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: From: $56.31 CAD...May vary slightly due to currency fluctuationsTop of the Rock Observation Deck, New York
Daytime or night - anytime is the right time to visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Perched 70 stories above the city at Rockefeller Center, the panoramic, 360-degree views of Manhattan are unequaled anywhere else in New York City.Upon arriving at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, take time to admire the stunning, shimmering Swarovski chandelier on your way to the exhibits of Rockefeller Center’s historic construction during the Great Depression. Ascend to the Top in less than 1 minute with a ride up 850 feet (260 m) on the Sky Shuttle.Explore 3 floors with expansive, unobstructed indoor and outdoor viewing areas. The breathtaking views stretch for miles in every direction! You'll feel like you are floating above Central Park as you take in views of New York's most famous landmarks including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, and the Statue of Liberty. Top off your visit on the 70th floor, a completely open-air deck!
Get Free Entry to the Top-of-the-Rock with a New York City Explorer Pass
Open Now
Regular Hours:
- Monday: 8:00 am - 12:00 am
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 12:00 am
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 12:00 am
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 12:00 am
- Friday: 8:00 am - 12:00 am
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 am
- Sunday: 8:00 am - 12:00 am
Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings Observatories
Address:
30 Rockefeller Ctr
New York, NY 10112
Phone: (212) 698-2000
Reviews
Silverok R. Nov-23-2019
We've chosen Top of the Rock over any other deck because of the open-air observation space. Unlike places where you look from behind the windows, you can... Read More
Cher A. Dec-02-2019
We visited Top of the Rock when we were in New York City and had a great time. We arrived around 10 pm and there were no lines. We walked through the... Read More
Sasha R. Nov-27-2019
Absolutely not worth it, spent $50 extra for my group to see the sunset and they held us at security until the sunset was over. then you have to wait in... Read More
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.
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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 Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp -
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Photo Credit: Angel Talansky - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Angel Talansky - cc license via Flickr -
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