New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and is famous for its observation decks.
The NYC observation decks are the perfect location to marvel at the scenic and iconic city skyline decorated with endless attractions.
Two of the most popular observatory decks in the city are Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock.
Summit One Vanderbilt vs Top of the Rock – This article compares and contrasts these two observatory decks.
Summit One Vanderbilt or Top of the Rock – Our recommendation
Are you short on time and wish to decide which observatory deck to visit? Here is our recommendation.
Visit both Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock if time and money permit.
While Summit One is a new observation deck powered by cutting-edge technology, Top of the Rock on the Rockefeller Center is an important part of NYC’s history and skyline.
If you are short on time and want to visit only one of them, choose the deck that suits your preferences.
If you want to see all the iconic views of NYC, like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Hudson River, Manhattan, and Central Park, then Summit One Vanderbilt is the best choice.
It offers views from four observation decks on levels as tall as 1200 feet to 1401 feet up in the air.
In contrast, Top of the Rock is smaller and has observatory decks at 850 feet.
While you can see the Empire State Building and parts of New York City, the views are not as complete as those at Summit.
However, Top of the Rock has a rich history and serves as a symbol in NYC that every tourist should visit.
If you are still confused, here is a detailed comparison of Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock.
Ticket Prices
Summit One Vanderbilt offers regular admission tickets for adults aged 13 to 99 years at $49.
The price sinks for youth aged 6 to 12 years for $42 and free entry is available for kids up to 5.
Top of the Rock ticket prices are almost the same compared to Summit One Vanderbilt.
Regular admission to the TOR is $44 for adults aged 13 to 64 years, going down to $41 for senior citizens aged 62 to 99 years and $37 for youth aged 6 to 12.
Infants up to the age of 5 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 Top of the Rock.
This way, you can enjoy the unique perspectives each of their observatory decks offers and be amazed by the breathtaking scenery from both.
Height of observation decks
Summit One Vanderbilt is the tallest observation deck in NYC.
It has three levels of observatory decks starting from the 91st floor at 1200 feet.
Ascent, glass elevator takes visitors from the terrace (93rd floor) to the highest viewing point at 1401 feet.
Top of the Rock observation decks are located on floors 67, 69 and 70.
The 70th floor is 850 meters tall.
Summit One Vanderbilt vs Top Of the Rock – Where do you get the best view
There is no clear-cut answer when deciding between Summit One Vanderbilt and TOR.
Both offer stunning views of their cities and can be counted on to provide a memorable experience.
However, if you want the best tourist view, Summit One Vanderbilt is the clear winner.
Summit One Vanderbilt is the tallest building in New York City and offers some of the city’s most spectacular and breathtaking views.
From the Top of this 1,401-foot-tall skyscraper, you can see for miles in every direction.
To the south, you will be treated to panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, with the Freedom Tower, Empire State Building and One World Trade Center all in perspective.
To the east, you can see the Brooklyn Bridge; to the north, the Chrysler Building and Central Park are all in sight.
In contrast, Top of the Rock is a much smaller building, only 850 feet tall.
While it still offers excellent views of the Empire State Building and Central Park but is limited in scope, it cannot compare to what Summit One Vanderbilt offers.
In conclusion, Summit One Vanderbilt is undoubtedly the best choice for anyone looking for a fantastic view of a major city.
Its height and location allow for an unparalleled view of New York City and its iconic landmarks, making it a must-visit for any tourist.
Features of Summit One Vanderbilt
Summit One Vanderbilt is an iconic building in the heart of Manhattan that offers tourists a unique opportunity to experience the city from a new perspective.
The lobby is grand and stylish, while the outdoor terrace offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Summit is a unique site with cutting-edge technology that incorporates art and science into various digital spaces.
The two-story observation deck is filled with a marvelous space called AIR – that consists of five regions: Transcendence 1 and Transcendence 2, Reflect, Levitation, Unity, and Affinity.
The observation deck is also the perfect spot to take amazing photos of the city and surrounding areas.
For visitors who want to see NYC from the highest point ever, Ascent, the elevator takes them 1401 feet off the ground to the best vantage point in Manhattan.
Summit One Vanderbilt also features a variety of shops, restaurants and bars, as well as a movie theater and art galleries.
Features of Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock is a stunning observation deck in the heart of New York City, offering some of the best views in the city.
Top of the Rock welcomes visitors with its famous Swarvoski masterpiece – Joie, a 3-story chandelier.
More Swarvoski can be witnessed in Top of the Rock, including the Radiance Wall.
Returning to the Top of the Rock observatory, tour the Mezzanine Exhibit, famous Beam Walk and Breezeway room.
Guests can also tour the Channel Gardens and the Rink at Rockefeller Center or enjoy the Rainbow Room, Ribbon Sushi Bar and Brasserie Ruhlmann to satisfy their cravings.
Summit One Vanderbilt vs Top of the Rock – Features
When comparing the features of the observation deck, Summit One Vanderbilt is the clear winner.
It offers an immersive art experience and viewing opportunities that Top of the Rock does not offer.
On the other hand, Top of Rock offers a visual masterpiece of Swarovski and historical exhibits.
Location
As New York City continues to expand, two of its most impressive architectural feats are Summit One Vanderbilt and the Top of the Rock observation deck.
Each location offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and unique experiences for visitors.
Summit One Vanderbilt is at 45 E 42nd Street, steps from Grand Central Station.
Meanwhile, the Top of the Rock is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, just 0.7 miles from the One Vanderbilt building.
Located in close proximity, these observatory decks offer the best views of each other.
Opening hours
Summit One Vanderbilt is open from 9 am to 12 am, with the final entry at 11 pm.
The Top of the Rock is open from 9 am to 12 am, with the final entry at 11.10 pm.
Top of the Rock may also extend its hours depending on the time of year.
Note:
Summit One Vanderbilt tickets and Top of the Rock tickets are timed and difficult to reschedule.
Hence, we suggest you book your tickets online for the best visit.
Expected Crowd
Summit One Vanderbilt in New York City and Top of the Rock in New York City are popular tourist destinations.
Both offer stunning city skyline views, but the expected crowds at each location differ greatly.
Summit One Vanderbilt is a new observation deck that opened in 2020.
Since it is a unique destination, the expected crowd is usually smaller than you would see at the Top of the Rock.
However, the number of visitors can vary depending on the time of year and day.
Top of the Rock is located atop the iconic Rockefeller Center.
It offers a panoramic view of the city and is a popular spot for tourists and locals.
The observation deck is open to the public and is more established than Summit One Vanderbilt, so it usually draws large crowds.
The expected crowd can be large during peak times, such as holidays and weekends.
Both Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock NYC offer impressive views of the city, but the expected crowd at each location can vary depending on the time of year.
Summit One Vanderbilt is a newer destination, so crowds are typically smaller, while Top of the Rock is an established destination and usually draws large crowds.
Summit One Vanderbilt vs Top of the Rock – Final Verdict
Our recommendation is to visit both Summit and Top of the Rock.
If you want to visit one of them, the choice is based on your preference.
One Vanderbilt deck features expansive windows, allowing visitors to view the cityscape in all directions.
The deck is especially great for those who want to experience the city from a different angle and is perfect for sightseeing and photography.
The Top of the Rock observation deck is three levels and offers 360-degree views of Manhattan and beyond.
On a clear day, visitors can see for miles and view iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Central Park and the Hudson River.
Summit One Vanderbilt
An artistic and technologically aided observation deck.
Location: One Vanderbilt building, Mid-town Manhattan
Observation deck: 3 levels (91st to 93rd floor)
Height: 1301 feet (terrace)
Timing: 9 am to 12 am
View from the deck: Empire State Building, NYC skyline, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge.
Ticket price: $52/ Adult
Top of the Rock
Enjoy a 360° panoramic view of New York City
Location: Rockefeller Center, Mid-town Manhattan
Observation deck: 3 levels (67th, 69th and 70th floor)
Height: 850 feet (70th floor)
Timing: 9 am to 11 pm
View from the deck: Manhattan, NYC skyline, MET, Statue of Liberty, Downtown New York.
Ticket price: $52/ Adult
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 One World Observatory
Summit One Vanderbilt vs The Edge
Featured Image: Rockefellercenter.com, Summitov.com