Thing to do
Top of the Rock
Three tiers of observation decks atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza give unobstructed views of Central Park and a front-on look at the Empire State Building.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
An immersive, mirror-lined observation experience at the top of One Vanderbilt, beside Grand Central Terminal, with glass-floored ledges and art installations.
At a glance
- Type
- Immersive observation deck
- Area
- Midtown East, New York, United States
- Opening
- Open daily · 08:00–00:00
- Official site
- summitov.com
Good to know
- Mirrored art installations
- Ascent glass lift
- Après bar and café
- Entrance via Grand Central
Why we recommend it
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt occupies the upper floors of One Vanderbilt, the slender skyscraper beside Grand Central Terminal, and it takes a different approach from the city's traditional observation decks. Rather than simply placing you behind glass, it surrounds the view with art installations: floors and ceilings lined with mirrors multiply the skyline in every direction, so the city seems to stretch beneath your feet and above your head at the same time.
The visit begins in the transit hall of Grand Central, where the SUMMIT entrance sits beneath Vanderbilt Avenue; it is not reached through the main lobby of One Vanderbilt. A lift takes you to the top, where you move through a sequence of rooms, some reflective and disorienting, others more playful, before reaching outdoor terraces with clear views of the Chrysler Building close by, the Empire State Building to the south-west and the rivers on either side. Après, the bar and café near the top, serves drinks and snacks, and the space is linked with chef Daniel Boulud for private events.
For an extra thrill, Ascent is an all-glass lift that climbs the outside of the building to a point above the main viewing levels. It is sold as an add-on and is not for anyone uneasy with heights. Lunchtime packages that include a bite to eat at Après are offered from time to time.
SUMMIT is open daily from 8am to midnight, with last entry at 10:30pm. Tickets are timed and should be booked online in advance, particularly around sunset. Because of the mirrored floors, many visitors choose trousers or shorts rather than skirts or dresses, and sunglasses help on bright days, as the reflections can be intense. Allow about an hour and a half to see everything without rushing. Accessibility information is published on the official site.
The location could hardly be easier. Grand Central serves the 4, 5, 6, 7 and S subway lines as well as Metro-North trains, so you can arrive without going outside. Combine the visit with a look at Grand Central's main concourse and its celestial ceiling, or walk a few blocks west along 42nd Street to the New York Public Library and Bryant Park.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt FAQs
How do you get into SUMMIT?
Through the Grand Central Terminal transit hall, under Vanderbilt Avenue. It is not accessible via the main lobby of One Vanderbilt.
What are the opening hours?
Daily from 8am to midnight, with last entry at 10:30pm.
What is Ascent?
An all-glass lift that climbs the outside of the building, sold as an add-on to the main ticket.
What should you wear?
Many visitors prefer trousers or shorts because of the mirrored floors, and sunglasses are useful on bright days.
Do you need to book in advance?
Yes. Entry is by timed ticket, best booked online, especially for sunset.
Is there food and drink?
Yes. Après, the bar and café near the top, serves drinks and light bites.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about an hour and a half.
Which subway lines serve SUMMIT?
Grand Central–42nd Street, on the 4, 5, 6, 7 and S lines, connects directly to the entrance.