Summit One Vanderbilt or One World Observatory

Both Summit One Vanderbilt and One World Observatory offer breathtaking views of New York City but provide distinct experiences for visitors.

In terms of price, Summit One Vanderbilt tickets range from $47 to $53, while One World Observatory tickets are $49.

One World Observatory is the taller of the two, standing at 1,268 feet (386 meters) compared to Summit One Vanderbilt’s 1,100 feet (336 meters).

One of the biggest differences is that Summit One Vanderbilt features an outdoor observation deck, while One World Observatory is completely enclosed. However, it is best to experience both the observation decks in the evening, when the city lights create a spectacular view.

Summit One Vanderbilt offers a futuristic, multi-sensory experience, featuring immersive art installations and a thrilling glass elevator. In contrast, One World Observatory is known for its SkyPod Elevators, which offer a dynamic digital experience during the ascent, making it a great choice for panoramic city views.

Both attractions require advance ticket purchases, so your choice depends on whether you prefer a modern, interactive experience or a classic, enclosed observatory with sweeping city views.

Now, let’s get into these similarities and differences in detail.

What’s ahead

Quick Summary

Height of the Observation Deck

In terms of height, the observation deck at One World Observatory is higher, standing at approximately 1,250 feet (381 meters) above ground level, compared to Summit One Vanderbilt, which is at 1,100 feet (335 meters).

However, both offer unique experiences and stunning views of New York City.

The Summit’s viewing platforms are on the 91st, 92nd, and 93rd floors, while the One World’s deck is on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors.

Winner: One World Observatory

Enhance your SUMMIT ONE experience

Discover breathtaking views at Summit One
Experience Summit One Vanderbilt at night
Soar high in the Glass Elevator

View from the Observation Deck

Both the observatories have floor-to-ceiling windows offering uninterrupted views in all directions.

From One World’s observation deck, you can see all five boroughs of New York City, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

On clear days, you can see up to 50 miles (80 km) – till New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and even Connecticut.

From the Summit One Vanderbilt, visitors can see iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and Central Park.

The deck’s elevation allows for views of Midtown’s skyscrapers, the boroughs, and far out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Both decks offer the best views during sunset.

Winner: Both

Note: If Summit’s glass elevator, “Ascent,” is operational during your visit, you can take it for even more breathtaking views of Central Park and the East River. However, please note that the Ascent elevator experience is currently paused.

Outdoor vs indoor decks

Summit One Vanderbilt has three observation decks – the ones on the 91st and 92nd floors are completely enclosed in glass, while the one on the 93rd floor is an outdoor viewing platform.

Après Restaurant, Summit’s café on the 93rd floor, has an indoor lounge and an outdoor terrace.

One World Observatory offers 360° views of New York City from a completely indoor climate-controlled space. It doesn’t have an outdoor deck.

Winner: Summit One Vanderbilt

Exhibits to experience

As for exhibits and experiences, it is a close call between the two observation decks.

At Summit One Vanderbilt, Air by Kenzo Digital is an immersive art installation featuring multiple sections, such as Transcendence 1 & 2 (a mirrored space), Affinity (an interactive and playful exhibit), Unity (an interactive experience where your face appears in the clouds), and Air at Night (a light show).

There is also Levitation, a glass ledge, and Reflect by Yayoi Kusama, a shape-shifting visual immersion experience.

At One World Observatory, you will experience the Global Welcome Center, SkyPod Elevators (elevators featuring a time-lapse of NYC from the 1500s to today), Forever Theater (a multimedia experience), City Pulse (an interactive experience) and the Horizon Grid which is a multimedia exhibit involving 145 screens.

Winner: Both

Ticket options

At The Summit, you can buy timed skip-the-line tickets, which more than 90% of visitors opt for, or take the premium private guided tour.

For visitors 13 years and older, the skip-the-line tickets cost US$53, while the guided tour costs US$1,088 for a group of six.

At One World, most tourists opt for timed skip-the-line tickets, which are US$48 for adults 12 years and older.

Those who are unsure about the time of their visit can buy Flexible Entry tickets, which cost US$70.

Winner: Both

Crowd to expect

Even though The Summit is a newer attraction, both The Summit and One World attract upwards of two million visitors annually.

If avoiding the crowd is your objective, we can’t recommend one observatory over the other.

Whichever observation deck you choose, avoiding the sunset hours will be a good idea.

Securing tickets for your preferred time and date during peak tourist seasons is difficult, so book early.

Winner: None

Note: Most visitors to the One World Observatory make it a full-day activity by including 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

Dress code

One World Observatory has a simple dress code: Guests are required to wear proper attire, including shirts and shoes, at all times.

The dress code is slightly more extensive at the Summit, but it is implemented to ensure the visitors’ privacy and comfort.

Given the observatory’s extensive mirror-like surfaces, visitors are encouraged to wear pants, shorts, or tights to prevent unintended exposure.

If you find out about this dress code at the last minute, don’t worry—The Summit provides free stretchy black shorts upon request.

For the protection of the glass floors, stiletto heels, work boots, and cleats are not allowed. It’s best to wear comfortable, non-scuffing footwear like sneakers.

Winner: One World Observatory

Note: The 9/11 Memorial and Museum doesn’t have a dress code – visitors wear casual clothes.

Which deck is better for night time visit

The One World Observatory and SUMMIT One make the night more alive, rich, and colorful. 

Nighttime visitors to both the observation decks see stunning 360-degree views of New York City all lit up.

However, your night visits to One World must be short because they are open only till 9 pm, while The Summit is open till midnight.

If you plan to visit at night, Summit is better than One World.

That’s because of the four exhibits at The Summit—Air, Clouds, Transcendence, and Levitation—all of which offer a unique experience as the sun goes down and darkness sets in New York.

Winner: Summit One Vanderbilt

More about Summit One Vanderbilt

# How to reach Summit One Vanderbilt
# Opening hours of The Summit
# Glass Elevator at The Summit
# Summit One Vanderbilt at night
# Summit One Vanderbilt’s Observation Deck
# Après Restaurant
# Frequently Asked Questions