Race to the Sky: NYC Architecture Tour With SUMMIT One Ticket

New York City , United States of America

Race to the Sky: NYC Architecture Tour With SUMMIT One Ticket

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About this experience

See some of New York’s best architecture on this expert-led Midtown Manhattan walking tour with your ticket to NYC’s newest observatory — SUMMIT One Vanderbilt — included!

We’ll start at the famous Empire State Building, where you’ll capture the perfect photo of this skyscraper. On Fifth Avenue, hear how Macy’s changed New York and America.

See more iconic skyscrapers from Bryant Park, the “town square” of Midtown, as you take in views of the striking American Radiator Building and learn how it inspired artists. Your guide will share the stories of these beloved landmarks, from the Chrysler Building to the New York Public Library, pointing out details in the Art Deco and Beaux-Arts architecture along the way.

Finally, we come to One Vanderbilt, standing more than 1,400 feet tall. On the 91st through the 93rd floors, you can experience the NYC skyline in a whole new way — with lights, mirror, and interactive art.

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Race to the Sky: NYC Architecture Tour With SUMMIT One Ticket

What's included

Ticket to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Expert local tour guide

Guided walking tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Capture the perfect photo of the iconic building as you hear stories of its creation and unique challenges.

Stop 2

Learn about the cultural significance of Macy’s department store and its impact not just on New York but America as a whole.

Stop 3

Enjoy the bustle and beauty of this 9.6-acre greenspace, affectionately known as the town square of Midtown Manhattan, as you learn about unique architecture nearby, such as the American Radiator Building, and its influence on artists.

Stop 4

Hear about the history of the Beaux-Arts style and its role in shaping NYC as you admire one of the city’s most beautiful examples. Your guide will also share secrets of the library that might surprise you.

Learn about the feud that changed Manhattan’s skyline forever. From here, you can also admire the magnificent Chrysler Building as your guide points out its finer details

Stop 6

With your included ticket, explore three floors of this towering skyscraper, the newest and most immersive observatory experience in NYC. Spend as much time as you like during your self-guided tour of the observatory.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Your guided tour will end near the Summit Vanderbilt building. Your tickets are timed, so you should enter immediately after the tour. Once inside, you’re free to explore at your own pace to the 91st and 93rd floor.

Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.

This tour covers around three quarters of a mile at a leisurely pace.

This tour is accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.

Meeting point

Important notes

Please meet your guide in front of the Sunglass Hut at Macy's Herald Square. Your guide will be wearing an orange hat that says ExperienceFirst. Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.

Your guided tour will end near the Summit Vanderbilt building. Your tickets are timed, so you should enter immediately after the tour. Once inside, you’re free to explore at your own pace to the 91st and 93rd floor.

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information