Summit One Vanderbilt
Experience NYC like never before at Summit One Vanderbilt, a multi-sensory observatory with mirrored rooms and stunning city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical city lights transition
Summit One Vanderbilt
Best Time
Magical city lights transition
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience NYC like never before at Summit One Vanderbilt, a multi-sensory observatory with mirrored rooms and stunning city views.
"It's not just for the views, it's an EXPERIENCE you'll never forget!"
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Secure your spot, especially for sunset. Prices can vary, so booking ahead is key.
✨ Wear Shorts or Pants
Mirrored floors and glass can be revealing; wear shorts or pants for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mirror Rooms
Various levels
Immerse yourself in a surreal world of reflections, lights, and endless vistas. A truly unique sensory experience.
Transcendence
93rd floor
Step onto transparent glass ledges and float above Manhattan, experiencing the city from a breathtaking new perspective.
The Sky-High Restroom
91st floor
Even the restrooms offer incredible views, making a quick stop an unforgettable part of the experience.
Sunset Skyline
Outdoor bar
Witness the city transform as day turns to night, with unparalleled views of the Empire State Building and beyond.
+2Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Sunset
Dress Code & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Secure your spot, especially for sunset. Prices can vary, so booking ahead is key.
✨ Wear Shorts or Pants
Mirrored floors and glass can be revealing; wear shorts or pants for comfort.
📸 Capture the Reflections
The mirrored rooms are perfect for unique photos and videos.
💧 Stay Hydrated
While there's a bar, bringing a small water bottle is always a good idea.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Secure your spot, especially for sunset. Prices can vary, so booking ahead is key.
✨ Wear Shorts or Pants
Mirrored floors and glass can be revealing; wear shorts or pants for comfort.
📸 Capture the Reflections
The mirrored rooms are perfect for unique photos and videos.
💧 Stay Hydrated
While there's a bar, bringing a small water bottle is always a good idea.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to fully experience all levels.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique, immersive experience at Summit One Vanderbilt, praising its modern design, mirrored rooms, and stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset. While some find it crowded and pricey, the innovative approach and breathtaking vistas make it a highly recommended NYC attraction.
"Visiting SUMMIT One Vanderbilt was a truly wonderful experience. The views are absolutely stunning, and the overall concept and design make it feel very unique and immersive. Despite the large crowd and the heavy flow of visitors, the experience itself was definitely worth it.
The only downside was the waiting time. We had a reservation for 4:30 PM but didn’t go up until around 5:30 PM. Because of that, we weren’t able to fully enjoy the sunset as planned. I would strongly recommend arriving at least two hours earlier if your goal is to see the sunset. Even with the wait, it was an amazing experience and one I would still highly recommend."
Jorge Bello
"Absolutely spectacular. We recommend visiting in the evening to see the city lights. We were planning to visit the Empire State building, but this building included the Empire State Building in our view. The experience was awesome. From the moment we walked into the elevator, through the entrance walkway, onto to the first observation floor 91. Calming audio was playing, very celestial. And the view of downtown was the first site to see. From our vantage point, we were able to see the Empire State building, Crysler building, all the way down to the world trade. We are also able to see 30 Roc, the darkness of Central Park, and the glow of lights coming from the neighborhood of times Square. You could easily see Brooklyn and essentially the entire city of New York from that advantage point. One of the rooms had this bonkers set up silver balls, floating in the ceiling and on the ground, it was pretty cool to see. The experience allowed us to go on floor 91, 92, 93 with an open aor experience at the 93 floor. I would recommend this experience to anybody visiting New York. World class views as far as I can see."
Carl Foisy
"I hardly ever leave reviews, but I couldn’t skip this one. Our family had such a wonderful time at the Summit in New York! From the very beginning, the team was attentive and welcoming. A special shout-out to Jason, who went out of his way to answer all our questions and explain the attraction in detail he really made the experience extra special.
Everything was so well taken care of even the restrooms were spotless. The checkout process for the photo albums was fast and seamless, which we really appreciated.
At the end of the tour there’s even beer, food, and ice cream for the kids, which was the perfect way to wrap things up. Another special mention to Sam, who was working at the photo stand she was so attentive, friendly, and helpful.
If you’re visiting New York, this is truly a must-do experience with or without kids. My child will never forget it, and we’ll always remember how special the day was. Jason, Sam, and the whole team made us feel cared for from start to finish.
Definitely recommend it’s a blast and one of the best places we visited in New York during our trip!"
Juan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most stress-free way to reach Summit One Vanderbilt is by taking the train into Grand Central Terminal, as it's located right next door. Driving can be challenging due to traffic and parking costs.
Yes, Summit One Vanderbilt is easily accessible by several subway lines. The closest stations are Grand Central-42nd Street (4, 5, 6, 7, S trains) and 42nd Street-Bryant Park (B, D, F, M trains).
Summit One Vanderbilt is a short walk from Times Square, approximately 10-15 minutes. +1
While you can drive, it's generally not recommended due to New York City's notorious traffic and expensive parking. Taking public transportation is usually more convenient.
The nearest subway lines are the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S trains to Grand Central-42nd Street station, and the B, D, F, M trains to 42nd Street-Bryant Park station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, with general admission typically ranging from $40-$70, depending on the time of day and demand. Sunset slots are often the most expensive. Booking in advance is recommended.
Yes, you can often purchase tickets on-site for the same day, but booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular times like sunset, to guarantee entry and potentially save money.
For the best experience, consider booking the 5:30 PM slot to witness the sunset and the city lights transition. Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds for photography. +1
Yes, Summit One Vanderbilt operates on a timed-entry system. You'll need to book a specific time slot for your visit to manage crowd flow.
A standard ticket grants access to the multi-level observatory experience, including the mirrored rooms and glass ledges. Some packages may include additional amenities or photo opportunities.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Absolutely! The mirrored rooms, glass floors, and panoramic city views make it an incredibly photogenic spot. Be prepared for reflections!
The mirrored rooms create an immersive, almost disorienting experience where the city and sky seem to stretch infinitely. They are a major highlight for many visitors.
Yes, there are transparent glass ledges and floors that allow you to look directly down at the city below, offering a thrilling perspective.
Transcendence is a room featuring a mirrored floor and walls, creating an illusion of infinite space and reflections, allowing you to feel like you're floating above the city.
While there's no strict dress code, it's advised to avoid very short skirts due to the mirrored surfaces and glass floors. Wearing shorts or pants is recommended for comfort and privacy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a bar on the 93rd floor offering drinks and some food options. It can be pricey, but the views are spectacular.
The offerings typically include cocktails, beer, and some snacks. Some reviews mention ice cream for kids as well.
Summit One Vanderbilt primarily features a bar on the 93rd floor. For a full dining experience, you'll find numerous restaurants in the surrounding Grand Central area.
Yes, the bar on the 93rd floor is known to be quite pricey, but many visitors find the experience and views worth the cost.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside Summit One Vanderbilt. It's best to consume them before your visit.
🎫 💡 Other Tips
Most visitors spend between 2 to 3 hours to fully explore all the levels and exhibits without feeling rushed.
Yes, it's a great experience for families. Kids often enjoy the mirrored rooms and the unique perspectives. Some reviews specifically mention it as a memorable experience for children.
Daytime offers clear, expansive views of the city and surrounding areas, ideal for photography. Nighttime provides a dazzling panorama of city lights, with the Empire State Building and World Trade Center illuminated. +1
Yes, there are restrooms available, and they are noted for having surprisingly good views, adding to the unique experience.
One Vanderbilt is a supertall skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, adjacent to Grand Central Terminal. Summit One Vanderbilt is the observatory located within this building. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking tickets for earlier in the day to avoid the largest crowds, which can make navigating with children easier.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Focus on capturing the interplay between the city skyline, the mirrored architecture, and your own presence within the space. Experiment with different angles and try to find moments with fewer people to get cleaner shots.
Visiting during sunset or at night provides a completely different, yet equally stunning, photographic experience with the city lights. +1💑 Couples & Date Nights
+1 Booking a sunset slot allows you to witness the city transform into a glittering wonderland, creating a romantic atmosphere. Enjoy a cocktail at the bar on the 93rd floor while taking in the breathtaking panorama.
+1 It's a unique and memorable way to experience New York City together. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Immersive Experience: Beyond Just Views
+1 The goal is to create an immersive environment that plays with perception and offers a unique way to engage with the city's skyline. Key to this immersion are the mirrored spaces, which create a feeling of infinite reflections and can be both disorienting and exhilarating.
Visitors often describe feeling like they're floating or stepping into another dimension. This focus on artistic and sensory elements distinguishes Summit from more traditional observation decks, making it a destination for those seeking a novel experience. Beyond the visual, the experience incorporates sound and light to enhance the atmosphere.
Whether you're capturing stunning photos in the mirrored rooms or simply taking in the panoramic views, the curated environment aims to leave a lasting impression. It's this blend of breathtaking vistas and artistic design that many visitors find particularly compelling. Photography Tips for Summit One Vanderbilt
To get the best shots, consider visiting during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings, to avoid crowds and have more freedom to compose your photos. When shooting in the mirrored rooms, experiment with different angles to play with the reflections. Try to frame shots that incorporate both the cityscape and the mirrored elements for a dynamic composition.
Be mindful of your own reflection; sometimes it adds to the artistic effect, other times you might want to position yourself to minimize it. For sunset or nighttime visits, a tripod can be helpful for capturing sharper images in lower light conditions, though it might be challenging to use in crowded areas.
+1 Many visitors use their smartphones and achieve great results by utilizing the various reflective surfaces and the stunning backdrop of the New York skyline. Navigating the Levels: What to Expect
This floor is often the most crowded, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere. The experience progresses upwards, with each floor offering new perspectives and interactive elements. The Transcendence room on the 93rd floor is a highlight, featuring transparent glass ledges that extend over the city.
This is where you can truly feel like you're floating above Manhattan. There's also an outdoor bar on this level, providing a fantastic spot to enjoy a drink while taking in the panoramic views. Finally, the highest levels offer more expansive views and often a different ambiance. The transition between floors is designed to be part of the immersive experience, with art and light installations guiding your way.
+1 Allow ample time to explore each section thoroughly, as there's a lot to see and absorb across all the levels.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit