Summit One Vanderbilt vs Empire State Building

New York City’s skyline is iconic and incomplete without the famous Empire State Building and the latest Summit One Vanderbilt. 

These towering structures offer breathtaking views of the city.

Each building has a rich history and unique architecture that makes them must-visit attractions. 

This article will compare and contrast these two skyscrapers to help you decide which one to visit. 

From the height and observation decks to the history and cultural significance, we will explore all the factors that make these buildings so unique. 

Visit both observation decks

Both Summit One Vanderbilt and Empire State Building offer the best viewing experience. 

Empire State Building is essential to New York history and completes the NYC skyline. 

On the other hand, Summit One Vanderbilt is the latest addition to the skyline and offers the city’s best views of all iconic sights. 

Both decks offer incredible views and an unforgettable yet unique experience. 

Hence, we suggest you visit both the observation deck if time permits. 

The Summit One Vanderbilt and Empire State Building Combo ticket offers the right opportunity to visit both attractions at a discounted price. 

Location

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and the Empire State Building are in New York City’s heart.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is located at 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA. 

The Empire State Building, on the other hand, lies at 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001, USA. 

Fun Fact: The Empire State Building is huge and has its own zip code.

Ticket Prices

Summit One Vanderbilt offers adult admission tickets for individuals aged 13 to 99 years for $52. 

The price decreases for youth aged 6 to 12 years, with tickets available for $46, and children up to 5 years of age can enter for free.

The tickets for the Empire State Building are relatively more expensive than those for Summit One Vanderbilt. 

Regular admission for adults to the Empire State Building is $49, while senior citizens aged 62 to 99 years can enter for $47. 

Children aged 6 to 12 have a ticket price of $42 and infants up to 5 years old can visit for free.

If you plan to visit both observation decks, purchasing a combo ticket Summit One Vanderbilt + Empire State Building is recommended. 

This way, you can enjoy the awe-inspiring views of New York City from each deck and experience the unique perspectives they both offer.

Opening hours

Summit One Vanderbilt is open from 9 am to 12 am.

The Empire State Building is open from 10 am to 9 pm. 

Observation Deck	Opening Hours	Last Entry
Summit One Vanderbilt	9 am to 12 am	11 pm
Empire State Building	10 am to 9 pm	8.15 pm

The late closing time of Summit One Vanderbilt lets visitors have a private and romantic experience at night. 

This is also the perfect time to view the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and the entire NYC glow in the dark. 

Features

Here, we dive into a head-to-head comparison of the unique features of both structures. 

From observation decks offering breathtaking views to integrating green spaces each building brings its distinct flavor to the table.

Features of Summit One Vanderbilt

Summit One Vanderbilt is a modern skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. 

Completed in 2020, it stands as one of the city’s newest and most innovative architectural marvels at 1,401 feet (427 meters).

Summit One Vanderbilt showcases a sleek and contemporary design. 

Its façade consists of a glass curtain wall with vertical folds, creating a dynamic and striking appearance.

The building features an impressive observation deck called The Summit on the 91st floor.

The Summit offers panoramic city views, including iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Central Park. 

Additionally, Summit One Vanderbilt showcases the most innovative art exhibition. 

Set up by Kenzo Digital, the art exhibition is immersive and one of a kind, that you can not find in other observation decks. 

Features of the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building, an iconic symbol of New York City, is renowned for its architectural grandeur and historical significance.

Standing at a staggering height of 1,454 feet (443.2 meters), ESB was the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years. 

The building’s distinctive Art Deco style sets it apart from its surroundings. 

Its sleek lines, geometric motifs, and intricate detailing showcase the elegance and glamour of the era.

The Empire State Building offers two observation decks that provide breathtaking panoramic views of New York City. 

The 86th-floor observation deck, the Main Deck, offers a 360-degree view of the cityscape and iconic landmarks. 

The 102nd-floor observation deck is known as the Top Deck.

It offers a more intimate viewing experience and allows visitors to see the city from even greater heights.

The Empire State Building is renowned for its vibrant and ever-changing lighting displays.

The lighting system can produce various colors, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that captivates locals and visitors alike.

The Empire State Building’s distinctive silhouette has made it a beloved film and pop culture icon. 

It continues to be featured in movies, TV shows, and music videos, solidifying its status as an enduring symbol of New York City.

Observation decks

The Empire State Building and Summit One Vanderbilt are among the most iconic observatory decks worldwide. 

Both situated in the bustling heart of New York City, they offer observation decks that provide stunning city vistas. 

However, the superiority of Summit One Vanderbilt’s observation deck is undeniable.

Situated on the top floor of the tallest building in Midtown, the Summit observation deck provides panoramic views of the Empire State Building, the Hudson River, etc.

The elevator ride to the top is accompanied by delightful music and a captivating light show.

On the other hand, the Empire State Building’s observation deck, located on the 86th floor, offers limited city views. 

Moreover, the deck is often crowded with thousands of visitors due to its immense popularity. 

Additionally, Summit One Vanderbilt boasts a range of amenities compared to the Empire State Building. 

For instance, the observation deck at Summit One Vanderbilt features a bar and lounge where visitors can indulge in refreshing drinks and snacks. 

Still cannot choose Summit One Vanderbilt vs Empire State Building? See them both!

Summit One Vanderbilt vs Empire State Building – where do you get the best view

Both skyscrapers offer observation decks that provide unique perspectives of the city, but which is better; Summit One Vanderbilt vs Empire State Building?

With its modern design and impressive height, Summit One Vanderbilt offers a top-floor observation deck that gives visitors panoramic cityscape views. 

From Summit, enjoy iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, the Hudson River and Central Park. 

The deck’s floor-to-ceiling glass walls provide an unobstructed sightline, allowing for an immersive and awe-inspiring experience. 

The elevator ride to the top is enhanced with beautiful music and a captivating light show, adding to the allure.

On the other hand, the Empire State Building, a timeless symbol of New York City, features an observation deck on its 86th floor. 

While the views may not be as expansive as those from Summit One Vanderbilt, the Empire State Building offers its own unique charm. 

From this vantage point, you can marvel at the city’s bustling streets, the lights of Times Square and the sprawling urban landscape. 

If you desire a modern and luxurious setting with breathtaking panoramic views, Summit One Vanderbilt may be the ideal choice. 

If you value the historical significance and iconic status of the Empire State Building and its classic views, then its observation deck may be more appealing.

Final Verdict – Summit One Vanderbilt or Empire State Building

The Summit One Vanderbilt, a towering skyscraper reaching 1,401 feet in height, is located in New York City and attracts larger crowds.

The observation deck at Summit One Vanderbilt provides visitors with an unparalleled 360-degree view of New York City. 

Alongside this remarkable vista, including a restaurant and event space further positions it as a sought-after destination for both tourists and locals alike.

The Empire State Building is a popular attraction but falls short in terms of modernity and accessibility compared to Summit One Vanderbilt. 

The Empire State Building’s observation deck is on the 86th floor, whereas Summit One Vanderbilt’s is on the top floor, making it more convenient to reach.

In conclusion, Summit One may attract large crowds due to various factors, but the Empire State Building remains one of NY’s most iconic structures.

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