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

Looking up at Rockefeller Center in New York City
Looking up at Rockefeller Center in New York City cc licensed photo by paul-simpson.org

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 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating 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 - in the last week

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5 Star Rating I had the unforgettable experience of visiting Rockefeller Center during Christmas, and it truly lived up to its reputation. The Christmas tree, adorned in all its splendor, served as a breathtaking centerpiece for the festivities, especially with the enchanting ice skating rink below, creating an iconic New York Christmas scene. It's worth noting that the area can get quite crowded, especially during the nightly tree-lighting. To fully capture the beauty of the moment, I recommend finding a good spot ahead of time to ensure an unobstructed view of the illuminated tree. Despite the crowds, the magical ambiance of Rockefeller Center during Christmas is a must-see, making it a cherished memory for any visitor.
Mandy my PHN - in the last week

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5 Star Rating Amazing views of Manhattan. You can see the Empire State building side and the Central Park side both breathtaking. Also, I like that you have two levels to enjoy the views in a different way. The first level you feel like you are in between buildings... you see all those skyscrapers around you. Also, there is a coffee shop with great pastries, and you can enjoy them while looking at the views. The second level is located on the very top of the building, and you feel like you can see everything from a different perspective! Take a ton of pictures, 360 degrees view of Manhattan. We really enjoy it. The ticket is not cheap, but it is definitely worth it.
Javier Milla - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating I recently had the pleasure of visiting Rockefeller Center, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the iconic beauty of this historic landmark. The energy and vibrancy of the area are palpable, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in New York City. The variety of activities and attractions at Rockefeller Center is astounding. From ice skating at the famous rink to taking in breathtaking views from the Top of the Rock observation deck, there's something for everyone to enjoy. I particularly loved exploring the stunning art deco architecture and learning about the center's rich history through informative exhibits. The atmosphere at Rockefeller Center is simply magical, especially during the holiday season when the iconic Christmas tree is lit up, spreading joy and cheer to visitors from around the world. The bustling shops and restaurants add to the festive ambiance, making it a perfect spot for shopping and dining. Overall, my visit to Rockefeller Center exceeded all expectations. The combination of its beauty, history, and lively atmosphere made it a truly memorable experience that I can't wait to revisit. Whether you're a tourist or a local, I highly recommend making a trip to Rockefeller Center. It’s an absolute gem in the heart of New York City.
Hassan Hashi - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Great panoramic views of the concrete jungle wet dream tomato. And of course the tree and ice rink below is great to see in person. Lovely staff throughout the whole process too. Windy as hell up top so wrap up! Sadly the beam was closed due to the weather but rightly so on the day we visited.
Mark Leanings - a month ago

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Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
B, D, F or MRockefeller Center0 minutes
1, C or E50th Street5 minutes
N, Q or R49th Street6 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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