From Golden Hour to Glittering Night, View NYC's Skyline Like Never Before

New York City is a marvel at any hour, but there’s something truly magical about witnessing the city’s transformation from day to night. At SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, the experience of this transition is elevated—literally—offering a front-row seat to one of the most spectacular shows in the world.

Whether you’re captivated by the golden hues of sunset or the brilliance of the nighttime skyline, SUMMIT is the ultimate destination to soak in New York during the day and into the night.

The Unique Appeal of NYC Day vs Night

From SUMMIT’s breathtaking vantage point, the skyline tells different but equally enchanting stories. During the day, the city pulses with energy, each landmark sharp and vivid against a bright, endless sky. As the sun begins to set, the city dons a warmer, softer glow. The light dances off skyscrapers and both the East River and the Hudson River, blending fiery reds and gentle oranges with reflections in SUMMIT’s mirrored spaces.

When night falls, the magic intensifies. Iconic structures like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building sparkle, their lights cutting through the darkness. SUMMIT’s indoor light show adds a layer of vibrancy to this scene, transforming the space into a beacon visible across Manhattan. This transition of day to night is a testament to SUMMIT’s multisensory experience that brings the magic of NYC to new heights.

Best Spots in SUMMIT to Watch the Evening Transformations

Each level of SUMMIT provides a unique way to experience New York City during both the night and day.

Transcendence: This mirrored space transforms the skyline into an infinite, kaleidoscopic display. The reflections amplify the changing light, making it feel as though you’re a part of the city’s transformation. The evening light show inside SUMMIT further amplifies the feeling of transcending space.

Levitation: Step onto the glass-bottomed ledges for an adrenaline-filled view. Suspended 1,100 feet above Madison Avenue, you’ll feel the city’s energy as the streets below twinkle with life.

Terrace: This outdoor deck provides an unparalleled view of the horizon. It’s perfect for capturing the sun as it sets, offering stunning vistas for both photographers and onlookers.

Après: Relax with a cocktail in this sky-high café, where floor-to-ceiling windows allow visitors to grab a bite eye-to-eye with the city’s most iconic skyscrapers. It’s the ideal spot for couples to toast their visit or anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of NYC in style.

Each space is uniquely designed to enhance your experience, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the city’s transformation into its evening glow.

Photographing The Transformation

At SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, the transition from day to night is an opportunity to create photographs that tell a story—one that blends the city’s vibrancy with your personal experience. Whether you’re an avid photographer or just someone who loves snapping a great picture, the shifting skyline offers a canvas unlike any other.

As the sun begins to dip, golden light floods the city, softening the sharp edges of skyscrapers and creating shadows that stretch across the urban expanse. This time is known as the golden hour, a photographer’s dream, where every angle seems to glow. The cityscape, with its mix of historic landmarks and newer marvels like One Vanderbilt itself, becomes a warm, glowing masterpiece. SUMMIT’s reflective spaces elevate this moment, turning a single view into a kaleidoscope of colors and forms.

The best part? You don’t need to be a professional photographer to take stunning pictures of New York at night or any time of the day. Whether you’re using a professional camera or the latest smartphone, SUMMIT’s unique setting turns every snapshot into art.

For detailed photography tips and tricks, read our in-depth article here: Capture New York Magic: A Photographer’s Guide to SUMMIT and the East Side.

Enhancing the SUMMIT Experience

Make your visit truly unforgettable by planning your SUMMIT adventure to perfection.

Timing: Check the time of sunset to make sure you’re arriving to watch the golden hues fade into a glittering night. It changes from day to day!

Group Visits: Gather your crew for interactive fun in spaces like the rooms in AIR, where immersive exhibits create unforgettable memories.

Couples: Enjoy a romantic evening with signature cocktails at Après as the skyline becomes your backdrop.

Solo Trips: Discover introspection in Unity and Transcendence, where the reflections allow you to connect with the city and yourself.

Elevate the experience by opting for the SUMMIT Signature Experience. Enjoy curated cocktails and a chance to embrace the full sensory wonder of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, day or night.

Book your tickets today to secure your spot and experience the magic firsthand. Sunset and evening slots fill quickly—don’t miss your chance to see NYC’s skyline as you’ve never seen it before.