With so many observation decks in Manhattan—SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, The Edge, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, and the Empire State Building—deciding where to take in the city’s skyline can be overwhelming for visitors.
The decision becomes crucial for two key reasons:
First, New York’s skyline is iconic, and experiencing it from above is a must for any trip to the city.
Second, tickets to these observation decks aren’t cheap, so you’ll want to ensure you’re choosing the one that offers the best value and experience.
While tourists who prefer the classic experience are split between the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, visitors who prefer a modern experience need help to decide between Summit One Vanderbilt and One World Observatory.
They are, after all, two of the latest observatories in New York.
This article will help you compare The Summit with One World, focusing on the overall experience, ticket prices, views, crowd levels, location, and what makes each one unique.
Quick Summary
| Parameter | One World | Summit |
| Ticket Price | Adults (13 to 64): US$58 | Adults (13+): US$53 |
| Youth (6 to 12): US$47 | Youth (6 to 12): US$47 | |
| Seniors (65+): US$56 | ||
| Hours | 9 am – 9 pm | 9 am – 12 am |
| Location | Lower Manhattan | Midtown Manhattan |
| Best Views | Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Hudson River | Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Central Park |
| Stories | 102 | 93 |
| Height | 1,250 feet (381 meters) | 1,100 ft (335 meters) |
| Why visit? | – Best view of Statue of Liberty – Best elevator ride – Memorial to Ground Zero | – Best view of Manhattan – Most immersive experience – Best view of Empire State |
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
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