Summit One Vanderbilt vs Top of the Rock

By Harshitha Jagathiesh

Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock offer visitors breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.

However, they have their own unique features and experiences to offer. 

This article will delve into the highlights of Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock.

We will explore their architectural wonders, crowd dynamics, and visitor experience. 

Location

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

The Top of the Rock is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, just 0.7 miles from the One Vanderbilt building. 

Located in proximity, these offer the best views of each other and hence you should visit them both.

Ticket Prices

The Summit One Vanderbilt tickets cost $52 for adults aged 13 to 99 years. 

Youth aged 6 to 12 can enter at a discounted rate of $46, and children up to 5 years old can enjoy free entry.

Regular admission to Top of the Rock is $44 for adults aged 13 to 64. 

Senior citizens aged 62 to 99 can enter at a reduced rate of $41, while youth aged 6 to 12 years have a ticket price of $37. 

Infants up to 5 years old can also visit for free at the Top of the Rock.

For those seeking to soak in the mesmerizing views of New York City, we recommend purchasing tickets for both Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock. 

By doing so, you can fully experience the distinctive perspectives offered by each observatory deck and marvel at the awe-inspiring scenery from both vantage points.

Opening hours

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

The Top of the Rock is open from 9 am to 12 am. 

Observation DeckOpening HoursLast Entry
Summit One Vanderbilt9 am to 12 am11 pm
Top of the Rock9 am to 12 am11.10 pm

Summit One Vanderbilt vs Top of the Rock Features

Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock allow visitors to experience the city from breathtaking heights and capture stunning skyline views. 

This article will delve into the features and attractions of both Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock.

Learn more about their unique characteristics, architectural designs, and overall visitor experience. 

Features of Summit One Vanderbilt

Summit One Vanderbilt is a remarkable landmark in the heart of Manhattan.

It offers tourists a unique and captivating opportunity to view the city from a fresh perspective. 

What sets Summit One Vanderbilt apart is its integration of cutting-edge technology, art, and science, creating an immersive environment across various digital spaces. 

One of the highlights is the three-story observation deck, which features a great area known as AIR. 

AIR encompasses five distinct regions: Transcendence 1 and Transcendence 2, Reflect, Levitation, Unity, and Affinity. 

These spaces offer a mesmerizing blend of artistry and innovation, inviting visitors to explore and engage with their surroundings.

For those seeking an unparalleled aerial perspective of New York City, the Ascent experience awaits. 

Ascending 1401 feet in the elevator, visitors reach the highest point in Manhattan, offering an unparalleled vantage point.

Summit One Vanderbilt goes beyond observation decks and offers a dining experience on the 93rd floor. 

Features of the Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock is an impressive observation deck situated in the heart of New York City, providing unparalleled views of the cityscape. 

As you step into Top of the Rock, you are greeted by the renowned Swarovski masterpiece Joie, a magnificent 3-story chandelier. 

You’ll encounter more Swarovski elements throughout Top of the Rock, such as the stunning Radiance Wall.

Don’t miss the famous Beam Walk and the inviting Breezeway room, where you can pause and take in the atmosphere. 

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the Channel Gardens, visit the Rink at Rockefeller Center, etc.

Guests can indulge in delectable dining options such as the Rainbow Room, Ribbon Sushi Bar, and Brasserie Ruhlmann, satisfying all your cravings.

Top of the Rock promises breathtaking views and a captivating experience with its impressive Swarovski installations and enticing amenities. 

Observation decks

Summit One Vanderbilt, the newest and most remarkable observation deck in New York City, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the skyline and beyond. 

Situated atop Vanderbilt Avenue, the deck boasts expansive windows that allow visitors to soak in the cityscape from every angle. 

It is a haven for those seeking a fresh perspective, providing tips for optimal skyline viewing. 

On clear days, the deck offers glimpses across the Hudson River to New Jersey and even a view of the Statue of Liberty.

On the other hand, the Top of the Rock observation deck consists of three levels, granting visitors 360-degree views of Manhattan and its surroundings. 

On clear days, the vista extends for miles, showcasing iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Hudson River.

The Summit One deck offers a more intimate and exclusive experience than Top of the Rock, as it is less crowded and provides a sense of privacy. 

While Top of the Rock undoubtedly offers spectacular cityscape views, Summit One Vanderbilt takes the experience to the next level.

Summit One Vanderbilt vs. Top Of the Rock – where do you get the best view

Summit One Vanderbilt vs Top Of the Rock for the best view in New York City is a tough choice. 

Both observation decks offer stunning vistas, but there are factors to consider.

Summit One Vanderbilt offers sweeping views of the city skyline and beyond with its expansive windows and 360-degree views. 

Visitors can capture breathtaking photographs and take in the city’s beauty from a unique perspective. 

Top of the Rock, on the other hand, offers a three-level observation deck with 360-degree views of Manhattan and its iconic landmarks. 

You can witness the sprawling cityscape from here, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Hudson River. 

The deck provides a memorable experience, particularly on clear days when the view stretches for miles.

Summit One Vanderbilt stands out for its modern design, panoramic views, and exclusivity. 

On the other hand, Top of the Rock offers a classic and established experience with breathtaking vistas of Manhattan’s landmarks. 

Whichever option you choose, both Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock promise unforgettable views that showcase the beauty of New York City.

And if you cannot choose? Then you can simply do them both!

Expected Crowd

Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock in New York City are well-known tourist attractions that offer breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. 

However, the anticipated crowds at each location differ significantly.

Summit One Vanderbilt opened in 2020 and is a relatively new observation deck. 

As a result, it tends to attract smaller crowds compared to Top of the Rock. 

However, the number of visitors can vary depending on the season and the time of day.

Top of the Rock is atop the iconic Rockefeller Center and provides a panoramic view of the city. 

As an established attraction, Top of the Rock typically draws larger crowds.

The expected crowd can be substantial, particularly during peak times, such as holidays and weekends.

Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock NYC offer impressive city views, but the anticipated crowd size at each location can differ depending on the time of year.

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Harshita
About the author

Harshitha’s heart lies where greeny mountains meet stretches of beach. She believes getting lost is the best way to explore