Top of the Rock observation deck in New York City

New York, the city that never sleeps, hides a host of unusual attractions. However, in order to embrace this unique city and especially Manhattan with your eyes, you will probably want to stand a little higher and admire it from one of the numerous viewpoints and terraces. Today we will show you one of the best, namely Top of the Rock located in Rockefeller Center!

Top of the Rock is one of our favorite viewpoints in Manhattan. On one side you can see the Empire State Building, with the glass skyscrapers of One World Trade Center in the background, and on the other side you admire Central Park nearby. Being at the very top, you can see almost all of Manhattan and, importantly, without additional glazing and bars, which is not always possible at other points (after all, we are at the very top of the building!).

But that’s not the only terrace in the building – there’s a large terrace with high glazing below, and views of Manhattan can also be enjoyed from the lower floors through regular windows.

In this article you will learn more about Rockefeller Center, the Top of the Rock terrace itself, as well as practical information to help you plan your visit here.

A brief history of Rockefeller Center and interesting facts

Rockefeller Center is one of the most recognizable places in New York City, which is especially recommended during the Christmas season: it is here, at Rockefeller Plaza, that the impressive Christmas tree stands and the ice rink, which you probably associate with many movies and TV series set here, operates.

The entire complex consists of 19 buildings, its construction began in the 1930s. The company was founded in the 1970s, and was initiated by John D. Rockefeller Jr. During the Great Depression, the investment became a symbol of hope and economic development. With its architecture and cultural significance, Rockefeller Center is a place worth visiting not only for its famous Top of the Rock observation deck, but also for the many attractions available within. Here you will find offices, stores, restaurants, Radio City Music Hall, the headquarters of NBC Studios, which can be toured, or the already mentioned famous ice rink. Anyway, the interiors of Rockefeller Center alone can impress, as they are decorated with many sculptures and paintings, and the buildings are mostly designed in the art déco style.

Interesting facts about Rockefeller Center:

• Tens of thousands of jobs were created during the construction of the complex, which had a huge impact on the city’s economy.
• Every year the famous lighting of Christmas lights on a huge Christmas tree takes place here – the event attracts crowds of tourists from all over the world and is broadcast live on television.
• Rockefeller Center is home to Radio City Music Hall, one of the most famous venues in the world, where the famous dance group the Rockettes perform.
• Also worth noting are the complex’s distinctive sculptures and artistic decorations, which give it a unique character (also adorning the interiors of Rockefeller Center). Noteworthy, for example, is the golden statue of Prometheus, located by the ice rink at Rockefeller Plaza.
• In 1987, Rockefeller Center was designated a National Historic Monument.
• Rockefeller Center has been the setting and filming location for many famous movies, TV series and music videos. Among the most famous productions is the film Kevin Alone in New York, which captured scenes on the ice rink. The series Rockefeller Plaza 30 (30 Rock) drew inspiration from the venue, and music videos by artists such as Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have taken advantage of its familiar setting.
• Located at 65. The first floor of the Rainbow Room is a luxury restaurant and ballroom that has been around since the 1930s. In the 1970s, it delights visitors with its unique atmosphere. It is also one of the most elegant places in New York, often chosen for special occasions such as weddings and galas.

Top of the Rock observation deck

Top of the Rock is by far one of the most popular observation decks in the Big Apple. It is located at the top of the Comcast Building (formerly the GE Building and the RCA Building) and offers views of the New York City skyline. It is worth noting that it is rare to do such a terrace at the top of a building – rather, it is done on the lower floors, and here we are actually standing at the very top.

The building has 70 floors, and views of Manhattan can be enjoyed from 67.., 69. and 70th floors. From here you’ll see both Central Park, the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, and even Lower Manhattan in the distance (and you might even be able to spot the Statue of Liberty). Many people consider it better than other vantage points because the aforementioned Empire State Building can be seen from its top, which is a huge advantage.

The terrace offers an amazing experience at any time of the day. In the morning you can admire the city waking up, in the afternoon Central Park takes on depth, and in the evening the city lights create a magical, almost fairy-tale-like landscape. Also not to be missed is the sunset, which attracts many visitors and guarantees unforgettable views. If you want to admire New York City, then Rockefeller Center overlooking the skyline is the perfect place.

However, this is not the end of the attractions! Still waiting at the top are the Skylift and The Beam Experience , two attractions that have already been built after our visit. Skylift is the latest structure built on a rooftop with a rotating glass platform that allows you to observe the city from an even higher level. In addition, you can sit on a beam that is meant to resemble the structural element on which the workers sat in one of the most famous shots from New York. Do you associate such a black and white photo with workers on their lunch break? It’s called Lunch atop a Skyscraper, and as of recently on Top of the Rock, you can also take a picture of this, under safe conditions, of course.

Both the Skylift and the Beam have additional fees.

Practical information

Below we’ve gathered a handful of practical information that you may find useful if you plan to go to Top of the Rock.

How much does a ticket to Top of the Rock cost?

The price of tickets depends on the option chosen and the time of day. The most expensive entries are at sunset, when the views are most picturesque.

Standard Ticket:

• adults – approx. USD 40-61,
• Children (6-12 years) – approx. 34 -55 USD.
• Children under 5 years of age enter for free.

VIP Pass (priority entry and additional amenities such as a guide, access to the Skylift and the Beam):

• USD 190 price.

Optional:

• Skylift: $35
• The Beam: $25.

It’s a good idea to book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and be sure to get in at the time of your choice.

Current prices and available hours can be found on this page.

Location and access – where is the Rockeffeler Center located?

Rockefeller Center is located in the heart of Manhattan, between 48. a 51. Street and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It’s a prime location, right in the center of New York City, making it easy to get to both on foot and by public transportation.

Metro access:

• Lines B, D, F, M to station 47-50 Sts Rockefeller Center.
• Lines N, Q, R, W to 49 St. station.
• Lines E, M to 5 Av/53 St. station.

Access by bus:

• Lines M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 and M7 all stop near Rockefeller Center.

The exact address is
30 Rockefeller Plaza,
New York, NY 10112

Top of the Rock opening hours

The terrace on the grounds of Rockefeller Center overlooking the city of New York is open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight, with the last entry at 11:10 p.m. Before visiting, however, it’s worth checking Top of the Rock’s current opening hours on its official website, as they may change during holidays or special events.

Hotels and accommodation in the area

New York and especially Manhattan is so well connected by subway that there is no need to specifically look for accommodation in the Rockefeller Center area. Here are some of our accommodation suggestions from where you can easily reach this place:

• SpringHill Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan Chelsea
  Address: 140 West 28th Street, Chelsea, New York, 10001
  Prices: from 1800 PLN for a 2-bed room per night (breakfast included)
  Link:
  http://r4b.link/booking-nyc
  
• M Social Hotel Times Square New York
  Address: 226 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019
  Prices: from 2100 PLN for a 2-bed room per night
  Link:
  http://r4b.link/nyc-msocial
  
• Doubletree By Hilton New York Times Square West
  Address: 350 West 40th Street, Hell’s Kitchen, New York, NY 10018
  Prices: from 1500 PLN for a 2-bed room per night
  Link:
  http://r4b.link/nyc-doubletree-by-hilton
  
• Millennium Downtown New York
  Address: 55 Church Street, Wall Street – Financial District, New York, NY 10007
  Prices: from 1750 PLN for a 2-bed room per night
  Link:
  http://r4b.link/nyc-millenium
  

Other viewpoints and terraces in New York City

Admittedly, Top of the Rock is, in our opinion, the best observation deck, but if you want to admire New York from other points, we also recommend others, which you can (or will be able to soon) read about on our blog:

• Empire State Building – the famous observation deck with a panoramic view of the city.
• The Edge – a modern terrace with a partially glass floor, providing an amazing experience.
• Summit One Vanderbilt – a multimedia experience with mirrored installations.
• One World Observatory – another famous observation deck, this time on top of One World Trade Center overlooking Lower Manhattan.

Is it worth visiting the Top of the Rock observation deck? Our opinion!

We’ve already written it in this post several times, but we’ll write it again :) In our opinion, this is one of the best viewpoints in Manhattan. It offers views of such icons as the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and Central Park.

Our positive impressions are further fueled by the fact that, being in high season, there were not many people here, so we were able to quietly take pictures and enjoy the views.

Let us know if you have already been or if you are going to this famous observation deck?