Those dreaming of the ideal American dream may not need an introduction to the legendary Rockefeller Centre. With sweeping panoramic views and the marvellous architecture that makes it one of the most iconic buildings in New York, the centre is home to 19 commercial buildings that stretch out over a whopping 22 acres. In fact, a visit to New York may as well be proclaimed incomplete without a visit to The Top of The Rock — the observatory, situated on the 70th floor of the building. The Top of the Rock observation deck promises a sense of calm that prevails far away from the buzz of the city that never stops. People from all around the world find themselves falling in love with the American skyline on top of this captivating observatory. The views from on top of the Rock are also considered to be one of the best sights in New York City.
Good To Know
Know before you go
Best time to visit - Sunset
Suggested duration - 1 Hour
Top of The Rock Tickets starting price -$37
Closest subway station - 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr
Opening Hours
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Last elevator up at 11:15 PM)
Must see in Rockefeller Center
The Channel Gardens
The Rink
NBC Studios
Bronze Atlas Statue
Address
Rockefeller Plaza, 30, New York, 10112, United States
Get Directions
Why visit Top of the Rock
Standing atop the Rockefeller Center is a heavenly feeling. The 850 feet giant is a historic building towering over NYC since before world war 2. The observatory on the 70th floor of the building provides sweeping views of Manhattan, the Financial District, beyond the Empire State Building, and the lush green Central Park. It is 3 levels high, combining the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors of Rockefeller Center. If you are visiting New York for the first time, or have been there for a while but never visited Top of the Rock, you have been missing out on the most photographic views of the city.
Rockefeller Center History
The massive complex is more than just an architectural marvel. A brainchild of John D. Rockefeller, a renowned philanthropist, the Rockefeller centre began constructing in 1931 with an aim to be a ‘city within a city’. This historic landmark also played a significant role in employing over 40,000 people during the Great Depression.
After being completed in 1939, the complex consisted of buildings as well as some of the very first skyscrapers in New York City. John D. Rockefeller had a dream to establish the complex as the hub of culture, entertainment and art, and today the Rockefeller Centre boasts all of that and more. With a fully functional skating rink, shopping arcades and many Television offices that call themselves a part of the centre, the centre remains one of the most sought after attraction in New York even today.
Top of The Rock Tickets
2 million visitors each year visit Top of The Rock to catch the best views of New York, which loosely means that around 5500 visitors walk in each day. Get your hands on Top of The Rock Tickets to skip the long waiting lines and make sure you get your share of time at the top.
Experience & View from Top of the Rock
A typical visit to The Top of the Rock in the Rockefeller centre would consist of serene moments that take in the glorious views of the New York skyline. Upon arriving at the Rockefeller plaza, you are greeted by the Joei Chandelier, a specially crafted Swarovski chandelier comprising 14,000 crystals, stretching to a height of 3 stories above the Grand Atrium Lobby.
From here, walk to the Mezzanine Exhibit that takes you through interesting stories, facts and artefacts of the Rockefeller Center and interesting details behind construction of Top of the Rock. Once you go through the security check, stop by the Theatre and watch a short documentary on the history of the Rockefeller Center and NBC studios. After the video, you are ushered into the Sky Shuttle, a high-speed summit elevator that ferries you 850 feet high in less than a minute.
Top the Rock Observation Decks
There are 3 decks on different levels at the Rockefeller Center.
- The first deck on the 67th Floor has a Radiance Wall crafted with pristine glass panels, blown glass, crystal clusters and fiber optic lighting making it truly radiant! Make sure to look for tiny animal figurines hidden amongst the design. Look out for the Beam Walk here, the fabled picture of workers eating lunch on the steel beam during the construction of the Rockefeller Center. Learn more about this iconic photo and a lot more about the history of the Rockefeller Center.
- The second deck on the 69th floor features the Breezeway, an outdoor deck that is entertaining and fascinating all at once. As soon as you step into the Breezeway, you will be assigned a colour and that colour will follow you through the room. A definite favourite amongst kids!
- The third deck on the 70th floor is entirely outdoor and glass free making it a photographer’s paradise. Here, you come face to face with New York's iconic buildings like the Empire State building, the Chrysler building, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty amongst a few. While the unmatched beauty of New York's skyline can be enjoyed anytime, a visit during the evenings is most likely to give you a glimpse of a stellar sunset upon the maximum city.
Visit Rockefeller Center - Things to do
Rockefeller Centre attracts a swarm of crowd every year not just because of the Top Of The Rock Observation deck, but because there’s a lot within the complex that you can enjoy as a family or in a group. Here are a couple of attractions that we recommend along with your Top of the Rock ticket:
Embark on an extraordinary journey to discover the rich history behind the architectural marvel, that is considered to be one of the most iconic buildings of New York. The journey takes you through John D. Rockefeller Jr’s vision from 80 years ago to what it has become today in an interactive tour.
Take a refreshing stroll around the verdant and lush Channel Gardens, that bloom within the Rockefeller Centre. The beauty of this garden is admired by many-a-tourists as well as locals who visit to enjoy the colourful tulips as well as a weeping willow forest amongst many other plant installations.
Considered as one of New York’s most celebrated attractions, The Rink at the Rockefeller Centre is one such treat that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a wintertime experience or simply wanting to take in the energy amongst all, the rink will leave you with fond memories to take back home.
Ever wanted to find out how your favourite television shows worked? The Tour at NBC Studios provides you with an all-exclusive chance to check out some of the behind-the-scene access of your favourite shows. Some of which include The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live with Seth Meyers and several others.
Comparing Top of the Rock, One World Observatory & Empire State Building
With New York being the epicentre of several important sights and sounds, it only makes sense to visit more than one observatories to get the best of what it has to offer. However, with the shortage of time and outflow of money, it can get cumbersome to pick out the one that suits your schedule the best. Here we compare some of the most popular observatories in New York City, and what you should consider before making your pick:
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One World Observatory
from $37.15
Book Now
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Empire State Building
from $47.91
Book Now
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Top of the Rock
from $43.55
Book Now
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| Standard Ticket Inclusions |
Access to all installations in Tower and the Observation Deck
Learn More
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Access to ESB 86th Floor Observatory + Skip-the-line; Flexible tickets (valid for 1 year)
Learn More
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Access to the observation decks on floors 67, 69 and 70 + Flexible tickets (valid for 6 months)
Learn More
|
| Ticket Price |
$34 |
$37 |
$37 |
| View |
Panoramic views of New York’s important landmarks through indoor viewing |
View of New York City but through bars and glass obstructions |
Unobstructed view of the entire New York City Skyline and Manhattan |
| Location |
285 Fulton Street |
350 5th Ave |
Rockefeller Plaza |
| The Good |
Tallest Observatory in NY and a 360 virtual rendition of New York + Interactive elevator ride |
Largest indoor as well as outdoor viewing section |
Best views of the New York City as per popular vote |
| The Bad |
No open-air observatory |
Longest queues in New York |
The Rockefeller Centre can get confusing for first time visitors |
Top Of The Rock Reviews
Absolutely Everything, the views of the city from the building, the build up of the experience, it was just great and I had an amazing time. totally worth it:)
- Gerardo, Headout, August 2024
The view is simply breathtaking! The tickets always worked perfectly, even for other attractions. We never had any problems and never had to queue! The different levels and the fact that you could take your time were great!
- Simone, Headout, August 2024
It was very well organised, sith short waiting time less than 5 minutes to go up and get down. View is breathtaking, from one side one can see central park and upper Manhattan and from other side there is stunning view of Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. It's great value for price.
- Mirna, Headout, May 2024
Top Of The Rock - All you need to know
Top of The Rock Hours
Top of The Rock is open 7 days a week
Daily Hours - 8am to 12pm (Last elevator up at 11:15pm)
Operation Hours on Holidays
- Thanksgiving Day | 8am - 12am (Last elevator up at 11:10pm)
- Christmas Eve | 8am -10pm (Last elevator up at 9:10pm)
- Christmas Day | 8am - 12pm (Last elevator up at 11:10pm)
- New Year’s Eve | 8am - 10pm (Last elevator up at 9:10pm)
- New Year’s Day | 10am - 12pm (Last elevator up at 11:10pm)
Top of the Rock Entrance
The Main Entrance to the Top of The Rock is from 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue. You will see a red carpet marking the entrance. There is a Second Entrance on the Concourse level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Getting to Top of the Rock
Subway- The closest stop to the Top of the Rock is the Rockefeller Center stop. You can take Subway Number - B, D, F, or M train to the 47th-50th Street stop and walk to the building.
- Trains 1, 6, N, Q and R all stop at the Rockefeller Center train stop.
- Bus Number M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7 and M50 all stop close to the Rockefeller Center.
Practical Guide
- The average duration for a sedate Top of the Rock Experience is around 45 minutes to 1 hour
- You will have to undergo a tight security check before entering. Weapons like pocket knives, swiss army knives and other objects like lighters, glass bottles are not allowed. Food and Beverages are not permitted inside too.
- There are 2 types of tickets one can purchase - Timed tickets and Unscheduled tickets. It is always best to buy timed tickets online so that you pick a slot of your choice and get guaranteed access during this period. Unscheduled tickets involve the hassle of exchanging the tickets at the box office for a time ticket as per the availability. In this case, immediate entry cannot be guaranteed.
Hotels Near Rockefeller Center
New York is undoubtedly an expensive city to stay in. Here are a few low budget motels to luxury hotels you can stay at around Rockefeller Center.
Manhattan Hotel at Times Square is a polished hotel that was built in 1962. If you are looking to stay within a few steps away from Central Park, Radio City Music Hall and Times Square, this is the place to be. You have everything you’d need; TV, WIFi, coffeemakers, work desks, and private outdoor space for your ”me” time.
Budget: $100-150
Located just a block away from Rockefeller Center, Radio City Apartments are short-period renting apartments with all apartment amenities. They also include laundry, gym passes if you want to work out, and a computer station.
Budget: $120-140
If you are willing to spend a tad bit more, you may enjoy the luxuries of Radisson Hotel New York. The hotel offers sleek rooms with smart TV, iPod docks, coffeemakers, a modern kitchen, sofa beds, a free 24-hour gym, and meeting space. They also have a terrace restaurant overlooking Rockefeller Center.
Budget: $145-220
Located in the Midtown East of the city is the luxurious posh hotel, Lotte New York Palace. The decor is especially exquisite and victorian. The suites are spacious offering wiki, TV, with luxe linens and designer toiletries. The windows provide sweeping views of Manhattan that would make for a memorable stay.
Budget: $800-900
Rockefeller Center Restaurants
The Rockefeller Center has many restaurants in and round. Here are our top picks:
Located on the 65th floor of Rockefeller Center is Rainbow Room, aptly named since it offers striking views of the city. They serve everything from breakfast specials to dinner delicacies.
Must Try: Eggs Benedict, Cocktails, and Clash of the Titans Burger.
Located in the Rockefeller Plaza, Limani is a classic restaurant serving the best Mediterranean cuisine in New York City. Serving traditional olive oils, fresh bread, pasta and seafood from the shores of Cyprus and Greece, the restaurant is true to what they portray. Reserve a table before you plan your dinner since the place is very popular.
Must Try: Steak, Grilled Octopus, Lamb Chops.
Another local’s favourite located on the 65th floor is Bar SixtyFive. It is known for its ritzy cocktails and is most crowded on Fridays. If you want to experience New York’s nightlife, this is a must-visit. You would need to bring your ID along with you to enter.
Must Try: Bottomless Mimosas, Pineapple Express
No trip to NYC is complete without their classic New York pizza slice. Harry’s is a casual yet stylish pizza take-out located in the Rockefeller Plaza. The pizzas are super delicious and loaded with extra toppings. They are also easy on your pockets.
Must Try: Cheese, Pepperoni, and Chicken Bacon Ranch
Insider tips for first timers
- It is important to check the weather conditions before you plan a visit to the Top of the Rock as it is an open air observatory.
- Even with a priority ticket, there are chances of you coming across a crowd as the place is considered immensely popular in New York.
- Beware of heavy wind! If you’re the kind that needs a jacket on, carry a thick one to make sure you’re safe.
- Pick a time slot during the evenings so that you can enjoy yourself by catching lovely hues over the horizon.
- There are a bunch of other things to see and experience in the centre like skating on the Rink, getting a bite from the highest rooftop restaurant, shopping and more. Make sure you make most of your time there.
- Stay dressed for the weather. The winds are especially strong in the evenings which also happens to be the best time to visit.
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