Best Things to Do at Hudson Yards

If you build it, they will come … and spend all of their money.

That’s the M.O. at the new 28-acre Hudson Yards complex, which is finally open for business almost seven years after it first broke ground.

The massive architectural undertaking has Dubai’ed up the NYC skyline, ushered in a billion bucks worth of Google and created (even more) real estate for whatever comes above the upper crust. It features residential, commercial and public spaces that have transformed an MTA graveyard into a bustling destination.

Sound a bit daunting? That’s because it is. So we strolled the premises to create you a cheatsheet to the eight shops, restaurants and experiences most worth your time.

3DEN
Pronounced “Eden,” this place is a chill spot for using those 45-minute gaps in the day to recharge — both mentally and telephonically. The space offers a meditation room and Casper nap pods as well as areas sound-zoned for socializing. It’s pay-as-you-go starting at $6 for every 30 minutes of your visit. As someone who has napped at both the gym and the coffee shop, I can definitely get into this concept.

Snark Park
Snark Park is the Yard’s multi-purpose exhibition space with immersive, rotating art installations from design firm Snarkitecture. On-site, the founders have included a Kith Treats cereal bar and a counter for custom merch. It’s as curious as it is calming, encouraging exploration and play for people of all ages.

New York’s First Neiman Marcus
We could have sworn there was already a Neiman Marcus in NYC. I would have bet my motorcycle on it if you’d asked. But, nope: did some fact-checking and, sure enough, it turns out this is the first.

Forty Five Ten
Known for artful apparel, accessories and home goods — as in, a lot of Margiela and Comme de Garçons — Forty Five Ten is your new go-to for statement pieces. The by-way-of-Dallas store also features personal style assistance, fragrance consultations, gift selection services and fancy, private shopping events.

Mack Weldon
Guests are now able to shop the direct-to-consumer label’s entire collection online and IRL in one transaction at a brick-and-mortar that offers “endless aisle capability.” If they don’t have what you need in stock, they’ll add it to your order and get one in the mail immediately. Side note: in addition to super soft underwear and excellent travel gear, Mack Weldon now sells summer’s handsomest cooler.

Want more retail therapy? M. Gemi (Italian shoes of all stripes and color) and Rhone (upscale athletic apparel) have also joined the roster with their first permanent NYC outlets.

TAK Room
Up a winding staircase, you’ll be transported into a 200-seat bar and lounge that foodies and social media-savvy glitterati are about to go wild for. Aside from a delectable a la carte menu, the venue also sports one helluva Instagrammable view of the Vessel. Oh and did we mention it’s Thomas Keller’s first new NYC project in almost a decade? Date night, no brainer.

Mercado Little Spain
José Andrés and brothers Ferran and Albert Adrià just did for Spanish culture and cuisine what Eataly did for Il Bel Paese. The market-meets-dining operation features 35,000 square feet of high-quality Spanish goods and fare. Including olives — there are a lot of really awesome olives.

Thomas Heatherwick‘s Vessel
Last but certainly not least, the Vessel is Hudson Yards’ de facto mascot, with 2,500 steps, 154 flights and 80 landings for taking in the concrete jungle. By the way, they won’t let you ride your motocross bike down it. Even for a cool video. We asked.