Summit One Vanderbilt is another observation deck in Manhattan, but it goes above and beyond. Towering over 1,000 feet above Midtown, the most popular neighborhood in Manhattan, the Summit in NYC gives you a fresh perspective of the Big Apple while immersing you in a sensory experience.
Through artistic exhibits, digital installations, and reflective glass surfaces, this observatory feels like a nest among the clouds. While tickets to Summit One Vanderbilt aren’t cheap, they grant you access to all kinds of viewpoints in one of the most design-savvy buildings in New York. There’s no doubt that it’s one of the best things to do in NYC, and it was one of the most memorable attractions we visited during our trips.
Guide to Summit One Vanderbilt | Tickets, Photos & Views
To help you plan your visit to One Vanderbilt, I’ll tell you what to expect and share some tips for your time here. If you’re in a rush, you can get your ticket here, which includes general admission to the 93rd-floor lookout.
Visitors guide to Summit One Vanderbilt observation deck
Summit One Vanderbilt is one of the best observation decks in NYC, so I recommend experiencing it before you leave the Big Apple. Also, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Manhattan, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit in advance.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know so you make the most of your time here:
Summit One Vanderbilt tickets
The ticket price for the One Vanderbilt observation deck is a bit steep, but it’s worth it, especially if this is the only NYC sky deck you visit. Timed entry, general admission tickets to Summit One Vanderbilt start at $43, and you can get yours here.
Summit One Vanderbilt tickets
General admission includes the Summit Experience through the attraction’s exhibit rooms and 360° observatory on the 93rd floor. If you want to ride the glass elevator at Summit One Vanderbilt, you’ll have to upgrade your ticket, so it includes Ascent.
Summit One Vanderbilt hours
Summit One Vanderbilt’s hours are 9 am to 10:30 pm, Sunday through Thursday. The observatory is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am to midnight, and it’s closed on Tuesdays.
Summit One Vanderbilt hours
The view from Summit One Vanderbilt is beautiful anytime, although the observatory is a popular place to go in NYC at night. If you want to see the dazzling lights from 1,020 feet above the city, keep in mind that the doors to One Vanderbilt shut an hour before closing time.
I think sunset is the best time to visit Summit One Vanderbilt because you can get the best of both the daytime and nighttime views. Just be aware that sunset tickets cost an extra $10.
One Vanderbilt observation deck
Visiting NYC’s One Vanderbilt is a full experience, which is why it’s worth buying a ticket. Below are all the things you can expect while exploring the Summit:
Air
When you enter NYC’s Vanderbilt building, present your ticket, and go up to the observatory on the 93rd floor. Here, you’ll see the most interesting part of Summit One Vanderbilt: Air.
Designed by artist Kenzo Digital, Air is one of the largest and highest art installations in the world. The two-tiered exhibit features floor-to-ceiling windows and reflective surfaces to create the feeling of free-floating. The balloon room is full of silver orbs and a multi-media screen, giving you the sensation of being suspended in the air.
Air at Summit One Vanderbilt
After dark, you can see Air at Night, which adds music, an LED light show, and cocktails to the mix. Visiting Summit One Vanderbilt at night is a wonderful thing to do in NYC as a couple, so consider adding this intimate experience to your itinerary.
What makes this place stand out is that you can’t really tell how big the space is at first glance. Rather, just walk around and you’ll find new angles and perspectives of the New York City skyline. Depending on when you go, you’ll get a different experience. On rainy days, it’s like being inside a storm cloud, while at sunset, you’ll feel like you’re in the center of the sun. Pro tip: bring sunglasses if you’re visiting during the daytime.
Levitation
The Levitation exhibit brings the feeling of weightlessness to another level. This glass ledge is suspended 1,063 feet above the streets of Midtown Manhattan, granting you sweeping views of NYC in all directions.
Levitation at Summit One Vanderbilt
Thanks to Summit One Vanderbilt’s location, you’ll get incredible views of the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, and other famous landmarks.
Ascent
Ascent is Summit One Vanderbilt’s glass elevator that travels up the side of the building. It takes you to the attraction’s highest point, at 1,219 feet. From up here, you have panoramic views of all of NYC, including spectacular views of Central Park and the East River.
Ascent at Summit One Vanderbilt
As I mentioned earlier, the general admission tickets to Summit One Vanderbilt don’t include access to Ascent. So, if you want to ride the glass elevator and get an additional viewpoint from One Vanderbilt tower, you’ll need to upgrade your ticket.
Après
After enjoying the exhibits, grab a drink or bite to eat at Après, Summit One Vanderbilt’s restaurant. Après serves cocktails, small plates, and desserts from various global cuisines, so it’ll appeal to all appetites.
Après at Summit One Vanderbilt
In addition to its outdoor terrace, Après has an indoor lounge, making it a beautiful place to sit and enjoy the views, no matter the time of year. Plus, from One Vanderbilt’s rooftop bar, you can board the glass elevator.
View from Summit One Vanderbilt
There’s no denying that the view from Summit One Vanderbilt is mind-blowing. The building’s reflective floors and ceilings create all kinds of unique angles and viewpoints, giving you a different take on the New York skyline.
Plus, being so high above the city, you get magnificent views of the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the United Nations Building, One World Observatory, and Central Park. You can easily see the East River and, in the distance, the George Washington Bridge.
View from Summit One Vanderbilt
While there’s not a bad time to visit, going to Summit One Vanderbilt at night is a completely different experience. The colorful LEDs from the other buildings illuminate the glass observatory, creating a rainbow of light. The views are quite romantic, so it’s the perfect place to go with your partner for beautiful sights and tasty drinks.
FAQs – Summit One Vanderbilt
If you still have concerns about One Vanderbilt’s observation deck, here are the answers to some common questions:
Where is Summit One Vanderbilt located?
Summit One Vanderbilt is located at 45 East 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, NYC.
When is the best time to visit Summit One Vanderbilt?
The best time to visit Summit One Vanderbilt is just before dusk. This way, you can see the views of Summit One Vanderbilt at night and catch the sunset.
Is Summit One Vanderbilt worth it?
Yes, the Summit in NYC is worth it because it offers an experience unlike any other observatory in the city. The art, structure, and views from One Vanderbilt’s observation deck are unmatched.
How high is Summit One Vanderbilt?
The height of One Vanderbilt’s observation deck is 1,020 feet, although the glass elevator ascends to 1,219 feet. The building itself is 1,401 feet tall at its spire.
How much do Summit One Vanderbilt tickets cost?
General admission to the Summit in NYC costs $43, and sunset tickets cost an extra $10.
How long does Summit One Vanderbilt take?
Most people spend 2-3 hours at the Vanderbilt Summit.
That’s all you need to know about visiting One Vanderbilt, NYC. Of course, don’t hesitate to leave me any questions or to tell me about your experience. I’d love to hear from you. Enjoy the views from the Summit in NYC!
Can I get a combination ticket for the ascent/vanderbilt tour etc and the edge and the cruise around New York at night? How do I do this please
Hi Finola,
No, there aren’t any combination tickets, but you can save money by getting one of the New York attractions passes.