A new contender has joined the New York observation deck competition, with newcomer Summit One Vanderbilt challenging such names as the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and One World Trade Center with some exciting and scary new features.
Its location, sharing a block with Grand Central Terminal, makes it the most Midtown-centric choice, including practically arms-length views of icons such as the Art Deco Chrysler Building. It’s also a good place to look at its competitors to the north and south—or to look down.
There are transparent ‘sky boxes’ cantilevered out from the sides of the 1400-foot building with glass floors directly over city streets. Those of us who are prone to ‘jelly leg’ can skip those! There are also areas with reflective panels that juxtapose what can be seen from elsewhere with what you can see where you are.
Tickets start at $39, with various discounts for locals and children, and free for the five-and-under crowd, similar to prices at other decks around the city.
