Once I heard about SUMMIT One Vanderbilt tickets from my sister who lives in Manhattan, I was so excited to check out the views! She said its the best views of the city and we lucked out in December 2023 to visit on the clearest of days! Below are all the tips and photos from our visit with 3 generations, my daughter, mother and sister in law and local New Yorker sister.
Table of Contents:
- Tickets
- 5 Tips Before You Go
- Parking/Subway/Train
- 7 Different Experiences/Rooms
- Note on who should not go
And a special thanks to Summit One Vanderbilt for the #gifted tickets!
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets
Getting tickets to Summit One Vanderbilt is straightforward and you can purchase either online or in person at their entrance in Grand Central Station.
Online Purchase
- Website Booking: The most convenient way to buy tickets is through the Summit One Vanderbilt official website. This ensures you get legitimate tickets and can choose your preferred time slot.
- Advance Booking: It's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance. Summit One Vanderbilt is popular, and time slots, especially during weekends and holidays, can fill up quickly.
Ticket Types
- Standard Admission: Offers access to the main attractions like The Ascent, The Summit Terrace, and The Levitation.
- VIP Experience: Usually includes skip-the-line privileges, access to a VIP lounge, and sometimes additional perks like a complimentary drink.
- Sunset Tickets: These are specifically for viewing the sunset from the summit. They're highly sought after and may be priced higher.
Pricing
- Varied Pricing: Ticket prices can vary based on the time of day, day of the week, and the type of ticket (standard, VIP, etc.). It can range from $40 to higher.
- Discounts: Look out for discounts for children, seniors, and sometimes for local residents. My in-laws got a few dollars off using their New York card!
5 Tips at SUMMIT NYC
Book Your Summit One Vanderbilt Tickets in Advance:
To avoid disappointment, it's best to purchase your tickets online ahead of time, especially during peak seasons or weekends.
Choose Your Visit Time Wisely:
Aim for a time slot during weekdays or early mornings to dodge the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
Dress Appropriately for Summit:
The summit can be windy, so bring a jacket. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking around and exploring. And highly recommend pants as the floors are mirror!
Consider the Sunset Time Slot:
For a truly magical experience, book your visit around sunset. The changing colors of the sky make for an unforgettable view. We didn't get a chance to do this on this visit but it's on the bucket list for a date night with my husband!
Check the Wait Time at the Summit Levitation:
We ended up skipping the Levitation experience because the wait was a longer than we had time for. Thankfully, they tell you how many minutes they estimate based on how long the line is! The Levitation are the glass boxes that jut out from the building. We really liked standing by the glass wall in the main room and feeling that "wow" feeling so felt we could skip the Levitation.
Getting to Summit One Vanderbilt - Parking, Subway and Train
By Car
- Address: Summit One Vanderbilt is located at 45 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017.
- Parking: There is no dedicated parking for Summit One Vanderbilt, but several paid parking garages are available in the vicinity. We used Park Whiz and thankfully my mother in law braved the traffic for us!
- Traffic Considerations: Traffic in Manhattan can be heavy, especially during peak hours, so plan for some extra travel time.
By Train
- Grand Central Terminal: One of the most convenient ways to reach Summit One Vanderbilt is by train to Grand Central Terminal. The building is directly adjacent to this major transit hub.
- Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), Metro-North, and NJ Transit: These lines all serve Grand Central Terminal, making it a convenient option for those coming from outside of New York City.
By Subway
- Closest Subway Stations: The closest subway station is Grand Central-42nd Street, served by the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S (Shuttle) lines.
- Walking to Summit One Vanderbilt: Once you exit Grand Central Terminal, Summit One Vanderbilt is just a short walk away, accessible from multiple entrances around the terminal.
The 7 Different Rooms/Experiences at Summit
What we loved about our visit to Summit One Vanderbilt was the variety of experiences and unique rooms. You can see examples on their website here.
- The Summit Terrace: An open-air terrace that provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of New York City. It's the perfect spot for taking in the skyline and snapping picturesque photos.
- The Levitation: These glass sky boxes jut out from the building, allowing visitors to step out into the air above Madison Avenue. It’s both exhilarating and a bit nerve-wracking!
- The Reflection Room: A mirrored art installation that creates a mesmerizing, infinite view of the city and sky. It's a surreal and captivating space that plays with your perception.
- The Affinity Room: Filled with interactive, touch-responsive lights, this room offers a playful and visually stunning experience. It’s especially popular with families and children. - My daughter's favorite!
- The Prism Room: An immersive art installation that uses light and color to create a transformative experience. Walking through this room is like stepping into a different, vibrant world. - My personal favorite!
- The Lounge and Bar Area: After the sensory delights, visitors can relax in the lounge area. It offers refreshments and a serene space to unwind, with a spectacular view, of course.
- The Ascent: This glass elevator ride is an absolute thrill. Encased in transparent walls, it lifts you up to over 1,000 feet, offering a stunning, panoramic view of the city.
Each of these rooms and experiences at Summit One Vanderbilt combines art, technology, and architecture to create a space that's not just about viewing the city, but feeling a part of it in an entirely new way.
Considerations on who might not enjoy Summit
Our whole family loved Summit One Vanderbilt but when I was there it was clear it might offers an extraordinary experience, but it's important to consider that it might suitable for everyone and I just wanted to give a heads up.
- Young Children: The sensory overload from bright lights and the height might be overwhelming for little kids. The glass elevator and sky boxes could also be frightening for children afraid of heights. *Note: we had a great time and did not ride the glass elevator or sky boxes.
- Individuals with Sensory Processing Issues: The use of strobe lights in the elevator and the dark, enclosed spaces might be challenging for those with sensory sensitivities. The varying light intensities and reflections could cause discomfort.
- People with Vertigo or Fear of Heights: The glass elevator and sky boxes extend over the city, which can be dizzying for those with vertigo or a fear of heights.
Check out more New York City with Kids Blog posts here!
