Top of The Rock is the three-level observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, in Midtown Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center. First opened in 1933 as part of the Art Deco complex and reintroduced in 2005, it draws travelers for open-air 360-degree views from the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors, 850 feet above the street, with the Empire State Building centered in the southern skyline.
What to Expect at Top of The Rock
The experience begins inside 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the 1933 Raymond Hood-designed tower whose limestone-and-steel Art Deco profile anchors the plaza. Timed-entry guests pass through the Welcome Gallery, where historic Rockefeller Center imagery sets the scene, then ride up in high-speed elevators. The enclosed 67th-floor level provides shelter and broad views; escalators and stairs connect to the 69th-floor terrace and the completely open 70th-floor roof deck.
The reason to choose this deck is its sightline toward landmarks that are difficult to photograph from the Empire State Building itself: the Empire State Building rises directly south, while Central Park fills the north and the Hudson River appears to the west. The recently added Skylift elevates riders above the 70th-floor roofline on a rotating glass platform, while The Beam recreates the famous construction-worker lunch photograph as a supervised photo experience. Both are optional upgrades. The Weather Room, on the 67th floor, pairs drinks and light food with indoor seating and skyline views.
- 70th-floor roof deck: The highest, fully open terrace has no glass panels blocking photographs or the Manhattan skyline.
- Empire State Building view: Look south for the classic Midtown composition, particularly compelling as the building’s lights come on.
- Central Park panorama: The north-facing terraces reveal the park’s rectangular sweep from the Plaza Hotel toward Harlem.
- The Beam: A separately ticketed, safety-secured photo moment inspired by the 1932 Rockefeller Center construction image.
- Weather Room: A 67th-floor bar and café for cocktails, coffee, and light bites without leaving the attraction.
Top of The Rock at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Rockefeller Center, Midtown Manhattan |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 9 AM–12 AM; last-entry times can vary, so confirm before travel. |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid timed-entry admission; $$, with rates varying by date, time, and optional experiences. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 minutes to 1 hour; allow longer for sunset, Skylift, The Beam, or the Weather Room. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | B, D, F, and M trains to 47–50 St–Rockefeller Center; N, R, and W to 49 St. Paid garages operate around Rockefeller Center. |
| Official Website & Phone | Top of The Rock official website; +1 212-698-2000 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve a timed ticket online, especially for the hour before sunset, when the best slots sell first and the terraces are busiest. For clearer photographs and shorter elevator lines, take the first morning entry or arrive after the sunset rush. Weather affects visibility and the feel of the open terraces, so check the forecast; the 67th-floor indoor level is useful on cold, rainy, or windy days. Bring only a manageable day bag, as entry includes security screening and large luggage is not practical for the attraction.
The 47–50 St–Rockefeller Center station places visitors close to the entrance, making the B, D, F, and M the simplest subway choice. Elevators and an accessible route accommodate wheelchair users and guests avoiding stairs; ask a host for assistance navigating between viewing levels. Strollers are manageable, though the terraces can become crowded around sunset. Pair a visit with the Channel Gardens and Prometheus statue at Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall across Sixth Avenue, or St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue, all within a few minutes’ walk. The Museum of Modern Art is roughly a 10-minute walk west.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Top of The Rock open, and what is the best time to go?
Top of The Rock is listed daily from 9 AM to midnight, although final admission timing can change. Choose opening for a calmer visit, or reserve about 60 to 90 minutes before sunset to see daylight, dusk, and city lights in one trip.
How much do tickets cost, and do I need a reservation?
Admission is paid and timed, with prices changing by date and entry time; it falls in the $$ attraction range. Advance booking through the official website is strongly advised for sunset and weekends, while Skylift and The Beam may require separate purchase.
How long should I budget for Top of The Rock?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to one hour across the three viewing levels. Allow 90 minutes if you intend to photograph extensively, buy a drink at the Weather Room, or add either premium experience.
Is Top of The Rock accessible and suitable for families?
Yes. Elevator access and an accessible route make the observation deck workable for wheelchair users, and staff can direct guests through the levels. Families will find the skyline views engaging, but children should remain closely supervised on the high, open-air terraces and during crowded sunset periods.
When planning your New York travel guide or comparing verified attractions and event venue in New York, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Battery, American Museum of Natural History, The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in New York City, and Rockefeller Center (nearby).
