SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

Overview

Mobile ticket

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art and technology, taking the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights. Explore three levels of mind-bending multi-sensory immersive experiences set atop the tallest commercial skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan.

Enjoy spectacular 360 views of New York City and beyond on all 3 floors of SUMMIT, including close ups views of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler building.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children age 5 and under are free with accompanying paid adult

Dress appropriately to avoid unwanted exposure on glass and mirrored floors. We recommend wearing pants, shorts or tights when possible.

Wear comfortable shoes. Stiletto heels, steel toe boots, sports cleats and other footwear that can damage mirrored flooring are not permitted.

Outside food and beverage, smoking or e-cigarettes, large packages, suitcases, or weapons of any kind will not be permitted beyond the security checkpoint.

There is no storage for person items. Large bags, large backpacks and luggage are not permitted.

All SUMMIT tickets are timed. You MUST arrive at your scheduled time, which is indicated on your ticket. SUMMIT operates at full capacity. You might not be able to get in if arriving more than 20 minutes after the time indicated on your ticket. Any late arrival is subject to availability and a rescheduling fee from $25.00

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

LEVITATION: two transparent glass enclosed skyboxes extending from SUMMIT

All indoor immersive art experiences

Admission to all 3 floors of SUMMIT

ASCENT (exterior glass elevators experience)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

45 E 42nd St, Entrance Located On The Main Concourse Of Grand Central Terminal New York City United States

End points

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Explore three levels of mind-bending multi-sensory immersive experiences set atop the tallest commercial skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. Set against the incredible backdrop of the New York City skyline, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art and technology, taking the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights.

Admission Included

Options

Summit Observatory Ticket

General Admission Ticket

Reviews

4.54

5,168 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

3981

559

281

122

225

Disappointing visit
loopylass789,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
Felt rushed, got moved through rooms by being told there’s more to see, move along…..overpriced and over sold, disappointing.
Great Views.Great Experience.
theshakeycompass,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
We booked this the day before and managed to get tickets, but I would suggest you book further in advance to get the time that you want. People were queuing to buy tickets on the day, but the only tickets left were late evening or VIP tickets. We paid around $70 for the experience, plus the Summit Ascent which takes you up another 12 floors outside in a glass lift (not for the faint hearted!) On entry, you go through security, this took around 30 minutes for us and you can not join the queue until your allotted time (don't turn up early, you will be turned away). You enter a room which gives you the history of the building, then you take a lift to the top where you enter a series of rooms with different experiences. It's very impressive and the views are amazing. There is a cafe up top, an outdoor Churros Bar and facilities, so you can sit and enjoy the views. We went through the rooms and then took the Summit Ascent lift up to the 93rd floor which was quite a height! We also saw the window cleaners and got a wave! There was only us two in the lift so it was a great experience. The staff were all friendly and helpful. Erin on the Ascent was lovely and took pictures for us. I've been to a couple of the other buildings for the view, but I think this was the best for us. Definitely worth a visit.
Pray for good weather, otherwise a hard pass.
David H,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00
We booked weeks in advance as to secure that we would have a reservation. Closer to time I was watching then weather as I knew it would play into how enjoyable the experience would be, as it was shaping up to be rainy terrible weather, I tried adjusting our days but to no avail had to keep the original time. That being said, all we could see out of the windows was gray fog, the entire time. For over $300 this was a complete waste of time and money. I’m sure if the weather was better it would have been one of the best things we did the entire time, but our experience downright sucked. My only criticism of the experience is that if the weather is going to be as described previously, is that the building offer back a percentage of your money back. Like 30 to 50%, I understand there are operating costs but if it’s not a clear day, seriously just skip this event and chalk it up as a loss because it’s totally pointless.
Waste of Money
Melanie M,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
It’s not worth the money. They many people let in that balloon room at one time. The glass floor is just a glass/clear floor. Cloud doesn’t look like the person. It was raining so you couldn’t go outside but they allowed you up there to sell you $21 drinks.
Best in class experience
AdilImam M,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
others should know that they cannot witness the whole experience if it is rainy foggy or snowy…………..
Best Observation Deck Experience in NYC
christineaT7424CP,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We’ve done other NYC observation decks, and this one is easily the best. Everything was organized, smooth, and actually fun from start to finish. The immersive rooms were incredible, and the staff taken photos came out so good we ended up buying them. Every staff member we interacted with was professional, kind, and on top of things. We’ll definitely be back with friends and family.
Refracted City, Engineered Awe
O4092TKclaudiop,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is less a traditional observation deck than a stacked sensory machine: at 335 meters up, it combines sheer 360‑degree views of Manhattan with Kenzo Digital’s mirrored “Air” environments that turn the skyline into an endless, disorienting reflection field. As an architect, it reads as the spectacle apex of KPF’s tapered super‑tall—an interior of glass balconies, reflective chambers, and immersive light-sound staging that treats the city itself as content—both undeniably exhilarating and unabashedly built around photo‑ops and orchestrated awe.
It was nice seeing the...
Joel C,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
It was nice seeing the NYC skyline at night though a little underwhelming. Some good photo op opportunities.
Heavenly site.....
Torrence H,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The view is more amazing at nights. The staff is warm n welcoming. So much to see and learn about. It was a blessing to see New York city.
Unbelievable experience, worth every penny!
322mikik,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Incredible experience! Could not recommend more highly. Entry level ticket was more than enough… so wait time, views were mind-blowing. We went with three children and three adults, some of us living here in the city and some friends from out of town, and an amazing time was had by all.