SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Review

What is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is an observation deck in the skyscraper One Vanderbilt, right next to Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.

At a height of around 335 meters, the platform offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the New York City skyline.

SUMMIT One also has two cool, modern highlights. First, the mirrored rooms of the “Air and Affinity” art installation by Kenzo Digital, which create an endless reflection of the city, and second, the “Levitation” – glass balconies that float above the streets of Manhattan.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets: Admission & Prices

Are you looking for the right SUMMIT One Vanderbilt ticket for you? Then take a look at our ticket comparison. Let’s go!

Where is the best place to buy your SUMMIT One ticket?

It’s best to buy your ticket for the SUMMIT One Observation Deck online in advance. Either via the official SUMMIT ticket store or via the third-party provider GetYourGuide.

Why? Because this way you have the most advantages and can plan your sightseeing in New York City stress-free.

Pre-booked tickets are in some cases cheaper than tickets on site. Also, the time slot you choose for your visit to SUMMIT One gives you a good idea of what other attractions in New York City you can visit that day.

The official ticket store does not offer refunds after cancellation. GetYourGuide, on the other hand, allows you to cancel up to 24 hours before the start of your visit with a full refund.

Which SUMMIT One tickets are available where?

In the official SUMMIT One ticket store you can get all the tickets available for the observation deck.

GetYourGuide offers the standard ticket (our recommendation) and a large VIP package.

There is also a full selection of all SUMMIT One tickets on site. However, the selection can vary from day to day and depending on the season due to the crowds.

What SUMMIT One tickets are available and how much do they cost?

All regular tickets for SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in NYC, prices and links to the ticket store can be found in these tables:

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt tickets on the official website

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt tickets on GetYourGuide

Are there discounted SUMMIT One tickets?

Discounted admission to the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observation deck is only available to residents of New York City and Long Island. There are currently no discounts for tourists.

However, children under the age of 5 are admitted free of charge.

How far in advance should you buy your SUMMIT One ticket?

You can often still get tickets for the SUMMIT One Observation Deck the day before your visit from both, the official provider and GetYourGuide. However, this depends on the season.

Our tip: book your tickets a few weeks in advance so that you can also plan and book your other activities, such as a helicopter flight over NYC, well in advance.

Can you spontaneously visit the SUMMIT One Observation Deck?

Yes, you can also spontaneously buy a ticket for SUMMIT One in New York City and then go up to the platform.

However, this may result in longer waiting times and possibly higher ticket prices due to high demand. Booking online in advance is therefore the safe solution in this case.

Is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt included in a New York Citypass?

No, unfortunately SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is not yet included in any New York Citypass.

Are you still interested in a New York Citypass? Read more about them here:

Our Ticket Recommendation for SUMMIT One: SUMMIT Experience Standard Ticket

We recommend the SUMMIT Experience Standard Ticket for your visit to the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Observation Deck in New York. This is the cheapest ticket and gives you full access to all observation decks and the various installation rooms and photo spots.

The standard ticket includes:

• Access to the SUMMIT One Observation Deck at a height of 335 meters
• 360° panoramic view of New York City
• Access to the art installations Air & Affinity
• Access to the “Levitation” glass balconies

The price for the standard ticket is

• Adults (13 years): approx. $43
• Children (6-12 years): approx. $37
• Children under 5 years: free of charge

You can buy the standard ticket here:

• Online via the official SUMMIT ticket shop
• Online via GetYourGuide
• On site at the ticket machine

Directions: How to Get to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is located right next to Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. It is therefore centrally located and cannot be missed.

The exact address is: 45 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017, USA

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt on Google Maps

You can reach the platform in several ways.

With the New York City Subway

The 4, 5, 6, 7 and S lines go directly to Grand Central – 42nd Street station. After getting off, just follow the signs to the Vanderbilt Avenue exit, SUMMIT One is right next to it.

On foot

If you are already in Midtown, you can easily reach SUMMIT One on foot. It’s only a 10 to 15-minute walk from Times Square.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt parking

While Summit One Vanderbilt itself doesn’t offer parking, there are several parking garages nearby where you can park. For example:

• Icon Parking (100 East 42nd Street Garage)
• Central Parking (150 East 42nd Street)
• SP+ Parking (33 East 44th Street)

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: How it Works

To make your visit to the SUMMIT One Observation Deck a complete success, we’ll answer all the questions about your visit at SUMMIT One.

SUMMIT One opening hours

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in New York City is open daily from 09:00 to 24:00. Last admission is at 22:30.

What is the best time to visit SUMMIT One NYC?

The best time to visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt depends on which experience you prefer and whether you don’t mind a lot of people on the platform. Either way, there are always other people at SUMMIT One.

In the morning, you have the advantage that the view of NYC is very clear and the light is pleasantly soft. Perfect for beautiful photos.

At lunchtime and in the afternoon, the observation deck is particularly crowded. However, you can watch the hustle and bustle on the streets of Midtown.

Tickets are 10 dollars more expensive at sunset. But the golden light is really incomparably beautiful. Is it worth 10 dollars? Hm. We would rather spend the sunset on the Hudson River or East River for free.

In the evening and in the dark, you can see the brilliant lights of New York City from SUMMIT One. However, the glass walls are also very reflective.

Are there different entrances for different ticket types?

No, there are not. Everyone must join the same queue with their time slot ticket.

SUMMIT One waiting times

The fact that you have a fixed time slot means that waiting times are really limited. You can expect to wait a maximum of 15 to 30 minutes. However, we have also heard from visitors that they had to wait 1 hour.

Our tip: bring an extra hour with you. Especially in the high season.

Security at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

There are strict security measures at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Before entering, you must pass through a security checkpoint. Similar to an airport with metal detectors and bag checks.

What is allowed on the observation deck and what is not?

You may NOT take these items onto the SUMMIT Observation Deck:

• Large bags & suitcases (there are no drop-off facilities on site)
• Tripods, selfie sticks & professional camera equipment
• Food & drinks from outside (there are two bars at the top – inside and outside)
• Weapons & sharp objects (knives, scissors, pepper spray)

You are allowed to take these items onto the SUMMIT Observation Deck:

• Small bag & backpacks
• Cell phones & small cameras
• Stroller (must be collapsible, we recommend a travel stroller for NYC)

Is the SUMMIT One barrier-free?

Yes, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is completely barrier-free and accessible for visitors with mobility impairments. There are accessible restrooms, wide hallways and doorways, and all levels are accessible by elevators.

How much time should you plan for SUMMIT One?

You can really spend a lot of time on the observation deck. If you want to take lots of photos and take a close look at the rooms, you can expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours. With a drink in the bar or on the terrace, you could even spend 2.5 hours.

What Can You Do at SUMMIT One?

You have already read a lot about the highlights on the SUMMIT One Observation Deck. But here we present you all the cool features in detail.

View from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

The view from the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is of course the main reason to visit the building. From the top you have a breathtaking view of New York City.

For example, you can see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and Central Park. You also have a great view of One World Trade Center, the Hudson and the East River and with good eyes you can see the Statue of Liberty.

Perhaps you will also spot your hotel in New York City?

Air & Affinity Room Installations

In addition to the observation deck, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt also offers two interesting immersive art installations: Air and Affinity. Both were designed by Kenzo Digital.

Air is a mirror installation. The entire room is covered with mirrors, so that the sky and the city are reflected endlessly. Due to the reflections, you sometimes don’t even know which way is up and which way is down. A fun idea and a cool photo motif – if it weren’t for all the people.

Affinity is a part of the Air installation with floating silver spheres that look like balloons. You can touch and move the balloons.

The entry to these rooms is included in all SUMMIT One tickets. You do not need an additional ticket.

SUMMIT One Levitation

Levitation is THE crowd-pleaser at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. It is made of transparent glass balconies that protrude from the building about 335 meters below Madison Avenue.

You can look directly down on the city. Pure thrills and not for the faint-hearted.

However, the photo spot is so popular that you have to queue to get your photo above the rooftops of NYC.

SUMMIT One Outdoor Terrace with Bar

With its outdoor terrace and bar, SUMMIT One offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a drink with a spectacular view.

From the open area, you can see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the entire New York skyline.

The bar serves cocktails, beer, coffee, soft drinks and small snacks, among other things. A coffee costs 5 dollars, soft drinks 4 dollars and a sandwich 6 dollars. Pretty typical NYC prices.

Our Review: Is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Worth it?

We had tickets for 9.30am and were there on time. The whole organization was really good – from the entrance to the security check, we were well guided and always knew exactly where to go next.

The first big area we entered was the mirror room – a huge, reflective room with an incredible view of the city.

However, it was also very crowded here, and it took a good 10 minutes before we had a chance to take a photo at the front window without other visitors being in the picture. But if you’re patient, you’ll be rewarded with some unique shots.

Another highlight was the room with the silver balloons. They float through the room and can be gently moved – a great photo opportunity!

However, because this area is extremely popular, there is a 10-minute limit so that everyone has a chance to enjoy the experience. But don’t worry, the crowds don’t stay that way. In the next few rooms, the crowds get more and more lost and you can enjoy the view of the city without constantly being jostled.

For example, you have a great view of the Empire State Building, Central Park and the Chrysler Building.

Despite the many cool installations and the magnificent view, you have to be prepared for it to be very crowded.

Even with a relatively early ticket, it was already very busy. Maybe it would be a good idea to come about an hour before the sunset time slots, then it might be quieter.

Overall, our visit was a unique experience and a lot of fun. Personally, however, it was just too crowded for us and we would prefer the New York Edge to SUMMIT One.

The Surrounding Area: Combine SUMMIT One with other New York Highlights

Because SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is so centrally located in Midtown, you can combine your visit to the observation deck with a bit of sightseeing in the area.

These sights are located near SUMMIT One:

• Grand Central Terminal: famous, historic station concourse (1-minute walk)
• Bryant Park: green city park with cafés (5-minute walk)
• Chrysler Building: legendary Art Deco skyscraper (7-minute walk)
• Empire State Building: the most famous building in New York (12-minute walk)
• Rockefeller Center: famous building complex with the Top of the Rock Observation Deck (15-minute walk)

SUMMIT One New York area on a map

To give you a good overview for your sightseeing, we have marked SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and the surrounding sights on a map.

FAQ about SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in New York

These were our tips and review of the SUMMIT One in New York

Do you also have a tip for SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or do you still have questions? Then write us a comment. We look forward to hearing from you!