Why choose a guided tour of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Two women exploring the AIR, a multi sensory experince at Summit One Vanderbilt.

✔️ Led by a Guest Experience Tour Lead

A specially trained local expert, a Guest Experience Tour Lead, will guide you on your 90-min experience. The tour lead will share insider knowledge about the art, architecture, and engineering of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Expect stories you won’t find on signs or in brochures.

Father and daughter enjoying skyline view at Summit One Vanderbilt, New York City.

✔️ Skip every line

Spend more time exploring the observation deck and less time in long queues. With the guided experience, you get priority access at every checkpoint, including the entrance, security, elevators, and even the Levitation skyboxes.

Guests enjoying night views at Summit One Vanderbilt, New York City, with illuminated skyline in the background.

✔️ See it all, with structure

Explore all three immersive levels at SUMMIT in a carefully curated route. Highlights include the mirrored AIR installation by Kenzo Digital, the floating orbs of Affinity, and panoramic skyline views from the open-air terrace.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observation deck view in New York City with skyline and glass floor experience.

✔️ Immersive and insightful

Your guide doesn’t just lead the way, they reveal the “why” behind the experience. Discover how each installation was designed to play with light, reflection, and perception, and how the building itself redefines NYC’s skyline.

Woman seeing her many reflections through the immerive experience at AIR

✔️ Stay in the moment, take memories home

Focus on the view, not your phone. The tour includes a complimentary digital photo package so you can relive the moment long after you’ve gone back home.

Summit One Vanderbilt observation deck with panoramic views of New York City skyline.

✔️ Made for curious minds

This isn’t a passive walk-through. Ask questions, follow your guide’s fun facts, and engage with the space on a deeper level. Whether you're an art lover or an architecture buff, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective.

What to expect on your tour

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Meet your guide & skip every line

Your tour kicks off at the top of the MTA Staircase, just across from the SUMMIT entrance. Here, you’ll meet your Guest Experience Tour Lead, who will be your personal guide on your tour. With skip-the-line access, you’ll breeze past queues at the entrance, security, elevators, and even the Levitation skyboxes.

Begin your ascent to the extraordinary

After security, you’ll go right up to the observation deck in high-speed elevators in just about 42 seconds. Your guide will set the tone with insights into the building’s innovative design, its position in the Manhattan skyline, and how SUMMIT blends art, nature, and architecture across three immersive levels.

Experience Air by Kenzo Digital

Step into Air, a massive mirrored space that plays with perspective and infinity. This 30,000-square-foot installation plays with reflections, light, and endless space. As you move through it, your guide will break down the design secrets, cool visual effects, and how it all messes with your sense of reality.

Get playful in Affinity and brave the Levitation skyboxes

Continue on to Affinity, a space where floating silver orbs, mirrors, and ever-changing reflections invite you to interact, snap pics, and just have fun. Then, it’s time to get bold at Levitation. With your guide leading the way (and helping you skip the lines), step onto the glass skyboxes hanging 1,000 feet over Madison Avenue. It’s a heart-pounding moment you won’t forget.

Head to the open-air terrace for skyline views

Wrap up your tour at SUMMIT Terrace, an outdoor observation deck with sweeping views of Manhattan’s iconic skyline. Your guide will point out landmarks, answer questions, and ensure you get that perfect photo before handing you a complimentary digital photo package to take the memories home.

What happens after?

While your guided tour lasts about 90 minutes, you’re welcome to stay longer and revisit any spaces at your own pace. Grab a drink at Après, take a final stroll through the mirrored halls, or simply soak in the views for a little longer.

SUMMIT’s showstoppers: From mirrored mazes to sky-high thrills

Summit One Vanderbilt nighttime view, New York City skyline, TRANSCENDENCE experience.

Air by Kenzo Digital

You’ll kick things off in Air, a massive mirrored space that plays with reflections, light, and perspective. Your guide will break down how it was built to bend your sense of space and reality.

Children jumping inside all-glass skyboxes at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, New York City.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observation deck view of New York City skyline.

Your guide to a smooth SUMMIT guided tour experience

Modern washroom facilities with sinks and mirrors in a tourist attraction.

Restrooms: Easily accessible on multiple levels throughout the experience.
Dining: After the tour, you can grab food or drinks (not included) at Après, a stylish café with skyline views.
Photo package: A complimentary digital photo pack is included with your tour.
Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible and designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs.

Sunglasses resting on a park bench in a sunny city park.

Sunglasses: With all the mirrored surfaces, it can get very bright, especially during the day. Sunglasses help reduce glare.
Phone or camera: You’ll want to snap some pics, especially from the terrace. Just remember that flash photography and tripods are not allowed.
Comfortable footwear: You’ll be on your feet exploring three levels, so choose comfort over style here.

Be at the meeting point at least 15 mins before your tour. You’ll meet your Tour Lead at the top of the MTA Staircase, just across from the SUMMIT entrance.
If you miss your slot, check at the Box Office to see if you can join a later tour. But remember, this is subject to availability.
Large bags, backpacks, and luggage are not permitted inside.
Be respectful of others, especially in immersive spaces. No running, shouting, or disruptive behavior.

A child posing, enjoying the thrill of the heights at AIR

Dress for photos: With mirrors all around, you’ll be surrounded by reflective surfaces a lot. Avoid skirts or loose clothing and opt for pants, shorts or tights instead.
Layers: While most of the experience is indoors, the open-air terrace can get chilly, especially in colder months, so carry a light jacket with you if you tend get cold fast.
Ask your guide questions: The Guest Experience Tour Lead has tons of cool stories and context you won’t find on a self-guided visit. Make sure to ask them questions throughout your tour.
Keep your eyes open: SUMMIT is designed to surprise you from every angle. Look up, down, and all around; you never know what you’ll discover next.
Take your time: After the tour wraps up, feel free to stay a little longer at the terrace or return to an installation you loved.

Frequently asked questions about SUMMIT One Vanderbilt guided tours

Is the tour suitable for kids?

Definitely. Kids will enjoy the immersive art, reflections, and sky-high views just as much as adults. However, the 90-min duration and structured pace might be better suited for older children rather than toddlers or very young guests.

How much walking is involved?

You’ll be on your feet for most of the 90-min tour, which spans three levels of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. While there are elevators between floors, expect a moderate amount of walking and standing throughout the experience.

Are audio headsets provided?

No, audio headsets will not be used. Your Guest Experience Tour Lead offers real-time, personalized insights throughout the tour, creating an engaging experience without the need for additional audio devices.

What are the qualifications of my guide?

Your Guest Experience Tour Lead is specially trained in curated storytelling and has deep knowledge of SUMMIT’s art and architecture.

Do I have to be fluent in English to take the guided tour?

The guided tours are conducted in English. While fluency isn’t required, a basic understanding will help you fully enjoy the stories and insights shared by your guide.

What makes a guided tour better than visiting on my own?

A guided tour elevates your visit by providing expert insights and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t find on your own. With skip-the-line access and a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore SUMMIT’s art, architecture, and skyline views in a richer, more immersive way, turning a simple visit into an unforgettable experience.