For our evening activity in Manhattan, we decided to visit Summit One Vanderbilt. On previous trips, we opted for classics like the Empire State Building, but this time we wanted something newer and more immersive. And that’s exactly what we got — for better and worse.
Endless lines before the elevator ride
We chose a 5:30 PM entry slot to catch both the sunset and the transition into nighttime. We arrived around 5:25 PM and didn’t actually reach the top until 6:15 PM.
That meant 40–55 minutes of lines, broken into:
- Line to enter the building
- Line for security
- Line for the intro video
- Line for face-scanning
- Line for the elevator
In short: line after line after line. Before we even reached the top, we were already a bit exhausted.
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A “WOW” moment at the top
But once the elevator doors opened — wow. Summit One Vanderbilt is unlike any observation deck we’ve visited. Instead of a traditional viewing platform, it offers:
- a futuristic design
- multisensory art installations
- mirrored floors, walls, and ceilings
- dramatic light-and-sound experiences
- massive windows with panoramic views
Summit occupies the top three floors of One Vanderbilt, one of New York’s newest skyscrapers. The tower was completed in 2020, rises 427 meters, and is currently the fourth tallest building in New York City. The experience combines art, architecture, and technology into a single immersive attraction.
Mirror rooms and balloon room: The highlights
The mirror rooms (Transcendence & Affinity)
These rooms create the illusion of floating through space, with reflections stretching in every direction. It’s surreal — and incredibly photogenic.
The balloon room
Filled with silver, helium-like balloons, this room is playful, reflective, and chaotic in the best possible way. It’s an Instagram favorite for a reason.
The glass ledge
You can step into a glass box that extends out from the building’s exterior. The view is dramatic — but the line is long. We skipped it this time.
A paradise for photos and videos
Summit is one of the best places in New York to capture:
- mirrored illusions
- wide-angle skyline shots
- sunset views over Midtown
- the blue hour with Manhattan lighting up beneath you
Expect to spend 1.5–2 hours exploring the two main floors before heading to the top level.
The Sky Bar: Great view, underwhelming space
At the very top is a café and bar. With such incredible views, you’d expect a world-class design. Instead, it feels surprisingly plain — almost like the budget ran out before they got to the final floor. The views are spectacular, but the bar itself could have been so much more.
Prices and practical tips
- Price: around $45–55+ (roughly 500 NOK) for evening visits
- Time needed: 2–2.5 hours including lines
- Lines on the way down: Yes, prepare for another wait
Is it worth it?
Maybe.
Once you’re up there, it’s incredibly cool — but the logistics and the long wait definitely reduce the overall experience.
Conclusion: Stunning views with a few drawbacks
Summit One Vanderbilt is arguably the most futuristic observation deck in New York. The mirror rooms are mind-blowing, the views are spectacular, and the photo opportunities are endless. But the flow, waiting times, and overall organization leave room for improvement.
If you want a unique, artistic, high-tech skyline experience, Summit is a great choice.