SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
The One Vanderbilt skyscraper is the 4th tallest building in New York City. The total height including the antenna is 427 metres, with the roof of the top 73rd floor at 397 metres above the ground.
This high-rise building is extremely popular among tourists due to the very original multi-storey SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observation deck. Here you will experience a unique environment full of mirrors and be transported back to your childhood in a room full of silver inflatable balloons.
The 10 best hotels in New York City
Our tips and recommendations:
- Book your tickets in advance for the lowest possible price
- Expect higher prices at sunset
- Allow 60-90 minutes for your visit
- Expect to take your clothes off (free leg warmers are available)
- See more tips for sightseeing in New York City
3 floors of unique attractions and breathtaking views
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt isn't just a simple observation deck.
In the three floors, which span between the 70th and 73rd floors at heights of 315 feet to 335 feet, you'll discover a giant mirrored ballroom, a glass floor, a balloon room and a restaurant and bar, and an outdoor terrace.
It's important to know that you can only walk upwards across the floors. Once you leave the 1st floor, there is no turning back.
Mirror Rooms (1st + 2nd floor)
The most expansive is the very first and partly the second observation floor, where you can experience the ethereal atmosphere of the giant hall of mirrors in 30,375 square feet.
We recommend spending extended time on the first, more expansive floor for better views of the city.
To get to the second floor, you have to go through the balloon room first and there is no way to get back to the first floor.
For me, the hall of mirrors is one of the most Instagrammable spots not only in New York, but in the world. I don't think I've experienced such a unique perspective in my travels.
We unfortunately visited SUMMIT OV in bad weather, but the thousands of mirrors still make the feeling of the views absolutely amazing.
Reflection (2nd floor)
In the next part you will find a small hall with an art installation and a view to the north.
You can also see part of the balloon room from outside.
Balloon Room (2nd floor)
The main attraction, where you will be transported back to your childhood years, awaits you on the 2nd floor.
The Balloon Room is called Affinity is filled with up to 200 floating silver balloons that reflect visitors and the city skyline.
Not only will the kids have fun in this interactive room, but I guarantee the adults will too, and it's one of the most photogenic places in the city!
Visiting time is limited to 15 minutes, but in reality no one checks.
Levitation and Unity (2nd floor)
In the next section, you can walk on the glass floor, with over 335 meters of depth underneath, but since this attraction is free, you have to be prepared for at least a 20-30 minute queue.
In an adjacent room, a large screen uses photos of guests taken upon entry to create a digital mosaic. It symbolizes that although the New York skyline is iconic, the real magic of the city lies in the people who live here and visit every day.
Outdoor Terrace and Restaurant (3rd floor)
The top floor contains a restaurant, bar and a small outdoor terrace, but like the indoor spaces, the view from this terrace is only through glass.
Before taking the elevator down, you can shop for trinkets in the very nice gift shop.
Bonus - toilets with a view
It's not just from the regular viewing rooms that you'll experience spectacular views of New York. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt almost certainly has the toilets with the best views in the whole world, too.
Judge for yourself!
Admission and opening hours
The observation deck is open daily until 10:00pm (this is the last time you can enter, it closes at 11:00pm). It opens at 8:00 am on weekdays and 9:00 am on weekends.
Pricing is simpler than, for example, The Edge - all weekdays are the same price, weekends are an additional 6 usd and all days are the same 12 usd for the time of the visit during sunset.
The price below is when ordering online (fee 3 usd) and with the final tax, which is quoted at the last step.
Online booking is essential especially if you want to visit the viewpoint during sunset - ideally book at least 3 days in advance.
Book your tickets on the official summitov.com website.
It is not necessary to book tickets at other times of the day - large queues do not usually form.
| Working days - day/night | 51,18 usd |
| Working days - sunset | 64,24 usd |
| Weekends - day/night | 57,71 usd |
| Weekends - sunset | 70,77 usd |
Only children up to 12 years old get a discount of approx. 10%.
At the entrance before you get on the lift you will receive free leg warmers and a shoe bag. You can't wear shoes in the entire viewing area because of the mirrors that cover the entire floor.
Hotels in the vicinity
The area around the One Vanderbilt skyscraper is ideal due to its strategic location near Grand Central Terminal.
There are several large and mostly luxury hotels in the area, but with relatively average prices (by New York standards).
- Hyatt Grand Central New York **** - One of the largest hotels in Manhattan
- Andaz 5t Avenue - top modern and luxurious hotel across from the Public Library
There is no hotel directly in the One Vanderbilt skyscraper.
Read our reviews of the hotels we've stayed at in New York!
How to get there?
The Edge skyscraper is located in a part of Manhattan called Midtown in Hudson Yards. Within a 15-minute walk, you can walk to places like the Intrepid Museum and the High Line Park.
Nearest subway station
- Grand Central-42 St (approx. 50 meters) - Green Line 4, 5, 6
- direction Union Square, Flatiron Building, Brooklyn Bridge (Manhattan side), Wall Street, Central Brooklyn
- Grand Central-42 St (approx. 50 metres) - purple line 7
The M42 bus line also runs along 42nd Street just before the entrance to the overlook.
Read our experiences of subway travel in New York City.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in New York.
Any questions left?
If you have any questions or comments about the article...
