Viator · group up to 15 pax

VIP SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and Grand Central Guided Tour

3.5(19)New York City1 hour
VIATOR2.4(5)TRIPADVISOR3.9(14)

Description

This thrilling tour visits the most extraordinary new skyscraper, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. With our early morning access to Manhattan's tallest midtown building, you’ll enjoy unprecedented combination of spectacular New York city views. Experience the Best of New York City with our early morning tour. Start your day by entering SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, New York’s hottest new attraction, before the crowds arrive. Marvel at breathtaking views from the 91st to 93rd floors of this iconic skyscraper. This immersive, multi-sensory experience spans 65,000 square feet across three floors, using cutting-edge lighting, sound, and animation to transform your perception of New York's skyline. After soaking in the panoramic vistas, your expert guide will lead you on an unforgettable journey through Grand Central Terminal. Discover the stunning architecture and design of this New York City landmark.

Tour Options

Tour in Spanish
  • Tour in Spanish: Option for Spanish Speaking guests
Tour in French
  • French Speaking Guide: For French Speaking Guests
Tour in Portuguese
  • Tour in Portuguese: For Portuguese speaking guests
Tour in Italian
  • Italian Speaking Guide: For Italian Speaking Guests
VIP SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and Grand Central Guided Tour
  • Tour in English: English Speaking Guide

Itinerary

60 min

Discover the stunning architecture and design of this New York City landmark, while uncovering its rich history and fascinating stories. Explore highlights like the famous astrological ceiling, the world’s most valuable clock, and the Whispering Gallery—where you'll experience a unique acoustic phenomenon. • MAIN CONCOURSE CEILING • INFORMATION BOOTH CLOCK • WHISPERING GALLERY • GRAND CENTRAL MARKET • The Celestial Ceilings • PARK AVENUE VIADUCT • THE CAMPBELL BAR

Admission included120 min

On this small group semi-private tour discover the New York skyline while you soar to new heights. Elevate your New York City experience with a tour that will leave you truly breathless. Guest will soar to 1,401 feet high before stepping out onto an outdoor observation Deck on the 93rd floor. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art, technology, architecture and thrills to take the concept of NYC “observation decks” to entirely new heights. As well as the magnificent view of NYC, there's five multi-sensory installations including a spectacular mirrored space spread over two floors, to floating orbs that change colour in tune with a light show. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is the in-place to be!

Highlights

Visit the Grand Central Station and the Whispering Gallery
Expert first class guide offering captivating stories & insights
See the world-famous outstanding icon of the New York city skyline
Easy Access admission to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
See the most expensive Clock in the world & Grand Central’s incredible celestial ceiling

What's included

Included
Visit the Grand Central Station and the Whispering Gallery
Expert first class guide offering captivating stories & insights
See the world-famous outstanding icon of the New York city skyline
Easy Access admission to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
See the most expensive Clock in the world & Grand Central’s incredible celestial ceiling
Not included
Guide Tip

Traveller Ratings

3.5
19 reviews
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10
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3
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6

Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking, including over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, hills, inclines, declines and stairs.
  • Participants should be in good health - consult first with your doctor if you have any medical condition or are not used to regular exercise.
  • Wheelchairs, motorised scooters or any other device to assist mobility are not recommended, as we cannot guarantee: that all footpaths/sidewalks/curbs will have suitable ramps.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Anybody under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by somebody aged 18 years or older.
  • The order of attractions may occasionally be adjusted to ensure the best experience and avoid overcrowding. Rest assured, all elements of the tour as described will be delivered.
  • Not recommended for travellers with limited mobility
  • The venue recommends wearing trousers, flat shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen.

Reviews(19)

N
nikkicummings
December 28, 2025
Tour (and guide Alex) was amazing!

My 17yo daughter and I booked this tour because the GA Summit One Vanderbilt tickets were sold out everywhere. It ended up being just us and the tour guide, Alex. He was AMAZING. So knowledgeable, so nice, so easy going. I was a bit nervous at first that it would be awkward since we were going to be spending 3+ hours together, but it couldn't have been a better experience. He knew everything about everything, and he made the whole tour very fun AND informational. He went above and beyond to make sure the entire tour was excellent. 100% recommend!

Operator response

Niklki, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your daughter had such an amazing experience with Alex. It’s fantastic that his knowledge, friendly approach, and attention to detail made the tour both fun and informative. We’re delighted it exceeded your expectations and truly appreciate your 100% recommendation!

C
Carlo S
September 19, 2025
Individual Tour Summit and Grand Centralstation with private character.

We were alone with the guide. She has comprehensively explained all the main points and sights of this tour and has responded directly to our questions. We felt very comfortable and the interpersonal chemistry was right. Too bad we couldn't do the other tours with her.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had such a personal and enjoyable experience with your guide. It’s great that she was able to tailor the tour to your interests and make you feel so comfortable throughout. We’re sorry you didn’t get the chance to join her on the other tours, but we hope you’ll visit us again soon — we’d love to welcome you back for another great experience!

6
649EricT
July 31, 2025
More than just an observation tour!

This was a knowledgeable tour of Grand Central Station and surrounding cityscapes of New York from the observation tower of the Vanderbilt Tower. You will be immersed in the hustle and bustle of Grand Central Station. You will learn the history of GCS. Ryan our guide shared extensive knowledge on the history of each Burroughs in all directions. More than just an observation tour, but a history lesson.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Grand Central Station tour and the sweeping views from the Vanderbilt Tower. Ryan will be so pleased to know his knowledge and storytelling made the experience both educational and engaging. It really is more than just an observation — it’s a true journey through New York’s history! We hope to see you again soon on another one of our tours in the USA or Europe.

T
thess12347
April 21, 2025
Nightmare with Viator

Already sent in my review. Worst excursion ever with Viator. Guide was over an hour late and we were continously given incorrect information

Operator response

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. We are genuinely sorry to hear that your experience didn’t go as smoothly as it should have. Unfortunately, on the day of your tour, our expert first-class guide was unexpectedly delayed due to a signal failure on the subway line, which left them stuck on a train for a considerable amount of time. This was truly beyond our control, and we deeply regret the inconvenience it caused. That said, we did our best to ensure you still had the opportunity to enjoy the One Summit experience. Our customer service team reached out to you promptly and shared your Summit tickets via WhatsApp so you wouldn’t miss your entry. They stayed in touch to provide you with updates every step of the way. We’re glad that despite the situation, you were able to enjoy a fully guided tour of Grand Central Terminal prior to entering Summit—earlier than scheduled, just before 11:00 a.m., rather than the original 11:30 a.m. slot. We completely understand your frustration, and we’re truly sorry that the unexpected delay impacted your perception of the overall value. This isn’t the kind of experience we aim to deliver, and your feedback is being taken seriously so we can do better. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, and please know that we’re working hard to ensure future guests enjoy the seamless, enriching experience we’re known for. Warm regards,

T
Terry_H
April 20, 2025
Nightmare in NYC One Vanderbilt

Waste of money. Go for less expensive Front of the Line. Guide was over 1 hour late. We were constantly misinformed . Worst experience yet with Viator. Service provider was out of Ireland and difficult to get a hold of

Operator response

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. We are genuinely sorry to hear that your experience didn’t go as smoothly as it should have. Unfortunately, on the day of your tour, our expert first-class guide was unexpectedly delayed due to a signal failure on the subway line, which left them stuck on a train for a considerable amount of time. This was truly beyond our control, and we deeply regret the inconvenience it caused. That said, we did our best to ensure you still had the opportunity to enjoy the One Summit experience. Our customer service team reached out to you promptly and shared your Summit tickets via WhatsApp so you wouldn’t miss your entry. They stayed in touch to provide you with updates every step of the way. We’re glad that despite the situation, you were able to enjoy a fully guided tour of Grand Central Terminal prior to entering Summit—earlier than scheduled, just before 11:00 a.m., rather than the original 11:30 a.m. slot. We completely understand your frustration, and we’re truly sorry that the unexpected delay impacted your perception of the overall value. This isn’t the kind of experience we aim to deliver, and your feedback is being taken seriously so we can do better. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, and please know that we’re working hard to ensure future guests enjoy the seamless, enriching experience we’re known for. Warm regards,

M
Monique_D
January 1, 2025
Definitely take the tour...

Definitely take the tour of Grand Central Station! Our guide, Christine was awesome!!! She was very educated on the history.

Operator response

Monique, thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the Grand Central Station tour and that Christine made the experience even better with her deep knowledge of the history. She truly knows how to bring those historic details to life! If your travels take you to other cities, be sure to check out our tours across Europe and the USA for even more incredible experiences. We’d love to see you again soon! 🌍✨

I
I5141JXnicoleb
December 30, 2024
Great.

We had trouble finding our guide for the vip tour. Otherwise, great experience once you get in the elevator and at the top.

Operator response

Hello and Thank you very much for your feedback! We’re sorry you had difficulty finding your guide at the start of the VIP tour, but we’re thrilled to hear you had a fantastic experience once you got into the elevator and reached the top. Always double-check your tour Coucher for the exact meeting location. If you’re traveling to another city, don’t hesitate to explore our other tours across Europe and the USA for more incredible experiences. We hope to welcome you again soon! 🌍✨ Best Regards, Merci beaucoup pour votre retour ! Nous sommes désolés d’apprendre que vous avez eu des difficultés à trouver votre guide au début de la visite, mais nous sommes ravis que vous ayez passé une super expérience une fois arrivé dans l’ascenseur et au sommet. Si vous voyagez dans une autre ville, n’hésitez pas à explorer nos autres tours à travers l’Europe et les États-Unis pour d’autres expériences incroyables. Nous espérons vous accueillir à nouveau bientôt ! 🌍✨

P
Panicker13
December 6, 2024
Stunning Experience but Overpriced VIP Package

The VIP Summit Vanderbilt tour package offers a premium experience with exclusive access and breathtaking views. However, the cost is significantly higher than expected and feels overpriced for what’s provided. While the views and amenities are impressive, the value doesn’t quite match the steep price tag. Look for alternative packages that might be more budget-friendly, but make sure to visit VIP Summit Vanderbilt if you’re in New York—it’s a must-see attraction despite the price.

Operator response

Hi Panicke, thank you for your review. Thank you for your high praise for the tour and for One Summit Vanderbilt. The tour offers excellent value for money, led by a certified expert first-class local guide with priority timed entry tickets to the Summit as well as a fully guided tour of Grand Central Station. Best Regards,

G
Guide295155
December 2, 2024
Summit tickets

Terrible experience. They sale the tickets through a third party that supposedly give you the actual ticket for entrance, they only give you a voucher and that’s no the actual ticket. At the summit theres no one providing information or assistance or the customer phone number for support never answered . I have to purchase tickets there again since the people at summit don’t have anything to do with third parties. The best way is to purchase directly to the summit website

Operator response

Hello, and thank you for sharing your feedback. We want to clarify that there seems to have been a misunderstanding regarding your tour. We are a tour operator offering a fully guided experience of two major New York attractions: Summit One Vanderbilt and Grand Central Station. Your tour guide was present at the designated meeting location, along with a group of 16 other guests. Unfortunately, you arrived more than 30 minutes after your scheduled tour time and did not check in with the guide, which led to you missing the tour. When booking, it's important to check in at the meeting location as indicated on your voucher. We apologize that your late arrival impacted your experience, but this is something outside of our control. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope this helps clarify the situation. Best regards,

M
Mark_H
November 30, 2024
Worst Experience with a vendor I’ve ever had on Viator.

Worst tour I have ever booked through Viator!!! Will never use this vendor again. I suggest you use extreme caution using this vendor. They are not local. I was dealing with a customer support system out of Ireland. Was told to meet the “tour guide” who was not outside at the meeting point. Which he was not. We showed up (as told 15 minutes before the meeting time at 8:30am with a 8:45am start time) no tour guide. Waiting in the cold with a child, for almost an hour (calling customer service which was in another country) and using their “chat service” which kept saying he was there. The tour guide once he showed up said sorry “I had a cat wake me up early”. I’m not making that up. Then when we tried to start the tour. The tour guide changed the tour and wanted todo the Grand Central Station tour and not the Summit tour, which was not as advertised. Come to find out he didn’t have tickets for the Summit as advertised for the 9am but for later in the day. Also the ViP for the summit (which is what everyone in the tour wanted) was just a get you in the with everybody else. Very disappointed. I’ve used Viator many many times in many countries. This was the worst experience I have ever had.

Operator response

Hello Mark, Thank you for your feedback. We’d like to clarify the situation regarding your tour booking. Our tour is a combination experience, including both The Summit One Vanderbilt and a fully guided tour of Grand Central Station. The tour was conducted as planned, with your guide present at the meeting location, along with a group of 16 other guests. The tour began at 8:45 a.m., after a brief check-in starting at 8:30 a.m. The group waited an additional 15 minutes for late-arriving guests. The group first visited Grand Central Station and then proceeded to Summit One Vanderbilt, where we had a timed entry at 10:00 a.m. We understand that you chose not to participate in the Grand Central portion of the tour, as you mentioned that you only signed up for the Summit One Vanderbilt experience. However, we want to clarify that our tour is designed as a combined experience, and both attractions are included in the itinerary. We hope this explanation clears up any confusion. Thank you for your understanding, and we appreciate your feedback. Best regards, Sean Customer Service