Summit One Vanderbilt vs Empire State Building

Summit One Vanderbilt and the Empire State Building are two of the most prominent sites in New York City. 

The Summit and Empire State Building have much to compete on, from grandeur, architecture, and features to modern immersive exhibits. 

Located in different parts of Manhattan, they offer distinct scenery, perspective, and significance. 

Thinking about visiting Summit One Vanderbilt or the Empire State Building? 

Summit One Vanderbilt vs Empire State Building – This article will help you find the best observatory deck in NYC.

Summit One Vanderbilt vs Empire State Building – Our Recommendation

Here is a quick recommendation if you are short on time!

We suggest you visit both Summit One Vanderbilt and the Empire State Building.

While the Empire State Building is a historical symbol in the city, Summit One Vanderbilt is a modern and advanced addition.

The experiences they offer are unique and one-of-a-kind.

You can use the Summit + Empire State Building combination tickets and secure entry to both attractions.

The combo deal offers a 10% discount on individual entry tickets. Hence, you can visit both attractions without burning a hole in your pocket.

Summit One Vanderbilt and the Empire State Building are just 1.2 miles from each other, making visiting easy.

However, if you cannot visit both, here is a quick comparison to help you select the one that suits your preference.

Height Of Observation Decks

Summit One Vanderbilt is taller than the Empire State Building.

Observatory decks at Summit One Vanderbilt are located on the 91st, 92nd and 93rd floors, reaching a height of 1200 feet (365 meters) to 1301 feet (396 meters).

From the 93rd floor, Ascent (a glass elevator) takes visitors to the best viewing point of the building at 1401 feet (427 meters).

The Empire State Building has two observatory decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.

The 86th floor lies at 1050 feet (320 meters) and the 102nd floor is 1250 feet (381 meters) tall.

Summit One Vanderbilt vs Empire State Building – Where Do You Get The Best View

Summit One Vanderbilt and the Empire State Building offer breathtaking views of New York City, but which provides the better idea? 

It comes down to personal preference.

Summit One Vanderbilt stands at 1,401 feet (427 meters), making it a higher vantage point than the Empire State Building.

It offers 360-degree views from the observation deck, which is located on the 91st to 93rd floor. 

The view from the observation deck is stunning, with unobstructed views of the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Hudson River, and the skyline of Manhattan. 

It is also one of the few buildings with an outdoor observation deck, which adds to the experience.

The Empire State Building stands 1,250 feet (381 meters) tall and offers an observation deck on its 86th floor. 

It offers a more traditional view of the city, with the surrounding buildings and landmarks visible. 

The views are slightly more obstructed, but the iconic Empire State Building is the show’s star.

So which one offers the best view? It is safe to say that Summit One Vanderbilt will offer a better idea than the Empire State Building.

Ticket Prices

Summit One Vanderbilt offers regular admission tickets for adults aged 13 to 99 years at $46.   

The price sinks for youth aged six to 12 years for $39 and free entry is available for kids up to five years of age. 

Empire State Building tickets are comparatively pricier than Summit One Vanderbilt. 

Regular admission to the Empire State Building is $48 for Adults, going down to $46 for senior citizens above 62 years and $41 for children aged six to 12. 

Infants up to the age of five years can visit for free.   

If you plan to visit both the observatory decks, we recommend you purchase tickets for the Summit One Vanderbilt + the Empire State Building.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of New York City from each of their observatory decks and experience the unique perspectives they both provide!

Empire State Building vs Summit One Vanderbilt – Observation Decks

Regarding iconic skyscrapers, the Empire State Building and Summit One Vanderbilt are two of the most iconic in the world. 

Both are located in the heart of New York City and have observation decks that offer stunning views of the city. 

But when choosing between the two observation decks, there is no contest: Summit One Vanderbilt is the clear winner.

First and foremost, Summit One Vanderbilt offers a much more modern and luxurious experience. 

The observation deck is on the top floor of the building, the tallest building in Midtown. 

From the deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city, including the Empire State Building, the Hudson River, and Central Park. 

The observation deck has floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and the elevator ride to the top is an experience with beautiful music and a light show.

In contrast, the Empire State Building’s observation deck is on the 86th floor and offers limited city views. 

The observation deck is also much more crowded, as thousands of visitors flock to the building daily. 

The elevator ride to the top is also much slower, and the experience is less luxurious than at Summit One Vanderbilt.

Furthermore, Summit One Vanderbilt offers a variety of amenities that the Empire State Building does not. 

For example, the observation deck at Summit One Vanderbilt has a bar and lounge where visitors can purchase drinks and snacks. 

There is also a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and a cafe to get a quick bite. 

In addition, a VR experience allows visitors to explore the city in a completely immersive way.

In conclusion, Summit One Vanderbilt is the clear winner regarding observation decks. 

Its modern, luxurious experience and incredible city views make it much better than the Empire State Building’s observation deck.

Features Of The Buildings

The debate between Summit One Vanderbilt and the Empire State Building as to which skyscraper has the best features is a heated one. 

Both towers have advantages and disadvantages, but when it comes to features, Summit One Vanderbilt is in a league of its own.

Features of Summit One Vanderbilt

Summit One Vanderbilt is a new luxury development in the heart of Manhattan’s Midtown East neighborhood. 

The building is 1,401 feet tall, making it the tallest in Midtown and second in the entire city. 

One of the most impressive features of Summit One Vanderbilt is its two-story observation deck, offering stunning views of the city from 1,000 feet above the ground. 

The 91st and 92nd levels of One Vanderbilt provide tourists with the most immersive observatory experience ever. 

Crafted with technology and creativity, the AIR consists of five components: Transcendence 1, Transcendence 2, Affinity, Levitation, and Unity. 

These regions of Summit One Vanderbilt are one of a kind and no observatory deck could compete. 

To take the experience to a different level of thrill, Ascent, the outdoor elevator, takes the visitors to the highest point of the building at 1401 feet. 

On the upper levels, several sky lounges and terraces, along with a Michelin star-run restaurant – Apres, provide stunning city views. 

Summit One Vanderbilt also features several amenities for residents, including a private fitness center, a spa, and a rooftop pool. 

Features Of The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It was designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and completed in 1931. 

The ESB stands at a height of 1,454 feet (443 meters).

The Empire State Building features a terraced crown, a series of north and south faces setbacks and a flat top with a stepped pyramid-like design. 

The building features two observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors, offering incredible city views.

The Empire State Building has various amenities, including an Art Deco lobby, a shopping mall featuring over 100 stores, and a virtual city tour of New York Skyride. 

It is also home to the world’s first high-speed elevators, reaching 1,200 feet per minute.

Overall, Summit One Vanderbilt is an impressive structure with several features that make it superior to the Empire State Building. 

From its contemporary design to its sustainable construction, it is a building sure to impress. 

Its luxurious amenities and stunning views make it the perfect choice for anyone looking for an iconic New York City experience.

Location

For visitors looking to experience the best of New York City, Summit One Vanderbilt and the Empire State Building offer two distinct experiences. 

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

The entrance is located on the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal.

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

The Empire State Building stands so big that it has its own zip code.

Opening Hours of the Observation Decks

No matter the time of day, Summit One Vanderbilt and the Empire State Building are available for visitor exploration. 

Summit One Vanderbilt is open daily from 9 am to 12 am, with the last entry at 11 pm.

The Empire State Building is open from 10 am to 9 pm, with the last elevator leaving at 8.15 pm. 

Each skyscraper offers a different experience, so visitors can choose which one they’d like to explore based on their schedule and preference.

Note:
Summit One Vanderbilt tickets and Empire State Building tickets are timed and difficult to reschedule.

We suggest you visit the observation decks during the initial hours for less crowd and before sunset to enjoy the best views.

Hence, visitors should plan their visit accordingly.

If you plan to visit both the observatory decks, we recommend you purchase tickets for the Summit One Vanderbilt + the Empire State Building.

Expected Crowd

The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. 

But, a new challenger has arisen, poised to overtake the Empire State Building in terms of crowds and popularity. 

That challenger is Summit One Vanderbilt, a 1,401-foot-tall skyscraper in New York City.

Compared to the 1,250-foot-tall Empire State Building, Summit One Vanderbilt is taller and more modern, boasting many amenities.

This additional space and its striking architecture will likely bring in more people than the Empire State Building.

The observation deck of Summit One Vanderbilt will likely be a significant attraction, providing an unparalleled 360-degree view of New York City. 

This, combined with the restaurant and event space, will make it a popular destination for tourists and locals.

The Empire State Building, while still a popular attraction, is not as modern or as accessible as Summit One Vanderbilt. 

The Empire State Building observation deck is on the 86th floor, while Summit One Vanderbilt’s is on the top floor, making it more easily accessible. 

Given its superior amenities and location, Summit One Vanderbilt will likely draw a larger crowd than the Empire State Building.

If you plan to visit NYC and are confused between Summit One Vanderbilt and the other observatory decks, we have you covered. Find out more from:

Summit One Vanderbilt vs Top of the Rock
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Featured Image: Summitov.com