The observation deck at Rockefeller Center is also known as the Top of the Rock. This great attraction is located on the three upper levels of the GE tower and offers amazing views over the city and its surrounding areas.
Almost everybody I know who’s been to NYC flocks to the Empire State Building for the views, however, I think the Top of the Rock beats the hell out of the Empire State mainly for two reasons:
The first one would be its location, right in the Middle of Midtown Manhattan, halfway between the Flatiron and Central Park. From the Top of the Rock you have a more central, panoramic, 360 degree view of Manhattan and beyond. The best feature of the view is the fact that from the Top of th Rock you can actually see the Empire State Building, an impossible task if you’re actually standing on it!
The second reason would be that, being a “secondary sight in NYC, the lines at the Top of the Rock are roughly a tenth of those at the ESB. Needless to say, the observation deck will also be less crowded.
Unlike the Empire State Building, observation platforms at the Rock’s 67th and 69th floor have a security glass instead of metal fences, this fact allows visibility and at the same time reduces the impact of the strong winds, that can be a real pain, particularily during the winter.
Level 70 is an open-air observation area, with no high barriers and superb views.
Getting to, price and schedules for Rockefeller Center’s Top of the rock
Prices and fares
Adults (13-61): $25
Children (6-12): $16
Seniors (+62): $23
Sunrise-Sunset Tickets (Allow several visits on the same day)
Adult: 38$
Children: 20$
Schedules
Open every day, 365 days a week from 8:00am until midnight. Last elevator at 11:00 p.m.
Getting there
Top of the Rock is on 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Nearest Subway station: 47th-50th Street / Rockefeller Center (lines F, V, B, D) or 5th Avenue/53rd Street (lines E and V).
Main entrance on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.
