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Your Guide to Visiting SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in New York

If you're planning to visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt soon, we've got you covered. Here's everything you need to know about the attraction including the opening hours, the best time to visit, insider tips, and more!

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Opening Hours

Opening Hours - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
  • The best time to visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is just before the sunset for stunning views of the New York skyline.
  • Typically, weekdays are less crowded while weekends are busier. You should visit on the weekends if you like a lively experience or on the weekdays for a more laidback experience.
  • The best season to visit NYC is in spring, which falls between March to June, when the weather is warm and pleasant.
  • We recommend you avoid the peak season, from May to September as it can get crowded.
  • If you don’t mind chilly weather and want lesser crowds, January to March is a good time to visit.

Where is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is located in midtown Manhattan at the intersection of 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue. 

Address: 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017, USA | Find on Maps

Closest Landmark: Grand Central Terminal 

How to Get to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?

By Public Transport - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

By Public Transport

Subway: The nearest subway lines are the 4, 5, 6, 7, and the Shuttle at Grand Central, 42nd Street. 

Closest station: Grand Central - 42nd Street

Bus: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt can be reached conveniently by bus via the M101, M102, M103, M1, M2, M3, M4, Q32, and M42 routes.

Closest stop: East 42 Street/Madison Ave 

By Car - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

By Car

You can drive down or hire a car to get to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Alternatively, you can take an Uber, Lyft, or any a local cab to the attraction. There are parking lots nearby.

Parking Facilities: 

Know Before You Go

Facilities
Accessibility
Visiting with Family
Rules & Regulations
Dining
Stay
Nearby
Entrances
Facilities - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
  • Cloakrooms: There are no cloakrooms or storage facilities available onsite.
  • Gift Shops: Shop for souvenirs, merchandise, and memorabilia from the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Store called “Boutique” on the 93rd floor.
  • Restrooms: The restrooms are located exclusively on the top floors of SUMMIT. The basement floor of Grand Central features public restrooms.
  • Restaurants: Apres by Snohetta is a restaurant located on the 93rd floor of One Vanderbilt.
Accessibility - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
  • SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is fully accessible by wheelchair.
  • Wheelchairs are available on a first come, first-served basis at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. 
  • There are accessible facilities on every level of the Observation Deck.
  • A sighted guide may be requested in advance by those who have no vision or have limited eyesight.
Visiting with Family - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
  • Strollers are allowed inside SUMMIT One Vanderbilt but ensure that you fold them up in the observatory areas.
  • Level one of the observatory has a designated family restroom.
  • The onsite restaurant Après has a range of kid-friendly items on the menu.
Rules & Regulations - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
  • While on the property, visitors must always wear a shirt and shoes. Clothing containing any wording that is obscene or threatening is prohibited.
  • Visitors are responsible for their own belongings as there are no locker facilities available inside SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
  • Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
  • Photography is allowed but make sure you are not carrying any tripods or heavy and large camera equipment.
  • Baby strollers must be folded before getting inside the elevator and at the observation decks.
Dining - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Stay - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Budget:

Mid-Range:

  • The Hotel at Fifth Avenue (0.7 miles) - Find on Maps
  • Holiday Inn Express Manhattan Times Square South (0.6 miles) - Find on Maps

Luxury:

Nearby - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

What's Inside SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?

Ascent - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Transcendence 1 - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Transcendence 1

Transcendence 1 serves as the focal point of "Air," a multisensory experience made by Kenzo Digital. Enter a mesmerizing mirror room that has expansive windows that display the city skyline and the Empire State Building in the foreground.

Transcendence 2 - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Transcendence 2

Transcendence 2 experience is an extension of Transcendence 1, a large floor to ceiling mirrored room. It includes a portal to Transcendence 1 from where you can see visitors arriving into SUMMIT.

Interactive Displays - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Interactive Displays

The observation deck features several interactive displays that allow you to interact with the art displays by Kenzo Digital. These displays include touchscreens, art exhibits, and more.

Face in the ‘Clouds’ - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Face in the ‘Clouds’

It is a unique exhibit created by Yayoi Kusama where you can see your reflection in a cloud-shaped installation made of aluminum. This installation aims at taking you on an imaginative journey with the mirrored floors and ceilings creating a dream-like experience. 

Levitation - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Levitation

Levitation is a holographic installation that gives the appearance that things are floating in midair. Take breathtaking pictures with this installation as you virtually float in the air!

Shape-Shifting Visual - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Shape-Shifting Visual

This dynamic video installation turns the observation deck's walls into a work of art made of light and color. Lose yourself in these wonderfully captivating images!

Après by Snohetta - visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Visitor Tips

  • Purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
  • Dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes. Wear pants or tights to avoid exposure on the reflective surface. Avoid wearing pointed heels as it can damage the glass floor.
  • Bring handheld and personal cameras to capture the stunning views.
  • Plan to spend at least 1.5-2 hours at the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
  • Be prepared to go through a security screening before entering.
  • Visit just before the sunset on weekdays for an amazing view and less crowd. 



Book SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets
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Combo (Save 10%): SUMMIT One Vanderbilt + Edge Observation Deck Tickets
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Combo (Save 21%): SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets + NYC Downtown Sightseeing Cruise
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Combo (Save 5%): Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) + SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets
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Combo (Save 5%): SUMMIT One Vanderbilt + Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets
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Combo (Save 5%): SUMMIT One Vanderbilt + Empire State Building Tickets
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Combo (Save 5%): SUMMIT One Vanderbilt + 9/11 Memorial & Museum Tickets
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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

How early should I arrive before my scheduled entry?

Arriving 10-15 minutes earlier than your scheduled entry helps with check-in and security screening, especially during peak times.

When can I get the best views from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?

Enjoy unforgettable views of NYC from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt by heading to the observation deck about an hour before sunset. At this time, you will have optimal lighting for photography and a chance to witness the stunning transformation of the cityscape into a sparkling spectacle as day turns to night.

Is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, SUMMIT offers wheelchair access across levels and wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come basis.

Are all the entry points wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all main entry points and observation areas are fully accessible for wheelchairs.

Is the observation deck closed on public holidays?

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is open on all public holidays. It even has extended hours during the holiday season and major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. It remains closed only on Tuesdays. 

Can I access Après without purchasing an observation deck ticket?

No, Après is only accessible to SUMMIT ticket holders, so you’ll need a general admission ticket to dine there.

Can I buy tickets for just the elevator experience?

The Ascent elevator isn’t available as a standalone purchase. You have to buy an admission ticket and a ticket to the elevator experience at the venue as an add on.

Can I take my pet to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?

No. Pets are not allowed inside SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Only service animals are permitted inside.

Are there photography restrictions?

Flash photography is discouraged in mirrored rooms at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt to preserve the reflective experience.