Summit One Vanderbilt vs The Edge – Which is better?

Summit One Vanderbilt and The Edge are the latest observatory decks in New York City. 

With their sleek, modern design and luxurious amenities, they symbolize the city’s ever-expanding skyline. 

Both buildings portray the grandeur of art and technology, but each offers something slightly different. 

In this article, we’ll compare and contrast the two buildings so you can decide which one fits your needs better.

Summit One Vanderbilt vs the Edge – Our Recommendation

Summit One Vanderbilt or the Edge- Which observation deck to visit? 

We recommend you wish both the observatory decks. 

They offer a unique perspective of NYC and immersive experiences like art installations in Summit One and City Climd at Edge. 

However, if you can visit only one of them, the choice depends on what you wish to experience. 

If you want to experience NYC’s highest observation floor, head to the Edge. 

However, if you want the most immersive and once-in-a-lifetime experience, then Summit One Vanderbilt is your best choice. 

Wherever you decide to head, book your tickets online and save yourself from the pain of long queues.

Summit One Vanderbilt vs Edge – A Quick Overview

Ticket Prices

Summit One Vanderbilt tickets for visitors over 13 years cost $46.   

The price reduces to $39 for children between six and 12 years to 12 years and infants below five years get free entry. 

The Edge entry tickets are available for $41 for visitors aged between 13 and 61 years. 

Senior citizens and children get a discounted price of $45 and $35, respectively. 

Infants up to the age of five years enjoy free admission to both Summit One Vanderbilt and the Edge.  

Height of Observation Decks

Summit One Vanderbilt offers four observation deck levels reaching a height of 1401 feet (427 meters) from the ground level.

From Summit One Vanderbilt, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from its observatory deck 1,200 feet above street level.

Visitors can ascend higher with Ascent to 1401 feet (427 meters) to get a view of NYC that cannot be seen elsewhere. 

On the other hand, Edge NYC is located on the 100th floor of the 30 Hudson Yards and offers views from 1,100 feet (335 meters) up.

Both offer spectacular city views, but Summit One Vanderbilt has the advantage of its higher location, providing visitors with a more expansive perspective.

Summit One Vanderbilt vs The Edge – Where Do You Get The Best Views?

Summit One Vanderbilt and The Edge offer amazing city views, but there are some minor distinctions between them.

Summit One Vanderbilt offers a 360° view of the city.

 Visitors can take in the city skyline, the rivers, and Central Park from the observation deck. 

The view is awe-inspiring at night when the city is lit in a kaleidoscope of lights. 

The observation deck is also higher than The Edge NYC’s, providing a more expansive city perspective. 

Additionally, the observation deck offers interactive displays and educational experiences.

It consists of a virtual reality experience that takes visitors worldwide and a telescope that provides a simulated view of the city from any angle.

The Edge NYC is no less impressive, offering a unique city perspective from the 100th floor. 

However, its views are limited to the south, as the tower is located in the Hudson Yards and does not provide views of Central Park or the rivers. 

Additionally, its observation deck offers a different interactive experience than Summit One Vanderbilt.

Summit One Vanderbilt vs The Edge – One Vanderbilt offers the best view for visitors. 

With its higher observation deck, expansive view of the city, and interactive experience, Summit One Vanderbilt is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of New York City.

Features of Summit One Vanderbilt

Summit One Vanderbilt is the tallest building in the city, standing at 1,401 feet (427 meters) tall. 

This building offers visitors a chance to experience the city from the highest point through a state-of-the-art elevator experience called the Ascent. 

Guests enjoy the city’s beauty and amazing skyline from the two-story observation deck backed by the latest technology. 

The 93rd floor of the Summit features Levitation, a glass extension 1200 feet above the street level that lets you watch NYC buzz beneath your feet. 

The building has three restaurants, bars, and a retail concourse with various shops.

Features of The Edge NYC

The Edge is a new observation deck that recently opened in the city. 

It is located on the 100th floor of the iconic 30 Hudson Yards building and offers incredible city views. 

The deck also features a glass-floored balcony, which gives visitors a unique experience and a chance to look straight down at the cityscape below. 

The Edge also has a restaurant, a bar and a retail area with various shops.

Summit One Vanderbilt vs Edge – Which Has Better Features

Summit One Vanderbilt is the clear winner regarding the features offered.

The immersive art exhibits and unique vantage points make it stand out from the other observation deck.

Summit One Vanderbilt allows visitors to experience the city from the highest point possible, while The Edge offers an incredible experience with its glass-floored balcony. 

Both Summit One Vanderbilt and The Edge offer visitors a fantastic way to witness the city’s beauty, regardless of its features.  

Location

Explore the spectacular views of New York City from two of its most iconic towers – SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and The Edge NYC! 

The Edge NYC is located at 30 Hudson Yards, close to the Hudson River. 

On the other hand, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt lies at 45 E 42nd Street in midtown Manhattan. 

The two buildings are 1.7 miles from each other. 

Summit One Vanderbilt is ideally placed between the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center, allowing visitors to enjoy undisturbed views of both iconic sites. 

It is also near Chrysler Building, Bryant Park, East River and Grand Central Terminal. 

Opening Hours

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

This gives visitors ample time to explore the many attractions and activities that Summit One offers.

The Edge NYC is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, with the last elevator ride 50 minutes before closing. 

This gives visitors plenty of time to explore the thrilling activities that The Edge has to offer. 

Note:
Summit One Vanderbilt tickets and Edge tickets are timed and difficult to reschedule.

You should visit the observation decks during the initial hours for less crowd and for the best views during sunset.

Hence, visitors should plan their visit accordingly.

Expected Crowd

Summit One Vanderbilt and Edge NYC are two of the most famous skyscrapers in New York City. 

Both towers are expected to draw large crowds of visitors, with Summit One Vanderbilt being the tallest building in the city and the Edge NYC offering its unique views. 

Summit One Vanderbilt is projected to draw over 6 million visitors annually, while The Edge NYC is expected to draw over two million visitors annually.

Summit One Vanderbilt or Edge – Final Verdict

Summit One Vanderbilt and Edge are both fantastic observation decks.

They offer different experiences that are often hard to choose between.

We recommend you visit both the Summit and Edge if time and money permit.

If you can visit only one, choose the observation deck that matches your preference.

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 Empire State Building
Summit One Vanderbilt vs Top of the Rock
Summit One Vanderbilt vs One World Observatory

Featured Image: Summitov.com, CNTraveler.com