As a New York native, I am not ashamed to admit that a part of me still lights up whenever a new spot comes to town. In the past few years, I must have scurried past the scaffolding near Grand Central a million times. Who would have known that the construction nearby would turn into NYC’s fourth tallest skyscraper? My best friend and I have an annual tradition to celebrate each other’s birthdays. This year, hers happened to fall on the opening weekend of The Summit, so there was no doubt that was where we were going. I am excited to share my Summit One Vanderbilt review, in hopes that you have a great experience too.
WHAT MAKES THE SUMMIT SPECIAL FROM OTHER OBSERVATION DECKS IN NYC?
I am not huge on observation decks because I find most to be overpriced, and packed with tourists. However, one obvious benefit is that The Summit is definitely the most modern. The experience has four total floors/sections, and each one has an artistic element to it. So in some ways, it is not just an observation deck, but also an interactive experience. The building is also taller than both the Empire State and Chrysler, so you will get a nice vantage point from above.
SUMMIT ONE VANDERBILT REVIEW: WHICH TICKET SHOULD YOU BUY?
First, if you are an NYC resident, be sure to select that at checkout for a $5 discount. I almost missed this part when I purchased mine. Next, you will have three ticket options: SUMMIT Experience, SUMMIT Ascent, and Ultimate SUMMIT. I purchased the SUMMIT Experience (which is basically the SUMMIT Ascent + Glass Elevator ride). This experience costs $20 more, and honestly, the elevator ride was okay for the additional cost. Had I known it would be a basic elevator ride shared with 8 other passengers, I probably would have just stuck with the SUMMIT Ascent, as you get to see all four floors anyways.
Timed Ticket Entry: You do need to purchase a ticket by time slot. However, there is no limit of when you need to leave by. Thus, I do not suggest paying extra for a sunset ticket ($10 more). If you arrive just an hour before sunset, you will catch the golden hour. It is prime time for photos, and you will get to view the sunset anyways. (Tip: I actually suggest arriving 90-mins before the sun sets) Given that I went during opening week, getting through the long lines and security meant I did not enter the exhibit until 30-mins past my timed entry.
HOW SHOULD YOU DRESS?
I know, you probably first heard about The Summit through one of your favorite travel bloggers, or influencers. Tour De Lust probably takes the cake for 23M+ views with her enchanting reel. For common folks like me though, I certainly did not come dressed in a red sweeping gown. In fact, we all were required to wear shoe covers, and heels are not allowed for potential damage to the flooring. Linking my outfit details below:
This four-floor experience can feel like quite a trek by the end of it, so I would suggest wearing something comfortable (and stylish!) that you would want to take photos in. Note: Shoe covers are required, but I did sneak in a few shots where I stood in place without them. Just make sure you don’t walk around with your bare shoes.
DOES THE SUMMIT FEEL TOO TOURISTY?
This question is for all the hard-core New Yorkers who are afraid of being judged for touring their own city (joking). As I said in the beginning, I am not ashamed for exploring the place I love and grew up in. But I get it, you might be nervous to splurge on an experience that feels tacky or overdone.
My honest impression is that The Summit was pretty impressive. Aside from the breathtaking views of NYC, you do get to experience some artwork within it as well. For example, I was definitely pleasantly surprised to see some of Yayoi Kusama’s work in the mirrored sculpture room. This spot will certainly draw a large tourist crowd, but the exhibits are large enough to have a space to enjoy to yourself.
Hope you appreciated this honest Summit One Vanderbilt review, and if you ever visit NYC, I hope this spot is on your list of places to explore one day.
