The Top of the Rock features one of the best views of the New York City skyline. You can gaze out at the city from an indoor observation deck and two outdoor decks. Located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (hence the nickname "30 Rock") and the home of NBC Studios, this iconic skyscraper offers 360-degree panoramic views of New York City from the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors.
This famous art deco-style skyscraper also features an interactive educational exhibit to enhance the experience. Experience a New York City icon, learn about the history of the building and its historical significance, and learn about New York City's ever-evolving skyline, right from the source. You haven't seen NYC until you see it from the Top of the Rock!
Tips for visiting the Top of the Rock
- Take your time at the exhibits on the way up to the Top of the Rock, once you pass through, you cannot return.
- Save on combined admission to the Top of the Rock and other popular New York City attractions with a Go New York Explorer Pass.
- Bring a backup battery for your camera or mobile device because you'll be taking lots of pictures!
- Head to 30 Rockefeller Plaza in the morning for the most choices for timed tickets.
- Look up when the sunset time is and get your timed ticket for about one hour before, also known as "the golden hour" for photography. Plus, you'll get daytime and evening views of the city when the buildings light up.
- Download the Top of the Rock app before you arrive for a skyline guide that identifies what buildings you're looking at, audio tours you can listen to, and more.
- Plan to stay a while. There is no time limit on the observation decks so make the most of it and plan to stay a while.
- Don't let the weather forecast scare you away - the view is pretty breathtaking in all weather, plus a stormy sky can add to the dramatic views (plus crowds tend to be smaller, too!)
- Visit another popular observation deck so you can compare the Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building.
When should I visit the Top of the Rock and what are the opening hours?
When should I visit the Top of the Rock and what are the opening hours?
The Top of the Rock is open seven days a week from 8:00am - 12:30am. The last elevator up is at 11:40pm. To avoid the largest crowds, save your Top of the Rock trip for a weekday. Head to 30 Rockefeller Plaza early in the day and get a timed ticket. The best views are arguably right before sunset to get both daytime and twilight views.
What should I bring to the Top of the Rock?
- A camera is a must! Bring backup batteries if you have them.
- Dress for the weather and bring layers as the observation decks are outdoors and it's windier at the top. You might need sunscreen, a rain jacket, a sweater or sunglasses.
- Quarters if you want to use the coin-operated binoculars.
- A selfie stick for memorable photos of yourself with the Empire State Building in the background.
What else should I see at the Top of the Rock?
What else should I see at the Top of the Rock?
Take your time going through the exhibits on the way up to the observation decks to get the background history and learn about this New York City icon.
Be sure to look up when you're in the Grand Atrium lobby for a view of "Joie - Crystal Water Fall", a 35ft delicate chandelier made from 600 free-hanging strands of perfectly cut Swarovski crystals. Designed by Michael Hammers, the chandelier is an inverted replica of the shape of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Mezzanine Level Exhibit
This multi-media exhibit provides entertaining information about the building's history and innovative design. Browse through photographs, videos, and artifacts from the building's construction and check out Raymond Hood's original basswood model of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. You'll see how the building was a true feat of engineering.
Learn about John D. Rockefeller's original plans for the building in 1928 and how the crash of the stock market on October 24, 1929, the beginning of the Great Depression, changed his vision. The building's construction became a symbol of hope for economic recovery.
Hear stories from some of the people who worked on the building, including "Lunchtime", an iconic black and white photograph portraying workers sitting on a construction beam and eating lunch. You can even pose for your own "Lunchtime" photograph. Walk along the interactive beam walk, a motion technology-simulated exhibit and feel what it was like to walk across one of the building beams during construction.
The Sky Shuttle Elevator Ride, Light Show & Radiance Wall
Among the world's fastest elevators, the Sky Shuttle travels 700ft in less than a minute. While inside, keep your eyes to the sky for an entertaining light show (kids will love this!).
Keep your eyes out for the second Swarovski crystal installation at the Top of the Rock, the Radiance Wall. It's a large, colorful crystal geode wall located on the 67th floor.
How many observation decks does the Top of the Rock have?
There are three floors of observation decks; the 68th, 69th, and 70th.
The 67th floor is where the elevator lets visitors out and features exhibits, a souvenir shop, and mostly indoor views of New York City.
The 69th floor features open-air, 360-degree views of the city from behind the safety of glass panels.
On the 70th floor, enjoy open-air, 360-degree views of the city with no glass panels. Each of the observation decks features stunning views of many notable New York City skyline icons, including:
- The Empire State Building
- One World Trade Center
- The Chrysler Building
- Bank of America Tower
- Central Park
- The Brooklyn Bridge
- The Statue of Liberty
- Trump Tower
- Times Square
- Flatiron Building
- and lots more
What attractions are near the Top of the Rock?
New York City is huge, be sure to visit other top attractions close to Rockefeller Plaza while you're in the area to make the most of your time.
Check out our New York City by Neighborhood Guide for more NYC itinerary tips, and our Getting Around NYC Guide.
Tour of Rockefeller Center - For a full experience, join a guided tour of the "hub of Manhattan", Rockefeller Center, which is a National Landmark. Comprised of 19 commercial buildings, the center is spread out over a space of 89,000 square meters. You'll visit the center's most recognizable spots, including its gardens.
Museum of Modern Art - Visit the greatest collection of modern art in the world and experience the New York museum scene. Home to Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night, Claude Monet's Reflections of Clouds on the Water-Lily Pond, Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans, and many more.
Radio City Music Hall Tour - Get a behind-the-scenes look and meet a real-life Rockette on a tour of Radio City Music Hall, the "Showplace of the Nation" and host to some of the world's most famous events, including the Grammy's and MTV Music Awards.
Central Park Bike Rental - Biking is one of the best ways to explore all the sights in Central Park. With your full-day bike rental starting in Central Park, you'll get a detailed map, helmet, chain lock, and basket so you can make the most of your time in the famous sprawling park.
Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus New York: Go on the Classic 1-Day Tour for an overview of all the top sites in New York City. You'll get to see tons of landmarks and learn about New York's unique history and culture from your onboard professional tour guide--one of the best ways to get to know the city. (You can also start your Hop-On Hop-Off tour elsewhere in the city and hop off when you get to the Rockefeller Center Stop.)
Night Tour by Big Bus New York: If you visit Top of the Rock in the late afternoon, you can board a double-decker sightseeing bus for an evening tour of New York City and watch NYC landmarks light up against the night sky.
Where can I get something to eat near the Top of the Rock?
If you want to grab a bite to eat during your visit, the Top of the Rock has a few options to choose from, right in the building, including:
- Auntie Anne's - For a small snack to hold you over until mealtime, grab a pretzel from Auntie Anne's, located just outside the Top of the Rock ticketing lobby and souvenir shop.
- SIXTYFIVE - For a cocktail and appetizers before or after your trip to the top, head to SIXTYFIVE Bar and Cocktail Lounge located on the 30th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza and featuring views that are almost as good as the top.
- Rock Center Café - For a sit-down meal right in the building, head to Rock Center Café, the building's namesake dining destination. In the winter, the restaurant features front-row views of the famous ice skating rink and outdoor garden seating in the summer months.
- Cucina & Co. - For more casual fare, check out Cucina & Co. for gourmet Mediterranean sandwiches, pasta, salads, and more. Dine-in or take-out.
What other details do I need to know?
Opening hours of the Top of the Rock:
Daily: 8:00 am-12:00 am. The first elevator goes up at 8:00 am and the last one goes up at 11:00 pm. If you're traveling around a holiday, check the site for up-to-date holiday hours.
Directions & Address
30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 The main entrance is located on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.
Public Transportation: Plug your starting address into the correct field for subway, train, walking, biking, or driving directions to 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
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