You already know that Hudson Yards is full of great places to eat, but there’s plenty to do between meals too. From live performances to a terrace 100 stories up, here’s everything you need to check out.
entertainment
Everything Cool to Do at Hudson Yards (Besides Eat)
Shop
Yes, a large part of the complex is a mall. But it’s, like, a really nice mall with a mix of both high-end (Kenzo, Dior) and affordable (Uniqlo, Madewell) brands. A few things we’re especially excited for: Rhone’s premium activewear for men (to gift and then subsequently borrow from the dudes in our life); colorful prints from Australian import Scanlan Theodore; smart, minimalist wonders from Muji, and nontoxic manicures (and gorgeous polish colors) from Sundays.
Get Some Exercise
No, we’re not talking about the first-ever Equinox Hotel (which, TBH, sounds pretty cool) or its new gym outpost, but that still officially unnamed metallic sculpture rising into the sky, aka Vessel. With 154 flights of stairs that add up to approximately 2,500 steps, it’s a free way to rack up your step counter and take in some pretty insane views while you’re at it. (Note: Admission is free, but you will need to book a ticket in advance.)
Freshen Up
Got a little too sweaty climbing all those stairs? No problem—just duck into 3DEN, a genius concept that’s like a cross between a coworking space, a fancy gym locker room and a hotel lobby. Pay the very reasonable $6 per half hour and you’ll get access to Casper nap pods, fully stocked showers (complete with towels and slippers), soundproof phone booths, a meditation room and plenty of comfy seating—including swings.
See Art
Get some fresh Instagram fodder at Snark Park, a space dedicated to rotating immersive art installations. First up is Lost and Found, made up of seemingly uniform columns that reveal surprising details as you walk through. Oh, and it’s connected to a Kith Treats outpost, so you can get some cereal-infused soft serve afterward.
Catch A Show
Don’t be fooled by its humble moniker: The Shed is impressive for both its futuristic architecture—which includes a retractable roof and walls that can completely transform the space—and its ambitious programming. (We’re kicking ourselves for not getting tickets to Björk’s now-sold-out “most elaborately staged concert to date.”)
Test Your Fear Of Heights
OK, this isn’t open yet, but it warrants a mention: In 2020, you’ll be able to zip up to the 100th floor and step out onto the highest observation deck in the western hemisphere (and the fifth highest in the world). A segment of the floor is made of glass so you can look straight down—we’ll let you decide whether that’s cool or terrifying.