Why Should You Visit the Top of the Rock

Experience one of New York City’s most iconic views at the Top of the Rock, 850 feet above 30 Rockefeller Plaza. With your Top of the Rock tickets, you get access to three levels of indoor and outdoor decks with 360-degree views of the city skyline.

Before heading up, explore the Welcome Gallery on the Mezzanine Level with photo ops, a living model of Rockefeller Plaza, and a short film on its history. Then, enjoy local bites, coffee, or cocktails at The Weather Room as you take in panoramic views of Central Park and Manhattan.

From the deck, you can spot iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Chrysler Building. On clear days, you might even catch a look of New Jersey, Connecticut, the Tappan Zee Bridge, and Coney Island’s boardwalk.

Top of the Rock Observation Decks

With your Top of the Rock tickets, explore these iconic observation decks:

• 67th Floor: Enjoy an indoor deck with floor-to-ceiling windows, and admire the Radiance Wall, a 180-foot Swarovski art piece.
• 69th Floor: Surrounded by glass, this deck provides views of New York’s stunning sights. Try the Beam Experience to recreate the famous 1932 “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photo, lifting you 12 feet above the deck for views of Central Park and Manhattan.
• 70th Floor: At 850 feet up, this open-air deck has no glass barriers, giving you clear views of NYC’s iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and Radio City Music Hall.

Top of the Rock Tips

Do I need to buy Top of the Rock tickets in advance?

It’s best to buy your Top of the Rock tickets online so you can skip the long lines at the box office. You can also change your visit time or upgrade your ticket later if needed. If you have a New York Pass, you can use it for entry without buying separate tickets. Tickets are still available at the box office if you prefer to buy them in person.

Is Top of the Rock VIP access worth it?

Yes! The VIP Pass gives you fast-track entry, access to all three observation levels, and exclusive experiences like The Beam and SKYLIFT. It also includes a guided tour, priority elevator access, and a champagne toast at The Weather Room for guests aged 21 and up.

How to go to Top of the Rock?

Top of the Rock is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, with the main entrance on 50th Street. You can easily get there by subway; just take the B, D, F, or M trains to 47–50th Streets/Rockefeller Center Station.

It’s also just a short walk from the iconic Times Square, huge Central Park, and the Radio City Music Hall, making it a convenient stop on your New York City trip.

When is the best time to visit Top of the Rock?

For fewer crowds, visit Top of the Rock NYC early morning (8 AM to 11 AM) or late at night (8 PM onwards). To catch the best views, go an hour before sunset—be prepared to wait in line for the Sky Shuttle elevator.

How long can I spend at the Top of the Rock, Manhattan?

You can enjoy the observation deck and see the Rock’s sweeping cityscapes as long as you want during operating hours. On average, visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour exploring the three levels.