Summit One Vanderbilt vs Top of the Rock?

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 will compare and contrast these two observatory decks.

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.

Summit One Vanderbilt vs Top of the Rock Features

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

The Summit One Vanderbilt and the Top of the Rock have unique features and advantages. 

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, the Rink at Rockefeller Center or enjoy the Rainbow Room, Ribbon Sushi Bar and Brasserie Ruhlmann to satisfy your cravings

Observation decks

Summit One Vanderbilt is the newest and most impressive observation deck in New York City, offering sweeping views of the skyline and beyond. 

The observation deck is on the Top of Vanderbilt Avenue, one of the city’s most iconic streets. 

The deck features expansive windows, allowing visitors to take in the views of the cityscape in all directions. 

The deck is especially great for those who want to experience the city from a different angle, as it offers a variety of tips for viewing the skyline. 

On a clear day, visitors can see across the Hudson River to New Jersey and catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty from the deck’s vantage point. 

With 360-degree views, Summit One Vanderbilt is ideal for photography and sightseeing.

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. 

It’s time to decide who the winner is!

Summit One Vanderbilt stands out for its modern design and wide range of views. 

The deck provides a much more private experience than Top of the Rock, as it is less crowded and more exclusive. 

Its more modern design and sleek look also appeal to tourists, who may be looking for a unique way to experience the city. 

While Top of the Rock offers spectacular views of the city skyline, Summit One Vanderbilt gives visitors an even more comprehensive experience.

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.

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 years of age. 

Top of the Rock ticket prices is 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 offer and be amazed by the breathtaking scenery from both.

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.

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