contemporary American cuisine with a garden view, or grab a pastrami sandwich from the swanky-but-casual Carnegie Deli pop-up near 7th Avenue.  Times Square, Broadway and the Museum of Broadway  Dive into glowing billboards, costumed characters, and roaring crowds in Times Square (walk or ride the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, or W train to 42nd St/Times Square). Explore the Museum of Broadway right around the corner, where interactive exhibits pull you into a starring role.  After-Dark Adventure  Award yourself with a Broadway show—matinee or evening—and follow it up with craft cocktails at The Rum House, where live piano tunes echo off dark wood and red leather booths. The energy here is all glitter and anticipation.  Day 3: Natural Wonders and Uptown Flavor  American Museum of Natural History & Central Park  Take the B or C train to 81st Street for dinosaurs, dazzling gems, and a blue whale big enough to make jaws drop. Afterward, walk east using the 79th St Transverse for a time-out inside Central Park. Rent a bike or row a boat at the Loeb Boathouse—two hours here gives you plenty to soak in tranquility amid the city.  Lunch in the Park  On park’s eastern edge, try Café Sabarsky inside the Neue Galerie for Viennese treats, or picnic with a deli sandwich on the Great Lawn.  Madison Square Garden or Carnegie Hall Tour  Head south on the 1, 2 or 3 subway to Penn Station for a behind-the-scenes peek at Madison Square Garden—a must for music and sports fans. If music history is your thing, walk a few blocks north for a Carnegie Hall Tour, with tales of jazz and classical legends.  Evening in Greenwich Village  Ride the 1 line to Christopher St. Here, cobbled streets meet leafy squares and bohemian history. Pizza lovers, line up for Joe’s Pizza—greasy, foldable, and famously delicious. Or tuck into Minetta Tavern for a Black Label Burger, candlelit in a French bistro setting.  Nightcap? Try Dante for a Negroni, or walk off dinner with a people-watching stroll in Washington Square Park.  Day 5: Brooklyn and Beyond  Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Tour  Take the A or C train to High St-Brooklyn Bridge, then join a Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood Tour. Sweeping Manhattan views, cobbled streets, and indie galleries pepper the route. The photo stop between Manhattan Bridge’s red-brick warehouse frames is a must.  Lunch in Brooklyn  Try Juliana’s Pizza for a coal-fired slice or stop at Butler for standout coffee and pastries. The vibe is all about effortless cool—sunny spaces, friendly staff, and families brunching in sneakers.  New York Botanical Garden or Bronx Culture  Take the 2, 4, or 5 train north to the Bronx for the New York Botanical Garden. Its glasshouses, rose garden, and peaceful trails deliver an entirely different New York—a great way to wind down your week.  Last-Night Bite  Finish big at Time Out Market in DUMBO for everything from ramen to craft burgers. Or return to Manhattan for Katz’s Deli—mile-high pastrami and that old-New York charm.  For drinks, rooftop bar Harriet’s Lounge serves up sweeping views with your final NYC toast. Clink a glass and soak up the city lights—from here, you can see how New York stretches on and on, promising adventure long after your five days are up.    There you have it! Follow this five-day plan and New York will reveal its flavors, stories, and surprises at every turn. Do it your way, but keep your eyes open and your appetite ready. This city always knows how to throw a party—morning, noon, or night.    Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive guide to Brooklyn, and dig up NYC’s best hidden gems.   Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®    We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started! 
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RiseNY and Beyond: Top Midtown NYC Experiences Not to Miss

You’ve just looped, swooped, and soared above New York at RiseNY, and that adrenaline rush is hard to beat! But in Midtown Manhattan, the excitement is only just taking off. Thanks to its location smack in the middle of the action, RiseNY is your gateway to a lineup of legendary attractions, killer eats, and local hidden gems. Whether you want to peer down from record-breaking heights, rub elbows with Broadway royalty, or simply find the perfect pizza slice, you’re in the right spot. Get ready—we’re sharing our favorite things to do near RiseNY, so you can plan a day in NYC that’s packed with fun, flavor, and a few surprises.    Our favorite things to do near RiseNY include:  Madame Tussauds  Museum of Broadway  Bryant Park  Top of the Rock  Times Square & the TKTS Red Stairs  Radio City Music Hall Tour  Central Park  Joe’s Pizza  Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos Show  Madame Tussauds: Meet the Famous Faces  Just steps from RiseNY, Madame Tussauds lets you walk the red carpet and brush arms with wax royalty—no velvet rope required! This multi-level wax museum is a wild mix of history, pop culture, and pure fun. You can pose with music legends, Hollywood A-listers, sports heroes, and political powerhouses. They’ve even dedicated zones to Marvel superheroes and Broadway showstoppers, so both kids and grown-up super-fans find plenty to get starstruck about. The interactive experiences (think VR games and escape rooms) keep things lively, while the celebrity-themed cocktails at the on-site bar make it a fun adult stop too. The playful, energetic vibe here is contagious!  Museum of Broadway: Backstage, Center Stage, All the Drama  Theater fans, this one's for you. Just a short walk from RiseNY, the Museum of Broadway is a sparkling showcase for all things theater. It’s part history lesson, part Instagram dream, and totally immersive. Trace Broadway’s journey from the 1700s to today, checking out original scripts, Tony-winning costumes, recreated sets, and plenty of jaw-dropping props. Interactive exhibits let you channel your inner star—maybe try your hand at a sing-along, pose in legendary costumes, or see how a musical is staged. We love the warmth and buzz of this space; everyone from die-hard fans to casual culture vultures leaves grinning.  Top of the Rock: Views You’ll Never Forget  After soaring virtually at RiseNY, why not take your sightseeing sky-high for real? Top of the Rock, perched atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza, gives you three levels of observation decks—indoors and out—where you can gaze at the sprawl of Manhattan below. The view of Central Park to the north and the Empire State Building to the south is pure NYC magic, especially at sunset when the city lights flicker on. Its Art Deco styling and relaxed atmosphere make it our pick for that “wow” skyline selfie, and you’ll love the wide open decks (perfect for panoramic snaps without the crowds).  Times Square & the TKTS Red Stairs: The City That Never Sleeps  You can’t be in Midtown without drinking in the neon glow of Times Square—it’s pure New York energy, 24/7. Just a block from RiseNY, wander through the glittering signs, join the swarm of performers, and catch the latest show buzz from costumed characters. Head up the famous TKTS Red Steps for the ultimate people-watching perch. Snap a panoramic selfie, scout out Broadway deals from the ticket booth below, or just soak in the buzz of the crowd. No matter how many times you visit, it’s always a blockbuster.  Central Park: Where the Locals Go to Recharge  When you’re ready to trade Midtown’s bustle for a green escape, Central Park is just a quick cab ride (or a healthy walk) north. It’s sprawling and spectacular in every season—offering winding paths, scenic lakes, and endless spots to relax or get active. Explore iconic photo stops like Bethesda Fountain or Bow Bridge, rent a rowboat at Loeb Boathouse, or watch roller skaters show off their moves on weekends. There’s street theater everywhere, impromptu music, and always something new around the next bend. For New Yorkers and visitors alike, Central Park is that blissful pause in the city’s non-stop motion.  Joe’s Pizza: Grab a Perfect Midtown Slice  All this adventuring is bound to work up an appetite, and Midtown delivers NYC’s classic comfort food—pizza. Joe’s Pizza is a local legend (and a favorite for Broadway cast members on lunch break). Step inside and you’ll spot the signature thin crust pies, bubbling with cheese and sauce and best enjoyed standing at a counter. The atmosphere is effortlessly New York—fast, fun, and no-nonsense. Pro tip: grab a mushroom or pepperoni slice and eat it folded, just like the locals do.  Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos Show: The Most Fun You’ll Have All Night  If your crew is ready to keep the party going after dark, dive into Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos. It’s part singalong show, part comedy, and all about audience participation. Request your favorite tunes (Broadway numbers absolutely count), join in the laughter, and maybe even end up on stage yourself. The buzz here is upbeat and inclusive, so it’s perfect for groups, date night, or anyone still riding that Midtown energy. The drinks flow, the music doesn’t stop, and you’ll leave humming your favorite hits.    So there you have it—your no-fail plan for making the very most of your time near RiseNY, from thrilling rides and rooftop views to theater, eats, and more. Midtown Manhattan is bursting with unforgettable adventures, all just a quick stroll (or a pizza run) from your RiseNY flight. Happy exploring!    Enjoyed this? Why not learn about Madame Tussauds weird and wonderful history, or explore the city from a different angle?    Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started!      
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