New York City, the metropolis that never sleeps, is renowned for its skyline. The city offers numerous vantage points to admire its architectural splendor, from the Empire State Building to the One World Observatory.
However, a relatively new gem entered the scene in 2021 – Summit One Vanderbilt. Situated atop the tallest commercial skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, this observation deck offers an incredible experience for visitors whether it’s your first time in the city or 50th.
Getting There
At 45 East 42nd Street, adjacent to Grand Central Terminal, reaching Summit One Vanderbilt is incredibly convenient. Whether you’re traveling by subway, train, or bus, Grand Central serves as a major transit hub, making your journey hassle-free.
The Ascent
When you arrive you will go through security and then view a quick video that gives the history of the building and the intent behind its construction. Because the floors of the observation space are mirrors, booties are provided as are sunglasses if you’re visiting during the day. The anticipation builds as you board the high-speed elevators. The ascent is an experience, with dynamic lighting and projections that give you a sense of ascending through the clouds. In less than a minute, I was transported to the top, eager to see the view.
If you have issues with flashing lights the team can co-ordinate an ascent for you that does not have these elements.
The Observation Decks
Transcendence
Stepping out onto the main observation deck, aptly named “Transcendence,” is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of New York City’s iconic landmarks. From the Chrysler Building’s Art Deco elegance to the sprawling expanse of Central Park, the city’s grandeur unfolds before you.
As you make your way through the spaces you can see the city from all sides.
Reflect and Levitation
Two unique experiences await beyond the main deck. “Reflect” features a mirrored space that multiplies the cityscape infinitely, creating a surreal and mind-bending environment. “Levitation” takes the thrill up a notch with transparent glass sky boxes that jut out from the building, allowing you to look straight down 1,100 feet to the streets below.
Affinity
This space was a favorite for our entire family. The mirrored room is filled with silver balloons.
Strategically placed fans help them move around the room creating the illusion of bubbles floating in the air. This room can get crowded but it’s a cool experience against the backdrop of the city. At night the colours in the room change to elevate the vibe.
Sky Lounge and Après
After soaking in the views and interactive displays, I headed to the Sky Lounge. This space offers a curated selection of cocktails and light bites. Sipping a Manhattan while overlooking Manhattan – it doesn’t get more quintessentially New York than that! The lounge also features Après, a seasonal culinary pop-up that offers quick bites with a view along with bottled water and other beverages you can grab quickly.
Tips For Visiting:
- Book in Advance: Summit One Vanderbilt is a popular attraction, so booking your tickets online in advance is recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
- Visit at Sunset: While the views are spectacular at any time of day, visiting during sunset offers a magical transition as the city lights come alive. This costs an extra $10 but it was worth the additional money to see the city move from day to night. We visited in the rain and it was still incredibly beautiful.
- Dress Comfortably: While the observation decks are indoors, parts of the experience, like the sky boxes, are exposed to the elements. Dressing in layers ensures comfort during your visit.
- Photography: Don’t forget your camera! The reflective surfaces and stunning vistas provide endless photo opportunities. There are a lot of people in the
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this experience offers a new perspective on the city, blending art, architecture, and adventure. My visit left me with a renewed appreciation for the city. We loved it so much that we did it in March during the day and then in May at sunset.
*Please note this post is not sponsored. We paid for our excursion(twice). Our opinions are our own.*
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