Rockefeller Center (or Rockefeller Centre, as it is sometimes spelled in British English) is an iconic complex in Midtown Manhattan. Built during the Great Depression and completed in 1939, it remains a hub of business, entertainment, and tourism. The Top of the Rock observation deck, located atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza, was originally designed to resemble the deck of an ocean liner, giving visitors a panoramic experience unlike any other.
Top of the Rock is one of New York’s most famous observation decks, located at the iconic Rockefeller Center.
Unlike enclosed viewing platforms, this spot offers a unique open-air experience, giving visitors
stunning 360-degree views of the city from three different levels.
From the viewing platforms on floors 67 to 70, you’ll be able to admire some of New York’s most iconic landmarks. These include
Central Park, the towering Empire State Building, and the striking One World Trade Center.
On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty in the distance.
What makes Top of the Rock stand out is its open-air terraces, allowing for crystal-clear photos without glass barriers. Open year-round, this observation deck is a must-visit for anyone looking to capture the best panoramic views of New York City.
For more details, check out our guide on the difference between Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock, and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.
If you’re wondering whether Top of the Rock is worth visiting, the answer is a resounding yes! This observation deck offers some of the best views in New York City, making it a favorite among tourists and photographers alike. Below, we share some of the top reasons why you should add this attraction to your NYC itinerary.
Photo by Joshua Newton on Unsplash.
One of our main reasons for recommending Top of the Rock over other observation decks is its unobstructed, open-air views. The glass panels and the gaps between them allow photographers to capture crystal-clear shots of NYC’s skyline without glare or reflections.
A common question is whether Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building offers a better view. While both are fantastic, Top of the Rock has distinct advantages:
For a detailed comparison of these two iconic observation decks, check out our in-depth guide: Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock – Full Comparison.
Top of the Rock spans three levels, with the topmost level completely open-air. It provides an unmatched 360-degree perspective of NYC without the crowds often found at other observation decks.
Photo by Joshua Newton on Unsplash.
Planning a visit to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center?
This world-class viewing platform offers an unrivalled perspective of New York City’s skyline, blending sweeping panoramic views with an open-air experience that few other observation decks can match. Whether you’re keen to admire landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and One World Trade Center, or simply want to soak in the city’s vibrant energy from above, this is a must-visit attraction in 2025. Here’s what to expect when you step onto one of the finest vantage points in the Big Apple.
Unlike other NYC observation decks, Top of the Rock offers three levels of outdoor terraces, including the 70th floor, which is completely glass-free for unobstructed panoramic views.
Debuting in late 2023, The Beam lets visitors sit on a steel beam suspended 900 feet above NYC, recreating the famous “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photo. The beam moves and rotates, giving a thrilling, photo-worthy moment.
Opening in 2024, Skylift is a glass platform that rises 30 feet (9m) above the observation deck, offering an unmatched floating experience over the NYC skyline.
Sunrise, Sunset & More
For the most breathtaking experience, visit Top of the Rock at sunrise or sunset to capture New York City’s skyline in its most stunning light.
It is centrally located in Midtown Manhattan, making it easily accessible from most major tourist attractions.
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York
NY 10112
Entrance on 50th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenue.
Tel. 212.698.2000
The Rockefeller Center is a vast complex in Midtown Manhattan, home to office buildings, shops, restaurants, and famous attractions. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the ice skating rink and the renowned Christmas tree.
One of its highlights is the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, offering breathtaking views of New York City. This attraction is located atop the RCA Building, one of the most recognizable skyscrapers within the Rockefeller Center complex.
Top of the Rock is the observation deck inside Rockefeller Center, spanning the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors of the RCA Building. From here, visitors can admire unobstructed, panoramic views of New York City, including landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Central Park.
Thanks to its open-air terraces, this is one of the best spots for capturing the city skyline, especially with the Empire State Building in the background.
While many people use “Top of the Rock” and “Top of the Rock Observation Deck” interchangeably, there is a subtle difference:
Both terms describe the same attraction, but “Observation Deck” highlights the experience of taking in the incredible 360-degree views from the top.
Top of the Rock is one of New York’s most famous observation decks, offering breathtaking panoramic views from the Rockefeller Center. Here’s what to expect during your visit:
*Tickets provided by Hellotickets through an affiliate program.
With your VIP ticket, enjoy priority access and skip the long queues. A high-speed elevator will take you straight to the top of Rockefeller Center, where breathtaking panoramic views of New York City await.
Once at the Top of the Rock, admire unobstructed 360º views of landmarks like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. The city unfolds beneath you in all its glory.
Step onto the rotating 360º beam and recreate the legendary 1932 photo of workers sitting on a beam during the construction of Rockefeller Center. A professional photo souvenir is included!
Your VIP ticket includes SkyLift, a one-of-a-kind platform that rises 10 metres above the top floor, offering an unparalleled view of New York’s skyline. With seating for 14 people, this rotating structure gives you ample time to take in the sights and capture stunning photos.
Make your experience even more special with a glass of champagne, included with your VIP ticket.
Your package includes a Photo Pass to collect your best snapshots, plus a 20% discount at the gift shop to pick up a unique souvenir from your visit.
Upgrade your experience with a guided tour of Rockefeller Center, led by an expert. Discover the hidden rooftop garden, a serene escape with a unique perspective of the city.
*Tickets provided by Hellotickets through an affiliate program.
Take in the stunning views of New York with a VIP experience at Top of The Rock. With this fast-track ticket and a knowledgeable guide, you’ll skip the lines and head straight to the observation deck for 1.5 hours of breathtaking sights.
Enjoy fast-track access to the famous Top of the Rock, bypassing the regular lines and heading straight to the observation deck. Get ready for panoramic views of New York City like never before.
Located at Rockefeller Center, the Top of the Rock observation deck offers one of the best vistas in the city. With an expert guide, you’ll experience a 90-minute journey through the heart of Manhattan, spotting iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and the Hudson River.
Step into history with The Beam Experience. This immersive recreation allows you to pose just like the workers in the famous 1932 photograph, capturing the essence of Rockefeller Center’s construction. It’s a unique opportunity to relive that historic moment.
As part of your VIP experience, you’ll receive a special souvenir photo package, so you can remember your visit to the Top of the Rock for years to come.
Don’t forget to check out the gift shop! As a VIP guest, you’ll enjoy an exclusive discount on souvenirs to remember your unforgettable experience.
*Tickets provided by Hellotickets through an affiliate program.
Explore Manhattan with a local expert on a guided walking tour through Wall Street, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, and Little Italy. The tour includes Top of The Rock Observatory tickets, offering breathtaking panoramic views of New York City.
Stroll through Manhattan’s must-see spots:
Cap off your tour by ascending to the Top of The Rock in Rockefeller Center. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of:
*Tickets provided by Hellotickets through an affiliate program.
Explore the heart of Manhattan on this guided tour through iconic areas like Times Square and Fifth Avenue. In just two hours, you’ll walk through New York’s vibrant streets and experience Top of The Rock for stunning city views.
Join a small group of twelve, led by an expert guide, and discover the history and culture behind landmarks such as:
*Tickets provided by Hellotickets through an affiliate program.
Perfect for those seeking the best of New York in an extraordinary way. Experience luxury, exclusivity, and exceptional service at every moment of your tour.
Indulge in an exclusive private driving tour of New York’s most iconic landmarks, with VIP access to the Top of The Rock Observatory for stunning views of the city from above. This four-hour tour offers the perfect blend of comfort and luxury.
Your experience begins with a private vehicle pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation in New York City. Travel in style as you explore the city’s vibrant streets with a personalised itinerary tailored to your interests.
Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll discover New York’s rich history and culture, passing through:
Finally, ascend to Top of The Rock and enjoy panoramic views from the top of the Rockefeller Center, one of the city’s most famous skyscrapers.
*Tickets provided by Hellotickets through an affiliate program.
Experience New York in an exclusive way with this luxurious package, combining a visit to Top of The Rock and a private city tour. Enjoy personalized attention with your own private guide, taking you through the city’s most iconic landmarks at your own pace.
And to top it all off, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from Top of The Rock at the Rockefeller Center, with views of Manhattan’s skyline, Central Park, and beyond.
*Tickets provided by Hellotickets through an affiliate program.
The Top Of The Rock is included in several New York tourist passes:
*Tickets provided by Hellotickets through an affiliate program that helps us maintain updated information on this website.
Below, you’ll find detailed information about each New York Tourist Pass.
🎟 Buy the CityPASS® Tourist Card at the best price: Click here to purchase.
Unlock the best of New York City and save money with the New York CityPASS®! For a fixed price, gain access to 5 top attractions, including the Empire State Building and American Museum of Natural History, plus your choice of 3 more from a selection of iconic landmarks such as Top of the Rock, the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, and more.
Make your NYC trip unforgettable while enjoying great savings and flexibility!!
🎟 Buy the Go City Pass at the best price: Click here to purchase.
It’s simple, flexible, and saves you money while exploring New York City!
✅ 9/11 Memorial and Museum
✅ Broadway Museum
✅ Central Park Bike Tour
✅ Empire State
✅ Film and series tour
✅ Fotografiska Museum
✅ Guided tours of Chelsea, Brooklyn, Little Italy, and others
✅ Guggenheim Museum
✅ Harlem Jazz Show
✅ Harry Potter Tour
✅ Hudson River Cruise
✅ Madison Square Garden Tour
✅ Madame Tussauds
✅ MoMa (Museum of Modern Art)
✅ Natural History Museum
✅ The Edge
✅ One World Observatory
✅ The Ride
✅ Ticket to a Yankees game
✅ Top of the Rock
✅ Tourist bus
✅ Visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral
✅ Wall Street Tour
✅ Whitney Museum of American Art
✅ Yankee Stadium Tour
✅ … and many more attractions and visits!
❌ Statue of Liberty
❌ Summit One Vanderbilt
✅ 9/11 Memorial and Museum
✅ American Museum of Natural History
✅ Big Bus tourist bus
✅ Broadway Museum
✅ Catacombs by candlelight
✅ Central Park Bike Tour
✅ Empire State Building
✅ Film and television tour
✅ Fotografiska New York
✅ Gospel Concert
✅ Guggenheim Museum
✅ Harlem Jazz Series
✅ Harry Potter Tour
✅ High Line and Hudson Yards Tour
✅ Hudson River Cruise
✅ Intrepid Museum
✅ Legoland
✅ Madame Tussauds Museum
✅ Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
✅ New York Yankees tickets for the next New York Yankees game
✅ One World Observatory
✅ Radio City Stage Tour
✅ Rise NY Simulator
✅ The Edge
✅ Top of the Rock
✅ Tours of Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Little Italy, Chinatown, Brooklyn and others
✅ Visit to Madison Square Garden
✅ Wall Street Tour
✅ Whitney Museum of American Art
✅ … and many more attractions and visits!
❌ Statue of Liberty
❌ Summit One Vanderbilt
✅2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 or 12 attraction pass from 100 choices
✅ Quick access to some attractions
✅ Guide in English, Spanish, German, French and Portuguese.
Top of the Rock is a popular observation deck located at the top of the Rockefeller Center in New York City. It offers some of the best panoramic views of New York City, including landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your Top of the Rock tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot and skip long lines. Early booking may also grant access to exclusive time slots and discounts. Get your tickets here and enjoy breathtaking views from one of NYC’s best observation decks!
Top of the Rock ticket prices typically start at $60 for standard admission. There are also premium options available, such as the VIP Top of the Rock + The Beam ticket, priced around $240 . To secure the best prices and avoid long lines, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance here.
The best time to visit Top of the Rock is early in the morning or during sunset. Early visits offer fewer crowds, while sunset provides stunning views of the city’s skyline with beautiful lighting. To enjoy the best experience, consider booking a sunset ticket for a memorable view of New York City at dusk. For more details, visit the Best time to visit Top of the Rock section and book your tickets.
You can easily book your Top of the Rock tickets with popular tourist passes like the NY Pass, Explorer Pass, or Sightseeing Pass for added convenience and savings. These passes offer access to multiple attractions, including Top of the Rock, at discounted prices. To learn more about booking your tickets with these passes, visit our Tourist Passes section for more details and options.
To visit Top of the Rock with your New York CityPASS®, purchase the pass online to receive your digital tickets, which provide discounted access to top NYC attractions, including Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. Buy your CityPASS® here for the best price.
Once you have your CityPASS®, use the My CityPASS® app to easily reserve your visit to Top of the Rock and secure a time slot that works for you, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
A typical visit to Top of the Rock lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend enjoying the panoramic views of New York City, including the Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge. For a more relaxed experience, visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. If you’re using a New York CityPASS®, you can skip the line and maximize your time at the observation deck.
For safety and security reasons, certain items are not allowed inside the Top of the Rock observation deck. These include food and beverages from outside, weapons of any kind, glass bottles, lighters, flammable substances, and sharp objects such as knives, including Swiss Army knives and automatic knives. Additionally, tripods are prohibited, as they can obstruct views and create safety hazards. Make sure to check the full list of visitor guidelines before your visit to avoid any inconvenience.
The Top of the Rock is located on the 70th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, a building that reaches a total height of 260 meters (850 feet). At 244 meters (800 feet) above street level, the open-air observation deck offers incredible 360-degree views of New York City. With 70 floors in total, this architectural landmark provides a unique vantage point to admire iconic sights such as the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center.
The Top of the Rock is an observation deck located at the Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, New York. Situated on the 67th, 68th, and 69th floors of the iconic RCA Building at Rockefeller Center, it stands at a height of 259 meters (850 feet). Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of New York City, including landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the One World Trade Center. This popular attraction is the perfect spot for capturing the stunning skyline, whether during the day or at night. For more details, visit our section on What is Top of the Rock?.
Choosing between the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock depends on the type of view you’re seeking. If you want an iconic New York skyline photo with the Empire State Building framed in the background, the Top of the Rock offers stunning panoramic views.
On the other hand, if visiting the Empire State Building is on your bucket list, its observation deck provides breathtaking views of Rockefeller Plaza and the East River. Learn more about the Empire State Building here.
Both attractions offer unique perspectives, so the choice ultimately depends on the view you prefer. For a deeper comparison, check out our article: Empire State vs Top of the Rock.
Top of the Rock is a popular observation deck located at the top of the Rockefeller Center in New York City. It offers some of the best panoramic views of New York City, including iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
New York is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. From its iconic skyscrapers to its vibrant neighborhoods and relaxing parks, every corner of the city offers something unique. Here are some of the top attractions you can’t miss during your visit:
