- Top of the Rock is a six-level observatory atop the Art Deco skyscraper, 30 Rockefeller Plaza
- The upper decks are 850 feet above street level
- Views include some of the city’s most prominent landmarks from the Chrysler Building to the Brooklyn Bridge and from Central Park to the Hudson and East Rivers
- Observation deck was first opened to the public in 1933
- Deck was originally designed to evoke the upper decks of a 1930s grand ocean liner, outfitted with deck chairs, goose-neck fixtures, and large air conditioning vents intended to look like the stacks on a ship’s deck
- During the day, you can get a great view of Central Park
- During the evening, you can enjoy the glowing city lights, including a great view of the Empire State Building
- If you arrive shortly before sunset, you can enjoy both the day and night views
- The security guards can be very helpful in identifying landmarks if you're not sure what you're looking at
- Be sure to climb up from the main deck to enjoy the view from a slightly higher and better pictures. Otherwise, you have to shoot through glass.
- There are both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, which is great when it's cold out.
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck Entrance: 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck Phone: 212-698-2000 or 1-877-NYC-ROCK
- Nearest Subways to Top of the Rock Observation Deck: B, D, F, V to Rockefeller Center/47-50th St. Station
- Strollers are allowed.
- Children under 6 are admitted free, with a paid parent or guardian
- Student Activity Guide includes worksheets for kids in grades 4-7 who visit the Top of the Rock
- Teacher's Guide includes information not only for visiting the Top of the Rock, but also has helpful information about Rockefeller Center for all sorts of visitors
- Adult (13-61) $17.50
- Senior (62+) $16
- Child (6-11) $11.25
- 8 a.m. - midnight daily
- last elevator goes up at 11 p.m.
- If you're interested in exploring Rockefeller Center more thoroughly, consider the Rock Pass, which is $45 and includes access to the NBC Studio Tour and Radio City Stage Door Tour (available at all three box offices).
- There is also a Rock MoMA pass, that covers admission to both the Top of the Rock and the Museum of Modern Art for $30 (available at the Top of the Rock box office).
The timed-ticket system eliminates the aggrevation of long waits in line, and even allows you to time your visit to include the time of day that most appeals to you. Want to enjoy great views of Central Park and see New York City's waterways? Plan to visit during the day. Want to see the sunset? Buy your ticket for about 30 minutes before sunset. Want to experience the sparkle of New York City at night? Plan to come after dinner.
The views are best when the day is clear -- I recommend going on the first clear day of your trip. You can book your tickets online with just 3 hours of notice (depending on availability), but you can also pick them up at the box office or at one of the kiosks selling tickets in Rockefeller Center.
Dress for the weather -- the wind is stronger and it's always a bit chillier on the Observation Deck than it is at street level. If you get too cold, duck into one of the enclosed viewing areas to warm up.
Personally, I think the experience at Top of the Rock beats out the Empire State Building Observatory. It's far less crowded, and the timed ticketing can save you a ton of time. In addition, the views of Central Park are fantastic and you can actually see the Empire State Building. While the Top of the Rock Observation Deck isn't as high as the Empire State Building, you feel closer to the other buildings from the Top of the Rock.
