New York City is known for its impressive skyline, and one of the best places to see it is at the Top of the Rock. The observation decks at the top of Rockefeller Center allow visitors to see New York City from above. With clear skies, the view can stretch for miles, showing parks, buildings, rivers, and bridges. Top of the Rock offers some of the best views in the city.
So call me Tina Fey because looking out from Top of the Rock can feel like an episode right out of ’30 Rock’. With such an amazing panorama, it’s clear why this place is a favorite for both laughter and stunning sights. Standing high above, you can watch the city light up as day turns to night, just like the opening credits of a hit show.
Personal take: As I’ve stated many times on this blog, I am a huge Art Deco fan. As such, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State and the Rockefeller Center are at the top of my list of favorite buildings. The beauty of visiting Top of the Rock is that you can experience all three attractions in one!
Why You Should Visit Top of the Rock Instead of the Empire State Building
Almost everyone I know who visits New York City goes straight to the Empire State Building to look over the city. Yet, I believe the Top of the Rock observation deck offers a better experience for two reasons.
The first reason is its spot in Midtown Manhattan, halfway between the Flatiron District and Central Park. The view from the Top of the Rock gives you a better sense of being in the center of it all, with a full-circle, expansive view of Manhattan and even further. The highlight is that you can see the Empire State Building itself, which you can’t do when standing on it.
Another good thing about picking the Rock over its famed counterpart is how much shorter the wait is. People usually find themselves in much smaller lines here. More space at the top means more comfort and better chances to enjoy the view.
The Rock has its own way of ensuring visitors have a great view of the city. Floors 67 and 69 use big, clear panels to protect visitors from the wind, which is especially helpful when it gets cold but sometimes annoying for pictures as these panels can cause reflections and unwanted flares, especially after sunset.
Then there’s the very top, floor 70, where nothing stands between you and the view. It’s all open, letting you take in the skyline in all its glory.
The Rockefeller Center: History & Architecture
The Rockefeller Center in New York City is a famous complex of 19 commercial buildings. It was built during the early 20th century, with construction starting in 1930, during the Great Depression, and completed in 1939. It is named after John D. Rockefeller Jr., who rented the space and financed the building project. The center is known for its Art Deco style, popular globally during the 1920s and 1930s. This style is characterized by geometric shapes, bold outlines, and lavish ornamentation.
The most prominent building in Rockefeller Center is the Comcast Building, formerly known as the GE Building and RCA Building. It towers 70 floors and has a large painting by Mexican artist Diego Rivera on the ground floor. The painting caused controversy when it was first unveiled because it included a picture of Vladimir Lenin and was later destroyed. Still, it exemplifies the cultural conversation sparked by art within the center.
Visitors often visit Rockefeller Center to see the annual Christmas tree lighting, a tradition that started in 1933. In winter, people enjoy ice skating at the rink located in the plaza. In addition to these seasonal activities, Rockefeller Center offers shops and famous observation decks that provide spectacular views of Manhattan and beyond.
Rockefeller Center has also been home to several TV studios over the years. One of its most famous tenants is NBC Studios, where shows such as “Saturday Night Live” and “The Tonight Show” are filmed.
The importance of Rockefeller Center goes beyond entertainment; it played a role in America’s history. During World War II, sections of the center were used by British intelligence agencies as secure places for information exchange.
Top of The Rock: Useful Information
Address: Rockefeller Center is located in Midtown Manhattan. The entrance to Top of the Rock is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Getting to Top of the Rock, NYC:
- Subway: You can take the B, D, F, or M train to the 47-50th Street Rockefeller Center station.
- Bus: The M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7, and M50 buses all stop near Rockefeller Center.
- Taxi or Rideshare: Request a drop-off at the intersection of 50th Street and 5th Avenue.
Top of the Rock Fares :
- Adults: from $38
- Children (6-12): from $32
- Over 62s: from $36
- Please note prices may vary, and we recommend to book in advance and check their official website for current pricing.
Top of the Rock Opening times:
Top of the Rock Observation Deck is open 365 days a year. Typical hours of operation are from 8:00 AM to midnight, with the last elevator going up at 11:10 PM. Hours may vary on holidays.
Top of the Rock: Tips for Visiting
- Plan ahead and book tickets online to save time. Top of the Rock tickets are included in New York CityPASS, an efficient way to see multiple landmarks at a reduced cost.
- Choose a clear day for the best view. Sunsets are particularly nice, so consider an evening visit.
- Consider visiting during non-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening, for a less crowded experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you may need to wait in line and will be walking around.
- Bring only essential items. Security can be strict, and bags will be checked. Cameras are allowed, but selfie sticks and tripods are not.
- The three levels of observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors are all wheelchair accessible.
