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
Official Website: Rockefeller Center | Top of the Rock in NYC
Fee: Yes.Regular 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
Reviews
Rated out of 5
Rockefeller Center in New York City is an iconic landmark that offers an unmatched 360-degree view of the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. From the towering skyscrapers to Central Park, the panorama is stunning. The center’s rich history, art deco architecture, and famous skating rink enhance the experience beyond just the views. It’s a quintessential New York experience, combining the city’s heartbeat with the glamour of a bygone era. A must-visit for anyone in NYC, Rockefeller Center is an unforgettable part of the city’s story. This condensed version still captures the key aspects of the Rockefeller Center experience, focusing on its views, history, and significance in New York City.
Carl Woodward (Wedding Photographer) - 12 days ago
Rockefeller Center in New York City is an iconic landmark that offers an unmatched 360-degree view of the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. From the towering skyscrapers to Central Park, the panorama is stunning. The center’s rich history, art deco architecture, and famous skating rink enhance the experience beyond just the views. It’s a quintessential New York experience, combining the city’s heartbeat with the glamour of a bygone era. A must-visit for anyone in NYC, Rockefeller Center is an unforgettable part of the city’s story.
This condensed version still captures the key aspects of the Rockefeller Center experience, focusing on its views, history, and significance in New York City.
Cris Guhman - 12 days ago
Pauline Charlton - 1 month ago
Karen White - 16 days ago
Charlie - 1 month ago
Accommodations near Rockefeller Center | Top of the Rock in NYC:
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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Photo Gallery
-
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: John Brighenti - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Schnitzel_bank - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bradley N. Weber - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Always Shooting - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Marcela McGreal - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Andreas Wulff - cc license via Flickr
