Things to do in New York

Everything to know before visiting Top of the Rock in New York

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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


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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


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


Top of the Rock

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


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:

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:

one world observatory new york empire state building top of the rock
One World Observatory
from $45.91
Book Now
Empire State Building
from $43.98
Book Now
Top of the Rock
from $43.55
Book Now
Standard Ticket Inclusions Access to all installations in Tower and the Observation Deck
Learn More
Access to ESB 86th Floor Observatory + Skip-the-line; Flexible tickets (valid for 1 year)
Learn More
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 - All You Need To Know


Top of The Rock Hours

Top of The Rock is open 7 days a week

Daily Hours - 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Last elevator up at 11:15 PM)

Operation Hours on Holidays

  • Thanksgiving Day | 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Last elevator up at 11:10pm)
  • Christmas Eve | 8:00 AM -10 :00 PM (Last elevator up at 9:10pm)
  • Christmas Day | 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Last elevator up at 11:10pm)
  • New Year’s Eve | 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Last elevator up at 9:10pm)
  • New Year’s Day | 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (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.
Train

  • Trains 1, 6, N, Q and R all stop at the Rockefeller Center train stop.
Bus

  • 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.

NYC hotel
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel

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

Radio city apartment
Radio City Apartments

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

Radisson Hotel New York
Radisson Hotel New York

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

Lotte New York Palace
Lotte New York Palace

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:

Eggs
Rainbow Room

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.

Limani
Limani

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.

Mimosas
Bar SixtyFive

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

Pizza
Harry's Italian Pizza Bar

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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