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![]()
Rockefeller Center in New York City is one of the most famous and lively landmarks in Midtown Manhattan. The complex is known for its beautiful plaza, iconic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere throughout the year. It is a place where history, architecture, entertainment, and shopping all come together in one location.
One of the highlights of visiting Rockefeller Center is the Top of the Rock observation deck. From the top you get spectacular panoramic views of Manhattan, including clear views of the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the surrounding skyline. Many visitors actually prefer this observation deck because it provides one of the best perspectives of the city.
The plaza area is also very famous. In winter it becomes home to the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the popular ice skating rink, which creates a magical holiday atmosphere. During the rest of the year the plaza is still lively with restaurants, shops, and outdoor seating areas.
The complex is located on Fifth Avenue and is surrounded by many other famous attractions such as St Patrick’s Cathedral and Radio City Music Hall, making it easy to combine several places in one visit.
Parking in Midtown Manhattan can be difficult and expensive, so using the subway or walking from nearby attractions is usually the easiest option. Tickets are required if you want to go up to the Top of the Rock observation deck, and it is a good idea to reserve them in advance.
A helpful tip is to visit the observation deck around sunset. You can watch the city transition from daylight to the bright lights of Manhattan at night, which creates an unforgettable view.
Overall Rockefeller Center is a must visit destination in New York City that offers stunning skyline views, historic architecture, and a lively Midtown atmosphere.
Sahaj Parekh - a month ago
An Iconic Midtown Business Centre. As the name suggests it's really iconic. Featured in many movies. This building has many Business offices and Studios. A Beautiful Ice Skating Rink in front. With amphitheater like area and eateries. People hang around, eat & relax here. A cascading fountain with beautiful Golden Statue. Dining and Shopping. The whole plaza decorated with American Flags all around. Beautiful Entrance Of The Building. A good place to relax, take snaps, chat, hang around.
Sagar Gosavi - a month ago
An excellent way to see the city skyline both at night and by day. We paid a little extra for a sunset ticket, which included a return the next morning. Great value. The roof top cafe coffee prices were acceptable too. Enjoyed both visits immensely. A beautiful building with an interesting history.
Kathryn Cross - 2 months ago
Even though it’s smaller than it looks in pictures, Rockefeller Center is really beautiful and definitely worth visiting. You kind of expect it to be huge, but it’s actually more compact than you imagine. Still, it has a great atmosphere and feels like a true New York classic. The architecture is amazing and you really get that iconic NYC vibe while you’re there. I really enjoyed the experience and would definitely recommend it.
Nicolas Lopes - a month ago
Lots of stores, food, and drinks. Always worth the visit if you can stop by. This is also the home to a lot of TV shows.
There have even been a few concerts here as well which have been pretty good. The top of the rock is a great place to view the city and see the New York skyline. Some of the attractions can be a bit crowded such as the ice skating rink.
I also thought the place was rather clean and tidy for the most part.
Drop by and see this place especially when the tree is up.
gregg jones - a month ago
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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? -
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Photo Credit: Jesús Quiles - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: John St John Photography - cc license via Flickr

