Summit One Vanderbilt Photos
You might also consider
More like Summit One Vanderbilt
Recommended Reviews - Summit One Vanderbilt
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
For the price and the levels you get to experience is worth it. I prefer these views over empire. We did stay till sunset and it was lovely. Just keep in mind whether you're seating down and already have a spot next to the window people will still find a way to get in front of you and stay there. Is it rude, a little especially if they don't say excuse you and know you've been waiting but I was on vacation and didn't let it phase me.
We got tickets to see the view but there was no view due to the fogs. When we were walking there for our reservation, there was sprinkle but not bad...when we got there, although some of the rooms with the balloons and the mirrors looked cool, but there was 0 visibility! They didn't offer refund partially or offer any other time for us to come back during the trip to make it fair. We were there just to look at the fogs, the balloons and the mirrors which I could booked other attractions to see similar exhibits. The main point of coming to here was looking at the skyline view. I would suggest they should offer options for partial refund or another time due to weather bc the tickets were the most expensive among other observatories as I remember. I even saw people paying extra to go up more levels and at that point, I don't think they saw anything at all.
Great experience but I highly highly recommend reserving online ahead of time. When visiting the day of, no matter what time you visit, tickets get sold out quick. If you check the evening before, tickets start to book up for the next day. This is a popular experience for viewing the skyline. Regular tickets are worth it more than the upgraded ticket. With the upgraded ticket, you are taken to a higher level on an elevator, but you do not leave the elevator. It only goes up then down back to the top observation deck, which is the highest point regular ticketers can go. Sorry i dont remember the floors. It is a quick 30 second elevator ride that does not seem worth it at all. You can tell the difference in height of view, but it is not significant. The upgraded ticket also has a signature cocktail included that you can get at the top observation deck, which the drink was decent. With the upgraded and regular ticket, you are taken up on an elevator and you get to experience 3 levels of views. Overall, I think it is the best way to experience the skyline. Dont wear skirts because the floors are mirrored. The sides of the floors arent so you can stick to the side if you choose. There is plenty of space for people to take pictures without hogging space. Some spots people prefer, so there are some who wait, but I find all around the floors all views are gorgeous to see.
This location was excellent and offered numerous scenic views. There are three levels accessible to visitors. The price is reasonable, and I would consider returning. They also sell food and drinks and have an outdoor area.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is completely worth the hype and easily one of the most unique view experiences in New York City. The 360-degree views of the skyline-especially looking right across at the Empire State Building through the mirrored rooms-are absolutely incredible and unmatched for photos. The only real drawback is the silver balloon room (Affinity), which gets super chaotic and packed with people all trying to grab the same shot at once. Still, between the mind-bending glass floors, modern reflective art, and stunning vistas, it's 100% worth every penny. Just be sure to wear pants instead of a dress because of the mirror floors, and bring sunglasses for the glare!
High above Midtown Manhattan, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is much more than an observation deck--it's an immersive experience that combines breathtaking views, art installations, and interactive spaces. Located on top of One Vanderbilt next to Grand Central Terminal, the attraction offers incredible panoramic views of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Central Park, and the Manhattan skyline. The mirrored rooms and floor-to-ceiling glass walls create a unique experience that feels very different from other observation decks in New York. We purchased tickets that included SUMMIT Ascent, the all-glass exterior elevator that takes you even higher above the city. The ride was short but exciting, and the views were spectacular. One useful tip for visitors is to book tickets in advance, especially around sunset, as it is one of the most popular times to visit.
Meh. Decent experience but when they say line moves quick and it takes 45m to get in that's ridiculous. The summit, sky deck and Empire State Building views are 4*, the wait is 1*. Even the breakfast burrito Was decent. The glass elevator was not anything special though. Balloon room was just ok, not as fun as the pics/videos online. Overall not bad
This was an experience that was totally worth it! I took my kids, 9 and 15 year old as a surprise and we loved it! The different rooms were so cool. We loved the balloon one. We went around 9am so it wasn't crowded at all, no lines. I got a few good shots of the kids with no one in the background. Perfect right!? The see through glass was crazy! Just don't look down if you're afraid of heights. I like that they took photos of us because I'm usually the one taking photos and never in it. I ended up buying all the photos, I can't remember how much it was. I think 25$? And you get all of the photos to download. The views were beautiful. You can see the entire city. I bet it looks hella cool during nighttime with all the buildings lit up. The staff were very nice and friendly. I like the entire vibe I felt. It was such a cool activity to do with the kids. Very well organized. Totally worth it! I recommend going in the mornings or maybe late at night!
Wonderful experience as usual. The skyline and buildings lit up at night was so beautiful. This place was so crowded when we came. Our time was 8:30pm and I think more crowded than when I came in before. I highly recommend going. But the wait time to leave was just insane. It was line after line and I think it literally took us longer to get out then in.
Definitely worth checking out! I had a lot of fun here and got some great pictures. The views of the city are so incredible that even the restrooms have a view! We got in line around 8:40 PM for our scheduled time but didn't actually get inside until around 9:30 PM, so keep that in mind if you're on a schedule. Once you're inside, we spent a little over an hour going through everything, which felt like a good amount of time. Once you move on to the next room, you can't go back, so I definitely recommend taking your time and taking everything in before moving on. Toward the end, there's a chance to get a photo on the glass floor overlooking the city, but the time for that is VERY limited, so be ready to take your picture when it's your turn.
Me and a group of friends stopped in to see what the craze was all about. And I can definitely tell you it was worth the hype. I mean the views! They were just spectacular especially at night time with a view of all the cities lights. It's incredibly crowded since it's very touristy but even with that we were still able to get amazing pictures.
I highly recommend taking your friends here visiting the city or looking for a place to go to! It was an overall fun experience. Was there for about 2-3 hours to explore and relax. We were there in cinco de mayo so I ended up getting a chips and quac was 10$ it was delicious but for the price I wish I could get more Quac. Now, the drink was outrageously expensive and I question why I even got it. In my opinion it was NOT worth it. The taste was OK. Price was 21$!! Never again. I get it it's the city and tourist but let's be real. . Lastly I got a horchata and hands down one of the best I've had so to me it was worth the price me and my friend split it. Overall, the experience is a 10/10 5 stars but the food/drinks I give it a 3 stars. The view is very nice though. This is the second time I've been here next time I'll be coming at night to experience it.
We had read about Summit One and decided we wanted to check it out on our recent visit to New York before embarking on a cruise. It is located on three floors near the top of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Manhattan and located next to Grand Central Terminal. They opened in 2021. At 1401, it is the 4th tallest building in New York after the One World Trade Center, 111 West 57th Street, and Central Park Tower, and is one of the 30 tallest buildings in the world. It was absolutely stunning. You immediately are thrown into an immersive, multi-sensory experience with art installations, floor to ceiling mirrors, and of course, stunning views of this fantastic city. There are several different fun rooms to explore: Yayoi Kusama's "Clouds" -- mirror-polished stainless-steel floor sculptures that create an infinitely reflective surface underfoot. The Affinity Balloon Room with hundreds of reflective Mylar balloons creating an otherworldly, frequently photographed space which you get to play with as well - Levitation skyboxes -- glass platforms protruding over 1,000 feet above Manhattan for genuine vertigo-inducing views - The Ascent elevator -- traveling along the building's exterior, rising 120 feet with Manhattan visible through the glass floor below. A word to the wise, book your tickets in advance as this is a very popular attraction to visit in New York, and it is so worth it. You will be awestruck by the 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline. A special thank you to Jeremy, Alyssa, and Tae (manager) for their kindness and assistance to us during our visit.
15 days ago
The building was beautiful and very clean, and we loved the city views. The balloon room was also a lot of fun! Unfortunately, the experience ended on a very bad note. In the upstairs gift shop, my mom asked about the price of a chess set. Instead of answering her, the staff rolled their eyes and started talking to each other about how bad her accent was, laughing about it right in front of us. It was extremely disrespectful and really ruined what had otherwise been a great experience. read more
1 month ago
There is no shortage of high places in New York City where you can pay a substantial amount of money to stare at Manhattan from above. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt decided that an extraordinary view was not quite enough, so they wrapped the experience in Kenzo Digital's massive mirror installations, added floating silver balloons, built glass-bottomed skyboxes, and tossed in an exterior elevator for good measure. I brought the family this past weekend, and everyone had a great time. The perspective from three levels spanning the 91st through 93rd floors is genuinely spectacular. The floor-to-ceiling glass offers crisp, dramatic angles on the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Central Park, and the surrounding Midtown skyline. The individual rooms are surreal, disorienting, and almost aggressively engineered for social media. The main mirrored space, known as Transcendence, multiplies the skyline and every person in the room into an endless pattern of optical confusion. Over in Affinity, walking through dozens of lightweight silver spheres feels like stepping into a giant pinball machine. For those who enjoy a quick hit of vertigo, Levitation features transparent glass ledges extending out over the building, letting you look straight down a 1,063-foot drop onto Madison Avenue. My fear of heights encouraged me to pass on this particular opportunity. One practical warning: bring sunglasses. When the sun broke through the clouds during our visit, the mirrored floors and walls bounced intense sunlight from every conceivable angle. On a completely clear summer afternoon, the experience must come pretty close to standing inside a solar panel. We skipped Ascent, the exterior glass elevator that rides up the outside of the building. Watching it from the outdoor terrace was enough for me. It looks interesting, but the view from the main observation decks is already so high that paying extra for a glass elevator ride feels unnecessary. We also passed on drinks and bites at Apres, the lounge on the top level, though the menu prices looked about where you would expect for a cocktail served 93 stories above the sidewalk. I would like to return at night. After dark, I imagine seeing the illuminated city grid reflected across all those mirrors must be an entirely different experience. It gets four stars instead of five primarily because it is a steep investment for a family, and much of what you are paying for is a classic skyline view wrapped inside an elaborate optical funhouse. But if you want a top-tier observation deck combined with genuinely creative immersive spaces, SUMMIT delivers a lot of fun. Everyone in the family left happy, which is never a guarantee. read more
For the price and the levels you get to experience is worth it. I prefer these views over empire. We did stay till sunset and it was lovely. Just keep in mind whether you're seating down and already have a spot next to the window people will still find a way to get in front of you and stay there. Is it rude, a little especially if they don't say excuse you and know you've been waiting but I was on vacation and didn't let it phase me. read more
We got tickets to see the view but there was no view due to the fogs. When we were walking there for our reservation, there was sprinkle but not bad...when we got there, although some of the rooms with the balloons and the mirrors looked cool, but there was 0 visibility! They didn't offer refund partially or offer any other time for us to come back during the trip to make it fair. We were there just to look at the fogs, the balloons and the mirrors which I could booked other attractions to see similar exhibits. The main point of coming to here was looking at the skyline view. I would suggest they should offer options for partial refund or another time due to weather bc the tickets were the most expensive among other observatories as I remember. I even saw people paying extra to go up more levels and at that point, I don't think they saw anything at all. read more
2 months ago
Great experience but I highly highly recommend reserving online ahead of time. When visiting the day of, no matter what time you visit, tickets get sold out quick. If you check the evening before, tickets start to book up for the next day. This is a popular experience for viewing the skyline. Regular tickets are worth it more than the upgraded ticket. With the upgraded ticket, you are taken to a higher level on an elevator, but you do not leave the elevator. It only goes up then down back to the top observation deck, which is the highest point regular ticketers can go. Sorry i dont remember the floors. It is a quick 30 second elevator ride that does not seem worth it at all. You can tell the difference in height of view, but it is not significant. The upgraded ticket also has a signature cocktail included that you can get at the top observation deck, which the drink was decent. With the upgraded and regular ticket, you are taken up on an elevator and you get to experience 3 levels of views. Overall, I think it is the best way to experience the skyline. Dont wear skirts because the floors are mirrored. The sides of the floors arent so you can stick to the side if you choose. There is plenty of space for people to take pictures without hogging space. Some spots people prefer, so there are some who wait, but I find all around the floors all views are gorgeous to see. read more
This location was excellent and offered numerous scenic views. There are three levels accessible to visitors. The price is reasonable, and I would consider returning. They also sell food and drinks and have an outdoor area. read more
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is completely worth the hype and easily one of the most unique view experiences in New York City. The 360-degree views of the skyline-especially looking right across at the Empire State Building through the mirrored rooms-are absolutely incredible and unmatched for photos. The only real drawback is the silver balloon room (Affinity), which gets super chaotic and packed with people all trying to grab the same shot at once. Still, between the mind-bending glass floors, modern reflective art, and stunning vistas, it's 100% worth every penny. Just be sure to wear pants instead of a dress because of the mirror floors, and bring sunglasses for the glare! read more
High above Midtown Manhattan, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is much more than an observation deck--it's an immersive experience that combines breathtaking views, art installations, and interactive spaces. Located on top of One Vanderbilt next to Grand Central Terminal, the attraction offers incredible panoramic views of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Central Park, and the Manhattan skyline. The mirrored rooms and floor-to-ceiling glass walls create a unique experience that feels very different from other observation decks in New York. We purchased tickets that included SUMMIT Ascent, the all-glass exterior elevator that takes you even higher above the city. The ride was short but exciting, and the views were spectacular. One useful tip for visitors is to book tickets in advance, especially around sunset, as it is one of the most popular times to visit. read more
Meh. Decent experience but when they say line moves quick and it takes 45m to get in that's ridiculous. The summit, sky deck and Empire State Building views are 4*, the wait is 1*. Even the breakfast burrito Was decent. The glass elevator was not anything special though. Balloon room was just ok, not as fun as the pics/videos online. Overall not bad read more
This was an experience that was totally worth it! I took my kids, 9 and 15 year old as a surprise and we loved it! The different rooms were so cool. We loved the balloon one. We went around 9am so it wasn't crowded at all, no lines. I got a few good shots of the kids with no one in the background. Perfect right!? The see through glass was crazy! Just don't look down if you're afraid of heights. I like that they took photos of us because I'm usually the one taking photos and never in it. I ended up buying all the photos, I can't remember how much it was. I think 25$? And you get all of the photos to download. The views were beautiful. You can see the entire city. I bet it looks hella cool during nighttime with all the buildings lit up. The staff were very nice and friendly. I like the entire vibe I felt. It was such a cool activity to do with the kids. Very well organized. Totally worth it! I recommend going in the mornings or maybe late at night! read more
2 months ago
Wonderful experience as usual. The skyline and buildings lit up at night was so beautiful. This place was so crowded when we came. Our time was 8:30pm and I think more crowded than when I came in before. I highly recommend going. But the wait time to leave was just insane. It was line after line and I think it literally took us longer to get out then in. read more
1 month ago
Definitely worth checking out! I had a lot of fun here and got some great pictures. The views of the city are so incredible that even the restrooms have a view! We got in line around 8:40 PM for our scheduled time but didn't actually get inside until around 9:30 PM, so keep that in mind if you're on a schedule. Once you're inside, we spent a little over an hour going through everything, which felt like a good amount of time. Once you move on to the next room, you can't go back, so I definitely recommend taking your time and taking everything in before moving on. Toward the end, there's a chance to get a photo on the glass floor overlooking the city, but the time for that is VERY limited, so be ready to take your picture when it's your turn. read more
Me and a group of friends stopped in to see what the craze was all about. And I can definitely tell you it was worth the hype. I mean the views! They were just spectacular especially at night time with a view of all the cities lights. It's incredibly crowded since it's very touristy but even with that we were still able to get amazing pictures. read more
5 months ago
I highly recommend taking your friends here visiting the city or looking for a place to go to! It was an overall fun experience. Was there for about 2-3 hours to explore and relax. We were there in cinco de mayo so I ended up getting a chips and quac was 10$ it was delicious but for the price I wish I could get more Quac. Now, the drink was outrageously expensive and I question why I even got it. In my opinion it was NOT worth it. The taste was OK. Price was 21$!! Never again. I get it it's the city and tourist but let's be real. . Lastly I got a horchata and hands down one of the best I've had so to me it was worth the price me and my friend split it. Overall, the experience is a 10/10 5 stars but the food/drinks I give it a 3 stars. The view is very nice though. This is the second time I've been here next time I'll be coming at night to experience it. read more
We had read about Summit One and decided we wanted to check it out on our recent visit to New York before embarking on a cruise. It is located on three floors near the top of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Manhattan and located next to Grand Central Terminal. They opened in 2021. At 1401, it is the 4th tallest building in New York after the One World Trade Center, 111 West 57th Street, and Central Park Tower, and is one of the 30 tallest buildings in the world. It was absolutely stunning. You immediately are thrown into an immersive, multi-sensory experience with art installations, floor to ceiling mirrors, and of course, stunning views of this fantastic city. There are several different fun rooms to explore: Yayoi Kusama's "Clouds" -- mirror-polished stainless-steel floor sculptures that create an infinitely reflective surface underfoot. The Affinity Balloon Room with hundreds of reflective Mylar balloons creating an otherworldly, frequently photographed space which you get to play with as well - Levitation skyboxes -- glass platforms protruding over 1,000 feet above Manhattan for genuine vertigo-inducing views - The Ascent elevator -- traveling along the building's exterior, rising 120 feet with Manhattan visible through the glass floor below. A word to the wise, book your tickets in advance as this is a very popular attraction to visit in New York, and it is so worth it. You will be awestruck by the 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline. A special thank you to Jeremy, Alyssa, and Tae (manager) for their kindness and assistance to us during our visit. read more
Summit has been on my bucket list for quite a while now. I finally decided to bite the bullet and bought two tickets to celebrate my best friend's birthday. The process for getting up to the top seems daunting at first but moves rather quickly. There was an airport-esque feel to the whole process. The elevator ride feels super fast and is pretty cool! Getting to 93 floors felt like a zip. The views are incredible!! I truly saw the Manhattan skyline as I have never seen it before. Highlights-Main room with mirrors everywhere, room with the balls, cafe and outside terrace. Cons-A little complicated to navigate and confusing at times. read more
8 months ago
Fair warning: The website/email mentions it can take at least 15 minutes after entry to reach the first floor (and restrooms.) We ended up waiting a full hour in line before finally ascending. Once we're up there, it looked like a dream for trippy, surreal photos. Every turn felt visually stimulating, and the views of the NYC skyline were gorgeous too. Tip: At ascension (the elevator,) ask for glasses to block out the sun. It can be quite blinding up there! The experience seemed playful, immersive, and super Instagram-friendly. Would I do it again? Maybe, with better timing. But if you love art you can step into and don't mind a bit of a wait, it's a memorable way to see the city from a whole new angle! read more
The Summit One Vanderbilt Skip the Line Premium Experience was absolutely worth it and was easily one of the highlights of our New York trip. From the very beginning, the premium experience made everything feel smoother, more organized, and much more enjoyable. Being able to skip the long lines saved us a lot of time and made the visit feel far less stressful, especially in such a busy attraction. One of the best parts of the premium experience was that we had a tour guide, which made the visit even better. Having a guide added so much more value because we were able to learn more about the space, the views, and the overall experience instead of just walking through on our own. Our guide helped make everything feel more personalized, informative, and memorable. It also felt like we were able to experience a few extra things that we may not have gotten to enjoy the same way without the premium package, which made it feel even more special and worthwhile. Once inside, the entire experience was incredible from start to finish. The views were absolutely breathtaking and gave such an amazing perspective of New York City. Everywhere you looked, there was something stunning to take in. The skyline, the surrounding buildings, and the city stretching out in every direction made for an unforgettable experience. It truly felt surreal at times. What makes Summit One Vanderbilt stand out is that it is so much more than just an observation deck. The entire experience is immersive, modern, and visually stunning. The mirrored rooms and interactive spaces made it feel unique and unlike any other attraction. Every part of it felt thoughtfully designed and exciting to explore. The premium experience really elevated the visit because it was not just about skipping the lines--it also gave us a more enhanced and complete experience overall. Between the convenience, the guided aspect, and the extra parts we were able to enjoy, it felt like we got much more out of the visit than we would have otherwise. That made the extra cost feel completely worth it. The staff were also friendly, professional, and helpful, which added to the positive experience. Everything felt well organized, and even though Summit is clearly a very popular attraction, the premium experience made it feel much more comfortable and enjoyable. Overall, I would highly recommend the Summit One Vanderbilt Skip the Line Premium Experience to anyone visiting New York, especially if you want to make the most of your time there. Between the incredible views, the immersive design, the convenience of skipping the lines, and the added benefit of having a tour guide and access to more parts of the experience, this was something truly memorable. I would absolutely do it again. read more
10 months ago
The Summit One Vanderbilt is located on 42nd St, next block to the Grand Central Terminal. We drove and found free street parking 2 blocks away on that Sunday. Met family who took the Metro-North (subway and LIRR there too) and found out there's an underground connection to the Summit, with ticket kiosks and where the line forms for the elevators. My mom uses a wheelchair so our whole group was able to bypass the long line to the entrance (where we were given shoe covers and sunglasses (or bring own)), and then to the elevator, which made the start of our experience so much better. The elevator ride was pretty fast but with flashing lights so a staff member asked us before if we were ok with that. We found out what the sunglasses were for once we got to the first level, of 3. Bec of the mirrored walls and floors, it was really bright but got used to it after a while. It also helped that it was a bit cloudy that day; gave the views a bluish and sepia coloring which I liked. Elevators and escalators between floors. Visitors have to follow the route, can't return once you leave the floor - this helped with the people traffic. Aside from seeing NYC from 4 sides (even from the restrooms), there is a "Levitation" area, where we got a few seconds to stand on glass floors in a small space jutting off the side of the building. Was ok but not the same as walking on a longer length of glass. The balloon room was mesmerizing, esp how the balloons stayed on the ceiling and flowed. Had fun playing with them, just be careful not to pop them. Don't miss it. On the last of 3 floors, there is a cafe, with an outdoor walkway to the giftshop. The cafe offers small meals and snacks and I found the food prices to be ok (better than an amusement park and better quality :) ), except the drinks. The Pastrami and swiss sliders were pretty tasty, with a pickle wedge and potato chips. The buffalo chicken was spicy, good for sharing. Restrooms near the elevators. It's been cooler this fall, so with kids and our mom, being indoors was more comfortable and we were able to take our time - marvelling at the NYC views and of course taking lots of photos and videos. read more
2/17/2026 You know this might be the most breathtaking, highest, places I've ever been. Getting in was a bit of a wait but everything was so organized you're welcome with shoe covers. All rooms have something special and the views of the city will have camera rolls full. The cafe at the top with the lounge setting was a nice touch after the excitement of the city views. Hot dog highly recommend very clean areas. Gift shop as you find the way out and don't worry about the long line to leave it goes pretty fast. If you thought about going let me tell ya BUY THE TICKET. read more
4 months ago
Amazing views! But the hassle to get in and out takes away from the experience, factor in about 30 minutes to get in and out and you'll be good read more
4 months ago
We were the only ones that purchased this package so we had a whole floor to ourselves and it was amazing. Cute place for kids too read more
2 months ago
My friend raved a lot about this spot and my husband and I really wanted to check it out. Purchasing a ticket was fairly easy on their website. Once we were there, we had to wait for about 20 min but the line moved quickly. They had a bunch of interesting immersive experiences. A few of the installations were perfect for beautiful Instagram worthy photos. My favorites were mirrored rooms and the city views from 1100 feet. It was incredible! They also have a cafe at the top of the tower that offers delicious food, cocktails and coffee. A few of my friends got a few cocktails and they loved them! All in all, this is a once in a lifetime experience and I highly recommend it! The views are amazing and the art is beautiful and unique. read more
We had an amazing time at the summit. When booking the tickets online they let you know the best times to visit to get the best views of the city. I booked a perfect slot and got to see the city views in both daylight and in nighttime which made the whole experience even better. The staff was sweet and friendly. There was one person in particular, Dae B who was sweet and knowledge about the place and the city and guided us well. Take your time in exploring the place and I would suggest booking a timeslot that let's your enjoy both day and night views and capture some amazing pictures. read more
Visited from Chicago and I would say this is the one experience you would not want to miss. They have so many levels and experiences to go through and a lot of different photo ops. The Levitation floor was timed though. The people who took our photos for our wristbands are not allowed to take photos so if you go alone ask someone else to do for you. Overall loved the experience and being able to see New York City was amazing. We picked a day it was raining but was lucky enough to see everything before we left a the clouds covered everything. You can only get in line 30 minutes before your time, no earlier. read more
I'm giving it 5 stars, but it's probably closer to 4, since our guide, Mitchell, was so great, I'm going to err on the higher side. I also sprung for the premium experience. Now the premium experience is presented like you have a photographer with your tour group, but there are just a couple of spots where you have one, so that was a little disappointing. They don't explicitly say you will, but that's how I interpreted it. We also waited about 5 minutes for a couple of no-shows, and the tour ended about 5 minutes early. So the tour was closer to an hour and twenty minutes, and not the advertised hour and 30. The premium experience option does give you the ability to skip the lines, which is nice. Summit 1 itself is a nice experience. The mirrored/reflective style is nice, and you should bring your sunglasses, although they have some to give you if you don't remember. Keep your head on a swivel in the ballroom, its fun but chaotic. The views are nice, but equivalent to what you would find at Top of the Rock and/or Empire State. So all in all, the premium experience was worth it, just to be able to skip the lines, even with the photography disappointment. Mitchell, our guide, was great and was informative and fun. Having said I'd consider Summit 1, Top of the Rock, and Empire State to be interchangeable, in that if you're budget conscious and one of those 3 will give you similar views and experiences (in thier own way). read more
3 months ago
Fantastic views of all sides of NYC. Definitely a touristy. We booked a month in advance and it took about 30mins to get inside to the elevator. You have to go through security then have to see a 3mins video of how the building was built then have to wait online (for another 30mins) for pic (that they took for sale - if you don't want to, just tell them that you would like to skip and they will let you move to next line to the elevator (which is another 15-30mins). Basically my reservation was at 4 (got there at 3:45) and by 5:10 we got to elevator to go up. Once you got upstairs, the views are just breathtaking and just melted the waiting away. There are several floors and once you go up, you can't come back so take your time to enjoy each level plus each level, there are several rooms of different theme to explore but with the city view. One the last floor, there are bar inside and outside to purchase and enjoys with the great view and the fantastic chaos vibe. We went on Saturday late afternoon so it was packed but moveable and loud too. But if it's your 1st time in NYC, check it out and you don't need to check other roof top buildings, especially each of them you pay to pay for it and not much things to do or bars to enjoys. I only gave a 4 cause the long waiting period to get in, staff are nice but the process is just slow, hopefully they can figure how to make it abit faster. But loving it. read more
Wow what a fun experience!! I had an incredible time and I really enjoyed my tour guide. He was absolutely fantastic, I'll come back and mention his name once I figure it out. He was young with a big curly Afro, great guy, very knowledgeable and was very helpful with assisting with pictures and videos. The view is BREATHTAKING, wow and every room had something different to offer. It makes sense why it's such an Instagram able spot , the views are truly amazing . read more
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is honestly one of the coolest things I've done in New York. I knew the views were supposed to be good, but seeing them in person is something else. You're so high up that the whole city feels like it's laid out beneath you, and it's impossible not to stop and take it all in. The space is way bigger than I expected too. You move through different rooms, and each one has its own theme and feel some are reflective and trippy, others open up into huge windows with insane views. It's not just an observation deck, it feels more like a full on experience. Walking through everything at your own pace is part of the fun. One minute you're surrounded by mirrors and light, the next you're looking straight out at the Empire State Building from eye level. There's something surreal about it. If you're visiting NYC, this is absolutely something to put on your list. It's memorable, visually insane in the best way, and definitely one of those "wow" moments you won't forget. read more
I took the wife and children here last week and it was an amazing experience. The check in process was seamless. Once you get to the top and come around the corner, the views are breathtaking. The experience is divided into one large room and several side rooms all with their own unique view the city. However, I will say the true star of the experience was the employee Felipe . My wife is terribly afraid of elevators and almost backed out of coming with the family to the top, not only did Felipe speak to my wife in her native language. He stayed with her the entire time and even wrote the elevator with us to make sure she got the top OK. Without him, I don't think my wife would've came to the top and had the experience and made the memories with my family. I could not thank him enough. read more
3 months ago
One of the tall buildings in NYC, there's an observation deck combined with three levels of art to align you with the clouds, vast spaces, and a little thrill. Entry on the basement 1 level of the Summit Vanderbilt building right connected to the Grand Central area lower ground floor. Photos on the first floor for the group will later be superimposed on all the room spaces as digital memories you can buy (though not from every room like a Disney trip - this is just greenscreen at work). Glass- and mirrored-floors, although the check-in process took some time and lines, and the scanning of the face was a little long, they do provide sunglasses and covers of the shoes are given to all the guests. Watch what you wear - mirrors on the floor, ceilings, and many other surfaces. The dark hallway to the elevators is trying to make it appear even more dazzling when you get upstairs, I'm sure. First level is the largest space - Transcendance, big mirrored room where we saw a couple get engaged. As the first room, big and bright and lots of people looking at the views. You actually do have better views throughout, it's just a cool floor/mirror/eternity feel with a bit of vertigo if you look around. Supposed to have a great light show at night as sunset costs a little more. Around the corner, an art exhibit of Reflect, with drops of metal mirrored like a little spray of wet metallic mercury floor and an architectural model of the building. Affinity is the balloon ball room, fun and noisy with the popping balls. Second floor starts with the upstairs balcony of Transcendence, then Levitation in a waiting line to get 30s (1-3ppl) or 45s (4+) to take photos in (2 glass boxes that stick out above the ground, looking down you can get dizzy). Unity is a cloud exhibit and big views out again - this is where your bands are scanned and you can see your "face" in the clouds in the video. Shoe covers off at this point, and discarded. Bathroom stop near the escalator up. Third floor has a bar/food and coffee stop, with the access to the glass elevator Ascent (if you pay extra). Outdoor terrace, entry to the glass elevator (if you paid extra and reserved for that), the bar/restaurant, and gift shop - photos and more. Then back down to another gift shop in the G-1 level and back to Grand Central waiting area. Overall a different, fun experience for the mirror and natural lighting combined with great views of the city.. not so much downtown to the harbor, but good of MetLife, Empire State, Chrysler, and some Central Park views. Was definitely magnificent, and took about 1.5hr to wander through slowly. The line took about 30 min of that... read more
Page 1 of 19
More info about Summit One Vanderbilt
45 E 42nd St
New York, NY 10017
Midtown East, Murray Hill
Directions
(877) 682-1401
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.summitov.com
Hours
Indoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
Summit One Vanderbilt Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - Summit One Vanderbilt
If my backpack has snacks for the rest of my day in Manhattan will they ask me to give it up?
You can check their website for deets but I copied and pasted this from their info page, "Food and beverage must be consumed only within designated areas of the experience. Outside food and beverage will not be permitted."…
Do all individuals in the group have to be NY residents to qualify for the NY resident discount or can a NY resident purchase tickets for everyone?
The NY resident can purchase the tickets & bring the Fam! Enjoy it!
Do they have storage for baby stroller? Or is baby stroller allowed inside?
I saw people With baby stroller inside
In this place they ask for the vaccination card?
No & they don't require masks either. We were there 3/17/22
How strict are they about the reservation window? For example, if I want to start lining up 30+ minutes prior to my reservation time, would they let me in early?
It depends on who is working in all honesty. It does take about 15-20 minutes to get through the line anyways so I do recommend getting there early. However when I arrived early I was told it just depends how busy that ticket window is, hence if…
Are only cellphone photos are allowed or can guests use their DSLR camera as well?
Plenty of people with DSLR there, you'll be fine!
Can someone purchase the ascent elevator ticket there or does it have to be purchased ahead with your main ticket?
Purchase your ticket ahead of time if you can. They often sell out. Sometime you get lucky though.
How far in advance should I book tickets if I want to come on a Friday afternoon? Is same day okay or does it typically sell out well in advance?
you can get tickets same day however because they are timed tickets if you want to view the skyline at a certain time or you want to be there at a less crowded time i would recommend booking a week in advance.
If I purchase a 5 PM ticket how long are we allowed to stay in the observatory deck?
As long as u want. Just dont show up late
Any coat room or storage?
Hi, they don't have any storage. A lot of people left coats on the floor next to them during pictures. I'd say pack light.
Do you have to buy tickets in advance?
Hi Jennifer, All of our tickets are timed-entry tickets so we highly recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time online at summitov.com to guarantee entry at the time of your choice. If you happen to forget to purchase in advance, tickets are…
Review Highlights - Summit One Vanderbilt
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
40 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
4 months ago
7 months ago
5 years ago
1 year ago
5 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
4 months ago
5 years ago
2 months ago
5 years ago
5 years ago
5 years ago
5 years ago
5 years ago
