Top of the Rock vs Summit One Vanderbilt: 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 trying to decide between Top of the Rock and Summit One Vanderbilt, 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.
For a full overview of all five NYC observation decks, head to our best observation deck New York guide. For head to head comparisons of other decks, see our Summit One vs The Edge and Top of the Rock vs The Edge guides.
Quick comparison table for Top of the Rock vs Summit One Vanderbilt
|
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 5/6 |
Children under 6 free |
Children under 5 free |
|
Sunset surcharge |
+$10-13 |
$12 |
|
Go City |
Not included |
Included |
💡 Tip: Check Summit One Vanderbilt on GetYourGuide or Top of the Rock on Viator to compare live prices and availability. Or consider a Go City Pass to save on Top of the Rock and other attractions.
Schedule and times
Summit One Vanderbilt
> Open daily from 9am to midnight – last entry around 10:30pm
> Closed on Tuesdays – check before you book
> 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 9am to midnight – last entry around 10:30pm
> Closed on Tuesdays – check before you book
> 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
Prices
|
Ticket type |
Summit One Vanderbilt |
Top of the Rock |
|
Adult (13+) |
From $44 |
From $42 |
|
Child (6–12) |
From $38 |
From $36 |
|
Senior (62+) |
– |
From $40 |
|
Free entry |
Children under 6 |
Children under 5 |
|
Under 6 |
Free |
Free |
|
Sunset surcharge |
+$10-13 |
+$12 |
|
Go City |
Not included |
Included |
|
Premium options |
Glass elevator ride, Après lounge |
Express pass, The Beam, Skylift |
💡 Tips worth knowing:
> Skylift and The Beam at Top of the Rock are both separate $25 add-ons – neither is included in general admission or the express pass
> 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, it can represent good value. See our NYC on a budget guide for more details
👉 Check Summit One Vanderbilt tickets on GetYourGuide
👉 Check Top of the Rock tickets on Viator
👉 Or save with a Go City Pass
📍 Location
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 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 – 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
From Summit One Vanderbilt, you can clearly see:
> 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 genuinely excellent throughout
From the Top of the Rock, you can clearly see:
> 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. You cannot get this shot from the Empire State Building itself
> 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:
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
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 Center’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. $15 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
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
> Closed Tuesdays – check before you book
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 actively engage with 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 and so we ended up doing the Hokey Cokey in the line, which kept her going. We took the pram, which was absolutely fine throughout. Once inside, she collected her shoe covers and glasses and was immediately engaged. The Affinity balloon room was her absolute favourite.
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, and 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, with some families finding Summit One overwhelming and too busy. Ours loved every minute. For more on visiting New York with young children, see our NYC with kids guide.
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.
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. Craft cocktails, specialty coffee, hot chocolate and light bites. Mocktails and non-alcoholic options available.
Boutique gift shop – SUMMIT branded merchandise and New York souvenirs 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 provided at entry.
No storage – large bags, large backpacks, and luggage not permitted beyond security. 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.
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.
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.
You can purchase your ticket via Viator to include the Beam and Skylift here.
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 photography throughout
✅ Mostly indoor – ideal for winter visits or bad weather
✅ Central Midtown location next to Grand Central – easy to get to
✅ Chrysler Building almost at eye level – a view unique to this deck
✅ Après café and outdoor terrace for drinks with skyline views
✅ Complimentary shoe covers and sunglasses provided on entry
✅ Visible up to 80 miles on a clear day
❌ Not included in Go City – separate ticket required
❌ Closed on Tuesdays
❌ One way system – 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
❌ Some families find it overwhelming – experiences vary
Top of the Rock
✅ 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
❌ 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, want the most immersive experience, are visiting in winter, or want the Chrysler Building and Central Park views in a warm comfortable setting.
Choose Top of the Rock if you want the classic Empire State Building shot, prefer open air photography, are visiting at Christmas for the Rockefeller tree view, or want to keep costs down with a Go City pass.
If you’re also considering The Edge, our Summit One Vanderbilt vs The Edge and Top of the Rock vs The Edge guides cover those comparisons in full detail. For all five decks compared in one place, head to our New York observation decks hub.
Planning a December visit?
Both decks are worth visiting in December but for very different reasons.
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.
Summit One Vanderbilt in December is the more comfortable option. It’s mostly indoor, warm throughout, and the mirror rooms take on a different quality in the low winter light. The views of Central Park dusted in snow on a clear winter day are extraordinary. Remember it’s closed on Tuesdays.
Worth knowing for December:
> Both decks get significantly busier around Thanksgiving and Christmas week, and so book well in advance
> Sunset comes early in December, around 4:30pm, which means sunset slots fill up quickly at both decks
> The Rockefeller Christmas tree is visible from Top of the Rock but not from Summit One
> Top of the Rock’s open air deck is considerably colder in December than Summit One’s mostly indoor experience
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. It’s one of the most extraordinary free experiences in New York in December. And if you’re planning a longer Christmas trip, our 4 days in New York at Christmas itinerary shows exactly how we fitted both decks into a full festive trip.
Final tips
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.
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.
Check Summit One’s closing day – closed on Tuesdays. Plan around this if your trip falls on a Tuesday.
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.
👉 Summit One Vanderbilt tickets on GetYourGuide
👉 Top of the Rock tickets on Viator
👉 Or save and purchase a Go City Pass
Summit One Vanderbilt vs Top of the Rock – FAQs
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