SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

A Stunning Experience at the Summit I recently had the pleasure of visiting Summit @ One Vanderbilt in New York City, and I must say, it’s an incredible addition to the city’s skyline and a fantastic alternative to the Empire State Building. While the Empire State Building is undoubtedly a classic must-see, Summit One Vanderbilt offers a modern and immersive experience that is simply not to be missed. The views from the various observatory levels are nothing short of breathtaking. Whether you’re gazing out over the iconic skyline or admiring the intricate architectural details of the city below, every angle presents a stunning photo opportunity. I highly recommend visiting around sunset; for that you have to buy in advance tickets at 6PM. For those who might be hesitant about heights, I can assure you that the elevator ride to the 91 to 93 floor is incredibly smooth and quick—you hardly even feel it! The design of this space is so thoughtfully done that even the journey adds to the excitement rather than heightening anxiety. However, I do want to mention that my visit coincided with quite a crowd. Even though our tickets were timed, it became noticeably overcrowded once we got inside. We had high hopes for a sunset view, but our area was packed with people snapping pictures, making it challenging to capture that ideal shot. It seemed some groups were content to linger by the windows, some seem to be camping sitting down for more than one hour. I understand that these challenges come with a highly sought-after attraction, especially during prime hours. I believe The Summit will find ways to improve the flow of visitors to enhance the experience for everyone.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt was such a great experience! It looked like it might be crowded, but somehow, the space accommodates everyone comfortably. The views of New York from above are breathtaking, and there are tons of fun photo opportunities throughout. The different experiences—the balloon room (though it could be a bit bigger), the mirrors, and the rooftop—were all really impressive. Yes, it’s a bit pricey, and there’s a line to wait in, but honestly, it’s totally worth it. Out of all the tall buildings I’ve visited in New York, this one stands out!

My husband and I experienced The Summit from 5:15 - 7:00 pm Saturday (Oct 2024). We were glad we purchased tickets, 4 days in advance, as this popular time slot did sell out. The Summit is the newest of 5 observation decks in NYC and is attended by hundreds of tourists of all ages. We timed our experience for sunset so that we could soak in both the day and night NYC views … and it did not disappoint! After clearing security, where our backpack was checked, we watched a short construction video and then entered the elevator where music and lights flashed during our assent. Upon arrival to the 91st floor, we experienced the breathtaking NY skyline from all sides of the building; the mirrored rooms and floating silver balloons challenged our senses; we saw our faces transposed in the clouds in one viewing room; and we ended our evening at the 93rd floor rooftop bar where we toasted cocktails (included in our ticket purchase) under the stars. We purchased our personalized photos in the gift room on our way out. We had no difficulty downloading the images to our phone. While this experience is a one-way walk through the 3 exhibit floors, we never felt rushed. We had lots of time to move about, take photos and relax in each area. While there were many people, the rooms were quite large and getting up close to the windows was not a problem. We even witnessed a gentleman take a knee to propose and everyone clapped when she said ‘yes’. The One Vanderbilt website has lots of photos and videos to help you determine if this is right for you. We certainly felt that The Summit was an incredibly unique New York experience and well worth the admission price.

This is a far better experience than going up the Empire State Building. The views here are incredible! When you arrive there are clear markings outside pointing you towards the entrance, once you get in everything pretty much follows an order and you'll know where to go. They scan your ticket, give you a wrist band and then coverings for your shoes, the floors are so clean because everyone is meant to wear them. Comfortable shoes are recommended. They take a picture of your face which later pops up in one of the exhibits which is so cool. The elevator ride up was also part of the exhibit, there were flashing lights and sounds used. The wait to actually get up there was about 10 minutes but worth it because they try to limit the number of people there so it isn't overcrowded. The reason for deducting 1 star was the famous room with all the floating silver/mirror balls was not like what you expect. The actual room is much smaller than you'd expect and there were so many people in there that it was hard to even enjoy, forget taking a picture. We went after sunset since there weren't any tickets available before but I suspect it would've been the same at any time of the day. The exhibit is still worth a visit but tamper your expectations down a tad when it comes to that specific area. Definitely buy tickets in advance! They sell fast since space is limited. It's an extra charge to go right before and at sunset.

Fun and unexpected experience. The only thing we'd recommend skipping is the "picture in the cloud" experience that they offer. They scan your face at the entrance for it to show as part of a virtual cloud on a screen once you've reached the top. We enjoyed the rest a lot and regretted not getting the cocktail as part of our package - definitely worth it.

Visiting One Vanderbilt is highly recommended and a valuable experience, both in terms of time and money. If you are in New York City, I strongly suggest planning a visit. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. The location is conveniently accessible by multiple metro routes, though there is no parking directly available at the building. You can easily spend 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the various levels. The panoramic views are truly remarkable, offering sights of the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Hudson River from different vantage points.

Just WOW. we booked sunset tickets and just loved every minute. The views are outstanding. There are many tall buildings here in New York but this gives you the views and the different experiences on the other floors. Tonight's visit has been worth every penny and generated memories that will last forever.

It was a great experience at SUMMIT One that really does amaze you with the views and experience. I loved it all, but really thought the floating balloons room was a sight to see with all the reflections bouncing off everything. I don’t think you will ever find wash rooms with such a view either !!!!

A Stunning Experience at the Summit I recently had the pleasure of visiting Summit @ One Vanderbilt in New York City, and I must say, it’s an incredible addition to the city’s skyline and a fantastic alternative to the Empire State Building. While the Empire State Building is undoubtedly a classic must-see, Summit One Vanderbilt offers a modern and immersive experience that is simply not to be missed. The views from the various observatory levels are nothing short of breathtaking. Whether you’re gazing out over the iconic skyline or admiring the intricate architectural details of the city below, every angle presents a stunning photo opportunity. I highly recommend visiting around sunset; for that you have to buy in advance tickets at 6PM. For those who might be hesitant about heights, I can assure you that the elevator ride to the 91 to 93 floor is incredibly smooth and quick—you hardly even feel it! The design of this space is so thoughtfully done that even the journey adds to the excitement rather than heightening anxiety. However, I do want to mention that my visit coincided with quite a crowd. Even though our tickets were timed, it became noticeably overcrowded once we got inside. We had high hopes for a sunset view, but our area was packed with people snapping pictures, making it challenging to capture that ideal shot. It seemed some groups were content to linger by the windows, some seem to be camping sitting down for more than one hour. I understand that these challenges come with a highly sought-after attraction, especially during prime hours. I believe The Summit will find ways to improve the flow of visitors to enhance the experience for everyone.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt was such a great experience! It looked like it might be crowded, but somehow, the space accommodates everyone comfortably. The views of New York from above are breathtaking, and there are tons of fun photo opportunities throughout. The different experiences—the balloon room (though it could be a bit bigger), the mirrors, and the rooftop—were all really impressive. Yes, it’s a bit pricey, and there’s a line to wait in, but honestly, it’s totally worth it. Out of all the tall buildings I’ve visited in New York, this one stands out!

My husband and I experienced The Summit from 5:15 - 7:00 pm Saturday (Oct 2024). We were glad we purchased tickets, 4 days in advance, as this popular time slot did sell out. The Summit is the newest of 5 observation decks in NYC and is attended by hundreds of tourists of all ages. We timed our experience for sunset so that we could soak in both the day and night NYC views … and it did not disappoint! After clearing security, where our backpack was checked, we watched a short construction video and then entered the elevator where music and lights flashed during our assent. Upon arrival to the 91st floor, we experienced the breathtaking NY skyline from all sides of the building; the mirrored rooms and floating silver balloons challenged our senses; we saw our faces transposed in the clouds in one viewing room; and we ended our evening at the 93rd floor rooftop bar where we toasted cocktails (included in our ticket purchase) under the stars. We purchased our personalized photos in the gift room on our way out. We had no difficulty downloading the images to our phone. While this experience is a one-way walk through the 3 exhibit floors, we never felt rushed. We had lots of time to move about, take photos and relax in each area. While there were many people, the rooms were quite large and getting up close to the windows was not a problem. We even witnessed a gentleman take a knee to propose and everyone clapped when she said ‘yes’. The One Vanderbilt website has lots of photos and videos to help you determine if this is right for you. We certainly felt that The Summit was an incredibly unique New York experience and well worth the admission price.

This is a far better experience than going up the Empire State Building. The views here are incredible! When you arrive there are clear markings outside pointing you towards the entrance, once you get in everything pretty much follows an order and you'll know where to go. They scan your ticket, give you a wrist band and then coverings for your shoes, the floors are so clean because everyone is meant to wear them. Comfortable shoes are recommended. They take a picture of your face which later pops up in one of the exhibits which is so cool. The elevator ride up was also part of the exhibit, there were flashing lights and sounds used. The wait to actually get up there was about 10 minutes but worth it because they try to limit the number of people there so it isn't overcrowded. The reason for deducting 1 star was the famous room with all the floating silver/mirror balls was not like what you expect. The actual room is much smaller than you'd expect and there were so many people in there that it was hard to even enjoy, forget taking a picture. We went after sunset since there weren't any tickets available before but I suspect it would've been the same at any time of the day. The exhibit is still worth a visit but tamper your expectations down a tad when it comes to that specific area. Definitely buy tickets in advance! They sell fast since space is limited. It's an extra charge to go right before and at sunset.

Fun and unexpected experience. The only thing we'd recommend skipping is the "picture in the cloud" experience that they offer. They scan your face at the entrance for it to show as part of a virtual cloud on a screen once you've reached the top. We enjoyed the rest a lot and regretted not getting the cocktail as part of our package - definitely worth it.

Visiting One Vanderbilt is highly recommended and a valuable experience, both in terms of time and money. If you are in New York City, I strongly suggest planning a visit. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. The location is conveniently accessible by multiple metro routes, though there is no parking directly available at the building. You can easily spend 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the various levels. The panoramic views are truly remarkable, offering sights of the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Hudson River from different vantage points.

Just WOW. we booked sunset tickets and just loved every minute. The views are outstanding. There are many tall buildings here in New York but this gives you the views and the different experiences on the other floors. Tonight's visit has been worth every penny and generated memories that will last forever.

It was a great experience at SUMMIT One that really does amaze you with the views and experience. I loved it all, but really thought the floating balloons room was a sight to see with all the reflections bouncing off everything. I don’t think you will ever find wash rooms with such a view either !!!!

This is my favorite "observation deck"in NYC. I bought the ticket online for 9 AM admission. I received an email prior to my visit to give directions on how to get there, what to wear, and prohibited items. I entered on 42nd street next to TD bank, then took the stairs down. Do not take the elevator because it will take you to the subway station. I arrived there a quarter to nine and the line had built up. After I was admitted I was given plastic bags to cover my shoes. I highly recommend wearing sneakers and not pointy heels. You can also grab a pair of sunglasses. The view is spectacular. You can see Central Park, Empire State, World Trade Center, The Edge, Bryant Park. Glasses and mirrors everywhere. A lot of people took pictures while sitting on the floor. My favorite part is the room filled with silver balloons. Very fun and a cute way to take pictures with. You can hear some balloons are popped. There are three levels of viewing areas. The terrace is outdoor so I recommend bringing a jacket. You can buy churros and drinks there. I spent about 1 and a half hours from start to finish.

Short and Sweet. This place is spectacular! Definitely one of the top excursion to do. The view is breathtaking. They even have a bar on the top floor to order drinks from. Newer building then Empire state building . I recommend day time! But of course that is just me! Lol

This is an extremely unique experience that I was able to take my daughter to for her bday trip. All of the different rooms, views, and creativity was amazing. I highly recommend this experience to everyone.

I had such a pleasant experience here. The staff was extremely helpful and organized! You watch a really cool video about the history of the building, then you get to experience what this incredible building has to offer! It's like mirrors everywhere with epic 365 views of NYC!!! This is an experience for the books!!

The Vanderbilt is the fourth tallest building in NYC. Summit one is located in midtown Manhattan and recommend reservations by all means. You can buy tickets day of but if they are at capacity you are out of luck. I do recommend arriving 15 minutes early to your ticketing time as there will be lines regardless of the time. The summit one experience is broken up into three floors with some art installations. The top level ends with a rooftop view to get drinks or some bites. Overall, the views are unmatched of the city and pretty cool being 73 stories high. Just be prepared mentally that you will be dealing with huge crowds. However, great photo ops and a fun interactive balloon room. Prices range from $49 and up.

This was an amazing experience I've been to a lot of immersive museums but this one is definitely one of a kind. I definitely would recommend going, does not really much I can say about it other than it's something you have to experience on your own.

I decided to play tourist for a day in Manhattan and headed to Summit One. I'd seen so many pictures and was hoping it would be as magical as it looked--and it absolutely was! We bought our tickets right inside Grand Central and then waited in line to get in. It took about 20-30 minutes to go through the line and all the steps to get to the top, but once we were in, it was worth it. Everything is so well thought out and truly magical. I loved every moment of the experience and everything they had to offer. At the end, there's a spot with food, drinks, and an outdoor lookout area. We tried the food, and it was actually very good! We couldn't resist getting some prosecco, our favorite drink. Finding seating was a bit of a challenge--it felt like a race to grab a spot as soon as one opened up--but other than that, we enjoyed all the views and the creativity that went into the place. I even picked up a souvenir from the gift shop to remember such a memorable day.

Missed out on coming here last fall since I had no idea the tickets sold out so quickly. Planned ahead this time and booked in advance. Went on a Saturday night @ 7:30. This is now the 4th of the 5 high rise skyscrapers that are accessible to the public in NYC that I've come to and probably, now, my most enjoyable experience. From the 180° preview film to the 3D picture taking prior to the elevator the process is much smoother and runs very effectively. (Compared say) to the Empire State Building where you feel like cattle. There's multiple viewing platforms, from all sides, with art installations and the CRAZY silver balloons room, to the Levitation Boxes (timed for 30 seconds) for guests. It's a heckuva of an experience and you don't feel rushed at all and the crowds aren't all that bad. You WILL run into some annoying people who hog the windows and views to take lots of posed pictures but I found the staff to be fairly effective in moving those types along. I went with the basic ticket and chose not to do any add-ons for budgetary reasons; however, I was mildly surprised when we got to the gift shop on the top floor and for $40 you could basically get a whole hardcover book with up to six printed photos in it plus a complete digital download of your photos. On a sidenote, don't forget to check out the men's and women's bathrooms because you will find that it may be the most interesting view you've ever gone potty. lol! The Edge @ Hudson Yards is equally fun and Top of the Rock has some new 'rides' up there that I may have to check out next trip to NYC and eventually One World Trade Center (expensive entry) but for the present moment I was very pleased with my visit here

A great way to see new work! You go through a series of pictures and rooms. 3 floors. Pretty cool concept! Pictures weren't that impressive so we didn't purchase. It was wayyyyy too crowded for us to have to buy reservations... I feel like everyone had the same time!! I wish it was more intimate. The views were insane though! Beautiful views. The staff was great,

The thrill of standing on glass floors at 1,100 feet above Manhattan absolutely intrigued me. Can you say - 'enter the matrix' or what!?! No need for any pills blue or red - you're completely immersed once you enter so do your Keanu impression & enjoy it. I'd been up top the Rockefeller Centre years ago & so I could appreciate the spectacular views from above the skyline of Manhattan, but this was on another level! Of note - check out the 'Matrix' pix I posted. I did not alter or enhance these photos - this is exactly what the naked eye sees! Mind trip or what!?! Still fresh & new - opened in 2021, the Summit observation platform is located Midtown near Grand Central Station, at the One Vanderbilt building. The Empire State Building, the Hudson River, Central Park etcetera - time your visit accordingly to get the best views. I recommend arriving at 6pm then staying till sundown to see all the lights coming on all over Manhattan - best views of the city right here. *However, the one issue with this attraction is the horrible migraine inducing chanting music being played via overhead speaker, upon entering the beginning of the observation platform. Dear Summit directors, please stop with the insanity I beg you!?! Play smooth jazz instrumental music or heck I'll even accept elevator music over this draconian madness playing causing my brain to shrink! I did not go with the add-ons extras - drinks, access to higher floor etcetera, & yet I was still thoroughly impressed & happy despite the crazy psycho music. It is a definite absolute 100% must experience when in Manhattan! The architecture of Summit One, will blow your mind. Make a reservation online for Summit One Vanderbilt. Just do it!

We had an amazing time here and were to experience the NYC skyline view right before sunset, sunset and in the evening. I read the reviews beforehand so was aware of the lines/waiting and took that into account. In addition to the view, I really really loved transcendence art installation with the many mirrors. So many different perspectives. Affinity was great but at times I was feeling claustrophobic because of all the people. However staff were great and did a good job reminding people of the time. The unity installation was pretty neat and it was fun to find your face amidst the clouds. It was thrilling to be able to step into the area where the clear floor was below you. I would definitely come back to experience this again! Highly recommend.

If you have out of town visitors, there's so many choices for observatories in NYC so hard to pick one. The Summit seemed to be the #1 observatory at the moment so I decided to check it out. There's a NYC resident discount for online tickets and apparently, sunset is the best time to go. I chose 7:30 PM since sunset was at 8:15 PM. We got there at 7:15 PM but it took a while (30 minutes) to get up to the 91st floor. I think next time (if there is a next time haha) I would definitely choose an earlier time. The most popular spots were Transcendence (mirrored room), Affinity (silver balloon room), and Levitation (glass ledge platform). It was super crowded especially Levitation where you have to wait at least 20 minutes for a picture. I have to say out of all the observatories in NYC (One World, Empire, Edge, Top of the Rock), this is the most unique and has the best views of Empire.

Cool place to visit while in NYC. No need to buy tickets in advance unless you're really in a time crunch. We bought ours the day of, and had to wait for the next time slot entering to go in. I think we waited about 30-40 min. Entering was easy. Lines can get long. Plenty of people. I would recommend trying to go really early or maybe late to get the less amount of people to enjoy the look outs. Rooms can get packed. All in all, we enjoyed our visit.

We had out of town visitors so we played tourist for a day. Summit One Vanderbilt was an excellent way to see the city from a unique vantage point. There were so many photo opportunities. Also they had their own photographers & cameras and cameras to capture you throughout the experience. They also had 2 gift shops. Every room offered a new way to interact with the view ( Yayoi Kusama's clouds, giant balloons, etc.) There was also a space wher you could buy food & drinks and continue to enjoy the view. It was worth every penny.

Well this was a disappointment to say the least. The experience really sucked. From the initial start it was very distasteful felt like an airport TSA line. I was almost ready to take my shoes off. The delay down stairs is unnecessary. We chose a 7:30 block so we could hopefully catch the sunset at 8pm but it took almost 45min just to get through the check in process which was ridiculous. If you don't want to watch the video or scan for over priced photo identification there should be a fast lane. So what am saying is if you are going to see something specific like a sunset choose an extra hour earlier and you wont miss it. There is no indication of what your viewing experience will be like once you get to the top. Yes thats correct with all the unnecessary process downstairs the one thing that should be available to know is not. If you are as unlucky as we were there was absolutely ZERO visibility of anything. We had dense white fog surrounding the whole viewing area. So yep you guessed it we pretty much paid $120+ for an elevator ride and to play with beach balls. There is no refund, return different day tickets or really any compensation for this so just suck it up. If you are booking far in advance like we did just keep an extra eye on last minute fog, rain clouds or anything that may completely make your experience shitty because you wont find out from them while you wait.

What a fun time! Despite the massive crowds, I was still able to enjoy this interactive art/exhibit experience. I highly recommend booking your tickets online as certain time slots will sell out in advance. There were tips to go first time slot in the morning to avoid crowds but i think word got out. The first time slots seem to sell out and so do the ones around 3pm and an hour before sunset. Prices are higher with the popular times by $10. While you can purchase tickets onsite, there's a chance they might sell out or the next available time slot might be much later. It's accessible by the subway (which we took). You enter through Grand Central Station. I recommend downloading mta.com for real time train schedules for closures or delays. The entrance process is fairly organized. They look at your tickets while you are in line if pre-purchased. They will direct you to the left if you are buying onsite. You are provided a scan band. Then given a pair of booties (shoe covers). Don't wear high heels or work boots that will jack up the floor. They're not permitted. Once those are on, you proceed to have your group photo taken which they transpose to various backgrounds of Summit One Vanderbilt. Because there are soo many mirror's reflecting the sun in the AIR room they have sunglasses for borrowing if you don't have any. The sun is fierce and in full force when it's not cloudy. The sweeping, panoramic city views seem endless! It's really cool to see how vast the city is from a higher perspective. The AFFINITY room is next which contains the silver blow up balls. This is a great room where you can toss the balls or place them over the air vent boxes. There are employees in every room to regulate the crowd. Don't sit on the floor & don't kick the balls. However, you know this happened & people were informed, sternly but politely. These employees had good dispositions and the patience of Job. I can only imagine how exhausting and frustrating it can be to repeat yourself. Unity is the room where you're supposed to scan your band prior to entering and the image of your face shows up in the clouds on the large screen. You scan your face at the beginning when you get your booties etc. Also, don't touch the screen. Not me again. Haha others did and the employee had to lay down the rules. There is an art installation, REFLECT by Yayoi Kusama that are a collection of various shapes of mercury glass drops. Once you're done, it leads you further upstairs to their cafe and terrace. Be sure to check out the open door viewing of the city! It truly is mesmerizing. You also won't have so many people obstructing your view. Amongst all of this, the bathrooms are near the top of this building. Strongly suggest you use the restroom PRIOR to getting in line otherwise you're out of luck unless you can hold it for 30 minutes or more. Use the bathrooms in Grand Central station. However, even if you don't need to use the restroom, in Summit OV, check it out anyways! The restroom has a pretty stellar view also! Don't bring anything unnecessary with you, travel light. You will be carrying your coats, whatever you have on you the entire time. No storage. As for pictures, there's going to be people all around. Just angle your camera to hide them , crop them or photoshop them out. Also READ their website! They have extremely helpful info to make your visit enjoyable! Although, I didn't do it myself, I can imagine going an hour before sunset would be the best of both worlds and make for some really awesome shots. They recommend not wearing dresses or to wear leggings or shorts underneath because your hoo- ha is going to be reflecting proudly in some stranger's line of sight. There were plenty of women wearing their cute dresses or skirts for the ' gram but came prepared thankfully!

This is my first time coming to the Summit One Vanderbilt building. It is such a beautiful building inside and out. They are open from morning till night time so it depends on what type of photos you would like to have. I came here during the evening and wow there were tons of people at that time as well. I had a lot of fun going into the different rooms and areas. The city view was amazing and just so beautiful. There is nothing like this and New York has everyone beat on city views. Plenty of different areas to take photos and even though there were a ton of people I didn't feel like it was too overwhelming. It was overall fun and I would probably want to come back next time to see the daytime view as well!

Such a dope experience. I went on a Saturday at the 4:30 m time slot. Once you arrive, you'll go through a a few lines including security and ticket check. You get black shoe coverings and sunglasses because it's extremely bright (both items you'll have to return). You go through a cool semi 360 room that explains the history behind Summit One. You then go through a really cool elevator experience up to the floor All floors are photo opportunity ready. The very first floor has a view. You then get 2 or 3 more floors that have different themes. One is the famous silver balloons, the other is this weird mercury designed looking floor, you also get one with lights and a city view, one with a big screen of the clouds, and lastly my favorite is the glass floors. The glass floors is only a small section that you wait in line for. The staff will take pictures of you, then you get 30 seconds to do personally pictures. You can purchase the staff pictures for $20. There's also another floor with the bar and a rooftop view. The ticket price starts around $43 and go up depending on if you're doing prime hours which is an additional $10. You can also do drinks which is an extra $14 per person. Tips: Pack Sunglasses Get there early, especially if you have a sunset ticket. It'll take you at 30mins - 1 hr to get to the top floors. Check when the sun is setting in advance All white outfits looked really cool with this place Book a sunset tour then you'll get daytime and nighttime pictures. Overall, great experience. I don't regret paying an extra $10 to get a day time and evening view of the city.

I'm sure the experience is decent, and maybe even great, when the weather is in your favor. Unfortunately for me, it was not. Having to schedule tickets way in advance ensures that your experience will be akin to spinning a roulette wheel; you might end up being the sucker who bought extremely pricey tickets to see thick fog and a few "art exhibits." The whole process begins with a jarringly long line. You would assume the scheduled nature of the experience might prevent overcrowding, but unfortunately that is not the case. Halfway through the line is a short propaganda video that is essentially a few minutes of self-indulgent praise on how special and cool their building is. Once you take the elevator and get to the actual exhibit, you are free to explore the 3 floors which contain several exhibits/rooms set up in a linear fashion. If it weren't obvious, the real treasure here is the view, but I can't speak to that since it was extremely cloudy and raining when I went. I could only SOMETIMES see the buildings next to ours when the fog thinned out intermittently...that's how bad the view was. I was also excited for the exhibits themselves, but I found most of them to be lackluster. To be fair, this is likely due to how they are intended to be integrated with the view...which was just a gray, hazy fog for everyone there. To further illustrate the importance of weather, one of the exhibits/activities involves standing on a glass floor that allows you to see all the way down to the sidewalk! Or...it would have...if the fog didn't surround every inch of the glass. Instead the exhibit made me feel like I was trapped inside a terrarium in Cheech & Chong's basement. I think I've made my point, so I'll spare you any further details of the place itself. Now, I'd like to mention some of their policies which should highlight the monetary-driven nature of whatever tourist-trap company this is a part of: 1. No full or partial refunds at all. 2. Rescheduling options available when there is no visibility BUT once you scan your ticket, you're locked in. This is a scummy tactic because A) None of the staff will explicitly mention this as an option, even knowing how bad the weather is, B) your sky might be OK at first, but due to the long line, visibility may change by the time you reach the top, and C) temporary tourists (like me) don't have the luxury of rescheduling. I expressed my discontent with my experience and all I received was a response email detailing their one-sided policies. The icing on the cake is the last line in their email: "As our world at SUMMIT was designed to be seen in all seasons, times of day, and weather conditions, we hope you will consider giving us another chance so you can get the full experience." LOL! What a flat out lie, the experience was definitely NOT designed for low visibility weather. I also find it funny that they practically admit that I didn't receive the full experience (despite paying full price). Hell, even a partial refund might have dissuaded me from writing this review. Too late! Verdict: Overpriced, overcrowded, and completely dependent on the weather. If you go during a foggy time with little/no visibility, consider yourself scammed. The art exhibits alone are absolutely not worth the price of admission.

About $50 a ticket. The tower is 73 stories high. Going up the elevator was a matter of seconds which is astounding. The ride was so smooth you couldn't even feel the ride going up besides for your ears adjusting to the increase of elevation. There's a bunch of different art pieces inside along with interactive rooms. There are several gift shops and eating areas but the prices are crazy for obvious reasons. I recommend bringing your own sunglasses so you don't have to wear the plastic ones they supply. It is extremely bright up there and the mirrors don't help haha. The view from the top is amazing. You can see many of NYC's highlights, including Central Park. There are secured barriers so you will not fall (people with acrophobia). Definitely an experience to try out!

You guys, the tickets here are pricy but totally worth it! You can access Summit One Vanderbilt through the Main Concourse Level of Grand Central Terminal. It took us about 30 minutes to get through security (where you'll get shoe covers and sunglasses) before we reached the art installation. We reserved tickets an hour before sunset, so we got to see the skyline in daylight, during sunset, and at night. Each floor has different themes, and my favorite was the affinity room with helium balls. Make sure to look out the windows on each floor for epic views. In total, it took us two hours to finish visiting the whole attraction. The experience went above and beyond my expectation!

It's been one of a few viewing decks I hadn't been to and it did not disappoint. We initially booked tickets online but when we got there on the day of, we were able to reschedule due to bad weather. We much appreciated that option and were glad to return a couple of days later for a clear view. There's a bit of a wait to get to upstairs so plan to come about 30mins early if you're hoping to get there at a specific time such as sunset. The ride is where the experience begins and it's super fast. Walking into the first room felt like an experience out of a sci fi movie. It's one way so you can't return once you leave a room. The first room was PACKED but it wasn't clear if the views would continue to be as good in the next room so we stayed longer than we might have liked. The insta famous balloon room was hostile and I got pushed around by children gone rogue. The views and the atmosphere as awesome. The only exception is the cocktail which is a brightly lit, crowded hell whole that I left instantly. All in all, I'd recommend coming here if you haven't been or have out of town guests. Just do yourself a favor and skip the cocktail. Also, stay away if you suffer from epilepsy lol.

Absolutely loved this experience. It was very organized and well kept. At arrival the staff directed the guest to specific areas to be able to enter. Loved the fact that it was also interactive and they took us a picture which then was used at the last room. Very cool experience and pictures taken by the photographers were very nice. The picture package was also very affordable. The views were also amazing (if you're scared of heights this is not for you) totally recommend for all ages.

Summit One Vanderbilt is a unique twist on the classic New York observation deck. Similar to Empire State and Rockefeller, you will have great views of new york; however, Summit One offers modern art exhibits, great photo ops, and unique immersive experiences. I visited Summit One alone while in the city. The entrance was a little hard to find because there are no large signs as to where to enter. I ended up walking around the building before seeing the entrance, The only downside was the enormous wait. I arrived 10 minutes prior to my time and fed into a long line. It took about 25 -30 minutes while in line to get my bracelet, go through security, watch the short history video, take the gift shop pictures, put on the show covers, and wait for the elevators. I arrived on a cloudy day; therefore, visibility on the 91st floor was limited. They had workers at the door announcing this with posters showing what the views could look like in similar weather conditions. Luckily for me, the clouds moved and the weather progressively got more clear. Upon arriving to the top, I was in awe! The wait is worth it. The modern interior, mirrored floors and ceilings, and immersive art made for beautiful views and pictures. I personally loved being able to walk around freely once being released at the observation floors. Guests can walk freely around the space at own leisure to allow for pictures, observing, and relaxing. Everyone is required to wear provided shoe coverings at all times inside the space; however, it didn't bother me at all. Personally, what sets apart Summit One from Rockefeller and Empire State is that, since you're not in those buildings, you're able to see them in the iconic new york skyline. The observation deck also overlooks the Chrysler building right next door, perfectly. I've visited both of the previously mentioned decks, and Summit One Vanderbilt has quickly become my new favorite.

Very crowded, long lines to get in with security, just like the Empire State Building. Required shoe covers. The glare wasn't bad at all. They will give you sunglasses if you feel the need. $20 digital picture download. Photo opportunities.

Great and interactive museum and tribute to modern architecture. It's located next to the grand central station. Bought tix online just for the SUMMIT experience only for like $50. I don't want to spoil anything but I'd say you should def try it out. It doesn't get super crowded as the staff moderate how many ppl should let in. They have times every half hour. You also could buy tix there in case you wanna do it last minute. For spending about 2 hours, it's pretty worth it for the views, glass room, balloon room and best of all, dippin dots at the top.

Love it. It ain't cheap, but it's also not the usual observation deck from the top of a skyscraper. The art installations over the 3 floors you'll visit are really cool and will entertain people of any age. I went with my 5-year old daughter and she had a blast! Book either early in the morning (9am is the first available time) or in time for sunset. Pack your sunglasses, wear comfortable shoes (with no metal on the soles) and leave any clothes such as skirts and dresses behind... there are mirrors all over the place covering the floor. A great thing to do both for locals and visitors. You won't regret it.

One of the coolest experiences ever in New York ! Who am I kidding tho because it's so many unique experiences in Ny but this one was one of the highlights of my time in New York this past week ! When you arrive they have glasses for you to grab and foot covers for your shoes . If you have on sunglasses which I did you can just wear your up it's due to the sun glares once you arrive up top & the shoe covers to cover your shoes to keep from scratching the glass flooring . The elevator ride up alone was an experience . Once I stepped foot off the elevator I was in total awe of #1 the view 2 how cool of a concept & each room had a different theme my favorite was the affinity room with the silver helium balloons . This is definetly a photo & video op & you're not a cool kid if you don't visit this spot atleast one time when you're in New York or even if you're just a local .

A girl that loves high altitude city views. I absolutely loved loved LOVED this place. Was waiting until the hype for this attraction died down to visit here. A winter Saturday afternoon seems like the perfect time. After all it's only the 4th tallest building in Manhattan. Saw all the famous sites of Manhattan from above: Central Park, Bryant Park, Chrysler building, Empire State Building, and even the distant Freedom Towers and surrounding FiDi. What I would recommend is bringing a pair of sunglasses because the mirrored ceilings and walls would blind you from all the glorious sun rays and daylight skies at the epic views you'll get to see here. The views of Manhattan from here is spectacular and better than the Empire State building's and Top of the Rock at Rockerfeller Center. There are 3 rooms to explore: the main viewing room with the mirrored walls and ceiling, the silver ballon room with all the fans and floaters where the kids seem to enjoy, and the top deck near the outdoor balcony to have a higher but more quieter scape of the views. Since it was winter, the elevator was closed and under construction when we went. A very pricey venture of NYC to tour. If you can get discounted tickets, I highly recommend coming here. The next time I come, will be for the night views on a lovely warm day to enjoy the outdoor balcony bar.

When I'm NYC make sure to come and the summit one for amazing views of nyc all from up above ! Definitely an amazing experience to go through . Best to get tickets online so you don't risk of tickets of the day to be sold out , and you can select the time you would want to come. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing because of the sun it can get hot , but once you go in the terrace you have the city winds .

Nicely done observation deck spread out over three floors which provides more to see and do than just the great views. Very popular on weekends so expect long lines but they are managed reasonably well. Would be a better experience if it was just a little less crowded

Loved visiting here and the views are probably one of the top 3 in the city. Empire State right in front. Chrysler building right in front. Hudson yards right in front too! The location of this building makes all the iconic structures prevalent and in your face. The exhibits were well done and the translucent balloon room was a cool little space. 3 floors of exhibits/views with a cafe on to finish off the tour. Enjoyed it and you will too. Just a bit crowded and the line to get in was around 30 minutes but we skipped the picture opportunities so went a little quicker for me.

The COOOOOOOOOLEST experience from up above with 360 views. A photographers playground!!!! Living in NY you sometimes don't get to do all the NY things because duh, you live here. We're trying to be better at that so whenever the opportunity comes and friends come into town we do what they do! And they wanted THE SUMMIT. They purchased their sunset tickets way in advance (like a month before). Little old me here was like oh yeah I'll just get them later like the week of or whatever. Well the week of came, by the time I went to try and grab them they were SOLD OUT until 9 and 10pm. We were honestly going to try to just get some cancelation tickets (AS IF that even exists haha) or figured we could get added on to our group or something since the majority already had what's the big deal with 2 more? BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER was to try to show up and get in. We of course were just going to hang out nearby and let our friends enjoy since we couldn't get in. Apparently there's these "any time" tickets you can purchase for like $80 each!!!!! We were about to walk out because there's no way we'd pay that especially since the tickets are way less then that it's not like it was going to be some kind of VIP ticket with a drink or something HA. WELL OUR FRIENDS were insanely incredible and got us tickets to all go up together. They paid for the upgrade of the "any time" tickets. I was floored by the experience from the moment you walk in where they do the intros to the elevator experience to the mirrors everywhere to the breathtaking 360 views of the city. I didn't think you could spend 2 hours here but you could spend DAYS here in my opinion. It was a true playground for me, I could spend hours in here taking photos, people watching and just gazing and being awe struck by it all. What an incredible building and experience this was. As packed as this place is there's still room to walk around and things to keep moving. There's a limit in one of the rooms (the bubble room) so that it doesn't get too cluttered in there. But like I said, you can spend hours taking photos here. Yes, what tiktok and ig doesn't show you is the amount of people in the photos but nothing photoshop ai can't fix hehe. Either way, who cares. You're staring at a gorgeous view, things are moving, it's an optical illusion, and once you get to the top top there's. Sky bar where you can enjoy the view with a drink in your hand. The day we went was way too chilly and windy so you couldn't really do that but to get out you do have to walk through the rooftop. If you're there during sunset, stay a little longer so you can see the night lights and the incredible breathtaking city views at night. I would absolutely be back for this and can't wait to do it again! I will definitely make sure to get my ticket in time so no one has to pay double for it haha! Either way, incredible, unforgettable, experience!

Honestly, mixed feelings. The interior/art installation/building/layout itself is fine, but I feel like they could improve on the visitor experience. But first, let me share with y'all planners about what to expect: - there might be a line to go through the security check/watch intro video/go up the elevator - they did not ask me to open my purse, I think they only check backpacks - the elevator might make you dizzy if you can't handle strobing lights - there are two "photo spots/rooms" on the first floor - restrooms available on every floor - the bar on the top floor is very reasonable pricing and the drink is pretty good - we managed to spend 2 hours there on a foggy day by treating this like a photo booth - I saw someone wearing a tight dress (I thought they were prohibited, but I guess it's nice that they won't block you from entering just because of that) - they photoshop the background to the photos they take for us Now - to the "what could be better": No one wants a foggy day, and it's not anyone's fault. Just my luck to experience Summit One on the only foggy day during my trip. I was mentally prepared to see nothing on the outside, but it still made me sad to think about the extra $10 we paid per person to go during "sunset hours" when all we could see is fog. Sure, supply and demand. Sunset hours are popular, so surcharges are understandable, but it's just unfortunate for everyone who plans and buys their tickets in advance. It costs money to reschedule, and there's no way I would pay an additional $10 to reschedule to another sunset time. (My friend looked two days in advance, since weather forecast says it'd be raining on the day we're going). Also, since foggy days are not that uncommon, I feel like Summit One should've implemented something in place to help make the foggy-day visitors' experience as enjoyable as clear-day visitors. I mean, they've been opened for 3 years already right? Perhaps, offer a free photo (since they photoshopped ones w/city view) / give us access to the non-watermarked digital version. They have photographers taking photos for each group already anyway. If that requires too much effort, then even a 10% coupon to their bar or souvenir store could be a nice gesture. I doubt they'd lose out on much money. This might even encourage people to make more purchases.

This place is definitely a spot for the social media heads.... Picture galore, great scenery, and a stunning view, for the win. Getting there as early as possible MAY reduce the amount of people in the venue at the same time as you, but honestly, this place stays booked and busy. We attempted to be strategic and selected the earliest availability, then arrived early to "beat the crowd", however, everyone else had the same idea. The line was super long but it moved fairly quickly. Overall, it was a great experience but I do feel that it's an event you do once and then you are done. FYI, the total price with taxes is $58.25.

I did some research among all observatories in NY, and this place was the winner! There is no perfect timing i would say you should go at least 3 times to get the real taste! Once during day, one sunset and one at nights! Get your tickets in advance and be advise that they are really strict about timing and wont let you in any time sooner or later! I really like how organized and disciplined were the staff. My suggestion is too go before sunset and enjoy your drink at sunset by the last floor bar! It was one of kind experience for sure!

I can't say enough good things about this place! The staff, especially Clarissa and Jason P., are incredibly kind and welcoming. I've visited three times - with friends, with my kids, and with family who were visiting - and each experience has been wonderful. Compared to other attractions like the Edge, this place stands out. It's impeccably clean, boasts stunning views, and is perfect for both family outings and adult groups. Truly an amazing experience every time!

Paid extra to get in during sunset hours and overall it was a nice experience. The first room you go into is just a bunch of mirrors and it gets very trippy not gonna lie lol. There's also a balloon area and every five minutes you'll hear someone popping a balloon so it's kind of annoying. There's a bar at the top but the drinks are a bit pricey imo. This is still a nice place to chill at and watch the sunset. If all you care about is the view, you'll like this place :)

Amazing views of all sides of manhattan. The line is long but moves quickly. The elevators whisk you up to 93rd floor very quickly and then you have spectacular views of NYC from various rooms on 93, 94 and 95th floors. There is a bar on 95 with some great cocktails and a few food options.

Epic experience and spectacular views and fun for all ages. You can spend hours there and it's very interactive. So cool this was created for our fabulous City. Very well organized and high security. Every detail is precise.

Overall this was a really fun, elevated experience, complete with breathtaking views. It was way better than just a standard observation deck! It was a little annoying being moved from line to line to line to line, but they moved relatively quickly. The first two rooms were super fun and cool--spent a lot of time in those! The third room was really stupid and I spent like one minute in it. The outdoor terrace is cool, but it was too cold for us to spend any time out there. Definitely recommend experiencing this at least once, especially when compared to other NYC observation experiences!

First time visiting this observatory and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. My family and I decided to go in the middle of the day, which gave us a breathtaking view of the city. The staff did an excellent job; everything was well-organized and efficient, from check-in to directing visitors. The observatory also has a café offering small food plates, sweets, and beverages. Additionally, there's a cocktail bar featuring both unique drinks and classics. Overall, it's a great place to visit if you want to experience all the touristy attractions in the city.

Avoid this place like the plague. Poor customer service at the front gate. We got a little lost trying to get to the spot and we got to the gate at 10:32p and they would not let us in. $120 down the drain. It wasn't like we were trying to buy tickets, we had tickets and nowhere on electronic ticket did it say the doors closed at 10:30p. Operators should make that adjustment. The guy at the door said its stated on the website, it's on the website! Like I'm looking at the website at 10:30! No exception, no consideration and poor customer service.!!!! This reflects badly on one Vanderbilt and the Summit. They should get somebody at the front gate with better communication skills, and better customer service skills. Poor reflection on the Summit. The place looks promising, but operators need to get better help at the door! So Sad!

This place was awesome. My wife is from New York, she found it online as one of the beautiful places that have a great view. Unfortunately she got sick and she made me come alone. This place is almost unbelievable,, we gonna have to come back so we can experience it together. It's a must go! 5 stars!! The staff is great

Really liked the experience here at Summit One. Was recommended by a friend, since I've never been up to any of the observatories before in NYC. I went at night for my experience and it was amazing. It was a little expensive for my taste, but worth it if you've never seen NYC from a view up top. When we got there, we got in line for our time slot, and there was still a lot of people waiting. The line moves relatively fast though. Going through the lines, the check bags, give you shoe covers to walk on and have you take photos before entering so you have the option of purchasing after the experience (Not worth it at all). You get to explore 3 floors at your own pace and all the views from every corner was amazing. I'd recommend giving this a try if you've never been to an observation deck before.

If the Empire State Building is traditional & classic, Summer One Vanderbilt is modern & trendy. I'd even go as far as proclaiming it one of my favorite new observatories in the city. Come for the views, stay for the immersive art experience, spread out over three floors. Highlights: -- art installation that resembles pools of mercury -- the silver balloon room which was especially crowded with people trying to get the perfect picture -- photos on the glass floor (there's a line for this) -- the glass mirror room is like being in a kaleidoscope or an infinity mirror. Do not wear a skirt or dress because there are reflections coming from everywhere. One of the entrances is located within Grand Central Terminal. Prices start at $42 with a $5 discount for NY residents. You're given black booties to slip over your shoes when you arrive (did I mention everything is made of glass, including the floor?) Bring sunglasses; it's bright even when it's overcast. My heart did somersaults in my chest, more so from the thrill of the experience than the fear of seeing 93 floors below me.

***Traveling with a one yr old- be prepared for the scares. After passing through the metal detector, we came across a dark room with loud speakers so immediately my baby was scared. I had to skip everyone and exit the room quickly as the worker held the door open for me to rush my stroller out. After the picture area where they capture your face, we came across another dark hallway with loud thundering, so my baby was upset again. I couldn't really run anywhere because it was the queue to the elevator. Finally we got onto the elevator but it also had flashing lights and loud buzzing sounds which scared my baby again lol. It was an enjoyable experience for the family(just not for baby). The exhibits were pretty and the sights were great. It had the best family bathroom view, very pretty while changing a diaper. Definitely a must do!!! Best room was the ball room, hard to leave because it's so fun inside. No worries if you have a stroller, you can bring it everywhere. Upon entering the elevator to go down, a summit worker asked if we wanted the elevator experience turned off for the baby. WHAT!! This was an option? Amazing. The lights were left on and the sounds were turned off. What a joyous way down for my babe. Wish someone offered This to us while we went up. Would definitely come back again!!!!

The summit one, Vanderbilt was on our to do list. Note if you come on the weekend prepared away in a long line even though you have a reservation for a certain time you're going to wait. We waited about an hour before going in through security. I must say, though it was a fun experience. The views are amazing but I would definitely go near sunset or at night. Be prepared to get hit in the head with those silver balls.

An absolutely amazing experience! As a first time visitor to NY, we were told about this must-see view from our host....and at first I thought, ok, should be a nice view from that height, but WOW! ....turned out to be a breathtaking beyond-my-expectations mind-blowing experience! I say this not just because of the awesome 360 degree view of the city below and skyline beyond, but because of the design of the building. Specifically, the floors (and ceilings), of which a big area are made up of mirrored panels, where you feel like you are floating on air a million feet from the ground, and if you have a problem with heights like I do, this will multiply your fear of heights 1,000 fold. I honestly had a very difficult time walking around the floors like a normal person.....but it was real challenge and thrill, I must say. Thank goodness there are some walkable areas with opaque flooring away from the windows and closer to the core of the building, where you will feel just a little bit less nervous.....Just don't look down. We had planned and booked our visit for the sunset time slot, which started at 4pm with the sunset scheduled to begin at around 5.50pm. This way, we got to experience NY city and its expansive beyond as it transitioned from daylight, sunset, to night time where the entire city turns into one huge and expansive Christmas tree of lights! A truly amazing sight and experience. I must also say that this was definitely the most thrilling, fun, and sense provoking experience I have ever experienced in my life. I love a good highrise penthouse view...and have always wished I could afford to live in one, but this was well beyond my wildest expectations :D