Guided tour of Summit One Vanderbilt

Thinking of visiting SUMMIT One Vanderbilt? Here’s why a guided tour is your best bet.

With its sky-high views and jaw-dropping mirror rooms, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is one of the most popular attractions in New York City. But with over two million visitors each year, the crowds and the long lines can be overwhelming. That’s where the guided tour comes in.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about booking a skip-the-line guided tour, what’s included, what you’ll see, and whether it’s worth the extra cost. 

From fast-track entry and expert guides to stunning photos and even a cocktail with a view—this tour turns a great visit into an unforgettable experience.

Why is a guided tour of Summit One worth it?

When you book the guided tour of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, you get to skip the long lines and enter through a special fast-pass entrance. A friendly local guide will meet you and take your small group around the observation deck.

There’s no getting lost, no rushing, and you won’t miss any great photo spots—they’ll make sure you see it all at the perfect pace.

What’s included in the guided tour

Here’s what you get when you book the Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt:

• Fast-pass entry through a separate entrance
• A 90-minute guided tour with a professional English-speaking guide
• Access to all three levels of SUMMIT: Air, Affinity, and Levitation
• Walk through immersive mirrored rooms and art installations
• Digital photo package with high-quality shots from your visit
• For VIPs: one complimentary signature cocktail per person to enjoy while admiring the views

Premium vs VIP Guided Tour – What’s the difference?

There are two ticket options depending on the kind of experience you’re looking for:

1. Premium Experience

This is a small group tour for up to 10 people. You still get the fast-pass entry, the full 90-minute tour, and the photo gallery—making it ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a guided yet social experience.

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Group size: Up to 10
• Price: $162.22 per adult
• No drinks included

2. VIP Guided Tour

The VIP version is private for up to 6 people. It’s perfect for special occasions or those who want a quieter, more tailored experience. Plus, each participant receives a signature cocktail, which you can sip while taking in the city from 1,100 feet above.

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Private group (up to 6 guests)
• Total Price: $1,088.75
• 1 cocktail per person included

What you’ll see and do

Whichever guided tour you book, once inside SUMMIT, you’ll explore three main immersive zones:

1. Air – A surreal mirrored space where the floor and ceiling disappear into reflections, making it feel like you’re floating in the sky.
2. Affinity – A fun-filled room with silver balloons that float and bounce around you. It’s a hit with both kids and adults.
3. Levitation – Stand inside a glass skybox that extends out from the building’s edge—see the ground 1,100 feet below your feet!

Your guide will explain the stories behind each zone and help you capture those perfect photo moments along the way.

Digital photo gallery
A big plus of this guided tour is the included digital photo package. You’ll get high-quality photos of your experience, taken at key points throughout the observatory. No awkward selfies, no need to ask strangers for a photo—just beautiful shots, ready to share.

Practical information: what you need to know

💡 Dress Tip: Because of the mirrored floors, wear pants, shorts, or tights to avoid unwanted exposure. Skirts are not recommended.

Why choose a guided tour instead of going on your own?

While general admission to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is available, many visitors find themselves overwhelmed:

• They don’t know the best time to go for fewer crowds
• They miss interactive elements or rooms
• They waste time figuring out where to start or how to pace their visit
• They struggle to get good photos or understand the story behind the exhibit

This guided tour solves all those problems.

You’ll get more out of your visit, learn things you never would on your own, and feel completely taken care of from entry to exit.

Is it really worth the price?

Let’s be honest—this isn’t the cheapest way to visit an observation deck. But when you factor in:

• Zero waiting in long lines
• The expertise of a personal guide
• High-resolution digital photos included
• Access to the most immersive parts of SUMMIT
• A signature cocktail with unbeatable views (VIP Only) 

It quickly becomes clear why so many travelers opt for this upgraded experience. It’s not just about the view, it’s about how you experience Summit One Vanderbilt.