Summit One Vanderbilt vs One World Observatory?

One Vanderbilt and the One World Observatory are two of the most iconic observation decks in the world. 

Both offer spectacular views of New York City and its surrounding area, but they each offer a unique experience that makes them worth visiting. 

From the modern marvel of One Vanderbilt to the stunning views from the top of One World Observatory, here is a comparison of the two observation decks.

This article compares Summit One Vanderbilt and One World Observatory to find the best observatory in New York. 

Summit One Vanderbilt vs One World Observatory – Our Recommendation

Here is a quick recommendation if the comparison is too long to read or you are short on time!

We suggest you visit both Summit One Vanderbilt and One World Observatory.

While Summit One is the latest observatory deck and offers a technologically powered viewing experience, One World Observatory holds historical importance.

Located on the famous One World Trade Center, the site of the 9/11 attack, One World Observatory offers a look into the making of New York City.

If you have time and money, visit both the observatory deck.

If you cannot make it to both of them, choose the one that suits your preference.

Summit One Vanderbilt is the perfect viewing spot to see all the iconic structures and enjoy the sights of NYC.

One World Observatory is a better option if you prefer visiting historical sites, including the 9/11 memorial.

If you are still confused about which observatory deck to visit, here is a quick comparison.

Summit One Vanderbilt vs One World Observatory – Where Do You Get The Best Views

Summit One Vanderbilt observation deck offers panoramic views of the city from a well-crafted glass observatory deck. 

From its perch atop the world’s tallest building, visitors can see all five boroughs of New York City, as well as the Hudson and East Rivers and even the Atlantic Ocean. 

The observation deck also offers interactive experiences, such as audio-guided tours, virtual reality and augmented reality.

In comparison, One World Observatory offers a similar view but from a lower vantage point. 

The observation deck is at the top of the iconic One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. 

Visitors can see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the entire Manhattan skyline and parts of New Jersey and Brooklyn.

While both observation decks offer spectacular views, Summit One Vanderbilt is the clear winner when it comes to the best view. 

It is located at the top of the tallest building in the world and provides a much wider view of the city. 

From the deck, you can see the Manhattan skyline, all five boroughs, the Hudson and East Rivers and the Atlantic Ocean. 

Plus, the interactive experiences offered at Summit One Vanderbilt add an extra layer of fun and excitement to the experience.

Ticket Prices

Summit One Vanderbilt regular admission tickets for visitors over 13 years costs $46.   

The price sinks for youth aged six to 12 years for $36 and entry is free for kids up to five. 

One World Observatory ticket costs a little less than Summit One Vanderbilt tickets. 

Regular admission to the One World Observatory is $44 for adults aged 13 to 64 years, going down to $42 for senior citizens over 65 years and $38 for youth aged six to 12 years. 

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

For those looking to take in the stunning views of New York City, we recommend purchasing tickets for Summit One Vanderbilt and the One World Observatory.

This way, you can enjoy the unique perspectives each of their observatory decks offers and be amazed by the breathtaking scenery from both.

Observation Decks of Summit and One World Observatory

Summit One Vanderbilt is a new observation deck on the roof of the iconic Vanderbilt skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. 

With incredible 360-degree views of the city skyline, this observation deck is the perfect destination for tourists and locals alike.

The Summit One Vanderbilt experience starts with the sleek interior design of the observation deck itself. 

At 1200 feet, the deck is encircled by glass walls that provide an unobstructed view of the skyline in all directions. 

The lobby also includes a café, lounge and retail space, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view. 

The highlight of the Summit experience is the Ascent, the elevator that takes visitors 1401 feet above ground level to watch the city. 

On a clear day, visitors can see as far as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park and the Empire State Building. 

The top of the deck also features a bar and restaurant, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious food and drinks while taking in the view.

In contrast, the One World Observatory Observation Deck is located on the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors of the One World Trade Center. 

The observation deck is only an indoor viewing area and offers no interactive experiences. 

Additionally, the views from the observation deck are not quite as impressive as those from Summit One Vanderbilt, as the One World Observatory is only 1,250 feet tall.

Regarding observation decks, Summit One Vanderbilt is clearly the winner. 

Its modern interior design, expansive views and top-notch dining and bar options make it an unparalleled experience. 

Summit One Vanderbilt vs One World Observatory – Features

When choosing the perfect observation deck, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. 

The Summit One Vanderbilt and the One World Observatory have unique features, so deciding which one is right for you is important. 

Features of Summit One Vanderbilt

The Summit One Vanderbilt is the tallest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere and provides breathtaking views of New York City and beyond. 

Its 360-degree outdoor terrace offers panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline and the Hudson and East Rivers. 

Summit One Vanderbilt is equipped with cutting-edge technology to offer the best experience to all its visitors. 

Digital spaces created by Kenzo called AIR stun visitors with marvelous spaces like Reflect, Affinity, Unity and Levitation.

The three levels of the Summit from the 91st to the 93rd floor include observatory decks (Transcendence 1, Transcendence 2) and a terrace space. 

Inside the building, visitors can find a selection of restaurants and bars, as well as interactive exhibits and art installations. 

The observation deck also offers a variety of programs, such as yoga and meditation classes, stargazing nights and art tours.

Features of One World Observatory

The One World Observatory, on the other hand, is located at the top of the One World Trade Center. It offers spectacular views of the city from 100 stories up. 

The observatory features three floors of interactive exhibits and displays, allowing visitors to explore the city’s history, culture and architecture. 

It also offers the Sky Portal, a floor-to-ceiling virtual reality experience that allows visitors to explore the city virtually.

When choosing between these two observation decks, the Summit One Vanderbilt is the clear winner. 

Its 360-degree terrace provides unparalleled views of the city and its selection of restaurants, bars and interactive exhibits make it a great place to spend the day. 

The One World Observatory may be impressive but can’t compete with the Summit One Vanderbilt’s unparalleled views and unique experience.

Location

Experience the greatest cityscapes from two iconic towers- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and One World Observatory in New York City’s heart! 

One World Observatory is at 117 West St, New York, NY 10006, United States. 

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, on the other hand, is located at 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States. 

Opening hours

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

As for the One World Observatory, it is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. 

However, the last entry time to the Observatory will be one hour before the closing time. 

With extended opening hours, Summit One Vanderbilt lets visitors have more secluded, romantic visits at night.

Note: The Summit One Vanderbilt tickets and One World Observatory entry tickets are timed.

Hence, it is important to book your tickets online before you visit.

Expected Crowd At The Observation Decks

The Summit One Vanderbilt and One World Observatory are two of the most popular tourist destinations in New York City. 

Both attractions offer breathtaking views of the city and provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

 However, they also differ in terms of the expected crowd. 

The Summit One Vanderbilt is a new skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan. 

It is one of the city’s tallest buildings and offers incredible skyline views. 

The Summit One Vanderbilt is likely to attract a lot of tourists, as well as locals, who want to experience the building’s impressive views. 

On the other hand, One World Observatory is a popular destination for tourists but is not as suited for large crowds. 

The observation deck is much smaller than Summit One Vanderbilt and people have limited space to move around.

Summit One Vanderbilt vs One World Observatory FAQs

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:

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Featured Image: Wikipedia.org, Raul Pereira dos Santos / Getty Images