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Summit One Vanderbilt: What to Expect

ByLanie van der Horst Updated on

Are you thinking about going to Summit One Vanderbilt in New York City but aren’t really sure what to expect?

I started hearing about Summit One a few years ago. I had already been up the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock a few times each, and I wasn’t sure that I needed to go up another tall building in NYC.

Last year, during our visit to New York City, I had Summit One Vanderbilt on my just-in-case list. Just in case we were nearby or had spare time. I ended up trying to book on the day of, and the time slot we wanted was unavailable.

I would like to say that this time, I booked our tickets early, but that’s not true! After seeing them sell out of the time slots I wanted yet again, I booked for the next day.

Of course, depending on the time of year, you may need to book much further in advance. We visited Summit One mid-September on a weekday morning.

If you want to know what to expect when you enter the doors of Summit One, keep reading.

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Booking Tickets

You must book your tickets in advance to visit Summit One, and time slots do sell out.

There are 3 ticket options to choose from. The basic package (which is what we got) includes experiencing all the rooms in Summit One. You also have access to the restaurant and bar.

The signature experience includes a drink at the bar, plus the basic package. This is best if you plan to stay for a drink, as it is discounted.

Summit Ascent is the most expensive package and includes a ride on a 12-story glass elevator, plus the basic package. It does not include a drink.

Timed tickets are available on the Summit One website as well as Get Your Guide, Viator, and Klook. The benefit of not using the official website is that third-party websites offer free cancellation 24 hours in advance.

Book Your Tickets to Summit One Now!

Getting to Summit One Vanderbilt

Summit One Vanderbilt is located next to Grand Central Station at 45 East 42nd Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue.

The closest subway is the 4, 5, 6, or 7 to Grand Central Station. You can also take the B, D, F, or M to 42nd Street/Bryant Park, or the N, R, Q, or W to 42nd Street/Times Square.

Entering Summit One

There are a few lines to go through before your tickets are scanned, but they must be out as they are looked at more than once.

Each guest receives a wristband with a QR code on it. At one point, you are asked how many people are in your party, and that number is written on one of the wristbands.

Bags are checked, and the line turns into a room where a short film is shown.

After the film, each person is handed shoe covers. Sunglasses can be taken from a rack if you did not bring your own.

It isn’t necessary, but if you want, you can take your photo for one of the later exhibits.

Then, you get in line to board an elevator that takes you to the 91st floor. The lights flash on and off as you travel up.

Each elevator takes about 10 people.

Transcendence

The first room on the 91st floor is called Transcendence. This is a room filled with mirrors. You can also see through the floor and ceiling.

As this is the first room and everyone is so excited, it is sometimes hard to get the photos you want. Know that you will see the same views on other floors.

Remember, of course, that Summit One is known for its views of New York City. It is fun to get mirror photos, but there are stunning views of the city as well.

We noticed people lying on the floor, and of course, my kids wanted to do that too. I felt better about it as everyone’s shoes are covered.

There are no time limits at Summit One. You are welcome to stay in each space as long as you’d like. Keep in mind, there is a Transcendence 2 later on.

Reflect

After leaving Transcendence, the next space is Reflect. Reflect is a bunch of oddly shaped silver mirrors on the ground.

It is not nearly as fun as Transcendence, and most people we saw walked right past. We stopped to check out the views.

Next to the silver mirrored pebbles is a replica of Summit One, along with information about the building.

Affinity Air

Everyone raced past Reflect to get to Affinity Air.

This is the only space with a suggested time limit posted, but that is just so the space doesn’t get too crowded.

Afinity Air is filled with silver balloons in different sizes. There are fans around the outside of the room.

While it is fun to play with the balloons, especially for kids, remember that Summit One is known for its views! Don’t forget to look outside.

My tip is to dress your kids in bright colors. It is a lot easier to find them in this space. My kids walked back and forth, and the room gets crowded at times.

Some balloons stay on the floor, and others drift to the ceiling. Watch out, I got hit in the head a few times.

Transcendence 2

When you leave Afinity Air, you take the escalator up to Transcendence 2.

This is a smaller version of Transcendence. There are more mirrors and less space.

Levitation

The first, and only, time you wait in line after entering Summit One is at Levitation.

Each group gets 30-45 seconds on the clear ground, depending on how many people are in their group.

Staff take your photo, and then you are free to spend the rest of your time taking photos.

They are strict about the time. A group in front of us was begging for another photo, and they said, “If you want more photos, go back in line.”

There are only 2 platforms, so it does take a while to get everyone through the line. Our line was about 10-15 minutes long.

Clouds

Remember the photo you took of your face downstairs?

Scan your QR code before entering Clouds, and you should see your face in a cloud within 30 seconds.

It didn’t work for us. We waited a few minutes and never saw ourselves.

When you leave Clouds, there is a sunglasses return, and you can take off your shoe covers.

Summit Bar

A restaurant and bar are located at the top of Summit One. If you pre-ordered a drink, you can get it here.

Apres is located on the 93rd floor and is a Nordic-style cafe with an indoor lounge and outdoor terrace.

You can order breakfast from Apres, as well as small plates, sandwiches, and snacks. Coffee, cocktails, beer, and wine are also available.

Food carts with hot dogs, pretzels, and other items are located on the terrace.

Be sure to walk around the terrace for more amazing New York City views. It was pretty empty when we visited, as everyone seemed to stop in the bar.

The Summit One Store

There are 2 stores with Summit One souvenirs, one near the bar and another in the lobby.

After you walk through the store, you take the elevator back down to the lobby and end your time at Summit One.

Summit One Wrap-Up

Summit One Vanderbilt is both a viewing platform and an interactive experience.

Yes, it does get crowded, but that is true of any of the viewing platforms in New York City. They are especially busy at sunset with people hoping to see the city from above during the day and at night.

Bring your patience, as there will be people who step in front of you for photos, even if there is a clear line. Remember that there are plenty of windows and angles on multiple floors, so you can get the perfect shot somewhere else.

Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance as they sell out.

Book Your Tickets to Summit One Now!

Summit One FAQ

How long does it take to walk through Summit One Vanderbilt?

Of course, it depends on the crowds and on how many photos you plan to take, but it generally takes 60-90 minutes to get through Summit One. Plan for longer if you opt to stay for a meal or a drink.

Is Summit One worth the money?

This is subjective, but for us, yes. Summit One not only offers beautiful views of NYC, but it is interactive and entertained us for a couple of hours. Plus, we got really fun pictures there.

Is Summit One better during the day or at night?

We went during the day. I feel like you can see more during the day, but I have seen photos at night, and they are stunning. I would go back at night, just not during the same trip.

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Lanie is the owner and author of Make More Adventures, a family travel blog that helps families make the most of their holidays. Lanie is an American living in Australia with her husband and 2 kids who love to travel almost as much as she does. When she is not traveling, working on her blog, or planning her next vacation, Lanie is watching Bravo, reading, or working with kids.

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