Part observation deck, part immersive art installation: 1,100 feet above Grand Central, with mirrored rooms, glass-floor ledges and the best-designed view in Midtown.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is the observation experience at the top of One Vanderbilt, the tower that rises directly beside Grand Central Terminal. It is not a traditional deck. The multi-level experience begins with Air, a set of mirrored, glass-walled rooms by artist Kenzo Digital where the floor, ceiling and walls reflect the skyline until Midtown appears to repeat in every direction. From there you move through Affinity, a room filled with floating silver spheres, and Levitation, glass boxes that cantilever out over 42nd Street with nothing but glass under your shoes. Ascent, the exterior glass elevator that climbs the outside of the building to 1,200 feet, is a separate add-on ticket. Because the tower sits east of Fifth Avenue, the views frame the Chrysler Building and the East River on one side and the Empire State Building on the other, which is why photographers rate it above the higher decks further west. Book a timed slot in advance; sunset slots sell out first and cost the most. Socks are provided for the mirrored galleries, and mirrored floors mean it is worth thinking about what you wear.
The story behind SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
One Vanderbilt Avenue, entered from the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal at 45 E 42nd Street. Tickets are timed and sold by slot. As listed on SUMMIT's site, the SUMMIT Experience starts at $44 ($39 for NYC and Long Island residents); SUMMIT Experience + Ascent, the exterior glass elevator, starts at $68 ($63 resident); and the Premium Experience is $149. Prices vary by time slot, so confirm the current rate at checkout before you book.
It is the only NYC viewpoint that treats the skyline as an art medium rather than a backdrop. The mirrored Air galleries genuinely surprise people who think they have seen every version of this city from above.
— The 7Days7Nights editors
Don't miss these.
- 1Mirrored, floor-to-ceiling Air galleries by Kenzo Digital
- 2Levitation glass ledges cantilevered over 42nd Street
- 31,100 ft views framing the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings
- 4Ascent exterior glass elevator as an add-on
- 5Direct access from Grand Central Terminal
Plan your visit.
Reservations
Online timed tickets save time — sunset slots sell out first.
Best time to visit
Late afternoon into sunset, booked in advance
Nearest subway
Grand Central–42 St (4, 5, 6, 7, S)
Hours
Sun, Mon and Wed–Sat 8 AM–midnight. Closed Tuesdays. Last entry 10:30 PM. Timed entry — slots vary by date.
Seasonal note
Great year-round, with a different feel each season.
Insider tip
Go on a weekday afternoon to skip the lines and get the best photos.
Price range
Expect $$$ pricing. Budget accordingly and check the website for the latest.
Who this is for.
On the map.
Subway: Grand Central–42 St (4, 5, 6, 7, S)
A closer look.
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