SUMMIT One Vanderbilt offers breathtaking views of New York all through the day.
However, when the sun dips below the horizon, and New York City lights up like a galaxy, there’s no better place to witness this transformation than from Summit One Vanderbilt.
The city’s newest observation Deck is a dazzling blend of futuristic architecture and immersive art, offering an unparalleled nighttime experience in the heart of Manhattan.
Why a nighttime trip to SUMMIT is mandatory
Here are our four reasons why you must go up this observation deck at night –
See New York in a new light: As the sun sets, New York transforms into a sea of twinkling lights. The iconic skyline, from the Empire State Building to the distant bridges, takes on a mesmerizing, romantic glow.
Snap exhibits at their best: Kenzo Digital’s ‘Air’ installation becomes even more impactful as the city lights reflect on the mirrored surfaces. It creates a dazzling, ever-shifting display. It is perfect for your Instagram posts and reels.
Enjoy the romantic vibe: The open-air terrace offers a unique vantage point for soaking up the city’s electric atmosphere at night. The twinkling lights and terrace combine to create a more romantic atmosphere, perfect for couples or a special occasion.
Avoid the Crowds: While evenings can still be busy, they generally have fewer people than mid-day, allowing more space to enjoy the installations and the view.
Night time hours at The Summit
The Summit at One Vanderbilt is from 9.30 am to midnight on all days of the week except for Tuesday, when it remains closed.
The last entry is at 10.30 pm.
You can plan your visit according to the day’s sunset time in New York.
Recommended Reading: Is Summit One Vanderbilt worth it?
Preparing for a nighttime visit
Even though the crowd is smaller later in the evening, pre-booking your tickets is important. Book Tickets Now!
Wear appropriate clothes. Evenings on the rooftop terrace can get breezy, especially in cooler months, so bring a layer.
Night photography requires a bit more attention. A camera or phone with good low-light capabilities can capture the vibrant cityscape to your satisfaction.
There’s a café on-site (Apres restaurant) if you want to grab a drink or snack. For a more extensive dining experience, you can visit one of the nearby restaurants.
Not sure which New York observation deck to visit? Find out which is the best out there –
# Summit One Vanderbilt vs The Edge
# The Summit vs One World Observatory
# The Summit vs Empire State Building
# The Summit vs Top of the Rock
Summit One Vanderbilt at night or day
The views from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt during day and night are unique and incomparable.
If it is your first visit to a New York Observation deck, we recommend you purchase the daytime ticket and visit before 3 pm.
If you have already seen New York’s fascinating skyline from an observation deck, buying the nighttime ticket and being at the attraction after dark is the better option.
| Day visit | Night visit | |
|---|---|---|
| Views | Clear, panoramic views of city’s skyline | Dazzling display of city lights, mesmerizing and romantic |
| Best for | Families with children | Adults & couples |
| Photographs | Ideal for capturing cityscapes and landmarks | Need high-end cameras for good photos |
| Crowd | Can be crowded, depending on when you visit | Not crowded and relaxed |
Summit One Vanderbilt’s observation deck has become the most trending skyscraper since its inception in 2021.
Want to save money? Find out if the New York Pass includes a free visit to The Summit. Or try out the New York CityPass.
What’s the difference in views?
Here’s a comparison of the daytime and nighttime views from Summit One Vanderbilt:
| Feature | Daytime Views | Nighttime Views |
|---|---|---|
| Skyline Visibility | Clear views of buildings and cityscape; ideal for spotting landmarks | Buildings illuminated, skyline highlighted against dark sky |
| Colors | Natural daylight highlights buildings in vibrant colors | Weather is less impactful due to city lights; rain can create reflections, adding to the charm |
| Photography | Weather is less impactful due to city lights; rain can create reflections adding to the charm | Captures the glow of the city lights; requires a good camera for low-light photography |
| Weather Impact | Clear skies enhance the view; fog or rain can obscure visibility | Weather less impactful due to city lights; rain can create reflections adding to the charm |
| Crowd Levels | Generally higher during the day, especially in the afternoon | Less crowded late at night; popular at sunset and early evening |
Daytime views from the deck
During the day, you get clear panoramic views of Manhattan and beyond from the observation deck at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
To your right, you’ll get an aerial view of Bryant Park; to your left, the Chrysler Building; to the south, the World Trade Center; to the north, Central Park; and beyond that, the undulating hills of the Hudson Valley.
These photogenic views of Summit at One Vanderbilt will take your breath away.
Nighttime views from the deck
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt makes the night more alive, rich, and colorful.
Nighttime visitors to the Summit see stunning 360-degree views of New York City, all lit up.
The shimmering golden lights make New York seem magical.
Most buildings have lighting effects, which you can see only at night.
However, iconic buildings aren’t always visible clearly, and taking pictures becomes difficult unless you have a good camera.
Besides this, the immersive exhibits at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt take on a new life after dark, which is a must-explore experience.
