For visitors and locals alike, the things to do in Midtown Manhattan feel limitless. Art, culture, history, and global flavors converge here in ways unlike anywhere else in the world.
Midtown Manhattan isn’t just a collection of skyscrapers and world-famous landmarks; it’s a living, breathing celebration of New York City’s melting pot of rich culture and diversity.
And at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, you can witness it all from above—every season, every angle, and every extraordinary moment. High above the storied streets, the unmatched view of the city becomes a living mosaic greater than the sum of its parts.
Perched 1,100 feet above Madison Avenue, SUMMIT transforms the skyline into a living work of art. Every moment at SUMMIT invites you into a multi-sensory experience where you can see, feel, and even float above the city’s dynamic pulse.
From the moment you set foot on the 91st floor, Midtown unfolds beneath your feet and around you in a dazzling play of reflection, light, and space. Views from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt reveal iconic landmarks like Bryant Park, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and beyond, stretching across the five boroughs and into neighboring states on a clear day.
Yet the real magic of SUMMIT lies not only in what you see, but in what you feel.
Explore the Experiences That Make SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Unforgettable
Transcendence: Step into a two-story mirrored space where the skyline repeats into infinity. Reflections ripple across floors, ceilings, and walls, blending the boundary between New York City and sky in an awe-inspiring display.
Affinity: Moving on from Transcendence, continue your path as reflective orbs envelop you, creating a playful, physical connection to the space.
Unity: Immerse yourself in an interactive installation that utilizes real-time visuals and guests’ own likeness to amplify your journey through the space.
Levitation Skyboxes: Dare to stand 1,100 feet above Madison Avenue in fully transparent glass skyboxes that project visitors into the open air. The thrill of seeing the city rush beneath your feet is as exhilarating as it is unforgettable.
Ascent Glass Elevators: Take the ride of a lifetime inside the world’s largest external glass-bottomed elevators. As you ascend the face of One Vanderbilt, Midtown transforms around you with every second.
Après Café: After your journey through the sky, relax at SUMMIT’s elegant sky-high café. Signature cocktails, curated small bites, and sweeping skyline views make it the perfect setting for a celebratory toast or quiet reflection.
Open-Air Terrace: Breathe in the full expanse of the city from SUMMIT’s wraparound terraces. Watch as the city transforms with the changing light—from morning’s soft golds to evening’s twinkling symphony of lights.
Every detail at SUMMIT is designed to spark wonder, connection, and discovery, whether you’re experiencing Midtown for the first time or falling in love with it all over again.
The heart of Midtown beats with culture, from immigrant-built landmarks to institutions celebrating art from every corner of the globe. These five stops are Midtown Manhattan’s must-sees.
1. Bryant Park and the New York Public Library
In the heart of Midtown, Bryant Park offers a lush, tree-lined escape surrounded by classic architecture. Bryant Park’s seasonal festivals and outdoor readings invite locals and tourists alike into a shared community space. Adjacent to the park, the main branch of the New York Public Library symbolizes the city’s commitment to knowledge and culture.
2. Grand Central Terminal
A masterpiece of Beaux-Arts design, Grand Central Terminal is a vital transit hub and a living museum of New York’s architectural ambition. Beneath its celestial ceiling, visitors can find hidden passageways, The Oyster Bar, and the famous Whispering Gallery, where secrets pass effortlessly from wall to wall.
3. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
MoMA’s galleries showcase masterpieces from Picasso, Monet, Warhol, and Basquiat alongside bold new voices redefining contemporary art. Its garden spaces and rotating exhibitions ensure that every visit feels fresh, while its Midtown location anchors it firmly in the cultural heart of the city.
4. Rockefeller Center
With public art installations, international cuisine, and the famous skating rink, Rockefeller Center is a year-round celebration of both tradition and transformation. Whether you’re catching a taping of “Saturday Night Live” or simply marveling at the Prometheus statue, the center is Midtown grandeur at its finest.
5. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
A timeless symbol of faith and architecture, St. Patrick’s Cathedral rises uniquely amid Midtown’s skyscrapers. The Neo-Gothic spires and intricate stained glass make up one of the most iconic historical landmarks in NYC.
Seasonal Celebrations in Midtown
Festivals, parades, and open-air markets fill Midtown’s streets with energy throughout the year, turning the neighborhood into a vibrant celebration of New York life. Each season brings its own traditions, transforming Midtown’s avenues and plazas into stages for some of the city’s most beloved celebrations.
1. Bryant Park Winter Village
Each holiday season, Bryant Park transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland with artisan shops, gourmet treats, and one of the city’s favorite ice-skating rinks. It’s a perfect place for an afternoon stroll or evening hot cocoa under the city lights.
2. Summer Street Fairs
During warmer months, Midtown’s avenues turn into pedestrian-friendly spaces featuring street food, live performances, and pop-up markets. Exploring these fairs is one of the most authentic things to do in Midtown Manhattan for visitors wanting to experience the city’s local heartbeat.
3. NYC Pride Parade
The annual Pride Parade turns New York into a canvas of expression, honoring LGBTQ+ voices with a joyful explosion of color and community. The celebration’s energy resonates all the way to Midtown with Pride-themed events and afterparties.
Dining Destinations to Savor
When it comes to dining, Midtown serves up a global feast ranging from Michelin-starred indulgences to casual bites that hit just right. From elegant sit-down dinners to lively food halls, these standout spots capture the neighborhood’s rich flavors and energy.
1. Le Pavillion
Located inside One Vanderbilt, Le Pavillon is a Michelin-starred restaurant from acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud. With a focus on seasonal vegetables, seafood, and a distinctly French flair, Le Pavillon delivers a refined culinary experience in a setting that feels at once serene and spectacular. The interiors, lush with greenery and natural light, make it the perfect extension of SUMMIT’s sensorial experience.
2. Benjamin Steakhouse
Benjamin Steakhouse offers a quintessential New York dining experience just steps from Grand Central Terminal. Known for its soaring ceilings, roaring fireplaces, and classic prime cuts of beef, Benjamin blends old-world charm with modern energy. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply enjoying a timeless Midtown moment, this iconic steakhouse delivers a taste of true New York tradition.
3. La Grande Boucherie
La Grande Boucherie brings the spirit of Paris to Midtown Manhattan with soaring art nouveau interiors and a menu of classic French fare. Located just off Sixth Avenue, it’s the perfect choice for visitors craving oysters, steak frites, and fine wines beneath a glass canopy that feels like it belongs on the Champs-Élysées.
4. Refinery Rooftop
One of Midtown’s best-kept secrets for after-dark dining, Refinery Rooftop pairs creative small plates with panoramic city views. The space transforms with the seasons, offering cozy winter cabanas and breezy summer terraces.
5. Vanderbilt Food Hall
For a quick bite that doesn’t compromise on flavor, Vanderbilt Food Hall inside Grand Central Terminal is a must. From artisanal pizza and ramen to gourmet doughnuts and oysters, it’s the ideal pit stop between activities or before heading to SUMMIT. It’s Midtown’s answer to fast, fresh, and delicious food.
Whether indulging in fine dining, grabbing bites on the go, or sipping cocktails under the city lights, Midtown’s culinary scene offers an authentic, flavorful complement to any exploration of things to do in Midtown Manhattan.
While famous attractions near Bryant Park draw the crowds, Midtown rewards those who look beyond the obvious. Dive deeper into the neighborhood’s hidden side:
Tudor City Greens: One of New York’s first residential skyscraper complexes, Tudor City offers peaceful gardens, gothic architecture, and a surprising escape from Midtown’s buzz.
Paley Park: Tucked between office buildings on 53rd Street, this tiny pocket park features a dramatic waterfall that muffles city sounds, creating a serene hideaway beloved by locals.
Japan Society: Nestled near the United Nations, this cultural center offers art exhibits, theater performances, and film screenings, all in a tranquil setting that feels worlds away from the surrounding streets.
There’s More to Midtown, and It Starts With a New Perspective at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Midtown’s story is one of constant transformation, and at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, that story stretches in every direction, reflected across endless mirrored surfaces.
From the soft golds of morning over Bryant Park to the glittering theater lights of Times Square at night, views from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt offer an ever-changing front seat to New York’s heart. Each moment reveals a new layer of the city’s spirit: its history, ambition, and infinite energy.
Standing 1,100 feet above Madison Avenue, you’re not just admiring the skyline. You’re stepping into it and becoming part of it.
And that’s just the beginning.
For those seeking an even more elevated visit, SUMMIT’s Premium Experience offers priority access, exclusive guided tours, and curated insights that deepen the journey, making every moment in the sky feel even more extraordinary. Planning something truly unforgettable? SUMMIT’s Proposal Package provides a breathtaking setting for life’s biggest questions, with private moments framed by the city’s endless skyline.
Ready to see New York from a perspective like no other? Book your tickets today and start your Midtown journey at the height of the city’s imagination.
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45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Entrance located on the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal |
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