What to Do at Hudson Yards this Summer

Want to spend a great day at Hudson Yards? With so many awesome things to see, do and eat, planning how to fit it all in can feel overwhelming. Never fear! These curated itineraries will set you up for maximum delight and exploration.

An Afternoon with Friends

Whatever occasion you’re celebrating, a Hudson Yards gift card is a one-size-fits-all start to the day. Then you can choose from a host of fashionable shops—including Madwell, Rhone, Aritizia, and more—where trying on is way more fun with friends. When all that shopping makes you hungry, it’s time for a luxurious 3-course lunch at Estiatorio Milos that includes options like oysters or fried calamari, whole grilled fish or lamb chops and greek yogurt for dessert. Of course, you can always opt for a cupcake or banana pudding from Magnolia, Sex and the City-style. After that, stroll through the Public Square & Gardens, where this summer’s Backyard at Hudson Yards presented by Wells Fargo offers free concerts every Wednesday—jam out with your pals to end a perfect hang.

A Wellness Mini-Retreat

Get your self-care started with a mani-pedi at sundays, where the polish is non-toxic and the vibe is super chill. (For an extra dose of ohm, how about a guided meditation while your hands are pampered.) Gentleman will surely want to hit Fellow Barber for a haircut and facial combo. Pop into Lululemon or Athleta for new workout gear and, if you need a new pair of running sneakers, Racefaster has you covered. Next it’s on to SoulCycle for an outdoor ride before your spa appointment at the Equinox Hotel. After your treatment—the menu includes massages, cryotherapy and time in the infrared sauna—head to the in-house restaurant, Electric Lemon, for a veggie-forward meal with options like a salad of little gems, grilled carrots and polenta fries.

All the Tourist Hot Spots

No visit to New York is complete without taking the 60-second ride up to the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, Edge. Take in the panoramic views from 100 stories in the sky—or look down in awe through the glass deck floor. If you or your fellow travelers are really intrepid, you can book tickets for City Climb and scale the crown of 30 Hudson Yards in the ultimate skyscraping adventure. Back down to earth, there’s amazing shopping to be done, including souvenirs from Beyond the Edge, where many of the gifts and collectibles are exclusively created for Hudson Yards. Then it’s time to sample some classic New York spots and tastes, including Shake Shack’s burgers and frozen custards and an iconic black-and-white cookie from William Greenberg Bakery.

Fun for the Whole Family

Pick up an adorable outfit for the little ones at Borobabi before heading to Camp for activities like slime making, tie-dye art, and crafting secret diaries. Kids of all ages will love the toys (fidget and otherwise) at PiQ and teens will be thrilled with a visit to H&M or Zara. Take a family selfie in front of Vessel before grabbing lunch at Jibs, a New England-style lobster shack on the Public Square & Garden. Wow your whole crew by steering them to the churro makers who work their magic for one and all to see at Mercado Little Spain. For a sweet parting, consider the delicious (and cute) chocolates shaped like cars, animals, buildings and more from Li-Lac, Manhattan's oldest chocolate house, or plump for a bag of sugary sweets from Dylan’s Candy Bar.

Date Night

Might we suggest a little pair bonding fueled by stimulating art, courtesy of The Shed or Avant Gallery, before enjoying a cocktail (or two) at Queensyard’s beautiful bar. As for your romantic meal, well, there are too many choices for elegant dining to list, but Hudson Yards Grill and Wild Ink will not disappoint. Finally, go for a scoop of old-school confection with cones from Van Leeuwen, which is the perfect accompaniment for an evening-ending walk along the High Line.