Summit One Vanderbilt vs The Edge: Which NYC observation deck is better?
Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking or purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
If you’re visiting New York City and wondering which skyscraper to go up, two of the most talked about observation decks are Summit One Vanderbilt and The Edge at Hudson Yards.
We visited both in December 2024 during a ten day family trip with our three year old and my aunt, while our partners were away for a couple of days. My aunt had been to New York around 40 times and had wanted to visit both for years. After trying both, for me there’s a clear winner: Summit One Vanderbilt. The views of Central Park, the Chrysler Building, almost at eye level, and the immersive rooms kept us there far longer than planned. Our daughter absolutely loved the balloon room. Being mostly indoors didn’t affect the views at all, and in December, it made the whole experience considerably more comfortable.
The Edge is a completely different experience. Outdoor, exposed, thrilling, and worth visiting for different reasons entirely. Our daughter ran across the glass floor with no fear, while I barely put my big toe over it.
This guide compares both honestly to help you decide which one fits your trip. If you’re also considering Top of the Rock, our Top of the Rock vs Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock vs The Edge guides cover those comparisons in detail. For a full overview of all five NYC observation decks, head to our best observation deck New York guide.
If Summit One Vanderbilt sounds like your kind of experience, check ticket prices and availability here:
👉 Summit One Vanderbilt tickets on GetYourGuide
👉 Summit One Vanderbilt tickets on Viator
The Edge is a completely different experience, outdoor, exposed, and thrilling in a way that Summit One isn’t. If that sounds more like you, compare ticket options and time slots here:
👉 Edge at Hudson Yards tickets on GetYourGuide
👉 Edge tickets on Viator
Quick comparison table
|
Feature |
Summit One Vanderbilt |
The Edge |
|
Location |
Midtown Manhattan (One Vanderbilt building, near Grand Central) |
Hudson Yards, West Side Manhattan |
|
Views |
Central Park, Chrysler Building, Empire State, East River |
Downtown skyline, Hudson River, Statue of Liberty |
|
Experience type |
Immersive, artistic, multi-level indoor experience |
Outdoor, glass-floored sky deck |
|
Best for |
Families, photography lovers, winter visits |
Thrill-seekers, sunset views, outdoor experience |
|
Child-friendly? |
Yes – fun interactive rooms |
Mostly, but outdoor heights may be daunting |
|
Tickets |
From $44 |
From $39 |
|
Go City |
No |
Yes |
💡 Tip: If you’re deciding between Summit One Vanderbilt vs The Edge tickets, check Summit One Vanderbilt on GetYourGuide or The Edge on Viator to compare live prices, packages, and availability. Or consider purchasing a Go City Pass and save.
Schedule and times
Summit One Vanderbilt
> Open daily from 9 am to midnight – last entry around 10:30 pm
> Closed on Tuesdays
> Best time for families: mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds
> Dynamic pricing applies. Sunset and peak time slots cost more than daytime visits. Book in advance to lock in the cheapest rate.
The Edge
> Open Monday to Thursday 10 am to 10pm, Friday to Sunday 10 am to 11 pm
> The indoor space is currently undergoing renovation for a new experience launching in June 2026. If you’re visiting before then, expect some temporary restrictions
> Dynamic pricing applies. Price changes by time of day, and sunset slots cost around $10 more than standard entry
> Best time for views: sunset, when the Hudson River glows gold
Prices
|
Ticket type |
Summit One Vanderbilt |
The Edge |
|
Adult (13+) |
From $43 weekday / $49 weekend |
From $39 standard / up to $53 peak |
|
Child (6-12) |
From $37 weekday / $43 weekend |
From $35 |
|
Senior (62+) |
– |
From $42 |
|
Under 6 |
Free |
Free (free ticket still required) |
|
Sunset surcharge |
+$10-13 |
Included in dynamic pricing |
|
Go City |
Not included |
Included |
|
Premium options |
Ascent glass elevator ($68+), signature cocktail bundle |
City Climb ($185-205), Flex pass ($64+), Express pass ($88+) |
💡 Tips worth knowing:
> The Edge early bird discount – book 14 or more days in advance and save up to 35% on standard tickets
> Summit One late arrival fee – if you arrive more than 20 minutes after your booked slot, you may not be accommodated and could be charged a $10 late fee per person
> Summit One military discount – active duty and retired US armed forces get one complimentary ticket, up to four guests get 50% off
> Summit One residents discount – NYC and Long Island residents get $5 off with proof of residence
> Both decks use dynamic pricing – sunset and peak weekend slots cost more. Book in advance to lock in the best rate
For more ways to save money on NYC attractions, see our NYC on a budget guide.
Location
Summit One Vanderbilt sits directly above Grand Central Terminal at 45 East 42nd Street and is one of the most central locations of any observation deck in New York. You can enter through the Grand Central Main Concourse via Vanderbilt Passage, making it easy to combine with a Midtown morning or afternoon. Times Square, Bryant Park, and Fifth Avenue are all within easy walking distance.
The Edge is at 30 Hudson Yards on Manhattan’s far West Side, which is a completely different part of the city from Summit One. Hudson Yards itself is worth exploring as a destination: the Vessel sculpture, The High Line elevated park and Chelsea Market are all within easy walking distance of the deck. The area has a very different feel from Midtown. It’s more modern, open, and less crowded. Worth allowing time to explore the neighbourhood before or after your visit.
Getting there:
Summit One Vanderbilt – Subway lines 4, 5, 6, 7, and S to Grand Central 42nd Street. One minute walk.
The Edge – Subway line 7 to 34th Street Hudson Yards. Five minute walk. The High Line entrance is a short walk away if you want to combine both.
Views and landmarks
From Summit One Vanderbilt, you can clearly see:
> Central Park stretching to the north
> Chrysler Building – almost at eye level, closer than from any other deck
> Empire State Building
> East River and Roosevelt Island
The windows are spotlessly clean – photo quality is genuinely excellent throughout
From The Edge, you can clearly see:
> Hudson River and New Jersey waterfront
> Downtown skyline and One World Trade Center
> Statue of Liberty in the distance
> Vessel sculpture directly below
> The west-facing position gives you views no other
> Midtown deck can offer – particularly spectacular at sunset when the Hudson River glows gold
The key difference:
Summit One gives you the classic postcard Midtown view – Central Park, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State. The Edge gives you something completely different – the Hudson River, the harbour and a west-facing perspective that feels like a different city entirely. If you can only do one, choose based on which view matters more to you.
Other features
Summit One Vanderbilt
Transcendence – two floors of floor to ceiling mirrored rooms reflecting the Manhattan skyline in every direction
Levitation – glass skyboxes extending 80 feet from the building, 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue
Affinity – the silver balloon room. Our daughter refused to leave. One of the most photographed rooms of any attraction in New York
Unity – a digital cloud room where your entrance photo is projected into swirling clouds on a vast screen
Après – a Nordic designed café and bar on the 93rd floor with floor to ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace. Cocktails, coffee and light bites
Ascent – the world’s largest exterior glass elevator, rising along the outside of the building to 1,210 feet. Extra cost, weather permitting. Around $68 per adult
The Edge
Outdoor sky deck – the triangular platform juts 80 feet beyond the building facade at 1,100 feet. No glass between you and the open air
Glass floor – look straight down 100 floors to the streets below
Angled glass walls – lean outward over the city for dramatic photos
Skyline Seats – suspended seats facing outward over the city
Eastern Point – the furthest point of the deck, extending furthest from the building
Champagne Bar – drinks on the deck, available to all visitors
City Climb – an optional upgrade where you climb the exterior crown of the building to approximately 1,271 feet via a guided harnessed ascent. The highest open air point available to visitors anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. Costs around $185-205, takes 90-120 minutes. Booked separately
Practical tips before you visit
Summit One Vanderbilt
One way system – the experience flows one way across three floors. You cannot go back once you’ve left a room so make sure you’re done before moving on
Dress code – wear trousers rather than a skirt, the floors are mirrored throughout. Stiletto heels, steel-toed boots and sports cleats are not permitted as they damage the mirrored flooring
Sunglasses – bring them on a sunny day, the reflections can be blinding
Strobe warning – the entry elevator uses dramatic flashing lights during the ride up. Worth knowing if anyone in your group is sensitive to bright or flashing lights
Dark queue – there is a period of complete darkness before you enter the main rooms. Younger children may find this unsettling
Late arrival – if you arrive more than 20 minutes after your booked slot, you may not be accommodated and could be charged a $10 late fee per person
The Edge
No time limit – unlike Summit One you can stay as long as you like once you’re up there
Free concessions – Edge ticket holders receive a free chocolate bar and brownie at Hudson Yards. Worth collecting on your way out
Fear of heights – The Edge is not recommended for anyone with a serious fear of heights. The outdoor deck, glass floor and angled walls are genuinely exposed. Summit One is considerably more manageable for nervous visitors
Weather – the outdoor deck may close in extreme weather. The Sky Assurance weather guarantee gives you either 20% off at the bar on the day or a free rebook
Is it suitable for children?
Summit One Vanderbilt
Yes, and in our experience, it’s the best observation deck in New York for young children. The immersive rooms give children something to actually do rather than just look at views through glass, and the mostly indoor setting means no freezing winds in December.
When we arrived with our three year old there was a small queue, we ended up doing the Hokey Cokey in the line which kept her going. Once inside she collected her shoe covers and glasses and was immediately engaged.
The Affinity balloon room was her absolute favourite. We stayed in there for a while, and it genuinely produced some of the best photos of our whole holiday.
Two things worth knowing if you’re visiting with young children. There is a period of complete darkness before you enter the main rooms. Our daughter got a little worried in there, so worth preparing younger children for it. And the entry elevator uses dramatic flashing lights during the ride up, which may unsettle children sensitive to bright lights.
Worth knowing that experiences vary, and some families find Summit One overwhelming and too busy. Ours loved every minute.
The Edge
Fine for most children, but the experience depends entirely on how your child responds to heights. The glass floor is the talking point. Our daughter ran across it with no fear, while I barely put my big toe over it.
Children who are confident with heights will love it. Children who are nervous may find the fully outdoor exposed deck and glass floor genuinely unsettling.
There is also less to actively do at The Edge compared to Summit One; it’s primarily about the views and the thrill of the glass floor rather than an immersive experience. For young children who need engagement beyond the view, Summit One is the better choice.
For a full guide to visiting New York with young children, head to our NYC with kids guide.
Facilities
Summit One Vanderbilt
Après café and bar – a Nordic designed space on the 93rd floor with floor to ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace. Serves craft cocktails, specialty coffee, hot chocolate and light bites. The Vanderbilt No.1 cocktail – sweet vermouth, Meletti anisette, coffee and chocolate bitters are the signature drinks. Mocktails and non-alcoholic options are available throughout
Boutique gift shop – SUMMIT branded merchandise, New York souvenirs and eco-conscious gifts on the 93rd floor
Indoor seating throughout – multiple seating areas across all three floors
Outdoor terrace – the highest open-air observation terrace in Midtown Manhattan, accessed from the Après level
Complimentary items – disposable shoe covers and sunglasses are provided at entry
No storage – large bags, large backpacks and luggage are not permitted beyond the security checkpoint. There is no storage for personal items, so travel light.
The Edge
Champagne Bar – drinks available on the deck itself, open to all visitors. Cocktails, champagne and non-alcoholic options
Gift shop – Edge branded merchandise and New York souvenirs on Level 100
Indoor observation lounge – a warm up space on Level 100 with panoramic floor to ceiling windows before stepping outside
Free lockers – available for bags and belongings, unlike Summit One Wheelchair accessible throughout
No outside food or drink permitted beyond the entrance.
Pros and cons
Summit One Vanderbilt
✅ Most immersive observation experience in New York
✅ Best observation deck in NYC for families with young children
✅ Spotlessly clean windows – excellent for photography throughout
✅ Mostly indoor – ideal for winter visits or bad weather
✅ Central Midtown location next to Grand Central – easy to get to
✅ Complimentary shoe covers and sunglasses provided on entry
✅ The Affinity balloon room – genuinely unlike anything else in New York
✅ Après café and outdoor terrace for drinks with skyline views
❌ Not included in Go City – separate ticket required
❌ Closed on Tuesdays
❌ One way system – you cannot revisit rooms once you’ve left them
❌ No storage for bags – large bags and luggage not permitted
❌ Dynamic pricing – sunset and weekend slots cost considerably more
❌ Dark queue and strobe elevator may unsettle young children or those with sensory sensitivities
❌ Some families find it overwhelming – experiences vary
The Edge
✅ Highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere
✅ Spectacular Hudson River and west-facing views unavailable at any other Midtown deck
✅ Glass floor – a genuinely thrilling experience
✅ No time limit – stay as long as you like
✅ Included in Go City
✅ Free lockers available for bags
✅ Early bird discount – up to 35% off when booked 14+ days ahead
✅ City Climb available for the seriously adventurous
✅ Free chocolate bar and brownie with ticket at Hudson Yards
❌ Entirely outdoor – cold and very windy in winter
❌ Not recommended for anyone with a serious fear of heights
❌ Less to actively do beyond the views – not immersive like Summit One
❌ Smallest deck of the five – can feel crowded
❌ Dynamic pricing – sunset slots cost significantly more
❌ Indoor space under renovation until June 2026
Is it worth doing both?
If your budget and time allow, yes. They offer genuinely different experiences that complement rather than duplicate each other. Summit One gives you the immersive artistic experience and the classic Midtown skyline. The Edge gives you the outdoor thrill and the Hudson River views. Doing both on the same trip means you’ve seen New York from two completely different perspectives.
We did both during our ten day trip and had a clear favourite – Summit One. But The Edge added something the other couldn’t. The glass floor moment, the west-facing view, the feeling of being fully outside 1,100 feet up. It’s a different kind of experience entirely.
If you have to pick just one:
Choose Summit One Vanderbilt if you’re visiting with young children, want the most immersive experience, are visiting in winter, or want the classic Midtown skyline view with Central Park and the Chrysler Building.
Choose The Edge if you want outdoor thrills, the glass floor experience, spectacular Hudson River sunset views, or you’re on a budget and want to use your Go City pass.
If you’re also considering Top of the Rock, our Top of the Rock vs Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock vs The Edge guides cover those head to head comparisons in full detail.
For a full overview of all five NYC observation decks in one place, head to our New York observation decks hub.
Planning a December visit?
Both decks are worth visiting in December but they offer very different experiences in winter conditions.
Summit One Vanderbilt in December is particularly well suited to a winter visit. The mostly indoor setting means you’re warm and comfortable throughout regardless of the weather outside. The Après terrace gives you outdoor air when you want it without committing to a fully exposed deck. We visited in late November and found it genuinely comfortable even on a cold day.
The Edge in December is a different proposition entirely. The outdoor deck is fully exposed to the elements and in winter the wind up there is significant and so go prepared with a proper coat, hat and gloves. That said, a clear winter day gives you exceptional visibility and the Hudson River in the cold light of December has its own atmosphere.
Worth knowing for December:
> Top of the Rock is the only deck with a direct view down onto the Rockefeller Christmas tree. Worth factoring in if that’s a priority
> Summit One is closed on Tuesdays – check before you book
> Both decks get significantly busier around Thanksgiving and Christmas week – book well in advance Sunset comes early in December, around 4:30pm, which means sunset slots fill up quickly
If you’re building a full December day around an observation deck visit, consider pairing it with a trip to Dyker Heights Christmas lights in Brooklyn, one of the most extraordinary free experiences in New York in December. Our full Dyker Heights guide covers everything you need to know. And if you’re planning a longer Christmas trip, our 4 days in New York at Christmas itinerary shows exactly how we fitted both observation decks into a full festive trip alongside everything else we did.
Final tip
Book in advance – both decks sell out regularly, particularly at sunset and on weekends. Summit One weekend and sunset slots can sell out days ahead in spring and autumn. The Edge early bird discount saves up to 35% when booked 14 or more days ahead so there’s a financial incentive to plan ahead too.
Arrive on time – Summit One operates at full capacity and charges a $10 late fee per person if you arrive more than 20 minutes after your booked slot. The Edge is more flexible but timed entry still applies on standard tickets.
Go on a clear day – both decks are weather dependent for the best experience. Check the forecast before you go and if visibility is poor consider rebooking. The Edge has a Sky Assurance weather guarantee if the outdoor deck closes.
Combine with the neighbourhood – Summit One is a short walk from Grand Central, Times Square and Bryant Park. The Edge is a short walk from The High Line, Chelsea Market and The Vessel. Neither deck needs to be a standalone visit.
👉 Check Summit One Vanderbilt tickets on GetYourGuide
👉 Check The Edge tickets on Viator
👉 Or save with a Go City Pass
If you’re still in the early planning stages of your trip to New York, head over to our New York travel guide for all of our guides.
Summit One Vanderbilt vs The Edge – FAQs
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