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Top of the Rock – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect, FAQs

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Located at the pinnacle of 30 Rockefeller Plaza’s 70 floors, Top of the Rock offers visitors three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks.

It features terraces facing east, west, north, and south with panoramic sights that make it the ultimate observation deck in NYC.

Top of the Rock observation deck attracts 2.5 million visitors annually.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for Top of the Rock.

Best Top of the Rock Tickets

# Top of the Rock Fixed Time Ticket

What to expect

Take in the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of New York City from the iconic observation deck of Top of the Rock.

Explore 9,500 square feet of unobstructed outdoor viewing space, which is the most of any observatory in New York.

Take in the daytime scenery, watch the sunset, or admire the city sparkle by night from new heights, 850 feet (260 m) in the air.

When you arrive at 30 Rockefeller Center, take a moment to admire the stunning Swarovski chandelier on your way to the mezzanine level.

See historic artifacts and a short film about the construction of the Rockefeller Center during the Great Depression.

Reach the top in less than a minute with a ride up 850 feet (260 m) on the Sky Shuttle.

Explore two floors with expansive indoor and outdoor viewing areas.

Top off your visit with breathtaking views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, downtown Manhattan, One World Trade Center, and multiple bridges from the completely open-air deck on the 70th floor.


Where to book tickets

Tickets for Top of the Rock are available to be purchased at the attraction or online in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

How do online tickets work

Go to the Top of the Rock ticket booking page, select your preferred date, time, and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.

You don’t need to carry printouts.

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.

Top of the Rock ticket prices

Top of the Rock tickets for visitors between 13 and 61 years range from US$47 on lean hours to US$60 on peak hours.

For children between six to 12 years of age, the tickets range between US$40 to US$53.

Senior Citizens aged 62 and above can get the tickets for US$45 to US$58.

Infants up to five years of age can get in for free.


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Top of the Rock tickets

Top of the Rock tickets
When you buy Top of the Rock tickets at the venue, you get a physical ticket (as in the pic). However, we recommend you book your tickets online, to avoid the long queues at the ticket counters. Image: Dicasnovayork.com.br

Get a skip-the-line ticket for Top of the Rock and enjoy stunning skyline views of NYC.

Enjoy access to both the indoor and outdoor observation decks at the attraction.

The ticket also comes with free WiFi and a downloadable Top of the Rock app that provides access to a 360-degree viewfinder, wayfinding features, special offers, and more.

Visitors need to choose a specific time slot for entry, but once inside, you are welcome to stay as long as you wish.

Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (13 to 61 years): US$47 to US$60
Child Ticket (6 to 12 years): US$40 US$53
Senior Ticket (62+ years): US$45 to US$58
Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free


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Combo Tickets

To make the most of your visit to New York, it’s best to plan ahead and book a combo ticket.

Take advantage of exclusive deals and explore the city’s top attractions near Top of the Rock, some of which are within a mile.

You can buy the Top of the Rock tickets in combination with tickets for the Statue of Liberty, MoMA, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, The Rink at Rockefeller Center, One World Observatory, New York CityPASS, or the New York Tourist Card.

Combo tickets are ideal for large families, groups, or those on a budget holiday and can help you visit all major attractions by booking just once!

Avail discounts of up to 28% when booking these combo tickets.

Ticket Cost
Top of the Rock + One World Observatory US$83
Top of the Rock + The Rink at Rockefeller Center US$89
Top of the Rock + 9/11 Memorial and Museum US$71
Top of the Rock + MoMA US$70
Top of the Rock + Statue of Liberty US$70
New York CityPASS US$138
New York Tourist Card US$83

How to reach

Top of the Rock is situated at the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, located between 48th and 51st Streets in Midtown Manhattan.

Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, United States. Get Directions

By Bus

Get down at the West 50 St & 6 Avenue stop, accessible by the M50 bus.

By Subway

47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr is the nearest subway station to the Top of the Rock.

Take subway lines T, B, F, or M.

By Car

If you are driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!

Visitors can park at 53 W 48th St and get 10% off with promo code ROCKCENTER at checkout.


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Timings

Top of the Rock is open every day from 9 am to midnight.

Visitors can enter the attraction up to an hour before closing time.

How long does Top of the Rock take

Tourists who have been to Top of the Rock say that 45 to 60 minutes is more than enough to enjoy the New York skyline from the observatory.

However, the time you take to reach the observatories varies depending on the crowd at the attraction.

You will need approximately 60-90 minutes to reach the viewing platforms during peak hours, making it a two-and-a-half-hour-long experience.

During non-peak hours, you need 30 minutes to reach the observatories, making it a one-hour tour.

Best time to visit

Top of the Rock sunset
It is views such as this that lure visitors to Top of the Rock during the sunset hours, despite the long waiting lines. Image: Topoftherocknyc.com

We suggest booking your tour on a weekday when the attraction is less busy for a more enjoyable visit.

Mornings and late evenings typically have fewer visitors, making for a more peaceful visit. It’s best to arrive at TOTR when it opens at 9 am.

If you want to experience the best views, visiting just before sunset is the best option.

Besides the stunning golden hour views, you can enjoy the famous New York night lights after dusk.

Weekends and public holidays are the most crowded at the attraction.


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Observation decks

At Top of the Rock, visitors can witness New York’s glorious skyline from the three observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors.

These decks are often referred to as the Rockefeller Center Observation deck.

67th Floor Deck

To reach the 67th-floor deck, you have to ride the beautiful high-speed glass-ceiling elevator.

You take in fantastic New York City sights through the indoor deck at the height of 250 meters (820 feet).

This observational deck also has a beautiful Radiance Wall made up of Gossamer glass panels illuminated with fiber optic lighting and crystal clusters.

The iconic Beam Walk is also on this floor.

69th Floor Deck

At 256 meters (840 feet), the 69th floor is 16 meters (20 feet) higher than the 67th floor.

This observational deck also has protective glass for visitors’ safety.

The indoor galleries are climate-controlled and offer warmth during cold winter days.

It has a fun outdoor deck known as ‘Breezeway,’’ where you are assigned a color that follows you through the entire floor.

70th Floor Deck

The 70th floor is the highest level at the Top of the Rock.

The high-speed, state-of-the-art elevator helps you reach the 70th floor in less than a minute.

The 70th floor is entirely outdoors, offering an unobstructed view of the New York City skyline from every vantage point possible.

If you are a photographer, you will love this deck.

You can also see the iconic Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge from this floor.

Not to mention the stunning views of the East and Hudson Rivers.

Recommended Reading
Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building
One World Observatory vs Top of the Rock


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Views from Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock’s observation decks offers 360-degree views of the New York City skyline.

However, the Rockefeller Centre’s views (yes, some refer to TOTR’s decks as Rockefeller Centre’s observation decks!) are best on days when the weather is clear.

The fantastic views you get to see from TOTR include the city’s most prominent landmarks, such as the Chrysler Building, Bank of America Tower, Flatiron Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, etc.

Empire State Building from Top of the Rock
View of Empire State Building from Top of the Rock. Image: Rockefellercenter.com

You can even see the Empire State Building and One World Observatory – the other two observatories competing with Top of the Rock.

Buy one discount Pass and save up to 40% on ticket costs during your New York holiday. Buy New York Explorer Pass


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When to visit – night or day?

When you visit Top of the Rock at night, Central Park is just a dark patch.

Since the green Central Park is an integral part of the view from the Top of the Rock, we highly recommend a visit during the day.

If you want to see the New York skyline all glittering at night, we suggest visiting just before sunset.

You can then witness the City skyline during the daytime, see it change colors as the sun sets, and then watch in admiration as the lights come up one by one.


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Reviews for Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock is a highly-rated attraction. Here are two reviews from Tripadvisor that give you an idea of what to expect: 

Beautiful views

I have been to the Empire State Building, but Top of the Rock was so beautiful! It was a quick ride up and had amazing views. It was SUPER cold, so make sure you layer up if you go in the winter months. It was just a fun atmosphere and a bit cheaper than the Empire State Building.

Amber A, TripAdvisor

Excellent views!

Go a little before sunset and stay until it is dark. The views are great, and it is amazing to see how different the city looks at night versus day. We also enjoyed the beautiful hues of the sunset. It can be very windy and cold in the outside viewing areas, so it is good to have a jacket or coat most of the year. There are inside sections too so you can stay in and still see good views.

KCLizard, TripAdvisor


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Exhibits at the Top of the Rock

Besides the amazing views of New York from the three observatories, there are six other must-see items at Top of the Rock.

Joie Chandelier

Joie Chandelier is a fabulous chandelier made up of 14,000 Swarovski crystals hanging in 450 gorgeous cascading strands.

Since it is right at the entrance, it is the very first thing that attracts visitors.

The Joie Chandelier is the largest of its kind and was created by Swarovski exclusively for Top of the Rock.

The masterpiece soars three stories above the Grand Atrium Lobby, and when seen upside down, you will know that it is in the shape of 30 Rock.

Mezzanine

One of the most amazing things to see at the Top of the Rock is the Mezzanine exhibit stretching through a long corridor into an open exhibit area.

Using fascinating photos, information, and artifacts, the Mezzanine Exhibit narrates the story of the planning and creation of the Rockefeller Center.

Beam Walk

Beam walk at Top of the Rock
Beam Walk portrays the iconic 1933 photograph “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” clicked by the famous photographer Charles C. The photograph shows the original construction workers eating their lunch sitting on a beam 850 feet above the ground. Image: Topoftherocknyc.com

The interactive Beam Walk is the re-construction of the iconic photo of construction workers taking a lunch break high above Manhattan.

At the Beam Walk, visitors can sit down and pose for a photo.

When you look down, you can see what those construction workers would have seen back in 1933 when they sat down to have their lunch on the beam.

It is not compulsory to purchase the tribute photo taken on the beam.

Theatre

You reach this seat-less theatre after you cross the Mezzanine exhibit.

It shows a presentation on the history of the Rockefeller Centre and the NBC on a loop.

If the theatre is full, you must wait for 10 to 15 minutes since only a limited number of visitors can go through the elevators beyond this theatre.

If it isn’t crowded, you have the option of walking straight up to the elevators or staying to watch the presentation.

Sky Shuttle

Sky Shuttle takes you 260 meters (850 feet) above sea level and is an elevator unlike any other.

Even though this ride to the 67th floor lasts less than a minute, it is something you are sure to remember forever.

Don’t forget to look up and see informative and historical pictures from the 1930s to the present.

Radiance Wall

Radiance Wall is a beautifully constructed area with glass-blown panels, crystal clusters, along with fiber-optic lighting.

If you look closely, you will spot tiny animals and crystal figurines hidden within the wall.

This exhibit is on the 67th floor and is another exclusive Swarovski creation for Top of the Rock, making the trip much more enjoyable.

Things to do in Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Centre is a complex of buildings between 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

It is one of New York City’s most significant entertainment spots and is a city within a city, with its tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping, etc.

Besides Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Centre NYC has many other exciting things to do for all age groups.

Rockefeller Centre Tour

The Rockefeller Centre Tour is a big hit with tourists visiting New York.

The interactive tour takes you on a fantastic journey to understand the rich history of Rockefeller Centre.

It lays particular emphasis on the history behind the art and architecture of Rockefeller Center.

Santa at Rockefeller Center

Celebrate the holidays with Santa at Rockefeller Center.

Take a photo with Santa and enjoy the festive displays at this NYC landmark.

Book in advance and experience the quintessential holiday adventure.

The Rink

The Rink at Rockefeller Center is one of NYC’s quintessential winter activities.

Skating in front of the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a must-do experience, especially during the magical holiday season.

Despite being planned as a temporary exhibit, it has become a permanent addition to the Rockefeller Center.

FAQs about Top of the Rock

Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting Top of the Rock.

Should I buy tickets for Top of the Rock online?

Yes, it is best to buy tickets for Top of the Rock online to ensure availability and get your preferred time slot.

What is the best time of day to visit Top of the Rock?

The best time to visit is during sunset when you can see the city lights come on and the sky turns beautiful colors.

Is there a dress code for Top of the Rock?

There is no dress code at the attraction, but it is recommended to dress appropriately for the weather.

Is Top of the Rock wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Top of the Rock is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available for rent at the venue.

Are there any restaurants at Top of the Rock?

Visitors can choose between several restaurants and cafes, including the exclusive Rainbow Room.

Is photography allowed at Top of the Rock?

Yes, photography is allowed at the attraction.

Is there a security check at Top of the Rock?

Yes, there is a security check at the attraction, and bags may be subject to inspection.

Can I bring a pet to Top of the Rock?

Pets are not allowed, with the exception of trained service animals.

Can I visit Top of the Rock during the winter?

Yes, Top of the Rock is open year-round, including during winter when you can enjoy the snow-covered city views.

Sources

# Rockefellercenter.com
# Bigcedar.com
# Tripadvisor.com

The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy.

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This article was researched & written by

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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