Summit One Vanderbilt is located in midtown Manhattan, across from Grand Central Terminal. A visit to the observatory will show you the most beautiful views of New York City in many ways. From the top of its 305 meters, this observation platform offers a unique view of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Bryant Park, and Times Square. Beyond that, the Summit offers a surreal adventure through its art and audiovisual experiences.
Highlights inside Summit One Vanderbilt
More than just a viewpoint, Summit offers four choice programs for an even richer and more intense experience. An extraordinary journey through a futuristic environment designed by Kenzo Digital. Entertainment, discovery, thrill, and sensation… This is what awaits you throughout your visit.
Transcendence
Discover “Transcendence”: a gigantic space with high ceilings, and entirely covered with mirrors. The experience is really amazing! So much so that all the visitors present on the premises are obliged to take out their smartphones to take pictures.
The tour continues above this room: you can walk along the platform while looking into the large round mirrors.
Good to know
For ladies, the floor and ceiling are filled with mirrors, so it’s best to avoid wearing a skirt or dress when you go to Summit.
With Transcendence complete, you have the other three experiences to explore. I’d better tell you right away: you’re not at the end of your surprises.
Affinity
The Summit’s journey continues in the “Affinity” space where silver balloons drift in the air. Here again, no one regrets bringing their camera. From this room, you can see Central Park and Uptown Manhattan in all their glory.
Levitation
It is truly a breathtaking experience! If you’re not afraid of heights, cantilever onto “Levitation”, two glass-floored overhangs, and enjoy the views of Madison Avenue.
Ascent
The “Ascent” Experience. It’s two glass elevators outside the building that take you to the highest point of Summit One Vanderbilt. And once you reach the top of the skyscraper, enjoy a few minutes to appreciate the quintessential journey. The view of the Empire State Building and Times Square is truly breathtaking.
Note: the elevators are an added attraction, you will need to purchase a separate ticket to access them.
A café and bar with an outdoor terrace are available for food and drink while taking in the surrounding scenery.
Tip: Take your time to enjoy each part of Summit One Vanderbilt. The tour takes about an hour and a half. That’s enough time for you to enjoy all the wonders that surround you and let yourself be transported.
By the way, even the small corners offer an interesting view.
When is the best time to visit Summit One Vanderbilt?
There is no “ideal” time to visit the Summit. You can go during the day or at night: both possibilities offer different experiences. During the day, the view is better, so you can get a good look at the largest park in Manhattan. And you have the perfect lighting to take pictures.
At night, the artistic experience that is “Air” is even more intense than during the day. This show becomes more animated with the different colors more apparent, in harmony with the sounds that are played. The visit to the observation deck and the cityscape can be enjoyed in a different way. Tickets for the Summit One Vanderbilt are available online from $41.
New York Observatories
Practical information
Schedule
- Wednesday and Thursday: 9 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 9 am to 11 pm
- Sunday and Monday: 9 am to 8 pm
*The Summit always closes one hour after closing time.
How much are tickets to the One Vanderbilt Summit?
Tickets are available online starting at $39 for adults and $33 for children.
Prices also vary depending on the attractions and the time of day.
| Summit Experience | Summit Ascent | Ultimate Summit | |
| Adults (13 years and older) during the day | $39 | $73 | |
| In the evening | $49 | $69 | $83 |
| Children (6-12 years old) during the day | $33 | $53 | $67 |
| In the evening | $49 | $69 | $83 |
Access to “Ascent” (glass elevators) is not included in the Summit Experience
How do I get to Summit one Vanderbilt?
One Vanderbilt Summit is located at the corner of 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue next to Grand Central Station
To get there, you can take the subway – lines 4, 5, 6, or 7 and get off at Grand Central – 42nd Street.
Note
To access the observatory, you must go through Grand Central Terminal, not the One Vanderbilt building. Once at the station, go through the wooden doors next to One Vanderbilt, enter, turn left and follow the ramp. Turn left again, you will see a sign that says “Observation Deck” .
