Written by Julie Jones, Have Wheelchair Will Travel, April 18, 2026
New Yorkers are a proud bunch and they are keen to ensure visitors can fully appreciate the New York skyline. I don’t think any other destination offers so many observation decks or vantage points to get a birds eye view of the city. As a family, we’ve previously visited the Top of the Rock and we’ve also taken in the views from the Empire State Building. On my recent trip, I decided to check out Summit One Vanderbilt, one of the new kids on the block.
Each New York observation deck offers something different, but Summit One Vanderbilt has added a multi-sensory experience with good accessibility and some lovely family-friendly elements. When these unique features are combined with stellar views, it makes it difficult to bypass Summit One Vanderbilt.
Summit One Vanderbilt – New York
New York is a sprawling metropolis and the best way to get your bearings is with a visit to one of the many observations decks in the city. Whether you are a first-timer to the Big Apple, or a return visitor looking for a fresh take on New York, a visit to Summit One Vanderbilt is a stand-out way to appreciate it.
Summit One Vanderbilt offers offers views of many of the city’s iconic landmarks including my favourite, the beautiful Chrysler Building, The Empire State Building and Central Park. And while the surrounding vista is stunning, inside, visitors to Summit One Vanderbilt are treated to Transcendence, a boundless structureless world where mirrors reflect the building’s surrounds.
New Yorkers have seen just about everything but with so many mirrors, I recommended visitors wear pants of some variety because there is no escaping the reflections!
One of the reasons I feel Summit One Vanderbilt is so well suited to families is because of Affinity, a room filled with hundreds of floating, reflective silver balloons kept moving by air currents. It’s an interactive space that engages all ages but particularly adds value to young children who may be less wowed by passively looking at the views.
All of the spaces provide great photo opportunities.
It should be noted that guests with sensory sensitivities may find the mirrored room and the balloon filled area overwhelming.
If you dare, step out on Levitation, two glass ledges suspended above Madison Avenue. It’s sure to be a heart-racing finale to you visit to Summit One Vanderbilt.
Accessibility is good throughout at Summit One Vanderbilt with wheelchair users provided with express entry avoiding the cattle-grid line. An elevator takes guests to the 91st floor and there is excellent access through the various spaces.
The accessible bathroom has some of the best views, including Central Park in the distance.
I recommend combining a visit to Summit One Vanderbilt with Grand Central Station. The contrast between the new skyscraper and old world New York sums up the city perfectly.
I was hosted for my visit at Summit One Vanderbilt but would return with the family in a heartbeat. Braeden would love the interactive elements of this attraction.
While in New York I stayed at Moxy Times Square New York and my review of the accessible accommodation can be read here.