Some moments call for a little extra sparkle—and when you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just soaking up time with someone special in New York City, finding the right spot can make the day even more memorable.
That’s where SUMMIT One Vanderbilt comes in, a sky-high experience that brings a thrill to any NYC adventure. Located 1,100 feet above Midtown Manhattan, SUMMIT blends interactive art, mirrored infinity rooms, and jaw-dropping views with a feeling of wide-open wonder. Whatever you’re celebrating, a visit to SUMMIT can be the perfect highlight—one that adds energy, excitement, and some seriously good photo ops to your plans.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the view. Après, SUMMIT’s stylish café offers signature cocktails, light bites, and a sophisticated yet relaxed setting, making it an ideal spot for a romantic anniversary toast. Plus, with exclusive VIP experiences and group packages, SUMMIT makes it easy to make your visit special for any occasion.
From birthdays to anniversaries and all other celebrations in between, this is your go-to resource for planning an unforgettable visit to the top of the city.
New York City offers endless ways to celebrate, but few places make a milestone feel as elevated—literally and figuratively—as SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. SUMMIT blends jaw-dropping views, interactive experiences, and sophisticated ambiance to create something truly special.
Here’s why SUMMIT stands out as the ultimate destination for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, proposals, and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations:
1. A View Unlike Any Other
Few places in NYC can match the breathtaking 360-degree skyline views you’ll find at SUMMIT. From 1,100 feet above the city, you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Herald Square, and even far into Queens and the Bronx on a clear day. It’s a great way to take in how expansive, layered, and connected the city really is.
Whether you visit in the morning, afternoon, or evening, the perspective shifts with the light—and each time feels like a completely new view of NYC.
2. An Interactive & Immersive Experience
SUMMIT isn’t just a place to admire the skyline—it’s designed to immerse you in it. Instead of standing at a static window, you’ll step into mirrored infinity rooms that reflect the city in endless, dreamlike dimensions. You’ll feel weightless as you hover over Manhattan inside the Levitation skyboxes, where you’ll experience the rush of stepping onto a transparent glass floor with the city beneath your feet.
For those looking for fun activities in NYC for a birthday or romantic locations for an anniversary celebration, a visit to SUMMIT is the best way to make your special moment truly unforgettable.
3. Après Café: The Perfect Place for a Celebratory Toast in NYC
After soaking in the skyline views, make your way to Après, SUMMIT’s stylish café on the 93rd floor. Here, you’ll find an ideal spot to pause, raise a glass, and take in the moment. Après pairs sky-high ambiance with signature cocktails and elevated bites, making it a great choice for a celebratory toast or a birthday treat with a view.
What makes Après worth the stop?
Panoramic views that keep the celebration going high above the clouds, handcrafted cocktails and curated bites, a chic, relaxed setting that works for everything from a date night toast to a casual catch-up.
Whether you’re kicking off a birthday itinerary or wrapping up a day in the city, Après adds just the right amount of celebration-worthy indulgence.
A birthday in New York should feel just as dynamic and exciting as the city itself. If you’re looking for a unique way to mark the occasion, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt offers an unforgettable experience.
With its breathtaking NYC skyline views, interactive installations, and elegant café, SUMMIT turns an already special day into something truly extraordinary. Here’s how to make your birthday at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt an experience unlike any other.
1. Start Your Birthday with a Skyline Morning
One of the most unique birthday ideas in NYC is beginning the day 1,100 feet above Manhattan. The early morning light casts a golden glow over the skyline, making it one of the most peaceful and visually stunning moments of the day. With fewer crowds in the morning, it’s also an ideal time to take in the full experience without distraction.
For those who want to start their birthday with a sense of tranquility, there is no better time and no better place. Watching the New York skyline illuminated from this height creates a moment of reflection—something rare in a city that moves at full speed.
2. A Birthday Adventure Unlike Any Other
If you’re looking for fun activities in NYC for a birthday, SUMMIT provides a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience that blends city views with interactive art and cutting-edge design. Instead of simply admiring the skyline from a distance, you’ll become part of it.
Infinity Mirror Rooms: The mirrored floors, walls, and ceilings of SUMMIT’s reflective installations create an illusion of endless space, making every step feel like you’re floating above the skyline. This immersive design makes SUMMIT one of the most visually unique birthday spots in NYC.
Levitation Skyboxes: Step into fully transparent glass ledges that extend over Madison Avenue, giving you the sensation of hovering above the city. This is a thrilling way to add an element of adventure to your birthday experience.
Best Views for Birthday Photos: With a skyline that stretches up to 80 miles, SUMMIT offers some of the most striking, panoramic backdrops for photos. Whether capturing a solo birthday moment or a group celebration, the reflections and open spaces create a setting that makes every shot stand out.
3. Toast to Your Birthday in NYC With a Skyline View
After experiencing the immersive spaces at SUMMIT, keep the celebration going at Après. For those looking for a refined but relaxed birthday treat in NYC, Après offers elevated cocktails, curated small plates, and a backdrop of city lights.
The open-air terrace provides one of the most stunning sunset views in Midtown, making it an ideal setting for an evening toast. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, a few close friends, or a larger group, Après offers a stylish space that balances luxury with laid-back elegance.
4. Upgrade Your Visit with SUMMIT’s Premium Experience
For a celebration that feels a little more exclusive, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt’s Premium Experience offers a seamless, elevated way to take in the city. It’s an ideal option for marking a milestone or simply making your visit feel extra special.
Here’s what’s included:
Expedited access through a dedicated VIP line, so you can bypass general admission and start your experience faster
Personalized 90-minute tour led by a Guest Experience Tour Lead
Entry to all three immersive floors, including Transcendence, Affinity, and Unity, plus access to Après Café
Whether you’re planning a birthday visit or just want to skip the lines and soak in the experience at your own pace, the Premium Experience adds ease and exclusivity to an already unforgettable view.
Anniversaries deserve a setting as special as the occasion, and few places in the city offer a blend of breathtaking views, elegant ambiance, and immersive experiences quite like SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Whether you’re celebrating your first year together or a milestone anniversary, SUMMIT creates an intimate yet unforgettable experience that will take your romance to new heights.
1. Watch the Sunset Over the NYC Skyline
For couples looking for things to do on an anniversary in NYC, a sunset visit to SUMMIT is one of the most romantic experiences the city has to offer. The way the light transforms the skyline, casting a warm glow over the city before transitioning into a sea of sparkling lights, creates an atmosphere that feels intimate, cinematic, and almost surreal.
Why sunset is the best time for an anniversary visit:
The golden hour lighting makes for the most stunning and flattering anniversary photos.
The shifting reflections in the mirrored Transcendence rooms create a romantic, dreamlike setting.
As the evening sets in, the skyline becomes a glittering backdrop—perfect for a celebratory toast amidst the indoor light and sound show.
2. An Elevated, Romantic Anniversary Drink in NYC
After soaking in the views, keep the celebration going at Après, SUMMIT’s elegant yet relaxed café. Offering craft cocktails, seasonal bites, and an intimate ambiance, it’s the perfect place to top off your visit to SUMMIT with a skyline view from the 93rd floor.
What makes Après a great anniversary spot:
A sophisticated yet intimate setting makes it ideal for a casual toast and a quick bite to eat.
Breathtaking views through floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuring the city remains part of your special moment.
A curated cocktail and wine selection, perfect for pairing with light bites. A champagne cart is also available at select times of the year.
3. Capture Anniversary Moments with Stunning Photos
To make the most of any special occasion, SUMMIT offers professional photography packages that take the experience even further. From posed portraits to candid moments against the city skyline, it’s an easy way to walk away with frame-worthy memories.
Explore available ticket packages here.
After all, an anniversary at SUMMIT is a moment worth capturing. The interplay of glass, mirrors, and skyline views creates some of the most breathtaking and artistic backdrops in NYC, making for unforgettable anniversary photos.
The best photo locations at SUMMIT for couples include:
Transcendence: The mirrored reflections make for surreal, artistic anniversary photos where the city feels endless.
Levitation Skyboxes: A bold, dramatic shot where you appear to be floating over Midtown Manhattan.
Sunset or Nighttime Skyline Backdrops: Capture the transition from golden hour to twinkling city lights for a classic, romantic anniversary photo.
4. Elevate the Celebration with a VIP Experience
For couples looking to make their anniversary feel truly exclusive, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt’s premium experience adds a refined touch to an already unforgettable visit.
Skip the general admission line with dedicated VIP entry, enjoy priority elevator access, and explore all three levels of SUMMIT’s immersive spaces—from the reflective wonder of Transcendence to the open-air sky boxes overlooking the city. The Premium ticket also includes access to Après Café, perfect for a celebratory drink with skyline views.
It’s an upgrade that turns your visit into something more personal and memorable—ideal for marking a meaningful moment together.
Make Your Celebration Unforgettable at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT isn’t just for birthdays and anniversaries—it’s the perfect place to celebrate any milestone.
Graduations: Celebrate your academic achievements with a visit to SUMMIT. The stunning views and immersive installations make it a graduation celebration to remember.
Engagements: Pop the question at SUMMIT and start your journey together with a celebration high above the city. Choose an all-inclusive proposal package to create an unforgettable moment with breathtaking 360-degree views of New York City as your backdrop.
Family Reunions: Bring your loved ones together for a celebration at SUMMIT. From the interactive art to the iconic landmarks reflected in every direction, it’s the perfect setting to explore together.
No matter the occasion, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt offers a celebration setting unlike any other. Whether it’s a birthday in New York, a once-in-a-lifetime anniversary, or simply a reason to gather with friends, the combination of breathtaking views and immersive art makes every visit truly unique.
From early morning moments to evening champagne toasts, SUMMIT turns milestones into unforgettable experiences.
Ready to celebrate in the sky? Book your tickets today.
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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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