The 7 Coolest Things To Instagram At Hudson Yards
Photo Credit: Slate.com
By: Carolyn Holtzman
In case you missed the giant honeycomb structure being built along the Highline over the past two years; allow us to introduce you to Hudson Yards and it's crown jewel, The Vessel which officially opened last month in New York City. The $150 million interactive landmark is massive, comprising of 154 interconnected staircases that you can climb for the ultimate Instagram shot. But the giant new landmark comes with a waiting list to match – over 200,000 people long.
If you’re aren’t interested in hopping in line quite yet, we’ve rounded up the best spots to visit at The Shops because Hudson Yards isn't only about The Vessel, it's so much more than that. We’ve rounded up the best Instagram-worthy spots to visit at The Shops at Hudson Yards.
The Drug Store
Entering the Shops at Hudson Yards can be a bit daunting. With so many stores, floors and people, it’s immediately overwhelming, so we’re sharing the best spots to visit floor by floor.
From the entrances, take the escalators up one floor to Level 2. The first stop on our list – The Drug Store. What appears to be a Yolanda Hadid-approved set of refrigerators stocked with rainbow bottles of Dirty Lemon, is actually the most innovative, and trusting, pop up store in town.
There are no cashiers or card readers here – just take what you want out of the fridge and text the number provided in the store to pay. We are definitely interested to see how this nets out for Dirty Lemon’s margins, but for now, it’s a gorgeous concept store and worth stopping by, even if you don’t want to buy an $11 drink.
Kith Treats
Also on Level 2 is Kith Treats, the ice cream and cereal bar by beloved streetwear brand Kith. While the treats are delish, you’re more likely to be interested in the claw machine installation outside the shop. The claw machine is filled with adorable white octopus stuffed animals, making it the perfect backdrop for your ice cream photo or boomerang.
HY x Off The Wall
A really cool aspect of the Shops at Hudson Yards is the HY x Off The Wall platform, which highlights 13 different artists and the history of Hudson Yards. Each artist has space throughout the seven stories of The Shops where they’ve created their pieces as interactive installations for Hudson Yards visitors. Our personal favorites include Love Thy Selfie by Donald Robertson, and I Was Here by Lara Schnitger.
Queensyard
If you don’t actually want to climb Vessel but want its views, Queensyard is your spot. The sprawling bar and restaurant located on Level 4 of The Shops sits so closely to the Vessel, it’s almost like you’re eating in it, sans the line. The restaurant is gorgeous, with tall ceilings and plush seating. The main bar is also giant and has its own menu of delicious bar fare. We can’t wait to go back and try the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Fingers!
3DEN
Nap pods. Tree swings. Pristine bathrooms. FREE coffee. No, we’re not describing heaven – this is 3DEN, NYC’s first “coworking spa” also located on Level 4 at Hudson Yards. To access? All you need is to download the 3DEN app and pay $6 for every 30 minutes spent in the spa. Need a place to work? To shower? To meditate? You can do it all at 3DEN, all while taking in insane views of the Vessel. Even if you don’t have time to stay, there’s another great photo moment outside the spa in front of their fern and flower wall.
Nieman Marcus
Hudson Yards also welcomes New York City’s first Nieman Marcus. The department store takes up Levels 5 through 7 of Hudson Yards and provides the impeccable selection, and service shoppers have learned to expect from Nieman’s.
But they’ve added little touches to make the store equally friendly to a millennial, social-first crowd. The store’s entrance includes an NYC photo moment that Carrie Bradshaw would die for if she grew up in 2019. The activation consists of large florals and a New York City taxi with the city’s lights as a backdrop.
Similarly, fashion’s favorite florist, The Pop Up Florist, has an adorable stand inside Nieman’s where shoppers can buy succulents and mini bouquets while also shopping for a Proenza Schouler handbag.
Forty-Five Ten
If Glossier and Coming Soon had a retail baby, this store would be it. Taking up most of the retail space of Level 5, Dallas-based store Forty-Five Ten is unlike any other retail space you will find in Hudson Yards. Contemporary art and geometric décor is used to highlight designer and vintage pieces, home goods, shoes, and handbags. Each room is more photogenic than the next. We personally love the pale pink racks in the women’s contemporary area, but you’ll have to wait your turn to get a solid Insta.
Related: 6 TIPS TO FINDING FREE THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY
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