One Vanderbilt Building is the fourth tallest building in New York City and one of the best places to enjoy the view of Manhattan from the Summit, its famous observation deck. Here's everything you need to know to visit it.New York is the city of skyscrapers. There are so many to see that you probably won't be able to visit them all in one trip. That's why we recommend that you choose the tallest ones on your first visit. Among them, the One Vanderbilt Building, the fourth tallest building in the city, with its 427 meters. Between the 91st and 93rd floors is the Summit Observation Deck, an observatory from which you can see the best views of Manhattan.
From the Summit, you can access a 360° panoramic view of New York City and its surroundings, including legendary buildings such as the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the One World Trade Center, but also the Hudson River. In this guide, we give you all the information on how to get tickets and discover the Big Apple skyline from one of the most fascinating observatories in the world.
Visiting New York and a sports fanatic? Find out how to book tickets for the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden and the Yankees.
How do I buy tickets for the New York Summit?
You can purchase your tickets online in advancethis is the best option because you will get a price freeze. You will be able to choose the day and time of your visit and will also be assured of getting in without delays or long lines. If you choose to buy your tickets at the last minute at the box office, you will inevitably have to wait in line for long minutes and lose time for other visits.
Remember, when purchasing tickets for the Summit Observation Deck at One Vanderbilt, you must specify the date of your visit and the time slot you will be visiting.
Choosing the time is essential for organization. It also makes it easier for you to plan your day's schedule, as the building is in close proximity to other New York attractions such as Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center.
Although you have to set a time to enter the building, you can stay on the observation deck for as long as you like. This also applies to sunset hours, which incidentally are subject to an additional charge over the standard admission price.
Details to know: - Price: general admission to the observatory costs about 40 euros per person, but the price depends on the type of ticket chosen.
- Opening hours: open Wednesday to Monday from 9am to 11pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
- Location: 1 Vanderbilt Ave, New York.
- How to get there: By subway on lines 4, 5, 6, 7 or S to Grand Central-42 St. One Vanderbilt and by bus on lines M101, M102, M103, M1, M2, M3, M4, Q32, X27, X28, X37 or X38.
How much do tickets for the New York Summit cost?
As mentioned above, the price of admission to the New York Summit Observatory is approximately 40 euros for adults. There are different rates, depending on the services you want to include in the ticket and the time of your visit. For example, time slots around sunset are subject to a 9 euro surcharge.
Children between the ages of 6 and 12 pay an admission fee of approximately 28 euros. Children under 5 years of age are admitted free of charge.
If you also want to visit the Ascent, the glass elevator that takes you to the highest point of the observatory, and the Levitation Cubes, the glass rooms in which you feel as if you are levitating above New York City, the entrance fee is 50 euros for adults and 45 euros for children aged 6 to 12. In any case, you can also visit the mirror room of the observation deck, which generates an amazing optical illusion.
The most complete option includes, in addition to access to the Ascent platform, a cocktail in the official bar of the restaurant. In this case, the price of the ticket is about 62 euros for adults and 55 euros for children aged 6 to 12.
Different types of tickets - Summit Experience: this is the general admission ticket, which includes access to the observatory. The initial cost is approximately 40 euros for adults and 28 euros for children aged 6 to 12.
- Summit Ascent: Includes access to the observatory and the Ascent elevator, where you will feel like you are floating above New York City. The approximate cost is 50 euros for adults and 45 euros for children aged 6 to 12.
- Summit Ultimate: this is the premium option, which includes access to the observation deck, the Ascent and a cocktail at the official tower bar. The price is approximately 62 euros for adults and 55 euros for children aged 6 to 12.
What types of tickets are available? Are there skip-the-line tickets available for the New York Summit?
There are a total of 3 types of tickets for the One Vanderbilt Summit. You can choose between general access to the observatory, entry to the observation deck and Ascent elevator, which allows you to feel like you're levitating above Manhattan and take some of the city's most beautiful photos, and the more comprehensive, premium alternative, which includes a visit to the observation deck, the platform, as well as an invitation to a cocktail party at the tower bar.
There are no special tickets for the observatory, but since the organization provides a time slot for each visit, you won't have to wait too long to get in if you arrive on time.
Note that you must respect the day and time you chose when you bought your tickets, as they are not refundable. Once on the viewing platform, you can stay as long as you like.
Are tickets for the New York Summit included in the New York City tourist maps?
One Vanderbilt opened in 2019 and the observatory only recently opened. Therefore, it is not included in the New York Pass, which offers over 100 activities in the city.
If you want to visit the Summit Observatory, you'll need to purchase your own tickets. While the price may seem high, we recommend this tour, one of the city's most iconic buildings and one that offers a 360-degree panoramic view that will leave you in awe.
Although the Summit is not included in the tourist map, other buildings close to the site, such as the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock and the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, are. Don't hesitate to combine all these visits!
Are there any tickets that include a guided tour of the New York Summit and is it worth it?
None of the 3 tickets available for the Summit Observatory at One Vanderbilt include a guided tour. This is because the main attraction of the observatory is the 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline, so you won't need an in-depth historical overview.
Other than that, you'll find information about the building, the fourth tallest in New York City and one of the most popular tourist attractions since it opened in 2019, on the rest floors and at the elevator exits.
What you can also do is opt for a New York City tour that includes a visit to the Summit Observatory. For example, you can take a tour of Midtown Manhattan and then watch the sunset from the observation deck.
Are there discounted tickets available for the Summit in New York?
Discounted tickets are available for New York City residents, as well as for groups of more than 15 people. So if you are planning to visit the city as a group, be sure to ask about these discounted rates.
Discounts are also available for seniors over 65 and children between the ages of 6 and 12. For these audiences, the cost is lower for all ticket types.
As with most buildings, attractions and activities in the city, children under the age of 5 receive free admission to One Vanderbilt Summit Observation Deck.
Are there special tickets for children?
Children ages 6-12 receive a discounted rate compared to adult admission. They will receive a discount depending on the ticket option they choose, as Summit offers 3 different tickets.
In the case of general admission, children between the ages of 6 and 12 will pay approximately 28 euros. For the ticket with access to the Ascent elevator, children will pay approximately 45 euros. For the entrance ticket with access to the observation deck, the platform and the official tower bar, the cost is approximately 55 euros.
Children under 5 years old can enter free of charge, if accompanied by a responsible adult.
Why is it better to buy tickets online instead of at the box office?
The Summit Observation Deck at One Vanderbilt has become one of the most popular attractions in New York. It welcomes a large number of tourists every day. If you want to save time and money, as online tickets are discounted, the best alternative is tobuy your tickets online and in advance.
By being included in the time slot you choose online, you avoid delays at the building entrances to access the view.
Summit's New York City Hours of Operation
The observation deck at One Vanderbilt Summit is open Wednesday through Monday from 9am to 11pm. This allows you to view the skyline during the day, as well as at sunset and at night, one of the most beautiful experiences in Manhattan.
Please note that the observation deck is closed on Tuesdays and holidays, which you should keep in mind if you plan to visit New York City during the holidays.
How long does it take to visit the Summit in New York?
Entering and climbing to the 91st and 93rd floors, where the observation deck is located, takes about 15 minutes. You can then stay as long as you like to enjoy the expansive views and attractions of the observatory, including the Levitation Cubes, which protrude from the building and whose glass platform will make you feel like you're floating in the air.
If you purchased your ticket with the Ascent elevator option, you can ride to the top of the building on a glass platform. A vertiginous ride that will take you no more than 10 minutes, but brings its share of sensations, as you are transported at high speed.
The most exclusive tickets also give you access to a cocktail in the bar of the building and you can choose the duration of this moment. The important thing is that you enjoy the unobstructed views, discover the Manhattan skyline and its most iconic buildings and challenge yourself to find all the sights of the city. Are you ready to guess the location of the Statue of Liberty?
When is the best time to visit New York's Summit?
The answer depends on what you want to see on your 360° Observatory tour. In general, a daytime visit will give you a clearer view of the major buildings, green spaces like Central Park, neighboring cities and New Jersey. On a clear day, they are all visible from the observation deck.
If you want a magical view, you can't miss the sunset from the observatory. Planning to visit New York in May or July? You can experience Manhattanhenge, the solstice during which the sun lines the city streets, from high above. This is the preferred option for most people.
Another option is to experience the panoramic night views, where you can see the city lights, illuminated buildings and crossings of the Hudson River. In conclusion, it all depends on what you want to experience during your visit, but if you have to choose just one time, we recommend visiting the observatory at sunset.
How do I get to The Summit in New York City?
The One Vanderbilt building is located in Midtown Manhattan at 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue. You have several ways to get there:
- Subway: you can take the 4, 5, 6, 7 or S lines of the New York subway system to Grand Central-42 St. One Vanderbilt is located right next to the station.
- Bus: You can take the M101, M102, M103, M1, M2, M3, M4, Q32, X27, X28, X37 or X38 and get off at the stop at 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue.
- Cab: You can take a cab to the One Vanderbilt address at 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue.
- Walking: If you are in the neighborhood, you can also walk to One Vanderbilt, which is only a few minutes walk from the Empire State Building or Bryant Park.
Tips for visiting the Summit in New York City
One Vanderbilt Building Summit is one of New York City's top modern attractions, and one of the city's hottest observatories. So here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Plan your visit in advance: the Summit is a popular attraction, so it's a good idea to plan your visit in advance to make sure you get tickets at the date and time you want.
- Stick to your ticket schedule: arriving early will help you avoid the crowds and enjoy the views without having to fight for a seat. Also, the views from the Summit are especially impressive at sunrise and sunset, so it's worth getting up early or arriving at the right time in the evening to enjoy them.
- Wear appropriate clothing: The temperature at Summit can be cooler than outside, so dress appropriately. Comfortable shoes are also recommended, as you will be walking up several flights of stairs.
- Don't skirt around restrictions: Summit has some restrictions, such as no backpacks, food or drinks. Be sure to read the restrictions before your visit so you can prepare properly and not waste time at the entrance.
- Make the most of the experience: the Summit offers a unique experience, so be sure to take pictures, enjoy the views, and take the time to explore and learn about New York City from this unique perspective.