Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center is one of New York City’s premier attractions, offering breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, including landmarks like the Empire State Building and Central Park. With its rich history, multiple viewing platforms, and central location, it’s a must-visit for tourists. Here’s the ultimate guide to help you plan your trip to Top of the Rock.
Overview of Top of the Rock
- Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza (between 5th and 6th Avenues, at 49th Street), Midtown Manhattan.
- Height: 850 feet (259 meters) above the ground.
- Floors: The observation deck is spread over three levels: 67th, 69th, and 70th floors.
- Views: Panoramic, unobstructed 360-degree views of the New York City skyline, including Central Park, Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Statue of Liberty.
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Tickets and Pricing to Top of the Rock
- General Admission:
- Adults: Starts at $40.
- Children (ages 6-12): Starts at $34.
- Seniors (62+): Starts at $38.
- VIP Access:
- Skip-the-line access and priority elevator service. Price: $90 per person.
- Sun & Stars Ticket**:
- Enjoy two visits in one day (once during daylight and once at night) for $60. Ideal if you want to experience different perspectives of the city skyline.
- Rockefeller Center Tour & Top of the Rock Combo:
- For an additional $25, you can combine your visit with a 60-minute guided tour of Rockefeller Center, including its art, architecture, and history.
- Combination Tickets:
- If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, consider a CityPASS or New York Explorer Pass, which includes access to the Top of the Rock alongside other major NYC landmarks like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, or 9/11 Memorial.
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Best Time to Visit Top of the Rock
- Early Morning: The deck opens at 9:00 AM (seasonal hours may vary), and visiting early is your best bet to avoid crowds, especially on weekdays.
- Late Afternoon/Sunset: The most popular time to visit is around sunset, offering stunning views as the city transitions from daylight to night. Be sure to check the sunset time in advance and book tickets 30-60 minutes before the sunset to secure a spot.
- Night: The deck stays open until 11:00 PM (last entry at 10:10 PM). A nighttime visit provides a magical view of New York’s sparkling skyline, with buildings like the Empire State Building beautifully lit up.
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How to Get to Top of the Rock
- Subway:
- B, D, F, M trains to 47th–50th Streets/Rockefeller Center Station.
- 1 train to 50th Street.
- E train to 5th Avenue/53rd Street.
- Bus:
- Several MTA bus routes service Rockefeller Center, including the M5, M7, and M50 buses.
- Walking: Given its central location, you can easily walk from nearby attractions like Times Square (10-minute walk) or Central Park (15-minute walk).
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What to Expect from Top of the Rock
Entrance and Ticketing
- Enter through the Concourse Level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza (also known as the Comcast Building).
- After passing through security, you’ll enter an immersive experience that includes a short historical film about the building’s history and its significance to NYC.
Elevator Ride
- The high-speed elevator takes you up to the observation deck in less than 1 minute. The ride itself is an experience, with a transparent glass ceiling that shows projections as you ascend, creating an exciting and unique journey to the top.
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Observation Deck Layout
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is spread across three floors:
67th Floor:
- Indoor Viewing Area: Floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide panoramic views in a comfortable, climate-controlled environment. Ideal for colder days.
69th Floor:
- Outdoor Viewing Deck: Open-air views with glass panels allowing clear, unobstructed views of the city. Great for taking photos and feeling the city breeze.
70th Floor:
- Completely Open-Air Deck: No glass panels here, just wide-open space offering the best 360-degree views. You can walk all the way around to see everything from Central Park to Lower Manhattan.
Key Views:
- North: View of Central Park, Harlem, and the northern part of Manhattan.
- South: Iconic view of the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and Statue of Liberty.
- East: See the Chrysler Building, Queens, and the East River.
- West: The Hudson River, New Jersey, and the George Washington Bridge.
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Photo Opportunities
- Empire State Building: Top of the Rock offers the best view of the Empire State Building, making it a top spot for photos with NYC’s most iconic landmark.
- Central Park: A clear view of Central Park makes for fantastic daytime photos, especially from the 70th-floor open-air platform.
- Golden Hour: Aim for the golden hour (around an hour before sunset) for the best lighting. You’ll capture soft, golden light over the city, creating dramatic, photo-worthy scenes.
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Nearby Attractions to Top of the Rock
- Rockefeller Center: Explore Rockefeller Center itself, including the Channel Gardens, Radio City Music Hall, and the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree during the holiday season.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral: A stunning neo-Gothic cathedral located just across 5th Avenue.
- The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Located just a few blocks away, MoMA houses one of the world’s most renowned collections of modern and contemporary art.
- Times Square: Just a short walk away, you can visit Times Square before or after your trip to Top of the Rock.
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Accessibility to Top of the Rock
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The Top of the Rock is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities. Elevators provide access to all floors, and wheelchairs are available upon request.
- Service Animals: Service animals are permitted in accordance with ADA regulations.
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Amenities to Top of the Rock
- Gift Shop: Located on the ground floor, the gift shop offers Rockefeller-themed merchandise, souvenirs, and keepsakes.
- Dining: Inside Rockefeller Center, there are several dining options, ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants like The Rainbow Room. Nearby, you’ll also find popular dining spots like Le Pain Quotidien and Blue Bottle Coffee.
- Restrooms: Available on-site, both before you head up and at the observation levels.
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Safety and Weather
- Weather Conditions: The observation deck is open year-round, but weather may affect visibility. If the weather is poor (fog, heavy rain, or snow), you may want to check ahead for updates, as visibility will be reduced, especially from the outdoor decks.
- Safety: The outdoor decks are designed with safety in mind, featuring high glass panels to protect visitors while still providing unobstructed views.
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Tips for a Great Visit to Top of the Rock
- Book Tickets in Advance: Top of the Rock can get very crowded, especially at sunset or during the holiday season. Booking your tickets online guarantees entry and helps you avoid waiting in line.
- Arrive Early for Sunset: Sunset is the busiest time to visit, so arrive at least 30-45 minutes before to secure a good spot for photos.
- Bundle with Other Attractions: Save time and money by purchasing a New York CityPASS, which includes access to other top NYC attractions like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and 9/11 Museum.
- Bring a Jacket: Even during the summer, the outdoor decks can get windy, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
- Camera Gear: Bring a wide-angle lens for the best skyline shots, and consider a tripod if you plan to capture photos during twilight or nighttime.
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Summary
- Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown Manhattan.
- Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally).
- Tickets: Starts at $40 for adults, with VIP, sunset, and combination packages available.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or sunset for the best views and fewer crowds.
- Getting There: Easy access via subway (B, D, F, M, 1, and E trains) or walking.
- Experience: A mix of indoor and outdoor observation decks with unobstructed views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and beyond.
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Visiting the Top of the Rock Observation Deck is a quintessential New York City experience. Whether you’re there to marvel at the city’s architectural wonders or take in the natural beauty of Central Park
