Summit One Vanderbilt is one of New York City’s most innovative and immersive observation decks, located in the One Vanderbilt skyscraper near Grand Central Terminal. It offers a cutting-edge experience with reflective glass floors, mirrored ceilings, and breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting Summit One Vanderbilt.
Overview of Summit One Vanderbilt
- Location: One Vanderbilt, 45 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017 (near Grand Central Terminal).
- Height: The observation deck is situated at 1,210 feet (369 meters) above the streets of Manhattan.
- Opened: October 2021.
- Unique Features: Multi-sensory, immersive experiences with mirrored rooms, glass skyboxes, and an outdoor terrace.
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Tickets and Pricing to Summit One Vanderbilt
- General Admission:
- Adults (13+): Starts at $39.
- Youth (6-12): Starts at $33.
- Children under 5: Free.
- Summit Ascent:
- Includes access to the highest part of Summit with glass elevators that rise along the outside of the building. Prices start at $59.
- Summit Sunset:
- Ideal for visiting during sunset. Includes standard admission with timed entry closer to sunset. Prices start at $50.
- VIP Tickets:
- Skip-the-line and priority access to elevators and experience areas. Starts at $73.
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Best Time to Visit Summit One Vanderbilt
- Early Morning: Less crowded, providing a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities without many people.
- Sunset: The most popular time to visit, offering incredible views as the sun sets behind the city, casting warm hues over the skyline. Sunset tickets often sell out, so booking in advance is essential.
- Nighttime: The lights of New York City create a mesmerizing sight, with the city illuminated by skyscrapers and streets below.
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How to Get to Summit One Vanderbilt
- Subway:
- 4, 5, 6, and 7 trains to Grand Central – 42nd Street.
- S shuttle from Times Square.
- Bus:
- MTA bus routes that service Grand Central include the M1, M2, M3, M4, M101, M102, and M103.
- Walking: Located right next to Grand Central Terminal, Summit is within walking distance from major attractions like Bryant Park and Times Square.
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What to Expect from Summit One Vanderbilt
The Entrance
- Address: Entry is at the base of One Vanderbilt, near Grand Central Terminal. Once inside, you’ll go through a security check similar to those at other observation decks.
- Elevator Ride: After the check-in, you’ll take a high-speed elevator to the 91st floor. The elevator ride itself is smooth and fast, taking about 40 seconds to reach the top.
The Experience
Summit One Vanderbilt is divided into several themed rooms and interactive experiences:
- Transcendence I:
- Mirrored Infinity Room: A room filled with reflective floors, ceilings, and walls that create a sense of endless space. Visitors feel as though they’re floating in the sky with NYC’s skyline reflected around them. This is one of the most photographed spots.
- Affinity:
- Silver Floating Orbs: Playful space filled with silver balloons that float and bounce around. It’s an interactive experience meant for fun photo ops.
- Levitation:
- Glass Skyboxes: Step out into glass-floored skyboxes that extend from the building, allowing you to look straight down at the city from 1,063 feet above the streets. It’s an exhilarating, if not slightly nerve-wracking, experience for visitors who love heights.
- Transcendence II:
- An extension of the first mirrored room but at a higher level. The views and reflections are even more intense, giving a surreal experience as you gaze at the skyline.
- Unity:
- A unique exhibit that captures your reflection in real-time and displays it across the room in a multitude of colors and shapes.
- Summit Ascent:
- A thrilling all-glass elevator that ascends along the outside of the building, taking visitors up to 1,210 feet. The elevator, known as Ascent, offers stunning vertical views of New York and a one-of-a-kind adrenaline rush.
- Outdoor Terrace:
- Located on the 93rd floor, the open-air terrace offers panoramic views of Midtown Manhattan, with seating areas and a bar where you can relax and soak in the skyline.
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What to See from Summit One Vanderbilt
- Empire State Building: Visible to the southwest, one of the clearest and closest views of this iconic landmark.
- Chrysler Building: Just a block away, with perfect views of its shimmering art deco spire.
- Central Park: The lush greenery of Central Park lies to the north.
- East River & Bridges: Look toward the east for views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, Queensboro Bridge, and beyond.
- One World Trade Center: Visible far to the south in Lower Manhattan.
- Hudson River & New Jersey: West-facing views overlook the Hudson River, New Jersey, and the sprawling urban landscape.
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Dining and Drinks at Summit One Vanderbilt
- Après Lounge:
- Summit features a sleek café and bar called Après, located on the outdoor terrace. Visitors can enjoy light snacks, cocktails, coffee, and refreshments while admiring the skyline views.
- Options: Signature cocktails, wine, beer, coffee, and small bites like sandwiches and salads.
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Photography Tips to Summit One Vanderbilt
- Avoid Reflections: Summit is filled with mirrored surfaces, so you might need to adjust your position or use your hand to block out unwanted reflections in your photos.
- Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive views of the city.
- Golden Hour: The best light for photography is around sunset or during the golden hour (1 hour before sunset).
- Skyboxes: Get a unique shot looking straight down through the glass floor of the skyboxes for a thrilling effect.
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Accessibility of Summit One Vanderbilt
- Wheelchair Accessible: Summit is fully accessible for wheelchair users, and there are elevators providing access to all levels.
- Service Animals: Allowed in accordance with ADA guidelines.
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Safety and Guidelines of Summit One Vanderbilt
- Weather: Summit One Vanderbilt operates year-round, but outdoor spaces may close due to inclement weather. The glass floors and skyboxes may be slick in rain or snow, so be cautious when stepping onto them.
- Dress Code: Because of the mirrored floors, it’s recommended to avoid skirts and dresses unless you are comfortable with the reflections.
- Safety Glass: The glass in the skyboxes and on the outdoor terrace is reinforced for safety. However, it can be slightly unnerving for those afraid of heights.
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Tips for Visiting to Summit One Vanderbilt
- Book in Advance: Summit One Vanderbilt can get busy, especially during peak hours (sunset), so it’s recommended to book tickets ahead of time.
- Arrive Early: If visiting during sunset, aim to arrive at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before the sunset time to get good positioning for views.
- Bundle Tickets: For those visiting multiple attractions in NYC, consider getting a CityPASS or Explorer Pass to save money, which may include access to other observation decks like the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock.
- Light Jacket: Even in warmer months, the outdoor terrace can get windy, so bring a light jacket.
- Watch for Mirrored Surfaces: The reflective surfaces may cause mild disorientation, so be mindful of your surroundings when walking through the mirrored rooms.
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Nearby Attractions of Summit One Vanderbilt
- Grand Central Terminal: Just steps away, this iconic train station is a landmark in itself with its celestial ceiling and beautiful architecture.
- Bryant Park: A short walk away, it offers a peaceful green space amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
- New York Public Library: Located next to Bryant Park, it’s a cultural and architectural gem.
- Times Square: A 10-minute walk from Summit, perfect for a visit before or after.
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Summary
- Location: One Vanderbilt, near Grand Central Terminal.
- Height: 1,210 feet, with indoor and outdoor observation spaces.
- Tickets: Starts at $39 for adults; additional packages for VIP and sunset access.
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset for the most stunning views, but early mornings for fewer crowds.
- Experience: Immersive, multi-sensory, with mirrored floors, glass skyboxes, and outdoor terraces.
- Nearby Attractions: Grand Central, Bryant Park, and more.
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Summit One Vanderbilt combines modern technology with breathtaking views for a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the unique design and thrilling elements make it one of the must-see spots in NYC.
