SUMMIT is an observation deck on the 91st through 93rd floors of One Vanderbilt in Midtown Manhattan

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a ticketed observation experience located at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, between 42nd and 43rd Streets in Manhattan. The building itself is a 1,401-foot glass and steel tower completed in 2020. SUMMIT occupies the top three floors and offers views of New York City from multiple vantage points, including an outdoor terrace and interior gallery spaces.

The observation deck is operated by Malkin Holdings, the developer and owner of One Vanderbilt. It is separate from the office and retail spaces that occupy the lower floors of the building. SUMMIT is open to the public during set hours and requires a ticket for entry.

Key Takeaways

  • SUMMIT is located on floors 91 through 93 of One Vanderbilt and offers 360-degree views of Manhattan, the surrounding boroughs, and beyond on clear days.
  • Tickets are purchased in advance online or at the box office on the ground floor, with prices varying by time of day and season.
  • The experience includes indoor gallery spaces, an outdoor terrace on the 92nd floor, and the Levitation chamber on the 93rd floor, which features a glass floor and walls.
  • Visitors should plan for at least 90 minutes to two hours to move through all levels and take in the views.
  • The observation deck is accessible by elevator from the ground floor lobby, and the building is served by multiple subway lines and bus routes.

What you see at each level

The 91st floor is the main entry level and contains the primary gallery space. This floor has floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides and is climate-controlled. Visitors typically spend time here orienting themselves to the views and identifying landmarks across the city.

The 92nd floor is an outdoor terrace with partial glass barriers. This is the only fully outdoor space in SUMMIT and offers unobstructed views and photo opportunities. Wind and weather conditions affect how long visitors can comfortably spend here.

The 93rd floor houses the Levitation chamber, a distinctive feature with glass flooring and glass walls that extends outward from the building. This space creates the sensation of standing in mid-air above the city. The chamber is small and has a capacity limit, so wait times can vary depending on how busy the observation deck is.

Ticket prices and how to purchase

SUMMIT uses dynamic pricing, meaning ticket costs change based on the time of day, day of the week, and season. Prices are generally higher during peak times (late afternoon and evening) and lower during off-peak hours (early morning and midday on weekdays). Weekend tickets cost more than weekday tickets year-round.

You can purchase tickets online through the SUMMIT website or at the box office on the ground floor of One Vanderbilt. Online purchases are often discounted compared to walk-up prices. The website shows available time slots and prices for the dates you select, so you can compare costs before buying.

Tickets are typically valid for a specific time window (usually 30 minutes to one hour) for entry. Once inside, you can stay as long as you want. Children under a certain age may have reduced ticket prices; check the website for current age cutoffs and pricing.

Getting there and parking

One Vanderbilt is located in Midtown Manhattan at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, directly adjacent to Grand Central Terminal. The building is served by multiple subway lines: the 4, 5, and 6 trains stop at Grand Central–42nd Street, and the 7 train stops at Grand Central–42nd Street as well. The S shuttle also connects to Grand Central.

If you are driving, there is a parking garage in the building, but spaces are limited and parking is expensive. Street parking in this area is difficult to find and subject to time restrictions. Most visitors use public transportation or taxis to reach SUMMIT.

The ground floor lobby is accessible from the street level and from Grand Central Terminal. Signage directs visitors to the SUMMIT box office and elevators. The walk from the subway station to the building entrance is less than five minutes.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring a valid photo ID if you are purchasing tickets at the box office. If you purchased tickets online, bring your confirmation email or have it ready on your phone. The observation deck is climate-controlled, but the outdoor terrace on the 92nd floor is exposed to weather, so dress appropriately for the season.

The elevators move quickly, but there may be a wait to enter depending on how busy SUMMIT is. Once you reach the 91st floor, there is no assigned route; you can move between levels in any order and spend as much time as you want in each space. The Levitation chamber on the 93rd floor may have a separate queue.

Photography is permitted throughout SUMMIT. Tripods and professional camera equipment may have restrictions; check the website or ask staff when you arrive. The lighting is best during daylight hours, but the views are also striking at sunset and after dark when the city lights are on.

Accessibility and visitor services

SUMMIT is accessible to visitors with mobility limitations. The building has elevators that go directly to the 91st floor, and all three levels of the observation deck are connected by elevators. Restrooms are located on the 91st floor. Service animals are permitted throughout the space.

The observation deck does not have a restaurant or café, but there are food and beverage options in the building's ground floor retail area and in the surrounding neighborhood. You cannot bring outside food or beverages into SUMMIT itself.

Staff members are present throughout the observation deck to answer questions and information visitors. If you have questions about what you are seeing or need help with directions, ask any staff member you encounter.

Weather and visibility

The views from SUMMIT depend on weather and visibility. On clear days, you can see up to 80 miles in some directions, including parts of New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. On hazy or overcast days, visibility is reduced to the when ready surrounding area.

The observation deck is open in most weather conditions, including rain and snow. However, the outdoor terrace on the 92nd floor may be closed temporarily during severe weather, high winds, or lightning. Check the SUMMIT website or call ahead if weather conditions are questionable on the day you plan to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to go through SUMMIT?

Most visitors spend 90 minutes to two hours at SUMMIT. This allows time to move through all three levels, spend time on the outdoor terrace, and wait for the Levitation chamber if there is a queue. You can move through faster if you prefer, or stay longer to watch the light change or take photos.

Is SUMMIT worth the ticket price?

That depends on your interest in observation decks and views of New York City. SUMMIT offers a different perspective than other observation decks in the city because of its height and the Levitation chamber. If you are visiting New York for the first time or enjoy photography, many visitors find it worth the cost. Off-peak tickets are less expensive than peak-time tickets.

Can I bring children to SUMMIT?

Yes, children are permitted at SUMMIT. Some children find the Levitation chamber on the 93rd floor unsettling because of the glass floor, so consider your child's comfort with heights. Reduced ticket prices are available for children under a certain age; check the website for current pricing and age requirements.

What if the weather is bad on the day I visit?

SUMMIT is open in rain, snow, and overcast conditions. Visibility will be reduced, but the indoor gallery spaces on the 91st floor are still worth visiting. The outdoor terrace may close temporarily during severe weather or high winds. If you are concerned about visibility, consider visiting on a different day or purchasing an off-peak ticket to reduce your cost.

Can I return to SUMMIT on another day if I am not satisfied with the views?

Ticket policies vary, so check the terms when you purchase. Some tickets may be exchangeable or refundable under certain conditions, but this is not may provide. Contact SUMMIT directly if you have questions about ticket flexibility before you buy.