Sure, it might not be the highest observation platform in town – that’d be the One World Observatory – but what Top of the Rock lacks in height it more than makes up for in Art Deco charm and intimate, nestled-among-the-rooftops views of some of NYC’s biggest icons. That’d be Central Park, Lady Liberty, the Chrysler and, for some people’s money, the best and most unobstructed views of the Empire State Building you’ll find anywhere. We’ve got the lowdown (or should that be the high-up?) on what you can expect from a visit to the jewel in the Rockefeller Center’s crown, including:
- A brief history and why you should visit
- How to get there/how to get in
- What to see and do when you’re there
- When to visit and where to find the best photo ops
- The best nearby NYC attractions to visit next
What’s so special about Top of the Rock then?
Set across the 67th, 69th and 70th floors of the Rockefeller Center, aka 30 Rock, Top of the Rock Observatory has been wowing sightseeing punters for nearly a century. Like the Empire State Building, 30 Rock went up during the Great Depression, at a time when the NYC skyline was transforming rapidly. To give that some perspective, when it opened in 1933 it was the third tallest building in the world after near-neighbors the Chrysler and the Empire State Building, both of which were also, at that point, just a couple years old. Just imagine what the views must have been back then, before Manhattan became the jungle of skyscrapers it is now!
Buildings were just more beautiful back then, right? And the Rockefeller Center is no exception; a skyscraping slice of Art Deco eye candy that rivals the best of them. And the views, from 850 feet above Midtown, ain’t half bad either.
That’s all very interesting, but why should I visit?
That’s all very interesting, but why should I visit?
What, stellar views of the Empire State Building not enough for ya? Well, in addition to those three viewing decks – some indoor, some alfresco – there are, on the uppermost level, a couple more thrillseeking add-ons available. The Beam and Skylift experiences take you even higher than the top deck’s 850 feet. Thought those Manhattan skyline views couldn’t get any better? Well, they just did.
Ok, count me in. How do I get there?
Rockefeller Plaza isn’t tricky to find. Make your way to Midtown and mosey over to 30 Rock’s main entrance on 50th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. A red carpet marks the way in, because you’re worth it.
There are several subway stops nearby but it’s also easily walkable from other Midtown landmarks like Times Square and the Empire State Building.
How do I get in with my Go City NYC pass?
Did you remember to reserve your slot on the Go City app? Great, in which case you can just wiggle your way right up that red carpet, flash your pass like a pro, and in you go. After a swift security screening, there’s a short exhibition charting the Rockefeller Center’s history, then it's straight to the elevators for a breakneck 43-second ride up to the main event – that’s 700 feet in well under a minute, making the Sky Shuttle one of the world’s fastest elevators.
Note that your pass includes access to Top of the Rock’s various exhibitions and all three observation decks. However, the add-on Skylift and Beam experiences right at the top of the tower are not included with Go City’s NYC pass. You can add these direct via the Go City app or by visiting the ticket booth.
Okay, give me more detail...
Okay, give me more detail...
General admission tickets (and the Go City NYC pass) include access to all of the below…
The Welcome Gallery on the Mezzanine Level. Get the lowdown on the building’s history and design to add a little context around what you’re about to experience. This multi-media exhibit includes photographs, films and artifacts from the building's construction, including the iconic snap of workers pausing for lunch on a dizzyingly high construction beam. Find out all about John D. Rockefeller's original plans for the building and how the 1929 stock market crash changed his vision, and ogle designer Raymond Hood's original basswood model of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
The Grand Atrium Lobby. Be sure to look up for a view of ‘Joie – Crystal Water Fall’, a 35ft chandelier made from 600 free-hanging strands of cut Swarovski crystals. Designed by Michael Hammers, the chandelier is an inverted replica of the shape of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
The Sky Shuttle Elevator Ride and Light Show. Among the world's fastest elevators, the Sky Shuttle travels 700ft in less than a minute. While in the elevator, keep your eyes to the sky for an entertaining light show.
Top of the Rock Observatory. There are three floors of observation decks:
- 67th Floor. This one is mostly indoors, with additional north- and south-facing outdoor terraces. It’s also where you’ll find the gift shop, the Weather room café and a second Swarovski crystal installation – the Radiance Wall – a large, colorful crystal geode wall.
- 69th Floor. Aka the Breezeway, with a spectacular 360-degree outdoor terrace.
- 70th Floor. Here’s where the wow factor really kicks in, with unobstructed, alfresco panoramas in every direction. Eyes peeled for everything from the Empire State Building to the Chrysler, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Trump Tower, the Yankee Stadium, Times Square and the Statue of Liberty.
Not included, but can be added via the Go City app…
The Beam. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the famous ‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’ photo – you know the one: fearless 1930s construction workers casually munching sandwiches on a beam hundreds of feet in the air – now’s your chance. Good news: unlike its inspiration, this modern iteration of the suspended girder straps you securely in, for fairly obvious health and safety reasons. The ride rises 12 feet above the 69th floor and rotates 180 degrees for A-1 Manhattan skyline views and selfie opportunities galore.
The Skylift. This revolving open-air platform spins you a further three stories above the very top of Top of The Rock with souvenir snaps available to buy when you exit the attraction.
Where are the most essential photo ops?
Where are the most essential photo ops?
- At the risk of stating the obvious, the clue’s in the name: you’ll get the best skyline shots, close-ups of the Empire State Building’s glitzy Art Deco facade and awestruck selfies up on the 70th floor.
- Face the opposite direction for the great green sweep of Central Park laid out before you like the vast urban oasis it is.
- It goes without saying that, if you’ve added The Beam experience, a sandwich-toting selfie is pure Instagram gold.
When should I visit?
Top of the Rock is open daily, year-round, from 8AM until midnight. The last elevator ascends (at speed) at 11.10PM. Avoid the crowds by visiting on a weekday rather than on the (much busier) weekends. The views are extraordinary at any time of day, but perhaps even more so if you arrive right before sunset to catch both daytime and twilight perspectives.
Anything else to do near Top of the Rock?
Anything else to do near Top of the Rock?
Sure there is. You’ll want to spend an hour or two taking in those views – and more if you plan to add the Beam or Skylift – but beyond that the Big Apple’s your, um, oyster. Rockefeller Plaza is in the heart of Midtown, so it’s a cinch to pair it with the following nearby bucket-listers, all of which are also included with your Go City NYC pass…
- Empire State Building. That other big-ticket Art Deco 1930s skyscraper is just a hop and a skip down Fifth Avenue for more fine views across Manhattan (and a chance to shake hands with King Kong).
- Rockefeller Center tour. You’re already there, right? Surely no better opportunity then to take a deep dive into the Rockefeller’s vast complex, including cool art and architecture and, in season, the iconic ice rink and Christmas tree.
- Central Park. Cover more ground by renting a bike to take in Bethesda Terrace, Belvedere Castle, the Great Lawn and more.
- Museum of Modern Art. Just a couple blocks north of Top of the Rock, the world’s greatest repository of 20th-century art includes landmark pieces by Picasso, van Gogh, Duchamp, Kahlo, Warhol and many more.
- Museum of Broadway. Ogle authentic costumes and sets from Broadway’s biggest hits and strike a pose with famous props including the chairs from Chicago.
Looking for more inspiration for your NYC trip? Check out our complete guide to the Empire State Building and get the lowdown on things to do in trendy SoHo.
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