Tickets for SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Observatory in New York

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observatory offers spectacular views of New York! Book your tickets and choose your entry time.

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What You Need to Know About SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is an observation deck at the top of the One Vanderbilt tower in Manhattan, in the Midtown neighborhood. This massive tower opened on September 14, 2021 on 42nd Street, next to Grand Central Terminal. One Vanderbilt reaches 427 m (1,401 ft) high, making it New York’s second-tallest office building after the One World Trade Center.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt occupies the top 3 floors of the building, at 336 m (1,102 ft) high. It opened on October 21, 2021. The views of New York are exceptional, with a 360-degree panorama across the city. You’ll face the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. You’ll also enjoy sweeping views over Midtown and all of Manhattan.
SUMMIT offers more than just views. The observation deck features spectacular staging and original artistic installations throughout its different rooms. When you exit the elevator, you’ll walk across mirrors that reflect New York infinitely. Further on, you can play with silver balloons floating above the city—equally Instagram-worthy. Don’t miss the Levitation experience: you’ll step into a glass capsule that extends out from the building, giving you the sensation of flying over Manhattan.
One Vanderbilt was designed by the New York architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, which also designed the First tower in Paris. Kohn Pedersen Fox also created towers 30 and 55 in the new Hudson Yards neighborhood. Construction of One Vanderbilt cost more than $3.1 billion.

Book Your Tickets for SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Use our ticket booking module for SUMMIT One Vanderbilt to reserve. Choose your exact date and time. You can stay at the top as long as you like. The 2-hour duration shown on your ticket is the average visit length, but once you’re up there, your ticket lets you stay until closing time if you wish.
Your ticket gives you access to all 3 floors of the observation deck, including the Levitation room and all immersive artistic experiences. You’ll enjoy the 360-degree views from all three levels. The only thing not included is the Ascent experience—the exterior elevator ride. You can add it on-site for $25 per person. You can easily decide once you’re there whether you want this upgrade, which takes you a few meters higher.
You’ll receive your tickets immediately after payment as QR codes to present at the SUMMIT entrance. No need to print them—just show them on your smartphone. Your tickets include all practical information and an access map.
Book your tickets as early as possible—SUMMIT is incredibly popular and attracts visitors from around the world. The observation deck limits daily attendance based on capacity.

SUMMIT by the Numbers

Height of One Vanderbilt tower	427 m (1,401 ft)
Height of SUMMIT observation deck	336 m (1,102 ft)
Number of observation deck levels	3
Annual visitors	1.4 million

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?

It depends on what you want to see. In the morning, sunlight illuminates the Empire State Building and you’ll get perfect views of southern Manhattan. Morning also means fewer crowds, so you can photograph and explore the artistic installations without waiting. In the afternoon, the light shifts to highlight the Chrysler Building and East River, with nice perspectives of northern Manhattan and Central Park. Sunset offers beautiful light, but watch out for glare on the glass. More importantly, the observation deck gets packed at sunset, and you’ll have to squeeze in to reach the windows—not pleasant compared to the calm of morning. Sunset time slots also cost more. After 9 pm, you’ll have far fewer visitors and can enjoy the city lights and lighting effects in the different rooms.

What happens if I arrive late for my SUMMIT time slot?

When you buy your tickets, you’ll choose a specific time. Make sure to arrive on time. If you’re late, you’ll have to wait for the next available slot and may have to pay a $40 surcharge.

How long can I stay at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?

You can stay as long as you like until closing time. The route is one-way with no going back—once you move to the next floor, you can’t return. The visit typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours minimum to get through security, take the elevators, and see the different views and attractions. After that, spend as much time as you want at the top and take all the photos you like.

Visiting SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Address: 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, at the corner of 42nd Street, New York. The main observation deck entrance is at 45 East 42nd Street. You can also access the observation deck via the Main Concourse level of Grand Central Terminal or via the Transit Hall of One Vanderbilt, at the corner of Vanderbilt Avenue and 43rd Street.
Subway: Grand Central 42nd Street (lines 4, 5, 6, and 7, plus shuttle to Times Square).
Hours: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is open daily from 8 am to midnight. Last entry at 11 pm. Note: pricing varies throughout the day based on expected crowds. Evening visits cost more than morning visits.
Tip: The observation deck recommends wearing pants or shorts because of the many mirrors. Skirts and dresses are not advised. In summer, bring sunglasses as sun reflections can be intense. Tripods are not allowed in the observation deck, so take your photos handheld.
Accessibility: The observation deck is fully accessible to people with mobility challenges. All levels are wheelchair accessible.

Photos of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Summit One Vanderbilt New York — SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and the Chrysler Building. (Photo DR)

One Vanderbilt Tower — SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and the Chrysler Building. (Photo DR)

Reviews of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Inès D.: “SUMMIT is truly a must-see in my opinion. Beyond the immersive experiences it offers, it provides a wonderful view of iconic buildings and the rest of Manhattan, including the Empire State Building and Central Park.”
Romain L.: “SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is the best of the three observation decks I’ve had the chance to visit. Breathtaking views, stunning main rooms with all their reflections, and entertaining intermediate rooms, especially the balloon room. If I could only visit one observation deck in New York, it would be this one.”
Rachida B.: “Tickets sell out fast. You’ll need to book quickly if you want to go.”
Patricio B.: “Breathtaking.”
Myloe Z.: “The brightness during the day is incredible and the view is amazing.”
Séverine P.: “It’s just incredible! You have to do it!”
Stéphanie C.: “It’s fabulous! One of the best moments in New York.”
Bénédicte S.: “Simply magical!”
Védat D.: “A view and a moment you won’t forget.”
Amélie T.: “Great experience and great views.”
Reviews of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt from our Destination New York Facebook group

Map to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

What to Do After SUMMIT

Your SUMMIT visit fits perfectly into exploring Midtown. Continue with a visit to Grand Central Terminal, then explore the sights along 42nd Street. You’ll see the Chrysler Building, Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, and the United Nations headquarters on the East River. You can also easily reach the Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue.
I’d skip visiting another observation deck the same day—you’ll feel like you’re doing the same thing twice. If you visit SUMMIT in the morning, consider having lunch in the neighborhood. The Food Court at Grand Central Terminal is a budget-friendly and convenient option.