If you’re planning a trip to New York City and want a view that will truly take your breath away, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a must-visit. This isn’t just another observation deck—it’s a multi-sensory experience that combines incredible skyline views with art, architecture, and thrill. Occupying the top three floors of the One Vanderbilt skyscraper, SUMMIT is more than 1,000 feet above Midtown Manhattan. But it’s what’s inside that makes it unforgettable.
Start your visit in Transcendence, a mirrored room that reflects the sky, the city, and even you in a dizzying, dreamlike space. Then move into Affinity, where floating silver orbs bounce through the air like a surreal playground. Looking for a thrill? Step into Levitation, a series of all-glass skyboxes that extend out from the building’s edge. For the boldest of visitors, add on Ascent, where a glass elevator climbs the building’s exterior, giving you panoramic views all the way up. Finally, wind down with a cocktail at Après Lounge, located on the 93rd floor, while taking in the iconic skyline. The entire experience is designed by artist Kenzo Digital and architectural firm Snøhetta, ensuring a unique and immersive visit.
Summit One Vanderbilt sits atop One Vanderbilt, a 73-story supertall skyscraper at the corner of 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue. Opened in 2020, it is the fourth-tallest building in NYC after One World Trade Center, Central Park Tower, and 111 West 57th Street. Being in the heart of Midtown, you’re close to plenty of other attractions. Grand Central Terminal is steps away, while Bryant Park, Times Square, and the Empire State Building are all within a 15-minute walk.
You’ll find SUMMIT located at 45 E 42nd Street, directly adjacent to Grand Central Terminal. That makes it incredibly easy to get to—just hop on any subway line that stops at Grand Central–42nd Street (4, 5, 6, 7, or S). From there, you can enter via the Grand Central transit hall or from the street-level entrance on Vanderbilt Avenue. SUMMIT is open daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM, with the last entry at 10:30 PM. If you want the best of both worlds—day and night—aim to arrive about an hour before sunset. This way, you’ll witness the city in golden light, then watch it transform into a sea of glowing skyscrapers. Plan to spend at least 60–90 minutes exploring, and be sure to book your tickets early, especially for prime sunset slots.
