This post is about visiting SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, an observation deck in Midtown Manhattan, with tips on tickets, discounts, what to expect, and how to plan your visit.
- What is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
- Tickets + Descuentos
- Plan Your Visit
- Other Observation Decks in NYC
- Things to Do in NYC
WHAT IS SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?
This 65,000 square-foot (6,038 square meters) entertainment space covers four floors of a 1,401-foot-tall (427 meters)commercial skyscraper known as One Vanderbilt.
The SUMMIT experience includes:
Levitation - a series of glass boxes that jut out from the building over Madison Avenue. They are a dizzying 1,063 feet (324 meters) in the air!
Air - This immersive art installation space has panoramic views of Manhattan.
The centerpiece of Air is a room of mirrors which creates the illusion of endless space.
SUMMIT Terrace - an outdoor wrap-around terrace on the south and west sides of One Vanderbilt.
Ascent - Take a 12-story glass elevator ride to the highest point of SUMMIT at 1,200 feet (365 meters).
The elevators travel along the outside of the building offering a thrilling experience with spectacular views. Tickets with access to Ascent cost more than general admission tickets.
Summit One is one of the 28 best views of NYC.
TICKETS
You can purchase tickets online. When you purchase tickets you will be asked to choose a date and time. You must arrive at the specified time.
If you arrive late, you may be asked to wait for the next open time slot, so be sure to arrive on time.
There are three different types of tickets.
SUMMIT Experience
- access to Air
- access to Levitation
- access to SUMMIT Terrace
SUMMIT Ascent - All of the SUMMIT Experience PLUS access to Ascent
Ultimate SUMMIT - All of the SUMMIT Ascent features plus a complimentary cocktail or mocktail
PRICES
SUMMIT Experience
- DAY
- Adult Ages 13 and older - $39 and up
- Youth Ages 6-12 - $33 and up
- Children 5 and under visit free
- Sunset Time slots are an additional $10
- NIGHT
- Adult Ages 13 and older - $49 and up
- Youth Ages 6-12 - $49 and up
- Children 5 and under visit free
- Sunset Time slots are an additional $10
SUMMIT Ascent
- DAY
- Adult Ages 13 and older - $59 and up
- Youth Ages 6-12 - $53 and up
- Children 5 and under visit free
- Sunset Time slots are an additional $10
- NIGHT
- Adult Ages 13 and older - $69 and up
- Youth Ages 6-12 - $69 and up
- Children 5 and under visit free
- Sunset Time slots are an additional $10
Ultimate SUMMIT
- DAY
- Adult Ages 13 and older - $73 and up
- Youth Ages 6-12 - $67 and up
- Children 5 and under visit free
- Sunset Time slots are an additional $10
- NIGHT
- Adult Ages 13 and older - $83 and up
- Youth Ages 6-12 - $83 and up
- Children 5 and under visit free
- Sunset Time slots are an additional $10
NOTE: Tickets to Summit One Vanderbilt are included with an NYC walking tour combo package.
If you're interested in taking a tour before your visit, this could be a great way to save money on admission.
DISCOUNTS
While free tickets to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt are not yet included with the purchase of the most popular NYC city passes, it is extremely likely that in the future, SUMMIT will be an included attraction.
There are already four observation decks included in both of these passes:
If you haven't considered purchasing a tourist pass, you might want to explore this option as they can save you up to 55% off of retail ticket prices for dozens of NYC attractions.
Read our post comparing the various discount passes to see which one, if any, is best for you.
New York City Residents
SUMMIT Experience
- Adult Ages 13 and older - $34 and up
- Youth Ages 6-12 - $28 and up
- Children 5 and under visit free
SUMMIT Ascent
- Adult Ages 13 and older - $54 and up
- Youth Ages 6-12 - $48 and up
- Children 5 and under visit free
Ultimate SUMMIT
- Adult Ages 13 and older - $68 and up
- Youth Ages 6-12 - $62 and up
- Children 5 and under visit free
Combo Packages
There is currently one combo deal that includes admission to Summit One Vanderbilt. This service is offered by Take Walks, a highly-rated tour company.
Their Must-See Manhattan package includes both a tour of NYC and a ticket to Summit One.
If you're interested in learning more about the city before experiencing this observation deck, this could be a good way to save money on both activities.
Military Discount
Active and retired members of the United States Armed Forces are eligible for free and reduced-price tickets. Contact SUMMIT for more information.
Where is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?
It is located at 45 East 42nd Street and the entrance is on the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal.
Use this Google link to map directions from your starting location.
Visiting Hours
- Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 9 am - 10:30 pm (Last entry at 9:30 pm)
- Friday & Saturday 9 am - 12:00 am (Last entry at 11:00 pm)
- SUMMIT is closed on Tuesdays
Food and Drinks
Dining options include multiple bars (including one outdoors!), an all-day cafe, and snack kiosks.
Note that outside food and beverages are not allowed.
Good to Know
Because of the many features of SUMMIT, it's recommended that you give yourself two to three hours to experience everything.
There is no bag check and large bags, backpacks, or luggage are not allowed inside.
If you need a place to check your bags, see our post, Where to Store Luggage in New York City.
For those traveling with young children and infants, strollers and carriages must be able to fold or collapse for entry into SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
Regarding attire, consider that you will be walking on surfaces that are reflective or transparent.
SUMMIT recommends wearing pants, shorts, or tights to ensure your privacy.
They do have a non-reflective privacy path throughout the space if you do not feel comfortable walking on reflective surfaces.
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