If you visit New York City, one thing you really must do is visit an observation deck and take in the vastness of the city. There are a few to choose from and each offers some kind of unique experience.
Perhaps the most unique among them is Summit One Vanderbilt. It's the fourth tallest building in the city with a spire at 1,401 feet and the observation deck is just over a thousand feet high, providing an extraordinary view.
However, this attraction includes more than city views. First you stand in a long line through security and to claim booties for your shoes and sunglasses for your eyes. Then they shoot you up to the 90-something floor where you emerge into a strange new world. It's a an art installation that employs light, air, mirrors, technology and silver beach balls to create an intriguing and sometimes disorienting atmosphere.
The aforementioned booties protect the mirrored floors while the sunglasses protect your eyes and help to tone down the mirror effect. While three walls are windows, the fourth wall, ceiling and floor are all mirrored.
It is wild and makes for some great pictures. In fact, everywhere you go, there are people standing, sitting and even lying on the floor posing for those Instagram worthy shots.
We paid a little extra for some options including an observation deck with a glass floor. It was a bit of a wait to do this so my inner coward that didn't want to do it in the first place happily said no when my friends didn't want to wait.
We did take advantage of the other perk - a glass elevator ride up an additional 200 feet. Yup. They tacked a glass elevator to the side of that ginormous building and send you on an excruciatingly slow climb toward the heavens.
I lived.
There are two ways to enter Summit - one from the street and the other from inside Grand Central Station. This is the entrance we chose and I was so glad because it gave us an excuse to grab breakfast, explore a bit and shop the Christmas market. Read about Grand Central Station by clicking here!
Restrooms are a little hard to find in New York but they are available at Summit and there's one particular ladies room that has an incredible view.
If you're looking for an art installation with a view, this is an excellent option. If you're just looking for a view, keep looking. This was a lot of extra time and bling just to see the city from up high.
Still, no regrets. We had a great time and I'm glad we went! Want to visit? Click here to get your tickets and to learn more.
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