Need help with which observation deck to visit – Summit One Vanderbilt or The Edge?
Do not worry! This article will help you make the best decision for your upcoming trip.
Top Summit One Vanderbilt and The Edge Tickets
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Why not visit both observation decks?
While both Summit One Vanderbilt and The Edge are observation decks, they are totally different experiences.
Visiting both viewing platforms provides captivating perspectives on New York City from two of its most exciting observation decks.
Summit One Vanderbilt offers an immersive art experience and a thrilling glass elevator ride, creating a blend of architecture, technology, and art.
The Edge, with its distinctive slanted glass walls and the largest outdoor glass floor, offers a heart-pounding outdoor experience with unparalleled views of the Hudson River and Manhattan’s skyline.
The best part is that when you buy the combo ticket, which gives you access to both observation decks, you get a 20% discount.
Buy This ComboQuick comparison
Here’s a look at what separates Summit One Vanderbilt and The Edge:
| Feature | The Summit | The Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Midtown Manhattan, near Grand Central Terminal | Hudson Yards, near the Vessel |
| Height | 1,401 feet (427 meters) | 1,131 feet (345 meters) |
| Observation Deck | Multiple levels with indoor and outdoor areas | Single-level outdoor deck |
| Glass Floor | Glass floor on the indoor deck | Largest outdoor glass floor |
| Art Installations | Has interactive art exhibits | No dedicated art installations |
| Outdoor Skybox | Levitation Skybox extends over 1,000 feet above ground | No dedicated skybox, but features a glass-floor platform |
| Unique Features | Ascent glass elevator ride, immersive exhibits, mirrored floors | Slanted glass walls, indoor and outdoor bars |
| Dining Options | Après café | No dedicated skybox, but it features a glass-floor platform |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible, elevators available | Wheelchair accessible, elevators available |
| Ticket Prices | Generally between $39-$73, varies by package and time | Generally between $38-$75, varies by package and time |
| Opening Hours | 9 am – 10 pm, varies slightly on weekends | 10 am – 10 pm, varies slightly on weekends |
| Views | Midtown and downtown Manhattan, Central Park | Hudson River, Midtown, downtown Manhattan |
How to choose between Summit One Vanderbilt and The Edge
We can compare Summit One Vanderbilt and The Edge based on the following parameters.
– Height of the observation deck
– Experience on the deck
– View from the observation deck (Daytime and nighttime view)
– Cost of tickets
– Dining options available
– Duration of stay
Height of the observation deck
The Edge is located on the 100th floor/level, almost 1100 feet above the ground, while One Vanderbilt Summit is spread across three levels (from the 91st floor to the 93rd floor) and is nearly 1400 feet tall.
Some adventure-loving visitors tend to experience Climbing The Edge.
Experience on the deck
The Edge is a triangular observation deck made entirely of glass suspended mid-air.
You can see through the glasses and gaze at the world under your feet or stand at the corner of this jutted-out deck, also known as Eastern Point, and enjoy the skyline.
However, at Summit One Vanderbilt, you’ll herald a memorable journey on three levels, passing through immersive rooms, galleries, and spaces.
This includes Transcendence 1. Transcendence 2, Levitation, Ascent, etc.
Summit One Vanderbilt’s observation deck has become the most trending skyscraper since its inception in 2021.
View from the observation deck
The view from both observation decks is totally unbeatable!
From The Edge, you get a 360-degree view of Manhattan City and see as far as the Statue of Liberty is.
From One Summit Vanderbilt, you can catch sights of the United Nations Building, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, One World Observatory, and Central Park.
The Edge and Summit offer a fantastic experience at sunset and night, and we suggest you pick an evening time slot for the same.
Summit One Vanderbilt at night transforms into a mesmerizing sanctuary amidst the city lights, showcasing the breathtaking charm of New York. Views from the Edge are also great at sunset and night.
Cost of ticket
Summit One’s prices
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$43 to US$59
Child Ticket (6 to 11 years): US$37 to US$53
Infant Ticket (up to 6 years): Free
The Edge’s prices
Adult ticket (12 to 61 years): US$39
Child ticket (6 to 11 years): US$34
Seniors ticket (62+ years): US$37
Visit the top five attractions of New York and Summit One Vanderbilt with New York CityPass, which is time-saving and value for money.
Dining options available
Aprés is a restaurant cum bar at Summit One Vanderbilt on the 93rd level, while Edge’s PEAK is on the 101 level (just one floor above the main observation deck).
Both restaurants offer an amazing dining experience, allowing you to take in the views of the city from the comfort of your seats.
But unlike Peak, Aprés has an outdoor terrace where guests can stand and have their drinks or snacks.
Learn more about Restaurants in Summit One Vanderbilt, Restaurants near Summit One Vanderbilt, and Restaurants near The Edge.
Duration of stay
The Edge takes around 1 to 2 hours to explore and take in the views.
Depending on crowd levels, it can take between 2 to 3 hours to enjoy all the offerings and experiences at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
Wondering which is the best time to visit The Edge?
Our recommendation
If you’re short on time, we suggest you visit The Edge, which has only one triangular balcony, unlike Summit One Vanderbilt, which is spread across three floors.
Considering ticket prices, SUMMIT is slightly more expensive but offers a more comprehensive experience, making it a better value.
The view from the Summit is also clearer than from The Edge.
However, whichever observatory you decide to go to, make sure you book tickets online in advance for a much more relaxed experience.
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