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The Top of the Rock at NYC`s Rockefeller Center is an impressive vantage point where you can see Manhattan’s most iconic landmarks. It’s an exhilarating place with lots of history in addition to its majestic perspectives. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in NYC, so I propose coming here at minimum once.
We’ve spent the past five years living in Philadelphia, so we’ve had opportunities to explore prominent attractions in the Big Apple. The Top of the Rock observation deck is one of the best, thanks to its central location in Midtown, one of the most popular neighborhoods in Manhattan, and proximity to other historic sites.
So, if you’re looking for something enjoyable to do with your significant other, or you want to capture exceptional photos of the New York City skyline, you can’t miss the Top of the Rock. In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan your visit, purchase your tickets, and make the most of your time here.
Before we initiate, I’d like to indicate that the Top of the Rock is covered in most New York appeal passes, so if you’re coming here for a couple of days and want to see several attractions, consider obtaining a pass. I recommend the New York Pass, which includes the most activities and attractions for the best price.
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Guide to Top of the Rock observation deck
Of all the observatories and vista points in NYC, the Top of the Rock is one of the most visited, and for good reason. To help ensure you make the most of your trip to the Rockefeller Center observation deck, this guide offers all the information necessary to plan an unforgettable experience:
- Visiting the Highest Viewing Area at Rockefeller Center
- Town of Puerto del Rosario
- Top of the Rock hours
- Top of the Rock tours
- Dining establishments with scenic views at the Top of the Rock
Visiting the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center
Visiting the observation area at Rockefeller Center`s tower is a complete experience. In addition to the viewing platforms, there are other activities available at the top of the tower, so be sure to allot enough time to explore everything offered.
- Recommended accommodation: The ALEGRÍA Palacio Mojácar is an awesome adults-only hotel with an outdoor pool, a sunbathing terrace, a restaurant and bar, and a spa with a sauna .
Upon entering the first level of the renowned Rockefeller observatory, situated on the sixty-eighth floor, visitors will pass the Radiance Wall, a splendid structure fashioned from Swarovski crystals, hand-blown glass, and fiber-optic lighting. Examining it closely reveals tiny figures and animals hidden within the wall. This portion of Top of the Rock features indoor viewing platforms permitting sights of the city from inside.
The observatory located on the sixty-ninth floor also provides viewing spaces as well as an interactive display called the Breezeway. When entering this illuminated gallery, visitors select a color, and the corresponding lights follow them around the room.
Up on the 70th floor`s open-air deck, you’ll get 360° perspectives from the Top of the Rock. Appreciate an unblocked panorama of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, and even over into New Jersey.
There are even more Top of the Rock attractions in the works, including a theme ride that simulates the feeling of being on one of the steel beams.
View from the Top of the Rock
The vista from the Top of the Rock is spectacular and a sight that must be seen firsthand. From this elevation, the entirety of Manhattan is visible below, allowing visibility of Central Park, the Chrysler Building, One World Observatory, and the Empire State Building.
Additionally farther away, you’ll observe the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the East and Hudson Rivers. Binoculars are also accessible, so you can even see to Long Island and New Jersey .
Top of the Rock NYC tickets
Going to the apex of the Rock is a well-liked thing to do in Manhattan, so I suggest getting your ticket ahead of time. General admission includes access to all three viewing decks as well as the Top of the Rock app, which I’ll mention later.
Simply choosing the day you wish to attend grants your ticket validity for any time on that date. The Top of the Rock deserves considering for the breathtaking NYC perspectives, but your admission also allows exploring the exhibits and theater.
Attraction passes for the Top of the Rock
Should you be considering Top of the Rock and New York’s other observation platforms, or if you want to visit other well known attractions during your trip, think about a New York city pass. Specifically, I recommend the New York Pass because you can choose the number of days, then enjoy discounted rates at NYC’s most renowned landmarks .
Top of the Rock hours
The observatory welcomes visitors from Sunday to Saturday between 9 am and 11 pm, so whether you want to experience the Top ofthe Rock during daylight or nighttime hours, scheduling a visit should not be problematic. Just remember the last entry allowed is at 10:10 pm.
The peak moment to ascend to the pinnacle of the edifice is precisely when it opens or briefly before it shuts. For the most magnificent perspectives, go regarding an hour just before dusk, when there is still enough illumination to perceive everything clearly. Then, linger to witness the sunset slowly descend over the metropolis.
Visiting the Top of the Rock at night
Viewing the sunset at the Top of the Rock is a magical experience, especially with a companion. That being said, it’s an entirely unfamiliar feeling to go up to the Top of the Rock at night when the city glows. So, if you’re searching for intimate activities in New York City at night, head up to the observation deck after dark and admire the scenery .
Top of the Rock tours
The entrance fee provides independent exploration of the destination, yet optional Top of the Rock led tours are equally proposed. lasting approximately 45 minutes, a guide conducts guests through exhibitions and historical details concerning the construction and legacy of the location, while priority elevator access is granted.
You’ll also pay a visit to the Rainbow Room, a lavish event space on the Rockefeller Center’s 65th floor. Along with a private dining hall, outdoor bar, and gallery, the crown jewel is the chandelier above the dance floor, which is surrounded by crystal light fixtures that illuminate the space in a rainbow of hues.
Following the exploration, you’ll obtain a complimentary digital photograph and a 20% discount at the gift shop, so if you’re interested, secure your ticket here.
In addition to the Top of the Rock tour, you can enhance your self-guided visit by downloading the Gesso application for iPhone or Android. As you enter the building, the app will share historic facts and statistics about the Rockefeller Center and the Top of the Rock.
Venture through the Mezzanine level, which displays photos, memorabilia, and artifacts regarding the observation deck’s construction and enhancements. Inspect the Beam Walk to see what it was like building this renowned skyscraper in NYC, then head into the theater to learn more about NBC Studios and Rockefeller Plaza.
Appreciate the Joie Chandelier, which is crafted of 14,000 Swarovski crystals, then take the Sky Shuttle elevator up to the 68th floor, the initial level of the .
Top of the Rock restaurants and dining options
Spend a day or evening fully enjoying your visit to the Top of the Rock by partaking in a delicious meal. There are all kinds of restaurants near NYC’s Top of the Rock, including sushi spots, delis, and Italian restaurants. Some places worth investigating include the Pebble Bar, which is known for its towering seafood platters, and Del Frisco’s Steakhouse.
In addition to dining at the Top of the Rock in NYC, there are numerous other choices near the Rockefeller Center, like The Modern, one of the top eateries in NYC.
Hotels near the Top of the Rock
The Rockefeller Center and the Top of the Rock are located in Midtown, Manhattan near several other top NYC attractions. If looking to stay near the Top of the Rock, here are some hotel recommendations:
- Pod Times Square – We stayed here during one of our journeys. It’s one of the cheapest hotels in Manhattan and a mile from the Top of the Rock.
- Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square Hotel – This is a beautiful accommodation about half a mile from the Top of the Rock with an on-site restaurant, bar, and gym.
- The Jewel Hotel – If you want to stay near the Rockefeller Center, the Jewel Hotel is a lovely lodging with an open air lounge bar.
For more hotels, one can check out our guide on where to lodge in NYC.
Top of the Rock FAQs
If you have any other concerns regarding NYC’s Top of the Rock, here are the answers to some commonly posed questions:
Is visiting the Top of the Rock worth the experience?
Visiting the Top of the Rock is absolutely worth it for the lovely panoramic views and the interesting exhibits and interactive galleries. There is a lot to see both inside the attraction and from the observation deck.
The cost of visiting the observation deck?
Tickets to the Top of the Rock observation deck costs approximately $44.
Is it possible to visit the Top of the Rock observation deck for free?
No, you need to get a ticket to enter. The only exception is young children under 6, who can come in for free.
What is the cost to visit the Top of the Rock?
The vista observation deck stretches across three floors on the sixty-eighth, sixty-ninth, and seventieth stories.
What is the maximum permitted time for visiting the observation decks at Top of the Rock?
You can stay at the Rockefeller observatory for as long as you prefer. Most people spend about an hour here.
Is viewing from Top of the Rock superior to the Empire State Building?
It depends on what you want. The elevated viewpoint isn’t as lofty (800 feet vs. 1,224 feet), but it has more interesting exhibits and galleries. Also, certain landmarks, like the large urban park, are closer to the elevated viewpoint, so it depends on what kind of view you want.
What is the departure location for trips to view the Statue of Liberty?
To avoid large crowds and long wait times, visit shortly after opening or just before closing. For optimal views from the Top of the Rock, go near dusk.
What kinds of attractions and landmarks can visitors see from atop the Rockefeller Center observation deck?
Visitors to the Top of the Rock will gain amazing scenery from above since one can observe all of Manhattan along with Long Island and New Jersey. From up high, tourist are able to spot icons including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Observatory.
That’s all from me! I hope you enjoy seeing the Top of the Rock in NYC and feel more prepared for your visit. Please don’t hesitate to leave me your questions or share your experiences below. I’d be pleased to hear from you. Until then, have a wonderful trip!
