Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock)
The Rockefeller Center is a national historic landmark that offers dramatic vistas of New York City from its 850 foot high observatory commonly refered to as the Top of the Rock
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 visitors 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 NYC, 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.
Nearby attractions include Museum of Modern Art, Theatre District, Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes.Rockefeller Center | Top of the Rock in NYC Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, USA
Phone: (212) 588-8601
Official Website: Rockefeller Center | Top of the Rock in NYC
Rockefeller Center | Top of the Rock in NYC Reviews
Rated out of 5
We were late for our Top of the Rock reservation, but the helpful employees guided us in right to the top.
Everyone was helpful and kind.
We even got to see a group of Vikings in full armor and dress.
The Weather room at the top had delicious hot cocoa which was perfect on a windy day.
We rode the beam and got the best views of the city.
Next time we will visit at night to see the city lit up. Can't wait!! 🇺🇲🌟👍
John Roberts - in the last week
My favourite part of our trip. Enjoyed the views very much. We stayed here the longest. We went up at night time and the views are just stunning. Panoramic views. Chilly granted but take a jacket. It's worth it as you will want to spend more time up there. Bit of a wait to get in but it was expected. Will visit again one day. Staff were friendly and the information beforehand is really informative. One thing that did catch my eye and was unexpected was the chandelier as you're going up the stairs. Stunning.
JemD HOP - in the last week
Brilliant views from the top of the tower across the Manhattan sky line. The lifts going up were fantastic, the queues moved really quickly. There were a few viewing deck options when you got up and a bar for popcorn, snacks and drinks.
The queues going down were very long, it shouldn't take you 45 minutes in a queue to get down, when it only took 10-15 to get up.
Michael Brennan - in the last week
Fantastic views but due to only one lift being used be prepared for long queues! We waited over an hour before we could ascend which was somewhat frustrating, when other observational towers manage this much better. Views were very good but the people management and lifts could do with some improvement.
Daniel Graham - in the last week
We heard that some of the best views of the city could be seen from Rockefeller Center so we decided to buy the VIP passes for it. It was so worth it. We got to skip lines, had a private lounge to hang out in before the tour, and had a tour guide to give us info about the building's history. The views were amazing. The tour was amazing, the whole building was beautiful and the experience was perfect. Cannot recommend it enough and if you can afford it get the VIP passes.
Chad Ketcham - a month ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| B, D, F or M | Rockefeller Center | 0 minutes |
| 1, C or E | 50th Street | 5 minutes |
| N, Q or R | 49th Street | 6 minutes |
How to get to Rockefeller Center | Top of the Rock in NYC by Subway
Take the B, D, F or M train to Rockefeller Center, arriving in the underground concourse or take the 1, C or E train to 50th Street and walk east on 50th to just past 6th Avenue or the N, Q or R train to 49th Street and head north to 50th Street go right (east) to just past 6th Avenue. Access to the Top of the Rock is off 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.
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Photo Gallery
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And Looking Down from the top of the Rockerfeller Center cc licensed photo by ?ellie? -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Lh. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jesús Quiles - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Lh. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jesús Quiles - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: John St John Photography - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Marcela McGreal - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jesús Quiles - cc license via Flickr
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