New York City has five observation decks – SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, The Edge, Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and One World Observatory.
Each of these offer a unique perspective of New York’s breathtaking skyline. Selecting the right viewing platform can be overwhelming for visitors.
Two of the most popular choices are Summit One Vanderbilt, the city’s latest addition, and the legendary Empire State Building, a landmark that has defined the Manhattan skyline for decades.
Both offer unique perspectives and experiences, but which one is worth your time and money?
In this article, we compare Summit One Vanderbilt and the Empire State Building, focusing on experiences, views, ticket prices, and other key factors to help you choose the best option for your New York City adventure.
Quick summary
| Parameter | Empire State Building | Summit One Vanderbilt |
| Ticket price | Adults (13 to 61): US$49 | Adults (13+): US$53 |
| Youth (6 to 12): US$43 | Youth (6 to 12): US$47 | |
| Seniors (62+): US$47 | ||
| Hours | 10 am – 11.30 pm | 9 am – 12 am |
| Location | Midtown Manhattan | Midtown Manhattan |
| Best views | Chrysler Building, Central Park | Empire State Building, Chrysler Building |
| Stories | 102 | 93 |
| Height | 1,250 feet (381 meters) | 1,210 feet (369 meters) |
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Height of the observation deck
The Empire State Building’s observation deck on the 102nd floor reaches a height of 1,250 feet (381 meters), with an additional viewing area on the 86th floor at 1,050 feet (320 meters), delivering a classic panoramic view of the city.
Summit One Vanderbilt’s observation deck, situated on the 93rd floor at 1,100 feet (335 meters) and levels on the 91st and 92nd floors, provides a more immersive experience with varied skyline perspectives.
While the Empire State Building offers a higher elevation, Summit One Vanderbilt enhances the viewing experience through its multiple levels, each offering a unique vantage point.
Winner: Empire State Building
Outdoor vs indoor decks
Summit One Vanderbilt’s 91st and 92nd floors are fully enclosed in glass, providing panoramic indoor views, while the 93rd floor features an outdoor observation deck.
The 93rd floor also hosts the Après Restaurant, which offers an indoor lounge and an outdoor terrace for dining.
The Empire State Building features indoor and outdoor observation decks, with the outdoor 86th-floor deck providing an open-air experience that allows visitors to feel the wind and enjoy unobstructed city views.
While the Empire State Building’s outdoor deck brings a classic, open-air sensation, Summit One Vanderbilt’s indoor decks offer a modern, climate-controlled environment with unique design elements, including a sky-high glass floor for a more immersive experience.
Winner: Both
View from the observation deck
The views from Summit One Vanderbilt and the Empire State Building each offer unique experiences.
The Empire State Building’s 86th-floor open-air deck provides classic, panoramic views of New York’s skyline, including landmarks like Rockefeller Plaza and Central Park.
On clear days, the 102nd-floor enclosed deck extends your view to five neighboring states, and the 103rd floor-is reserved for VIPs.
Summit One Vanderbilt offers a fresh perspective with its four-level, 65,000-square-foot (6039-square-meter) observation space.
At a higher altitude, it provides breathtaking views of the Central Park, the East River, the Statue of Liberty, and even the Atlantic Ocean on clear days.
Both spots offer stunning views, but Summit One Vanderbilt’s contemporary style and higher elevation give it a modern edge.
Summit One Vanderbilt also has a glass elevator called Ascent, which takes you up the side of the building for spectacular views of the Central Park and the East River, though it’s been in maintenance mode since March 2023.
Winner: Summit One Vanderbilt
Exhibits to experience
At Summit One Vanderbilt, the experience is all about modern, high-tech excitement.
Visitors can explore multi-sensory exhibits featuring mirrored rooms, light shows, and interactive installations that create a surreal, futuristic atmosphere.
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.
These displays blend art and technology, making the journey to the observation deck as unforgettable as the views.
On the other hand, the Empire State Building offers a more traditional yet equally fascinating experience.
Its exhibits focus on the building’s rich history and cultural impact, showcasing historical artifacts, photos, and interactive displays.
The “Dare to Dream” exhibit tells the story of the skyscraper’s construction, while the 80th-floor immersive experience highlights its influence on popular culture.
Both offer unique and engaging ways to experience these iconic landmarks before soaking in the stunning city views.
Winner: Both
Ticket options
At Summit One Vanderbilt, visitors have two main options for experiencing the observation deck.
Most choose the timed skip-the-line tickets, priced at $53 for adults aged 13 and older, ensuring a smooth visit without long waits.
A premium option is the guided tour that costs US$1,088 for a group of six, though fewer people opt for this.
The Empire State Building generally offers slightly lower prices, with adult tickets ranging from $48 to $51 and children’s tickets between $42 and $45.
Senior tickets are priced between $46 and $49.
For those wanting to skip the lines for faster entry, an Express Ticket at the Empire State Building is available for $91.
Both attractions provide free entry for children under six years old, making them accessible options for families.
Winner: Empire State Building
Crowd to expect
The Empire State Building attracts large crowds, especially during peak times. It drew more than 4 million visitors annually, averaging about 11,000 people daily.
Even though the Empire State Building has an Express ticket, which helps you avoid all the crowds, since it’s highly-priced, it ceases to be an advantage.
Though popular, Summit One Vanderbilt typically has fewer visitors, providing a more relaxed and less crowded experience.
Winner: Summit One Vanderbilt
Dress code
There is no strict dress code for visiting the Empire State Building observation deck, but wearing comfortable clothes and shoes is what we recommend.
On the other hand, Summit One Vanderbilt has a slightly more extensive dress code because of its reflective surfaces.
They recommend wearing pants, shorts, or tights to avoid unintended exposure. If you find out about this specification at the last minute, don’t worry. The Summit provides free stretchy black shorts upon request.
To protect the glass floors, stiletto heels, work boots, and cleats are not allowed, so it’s best to wear comfortable, non-scuffing shoes like sneakers.
Remember, the dress code is to ensure the visitors’ privacy and comfort. So, it’s better to be prepared with the apt clothing and footwear.
Winner: None
Which deck is better for night time visit
The Empire State Building and Summit One Vanderbilt offer vibrant, colorful nighttime experiences with stunning 360-degree views of New York City.
However, Summit One Vanderbilt stands out if you plan to visit the observation decks at night.
The four exhibits at Summit—Air, Clouds, Transcendence, and Levitation—provide unique and immersive experiences that become particularly striking as the city lights up and darkness sets in.
Winner: Summit One Vanderbilt