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If you’re visiting New York City and trying to decide between Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock, you’re comparing two of the most talked about observation decks in the city, and two genuinely different experiences.
We visited both in December 2024 during a ten day family trip with our three year old and my aunt, whose partner is a born and bred New Yorker and retired FDNY firefighter. Having someone who knows the city that well shaped which decks we prioritised and how we experienced them.
Top of the Rock gave us the most iconic views of the trip. The Empire State Building was perfectly framed from the open air 70th floor, the Rockefeller Christmas tree visible directly below, and a sunset drink inside while we waited for the light to change. Summit One Vanderbilt gave us something completely different. An immersive artistic experience that our daughter talked about for days afterwards, and views of Central Park and the Chrysler Building that no other deck can match.
Both are worth visiting. If you can only do one, this guide will help you decide which one fits your trip.
More comparison guides
If you’re also considering The Edge, these guides cover those comparisons in detail too. For a full overview of all five NYC observation decks, read the best observation deck guide.
Check ticket prices
Summit One Vanderbilt
Top of the Rock
Quick comparison table for Summit One Vanderbilt vs Top of the Rock
|
Feature |
Summit One Vanderbilt |
Top of the Rock |
|
Location |
Midtown Manhattan (One Vanderbilt building, near Grand Central) |
Rockefeller Center, Midtown Manhattan |
|
Views |
Central Park, Chrysler Building, Empire State, East River |
Empire State Building, Downtown skyline, Central Park |
|
Experience type |
Immersive, artistic, multi-level indoor experience |
Classic open-air terraces on three levels |
|
Best for |
Families, photography lovers, winter visits |
Adults, couples, first-time visitors |
|
Child-friendly? |
Yes – fun interactive rooms |
Yes – spacious outdoor terraces, safe railings |
|
Tickets |
From $44 |
From $45 |
|
Child tickets |
From $37 weekday / $43 weekend |
From $36 |
|
Under 5 |
Children under 5 free |
Children under 5 free |
|
Sunset surcharge |
+$10 |
$12 |
|
Go City |
Not included |
Included |
Doing more than one attraction?
Top of the Rock is included with Go City, so it’s worth comparing the pass price if you’re planning several NYC attractions.
Schedule and times
Summit One Vanderbilt
> Open daily from 9am to midnight – last entry around 10:30pm
> Dynamic pricing applies – sunset and weekend slots cost more than weekday daytime visits. Book in advance to lock in the cheapest rate
> Best time for families: mid-morning on a weekday to avoid crowds and save money
Top of the Rock
> Open daily from 8am to midnight – last entry at 11:10pm
> Dynamic pricing applies – sunset slots cost an additional $12 on top of the standard ticket price
> Unlike many other decks, Top of the Rock is NOT a one-way system – you can move freely between all three floors and revisit levels as many times as you like
> The Weather Room Café and Bar on the 67th floor is open until midnight – a good place to have a drink while waiting for sunset or warming up after time on the outdoor deck
> Best time for views: late afternoon into sunset for warm golden light over the Empire State Building
Prices
|
Ticket type |
Summit One Vanderbilt |
Top of the Rock |
|
Adult (13+) |
From $44 |
From $45 |
|
Child (6-12) |
From $38 |
From $36 |
|
Senior (62+) |
– |
From $40 |
|
Under 5 |
Free |
Free |
|
Sunset surcharge |
+$10-13 |
+$12 |
|
Go City |
Not included |
Included |
|
Premium options |
Ascent glass elevator ($68+), signature cocktail bundle |
Express pass, The Beam, Skylift |
Tips worth knowing before you book
Skylift and The Beam at Top of the Rock are both separate add-ons
Neither is included in general admission or the express pass.
Don’t be late for Summit One
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 25% off.
Summit One residents discount
NYC and Long Island residents get $5 off with proof of residence.
Summit One dynamic pricing
Weekday daytime slots are cheapest, sunset adds $10-13.
Top of the Rock sunset surcharge
$12 extra on top of standard ticket price.
Go City includes Top of the Rock, but not Summit One. If you’re visiting multiple attractions, Go City can help save. For more ways to save money on NYC attractions, see our NYC on a budget guide.
Location
Two incredible views. Here’s where you’ll find each deck.
Summit One Vanderbilt
📍 Summit One Vanderbilt sits directly above Grand Central Terminal at 45 East 42nd Street, which 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. For a full December day, it pairs naturally with an evening at Dyker Heights Christmas lights in Brooklyn.
Top of the Rock
📍 Top of the Rock is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, right in the heart of Midtown. The location is hard to beat. Fifth Avenue shopping, Radio City Music Hall and St Patrick’s Cathedral are all within a few minutes’ walk. In December, the Rockefeller Christmas tree is directly below you, which makes Top of the Rock the essential December observation deck visit. It’s the only deck with a direct view down onto the tree from above. For a full Christmas itinerary showing how we fitted both decks into one trip, see our 4 days in New York at Christmas guide.
How to get there:
SUMMIT ONE VANDERBILT
Use subway lines 4, 5, 6, 7, and S to Grand Central 42nd Street. One minute walk.
TOP OF THE ROCK
Subway lines B, D, F and M to 47-50th Streets Rockefeller Center. Two minute walk.
Views and landmarks
Both observation decks offer unforgettable views, but Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock give you two very different ways to experience the Manhattan skyline.
Summit One Vanderbilt
Best for iconic Midtown views
Central Park stretching to the north – one of the clearest Central Park views of any deck
Chrysler Building – almost at eye level, closer than from any other observation deck in the city
Empire State Building
Brooklyn Bridge to the east
United Nations Building
East River and Roosevelt Island
On a clear day, visibility stretches up to 80 miles in every direction
The windows are spotlessly clean – photo quality is excellent throughout.
Top of the Rock
Best for classic New York skyline views
Empire State Building perfectly framed – the most iconic skyline shot in New York. Top of the Rock sits directly north of the Empire State Building, which is why the framing is so symmetrical and clean
Central Park stretching north – worth noting that the newer Billionaires’ Row skyscrapers have partially obscured this view in recent years, though it remains impressive
Downtown skyline and One World Trade Center
Hudson River and New Jersey in the distance
The Rockefeller Christmas tree directly below in December – the only deck in New York that gives you this view
The fully open air 70th floor means no glass between you and the city – a genuine photography advantage over Summit One
The key difference between Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock
Both decks give you Central Park and the Empire State Building, but from completely different angles. Summit One is higher and gives you the Chrysler Building almost at eye level which is a view completely unique to this deck. Top of the Rock gives you the Empire State Building as the perfectly framed dominant centrepiece, the classic postcard shot. For unobstructed photography, Top of the Rock’s open air 70th floor wins. For the overall range of landmarks visible, Summit One’s extra height gives it the edge.
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.
Premium Experience – a 90-minute guided tour with skip the line access at every stage, plus a complimentary digital photo package. Worth considering for a special occasion visit if you want a more personalised experience with skip-the-line access.
Top of the Rock
Swarovski Joie Chandelier – 14,000 crystals in 450 cascading strands rising three stories through the Grand Atrium lobby. Free to see on your way in and genuinely spectacular.
Welcome Gallery – a newly reimagined entry experience with murals, projection-mapped models, interactive exhibits and a theatre show about Rockefeller Centre’s history. Included in all tickets.
Three observation levels – 67th floor indoor with frameless glass, 69th floor outdoor with frameless safety glass, 70th floor fully open air with no glass at all.
The Beam – a replica steel beam on the 69th floor that lifts you 12 feet into the air and rotates 180 degrees, recreating the famous 1932 Lunch Atop a Skyscraper photograph. Included in Beam Combo ticket from $73. Children must be at least 42 inches tall with an adult or 52 inches to ride alone. No phones, cameras or bags permitted on The Beam.
Skylift – a rotating open air glass platform that rises 30 feet above the 70th floor for 360 degree unobstructed views. $35 add-on, available separately or as part of the VIP Pass.
The Weather Room Café and Bar – on the 67th floor, open daily until midnight. Named after the Doppler radar that sat on the 70th floor from 1960 to 1995. Artisanal sandwiches, cocktails, pastries and New York bagels. Terrace seating with Central Park views
RockMoMA combo – bundles Top of the Rock with MoMA general admission from $63, saving 14% versus buying separately. Worth considering if you’re planning to visit MoMA on the same trip.
Practical tips before you visit
A few practical things to know that can make or break your experience.
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. It’s 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.
Top of the Rock
Not a one way system – unlike Summit One you can move freely between all three floors and revisit levels as many times as you like. No time limit on your visit.
The Beam restrictions – no phones, cameras, bags or loose items permitted on The Beam. All belongings go in cubbies next to it. Maximum weight 300lbs.
Book The Beam in advance – walk-up upgrades are frequently unavailable, especially at sunset. Book the Beam Combo ticket online rather than hoping to add it on arrival.
Skylift is weather dependent – the platform can close in high winds or adverse conditions.
Free Wi-Fi throughout the observation deck.
Strollers permitted – must be collapsible. Wheelchair accessible throughout except The Beam.
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 it’s 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.
It’s worth knowing that experiences vary, and some families find Summit One overwhelming and too busy. Ours loved every minute.
Top of the Rock
Also suitable for children, but a more traditional experience. There are spacious outdoor terraces, high secure railings and plenty of room to move around. We didn’t have the pram, but saw other families with them. Strollers are permitted but must be collapsible.
For the add-on experiences, here’s the honest family verdict:
The Beam – children must be at least 42 inches tall to ride with an adult, or 52 inches to ride alone. Not suitable for young toddlers. No phones, cameras or bags on the ride. I’d say older children who are confident with heights would enjoy it, our daughter was too young and I wouldn’t have put her on it anyway.
Skylift – no height restriction; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The open air rotating platform is suitable for older children and confident families. It’s worth knowing the floor is clear, so trousers or shorts are recommended.
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 – Nordic inspired space on the 93rd floor serving cocktails, coffee, and light bites. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks both available.
Boutique gift shop – SUMMIT merchandise and New York souvenirs, also on the 93rd floor.
Seating – multiple seating areas across all three floors throughout the experience.
Outdoor terrace – Midtown’s highest open-air terrace, accessed from the Après level.
On arrival – disposable shoe covers and sunglasses are provided free at entry.
Bags – large bags, backpacks, and luggage cannot be brought beyond security. No storage available, so travel light.
Top of the Rock
The Weather Room Café and Bar – on the 67th floor, open daily from 9am to midnight. Named after the Doppler radar that sat on the 70th floor from 1960 to 1995. Artisanal sandwiches, mezze plates, cocktails, coffee and pastries. Terrace seating with Central Park views. Also hosts late night DJ events, so it’s worth checking the schedule if you’re visiting in the evening.
Gift shop – located on the concourse level as you exit, not on the observation deck itself. Top of the Rock branded merchandise, NYC souvenirs and exclusive Rockefeller Center items.
Restrooms – on the 66th floor, including baby changing facilities, which is useful if you’re visiting with young children.
Free Wi-Fi throughout the observation deck.
No outside food or drink permitted on the observation decks.
No tripods permitted – personal photography and video allowed, commercial photography strictly prohibited.
Wheelchair accessible throughout, except The Beam experience.
Signature experiences
Both decks offer a few fun add-ons that add to the whole experience, and they’re great for first time visitors looking for something memorable.
Summit One Vanderbilt
Ascent – the world’s largest exterior glass elevator, rising along the outside of the building to 1,210 feet, 126 feet above the main observation deck. Two fully transparent cabins travel at 83 feet per minute along the building’s facade. The views during the ride are as impressive as the destination. Weather permitting, costs around $68 per adult as part of the Ascent bundle. Worth doing if heights don’t bother you, it’s a genuinely different perspective on the city.
We didn’t do the Ascent on our visit. With a three year old and a full day ahead of us it felt like one thing too many. But if you’re visiting without young children and heights aren’t an issue, it’s the most dramatic add-on of any observation deck in New York.
Top of the Rock
The Beam – the most personal experience of any observation deck in New York. On the 69th floor, the exact floor where the original photograph was taken, you’re seated on a replica steel beam, lifted 12 feet into the air and rotated 180 degrees with the Manhattan skyline behind you. A professional photo is taken. The result is your own version of the most iconic construction photograph ever taken.
We had the express pass which meant skipping the main entry queues. On a busy December day that saved a significant amount of time, particularly for getting to and from the deck quickly. The Beam photo is a brilliant keepsake and worth having done once. Minimum height 42 inches with an adult. I actually found it to be quite a thrill too as it tilts slightly and you literally feel like you’re floating in the air.
Skylift – an open air rotating platform that rises 30 feet above the 70th floor for 360 degree panoramic views. Costs $35 as an add-on. No height restriction, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Weather dependent. Worth knowing the floor is clear so trousers or shorts are recommended. I did enjoy this but if I am completely honest, I preferred The Beam.
Our honest take – The Beam is the one worth prioritising. The Skylift is interesting but the photo opportunity from the ground looking up at it is arguably better than being on it. If budget is tight, do The Beam and skip the Skylift.
Pros and cons
Summit One Vanderbilt
WHAT WE LOVED
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
WHAT TO KNOW
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
Top of the Rock
WHAT WE LOVED
Best view of the Empire State Building from any deck – perfectly framed from the open air 70th floor
The only deck with Central Park AND the Empire State Building visible in the same sweep
Fully open air 70th floor – no glass between you and the city, best for photography
Not a one way system – revisit all three floors as many times as you like
No time limit on your visit
Only deck with a direct view down onto the Rockefeller Christmas tree in December
Included in Go City
The Beam – the most iconic photo experience of any NYC observation deck
The Weather Room Café open until midnight
WHAT TO KNOW
Lowest of the five observation decks at 850ft
Billionaires’ Row has partially obscured the Central Park view in recent years
The Beam and Skylift are separate add-ons – budget accordingly
Dynamic pricing – sunset slots cost $12 more
Can feel crowded particularly at weekends and sunset
Cold and windy on the outdoor decks in winter – dress accordingly
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 an immersive artistic experience, the Chrysler Building at eye level and the best family friendly observation deck in New York. Top of the Rock gives you the classic Empire State Building shot, the open air photography and the only December view of the Rockefeller tree from above.
We did both during our ten day trip and had a clear favourite, Summit One. But Top of the Rock added something the other couldn’t. The open air 70th floor, the Beam experience, the sat inside with a drink waiting for sunset. It’s a different kind of visit entirely.
If you have to pick just one:
Choose Summit One Vanderbilt if…
> You’re visiting with young children
> You want the most immersive experience
> You’re visiting in winter
> You want the classic Midtown skyline view with Central Park and the Chrysler Building
Choose Top of the Rock if…
> Classic Empire State Building shot
> Prefer open-air photography
> Visiting at Christmas for the Rockefeller tree view
> You’re on a budget and want to use your Go City Pass
Still deciding?
Planning a December visit?
Both decks are worth visiting in December, but they offer very different experiences in winter conditions.
Summit One Vanderbilt
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.
Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock in December is the essential Christmas visit. It’s the only observation deck in New York with a direct view down onto the Rockefeller Christmas tree, and standing on the 70th floor looking down at the tree lit up below, with the Midtown skyline stretching in every direction, is one of those genuinely special New York moments. The tree is lit from mid-November through to early January. Go at sunset and stay for the city lights, but bring a proper coat, hat and gloves because the temperature drops sharply once the sun goes down on the open air deck.
It’s worth knowing for December
Top of the Rock is the only deck with a direct view down onto the Rockefeller Christmas tree. It’s worth factoring in if that’s a priority.
Top of the Rock’s open air deck is considerably colder in December than Summit One’s mostly indoor experience.
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.
Make a day of it
If you’re building a full December day around an observation deck visit, then 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 tips before you book
Book in advance
Both decks sell out regularly, particularly at sunset and on weekends. Top of the Rock’s Beam sessions fill up days or weeks ahead. Summit One’s weekend and sunset slots can sell out quickly 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.
Go on a clear day
Both decks are weather dependent for the best experience. Check the forecast before you go. Top of the Rock has a weather guarantee if conditions affect your visit. Summit One’s mostly indoor setting makes it more resilient to bad weather.
The Beam at Top of the Rock
Book as part of the Beam Combo from $73 rather than hoping to add it on arrival. Walk-up upgrades are frequently unavailable, especially at sunset.
Combine with the neighbourhood
Summit One is a short walk from Grand Central, Times Square and Bryant Park. Top of the Rock is steps from Fifth Avenue, Radio City Music Hall and the Rockefeller Christmas tree. Neither needs to be a standalone visit.
Ready to book?
Summit One Vanderbilt
Use a sightseeing pass?
Includes Top of the Rock + other top attractions
Top of the Rock
Still planning the rest of your trip?
Head over to our New York Travel Guide for all of our guides, itineraries and local tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
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