Rockefeller Centre (Top of the Rock)

Rockefeller Centre (Top of the Rock) is a national historic landmark that offers dramatic vistas of New York City it's 850 foot high observatory

Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and listed on the US Register of Historic Places, Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres. Commissioned by John D Rockefeller, it was the largest private construction project ever undertaken and was the setting for the famous 1932 Lunchtime atop a Skyscraper photograph of workers having lunch on a steel beam dangling 840 feet in the air.

The centrepiece of Rockefeller Center is the GE Building, referred to locals as "30 Rock", which headquarters NBC and houses most of the network's New York studios. NBC offers daily studio tours and free tickets to tapings of Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, the Today Show and the Dr Oz Show through the show website or try your luck at with standby tickets at the NBC Studio Experience Store.

At the front of 30 Rock, the Lower Plaza is the centre of the complex and home to the world-famous annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and ice skating rink. On the upper level of the 70 story GE building, Top of the Rock is a six level observatory 850 feet above street level offering visitor an alternative to the crowds at the Empire State Building. Reopened to the public in 2005, Top of the Rock offers sweeping views of the New York City skyline from the Chrysler Building to the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park to the Hudson and East Rivers.

When you visit Top of the Rock, you will purchase tickets with assigned entrance times to reduce congestion. The experience begins with an exhibit area chronically the history of Rockefeller Center, before you begin your 70 story ascent in an elevator with a transparent ceiling. Once on the observation deck, you will enjoy a bird's eye view of the city, but be sure to climb up above the main deck or you will be forced to photograph through glass. The security guards at Top of the Rock are extremely helpful in identifying landmarks and helping visitors orientate themselves to the city below.

Cost: Free admission to the Top of the Rock with a New York Pass otherwise admission fees apply. See website for current admission rates.

Hours: Open daily 8:00am - 12:00am; holiday hours vary

Website: Top of the Rock or Rockefeller Center

Address: 1230 Avenue of the America (6th Avenue)

Nearby attractions: Museum of Modern Art, Theatre District, Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Saks Fifth Avenue

Getting There on Transit
Subway Train / Bus	Subway Station	Walking Time
B, D, F or M	Rockefeller Center	0 minutes
Take the B, D, F or M train to Rockefeller Center, arriving in the underground concourse (0 minutes)