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 + Discounts
- 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 takes the concept of an observation deck to new heights, with four floors of a 1,401-foot-tall (427 meters) commercial skyscraper known as One Vanderbilt, and it offers some of the best views of New York City.
The SUMMIT experience is an Instagram dream with various elements of art including:
Levitation - a series of glass boxes that jut out from the building over Madison Avenue. These transparent glass skyboxes are a dizzying 1,063 feet (324 meters) in the air!
Air - This immersive experience space has panoramic views of Manhattan, and it's a beautiful art installation created by Kenzo Digital.
The centerpiece of Air is a room of mirrors which creates the illusion of endless space, transparency, and reflectivity. This area, also known as Transcendence, has mirrored floors, so you might want to avoid unwanted exposure depending on what you're wearing.
There are two other elements of this immersive art experience: Unity and Affinity.
While Unity creates a mesmerizing cloudscape on a giant screen display, Affinity features highly reflective orbs which create a unique visual experience.
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 top of One Vanderbilt at 1,200 feet (365 meters).
Reflect - This art instillation was created by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, and it includes a lot of unique reflective surfaces which play with the light at Summit One Vanderbilt.
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 make a late arrival, you may be asked to wait for the next open time slot, so be sure to arrive on time. If they cannot secure a spot for you on that day, you may be subject to a rescheduling fee. Summit One operates at full capacity, so there is no guarantee you'll be able to get in if you're late.
There are three different types of tickets.
SUMMIT Experience
- access to Air
- access to Levitation
- access to SUMMIT Terrace
SUMMIT Ascent - All 4 floors of SUMMIT Experience PLUS access to Ascent
Ultimate SUMMIT - All 4 floors of 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
Although all ticket sales are final and there are no refunds or cancellations if you purchase admission directly from their website. That said, if you get tickets from another retailer such as Get Your Guide, their free cancellation policy includes a full refund of up to 24 hours before the date of the ticket.
Rescheduling is subject to availability, but if you do purchase tickets directly from Summit One Vanderbilt, they will usually allow you to change the time of your ticket if necessary.
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
Currently, there is only one discount pass that includes admission to Summit One Vanderbilt, and that is the Central Park Digital Pass from Tiqets. This pass provides access to the following:
- Summit One Vanderbilt
- American Museum of Natural History
- Central Park Zoo: Total Experience
- New York City Audio Guide
- 10% Discount on other activities
Prices for this pass start at just $83 per person.
While free tickets to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt are not yet included with the purchase of any other 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 NY attractions.
Although this attraction is not currently available on any tourist passes, the New York Tourist Card provides a 10% discount on various activities and landmarks in the city, including Summit One Vanderbilt!
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 multiple combo deals that include admission to Summit One Vanderbilt.
One popular 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.
Here are a few alternative options you might want to consider:
- Summit One Vanderbilt + MoMA
- Summit One Vanderbilt + Empire State Building
- Summit One Vanderbilt + Madame Tussauds
- Summit One Vanderbilt + Guggenheim
Discount Sites
If you're looking for a more straightforward discount option, make sure to check sites such as Groupon and Living Social to see whether or not they are offering any deals on tickets.
These websites often provide significant discounts on local activities in New York City, and they also usually offer additional coupon codes for 10% - 20% off or more.
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.
Café Après is part of the Summit One experience, so you will need tickets to enter. If you're looking for light fare and fun cocktails, this is a great place to stop before you leave.
You might also want to check out the Sky-High Lounge. Both the cafe and lounge are located on the last floor of Summit One Vanderbilt.
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 a security checkpoint, and they do not permit outside food, beverages, cigarettes, packages, or weapons of any kind.
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. When it comes to footwear, they request that you do not wear any shoes that might leave marks. Stiletto heels, work boots, steel toe boots, sports cleats, and other types of shoes will not be permitted.
The best idea is just to wear comfortable shoes and be careful with how you walk around the attraction.
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.
Is the Summit One Vanderbilt free to visit?
While there are a variety of discounts on Summit tickets, there is currently no way to visit this attraction for free. You will need to pay for a ticket to enter.
How long should you spend at Summit One Vanderbilt?
It is recommended to give yourself at least 2-3 hours to experience everything at Summit One Vanderbilt, but some visitors will be just as happy spending 1-2 hours here instead.
What's the best time to visit Summit One Vanderbilt?
Undoubtedly, one of the best times to visit this attraction is about 1 hour before sunset. You'll get to experience what it's like during the day, sunset, and after dark!
It's worth noting that if you do visit during sunset, you might want to bring some sunglasses, as there are usually at least a few bright reflections that you might otherwise find disorienting. Even if you didn't bring them, attendants should be able to provide a pair if you need them.
Does Summit One Vanderbilt provide storage?
No. There is no storage for personal items, and large backpacks/large bags are not permitted inside. If you're looking for a place to store your baggage, make sure to check our post covering luggage storage options in New York City.
Attractions and Landmarks you can see from Summit One
In addition to the hustle and bustle of city streets, you can expect incredible views of New York's skyline, including landmarks such as the following:
- Empire State Building
- Chrysler Building
- Statue of Liberty
- Hudson Yards
- Central Park
- Brooklyn
- And more!
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