New York City offers numerous vantage points to admire its iconic skyline, with the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center standing out for its distinct charm and unparalleled views.
This 3-tiered observation deck on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors provides panoramic vistas from 260 meters (850 feet) above ground.
The terraces face all directions and feature clear glass panels that allow for unobstructed views of landmarks like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center.
This article covers everything you must know before booking Top of the Rock tickets.
Top Tickets
It is better to buy your tickets online in advance to avoid last minute disappointment.
# Top of the Rock, New York’s iconic Observation Deck
Things to know before booking tickets
Top of the Rock tickets are available online and at the attraction.
Online ticket prices are usually cheaper than tickets sold at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early also helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
To book tickets, go to the ticket booking page and select the number of tickets, preferred date, and time.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.
Ticket printouts are not required.
On the day of your visit, you can show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the ticket redemption point available at the Observation Deck.
Top of the Rock tickets
Experience unparalleled views of New York City from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Plaza.
This ticket grants you timed entry to three floors of indoor and outdoor viewing areas, where you can admire landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Chrysler Building, and the Statue of Liberty.
You get the option to book general admission or prime-time tickets. Time slots are available every five minutes, from 8 am to 11.10 pm.
The attraction is fully accessible for visitors with mobility issues.
Ticket Prices
Adult (13 to 61 years): US$44
Child (6 to 12 years): US$37
Senior (62+ years): US$41
Infant (up to 5 years): Free
Top of the Rock VIP tickets
The guided tour includes expedited entry and priority elevator access for a hassle-free experience.
Step onto the Beam for a unique photo opportunity, admire the dazzling Swarovski chandelier, capture memorable moments with the Photo Pass, and enjoy 20% off at the Top of the Rock gift shop.
With this ticket, you’ll gain access to both indoor and outdoor observation decks, ensuring a complete viewing experience.
Download the Top of the Rock app with a 360-degree viewfinder to navigate easily. While you must select a specific entry time, you can explore the decks at your leisure once inside.
Ticket Price: US$174
Opening hours
Top of the Rock Observation Deck is open daily from 8 am to midnight.
The last entry is at 11.10 pm.
The last elevator to the top goes up about an hour before closing.
How long does the tour take
A Top of the Rock tour takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
The observation decks are open to guests during operating hours, and they are free to stay as long as they desire.
If you visit during sunset or at night to witness the city’s illuminated skyline, you may want to give yourself some extra time to enjoy the changing colors of the sky and the city lights.
You’ll need extra time if you intend to visit the gift shop or dine at one of the restaurants within the Rockefeller Center complex.
Best time to visit
If you prefer a quieter and less crowded experience at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, consider visiting early in the morning, shortly after it opens at 8 am.
Morning visits offer a peaceful way to enjoy the views and take photographs without the hustle and bustle of larger crowds.
Scheduling your visit on a weekday (Monday through Thursday) can also help avoid the weekend rush.
An evening visit is ideal for those interested in capturing stunning sunset photographs with the city skyline as a backdrop.
Aim to arrive before sunset as this time is very popular and crowded. Be sure to check the sunset time for the date of your visit and plan accordingly.
Top of the Rock restaurants
Once you visit the Observation Deck, you can dine at various Rockefeller Center restaurants, which serve a variety of cuisines.
Le Rock is a highly-rated restaurant inspired by French classics and offers a lively atmosphere and enticing food.
Limani, Del Frisco’s Grille, Bill’s Bar and Burger, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar, Beatnic, Jupiter, and Alidoro are among the best restaurants within the Rockefeller Center.
Remember to check the dress code, as most are fine dining establishments.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Top of the Rock.
The attraction is located at Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan. Depending on your location in the city, you can easily access it by subway, bus, taxi, or by foot.
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, United States. Get Directions.
While you can purchase tickets on-site, it’s highly recommended to buy them in advance online to secure your preferred time slot and avoid potential long lines, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Sunset and nighttime visits offer breathtaking views of the city’s lights, while daytime visits allow you to see the city in natural daylight. Early mornings are often less crowded.
It does not permit outside food or beverages. Weapons of any kind are also prohibited.
This includes but is not limited to glass bottles, lighters, flammable substances, and knives, including pens, pockets, Swiss Army, and switchblades. Tripods are also not permitted.
Yes, the wheelchair is accessible. The observation decks and facilities are designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities.
If you need additional assistance, speak to the Security Guards or to the Observation Deck Personnel.
Yes, cameras and photography are allowed. Many visitors take advantage of the stunning views to capture memorable photographs.
There is no time limit, and guests can stay as long as they like on the observation decks during operating hours.
On average, people spend 45 minutes to an hour.
Yes, the restrooms are on the 66th floor. You can take the elevator down to them from the 67th floor.
What to expect
The first deck on the 67th floor features outdoor terraces with north and south views and a sizable internal area where visitors can unwind.
The second on the 69th floor features the Breezeway and is also outdoors.
The third observation deck, which is entirely outside and devoid of glass enclosures, is situated on the open-air roof deck on the 70th level and offers unrestricted, awe-inspiring 360-degree views.
North view
View Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, Harlem, the Upper East and West Sides, the 57th Street towers, and more.
South view
Enjoy this breathtaking perspective of the Empire State Building, NYC’s midtown and downtown skyscrapers, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and New York Harbor.
West view
Bask in the stunning sunset while observing the towers of Manhattan’s expanding west side, the Hudson River, and New Jersey on the horizon.
East view
Look out across sweeping Midtown East vistas, including the Chrysler and MetLife Buildings, and on to Queens in the background.
Behold the Joie Chandelier, crafted from 14,000 crystals and designed exclusively by Swarovski.
As the largest chandelier, it soars three stories above the Grand Atrium lobby. When viewed upside down, its form distinctly resembles that of 30 Rock.
Sources
# Tripadvisor.com
# Rockefellercenter.com
# Wikipedia.org
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