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.Open Now
Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.
- Monday: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings Observatories
Address:
30 Rockefeller Plz
New York, NY 10112
Phone: (877) 692-7625
Reviews
Amanda S. Jan-11-2023
Located 70 floors above, Top of the rock is definitely a spot you don't want to miss! It's a three level observation deck with protective glass! Make sure... Read More
Located 70 floors above, Top of the rock is definitely a spot you don't want to miss! It's a three level observation deck with protective glass! Make sure...Tyson B. Apr-04-2023
Impossible to get a nice picture with you in it due to crowds, but a fantastic view. For whatever reason (most likely managerial incompetence), they decided... Read More
Impossible to get a nice picture with you in it due to crowds, but a fantastic view. For whatever reason (most likely managerial incompetence), they decided...Bryce R. Feb-02-2023
My partner and I visited Top of the Rock for a recent trip to NYC to capture the views. Almost any rooftop tour will run $40-$70 and we chose this to be... Read More
My partner and I visited Top of the Rock for a recent trip to NYC to capture the views. Almost any rooftop tour will run $40-$70 and we chose this to be...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
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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: Yelp 
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Photo Credit: Nicolas Lh. - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: Jesús Quiles - 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
