In a nutshell
- Top of the Rock is one of the most popular observation decks in New York. You’ll find the platform at the famous Rockefeller Center right in the heart of Midtown.
- From up here, you get a 360-degree view of New York City — including an unobstructed look straight at the Empire State Building.
- We’ve visited Top of the Rock ourselves and are sharing our personal experience and all our tips for buying tickets and what to expect on-site.
- Short on time? Here’s our top ticket pick: the standard ticket. You really can’t go wrong with it. Grab it through the official ticket shop or via GetYourGuide.
What Is Top of the Rock?
Top of the Rock is the observation deck of Rockefeller Center in New York City. It sits atop the Comcast Building and offers one of the best panoramic views in the city.
The building rises 259 meters into the sky, making it the 16th tallest skyscraper in New York.
Top of the Rock spans three floors: the 67th, 69th, and 70th, with the uppermost level — the observation deck — completely open-air. Perfect for photos. Up there, you get a completely unobstructed, 360-degree view of all of New York.
Top of the Rock draws around 3 million visitors per year — that’s more than 8,000 per day. While that’s not quite as many as the Empire State Building, it’s still a seriously impressive number.
Top of the Rock Tickets: Admission to the Observation Deck
To help you find the best Top of the Rock ticket for your visit, we’ll walk you through all your options, compare the different tickets, and give you our personal recommendation.
Where's the Best Place to Buy Your Top of the Rock Ticket?
Admission tickets for the Top of the Rock observation deck are available both at the box office and online. It really comes down to your travel style.
If you like having everything locked in ahead of time and want to skip the wait, book online. If you’re more of a spontaneous traveler, you can buy tickets on-site — though you may face wait times and might not get your preferred time slot.
Buy Top of the Rock tickets in the official ticket shop
Buy Top of the Rock tickets on GetYourGuide
What Top of the Rock Tickets Are Available and How Much Do They Cost?
In these two tables you’ll find all the regular tickets for Top of the Rock NYC, the ticket prices, and links to the ticket shop.
Children under 6 get free admission to Top of the Rock when accompanied by a paying adult.
Top of the Rock tickets through the official provider
| What? | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Admission (Standard Ticket) | 34-61$ | Buy now |
| Express Pass | 95-105$ | Buy now |
| VIP Pass | 190$ | Buy now |
Top of the Rock tickets through a third-party provider
| What? | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Admission (Standard Ticket) | approx. 45–51 € | Buy now |
| Combo Ticket (Admission + The Beam) | approx. 68 € | Buy now |
| VIP Ticket | approx. 200 € | Buy now |
Add Top of the Rock Skylift and The Beam to Your Visit
Beyond the incredible observation deck itself, Top of the Rock offers two more standout experiences: The Beam and the Skylift.
The Beam is an interactive attraction that lets you recreate the famous 1932 photo “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper.”
The Skylift is a glass elevator-style ride on the actual platform. It lifts you several meters higher into the air for an even more spectacular view.
Both are available as add-ons to your regular admission — either as an on-site upgrade or booked online in advance.
The add-on fee is $25 per person for The Beam and $35 per person for the Skylift.
Book The Beam ticket online
Can You Visit Top of the Rock on the Spot?
Yes, as mentioned above, you can visit Top of the Rock without a reservation and buy tickets directly on-site. That said, you may face wait times, especially during peak hours or on holidays.
To make sure you get in at your preferred time and keep waits to a minimum, we recommend booking tickets online in advance.
Is Top of the Rock Included in a New York City Pass?
Yes, Top of the Rock is included in several New York City passes that offer discounted entry to various New York attractions. For example, it’s included in the New York Pass and the New York Explorer Pass.
If you’re thinking about buying a city pass, we recommend carefully checking your options and comparing the different passes to find the best deal for your trip.
Our pass comparison can help you with that:
Our Ticket Recommendation for Top of the Rock: Standard Ticket (Observation Deck)
For your visit to Top of the Rock NYC, we recommend the standard ticket for regular admission. It’s the most affordable option and still delivers an amazing experience high above the New York skyline.
The standard ticket includes:
- Access to all three levels of the platform, including the open-air outdoor deck
- 360-degree views of New York City
Standard ticket prices:
- Adults (13 and up): from $40
- Children (ages 6–12): from $34
- Seniors (62 and up): from $38
The ticket is valid for the day of purchase and includes a timed entry window. Add-ons like the Skylift and The Beam can be booked on-site on the day of your visit.
Here’s where you can buy the standard ticket:
- Online through the official ticket shop
- Online through GetYourGuide
- Or on-site at the ticket booth in Rockefeller Center
Getting There: How to Reach Top of the Rock in Manhattan
Top of the Rock is located at Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan.
The exact address is: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
Top of the Rock on Google Maps
You have several options for getting to Rockefeller Center. Here are our recommendations:
By New York City Subway
Take the B, D, F, or M train to the 47th–50th Streets/Rockefeller Center station. Rockefeller Center is just a few minutes’ walk from the exit.
On Foot
If you’re already in the area and feel like a stroll through Midtown, Top of the Rock is only about five minutes’ walk from Times Square — between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue.
What to Expect During Your Top of the Rock Visit
To make sure you have a great time at Top of the Rock, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Top of the Rock Hours
The Top of the Rock observation deck is open daily from 8:00 AM to midnight. Last entry is at 11:00 PM.
During peak season, summer, and school holidays, hours may vary.
What's the Best Time to Visit Top of the Rock?
The best time to visit Top of the Rock really depends on what kind of experience you’re after.
Early morning, between 8 and 10 AM, draws fewer crowds, wait times are shorter, and on clear days the light over the city is beautifully soft.
At sunset, you’ll see the New York skyline bathed in gorgeous golden light. The golden hour makes for stunning photos — though the platform will be more crowded at this time.
After 8 PM, you can take in the sea of lights across New York from above. Crowds tend to thin out again at this hour, so it’s a solid option if you want more breathing room.
Are There Different Entrances for Different Ticket Types?
Top of the Rock has one main entrance for all ticket types. However, the check-in process may differ depending on which ticket you have.
With a pre-booked standard ticket, you simply show up at your booked entry time and head through the main entrance. Your ticket gets scanned and you’re on your way up.
With certain premium tickets, you may be able to bypass waiting lines.
Top of the Rock Wait Times
Wait times at the Top of the Rock observation deck vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and overall visitor volume.
The longest wait times occur:
- on weekends
- on holidays
- during school breaks
- in the afternoon
During these times, you can expect waits of 30 minutes to two hours — even with a timed entry ticket. You’ll still get in, of course.
The shortest wait times occur:
- on weekdays (Monday through Thursday)
- early in the morning
- in the evening (after sunset)
During these times, wait times are typically no more than 10 to 20 minutes.
Security at Top of the Rock New York
Security screening at Top of the Rock is similar to what you’ll find at other popular tourist attractions in the city. The screening includes bag checks and metal detectors.
What Can You Bring to the Observation Deck — and What Can't You?
These items are NOT allowed on the Top of the Rock platform:
- Large, bulky luggage
- Food and beverages
- Sharp objects (arrows, nail scissors, etc.)
- Tripods and large camera equipment
- Scooters and skates
These items ARE allowed on the Top of the Rock platform:
- Small bags and backpacks
- Phones and small cameras
- Empty water bottles (there are water refill stations inside the building)
- Small personal items (wallet, headphones, keys, etc.)
- Strollers (for New York, we recommend a travel stroller)
Is Top of the Rock Accessible?
Yes, Top of the Rock is fully accessible. The platform is wheelchair accessible, with accessible elevators and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
How Much Time Should You Plan for Top of the Rock?
Plan on spending about 1.5 to two hours at Top of the Rock. That’s plenty of time to explore the exhibition and soak in the views from the platform.
If you add The Beam or the Skylift, you won’t need to factor in much extra time — both attractions only take a few minutes.
What Can You Do at Top of the Rock?
Top of the Rock is one of the best viewpoints in New York City — but the building has even more to offer.
The View from Top of the Rock
From Top of the Rock, you have an incredible 360-degree view of New York City.
To the south, you’ll see the iconic Empire State Building and the skyscrapers that dominate the skyline. To the west, your gaze stretches across the Hudson River and toward One World Trade Center. To the north, Central Park spreads out like a massive green oasis in the middle of the city.
Maybe you’ll even be able to spot your hotel in New York?
And here’s the cool part: the vibe of the city changes completely depending on the time of day. In the morning, everything feels calm in soft sunlight — by New York standards, at least — while sunset drenches the skyline in spectacular colors. And once it gets dark, the city lights up in a thousand different ways.
Top of the Rock Skylift
The Top of the Rock Skylift is a relatively new attraction that gently lifts you high above Rockefeller Center — think of it as a kind of open-air elevator.
You step onto a rotating platform with glass walls and are lifted about nine meters above the building’s 70th floor — even higher than the observation deck itself.
The small, round platform rotates slowly, letting you take in the panorama from every angle at a relaxed pace.
You can book your Skylift ticket in advance online or add it to your admission on-site.
Book Top of the Rock Skylift ticket online
Top of the Rock The Beam
The Beam at Top of the Rock is an interactive attraction that lets you recreate the famous 1932 photo “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper.”
You sit on a replica steel beam set up in a cordoned-off area on the platform. The beam is raised a bit and rotated slightly. You’re up there for three to four minutes, during which a photo is taken. Then you come back down.
This also requires a separate add-on ticket, which you can buy online or on-site.
Book Top of the Rock The Beam ticket online
Exhibition at Top of the Rock
On your way up to the outdoor observation deck, you can explore an interesting exhibition inside the building featuring historical and multimedia elements.
The exhibition gives you a real sense of the significance, history, and architecture of Rockefeller Center, and includes films, interactive displays, audio guides, and 3D models.
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is one of the most iconic winter activities you can do in New York City.
The rink, officially called “The Rink at Rockefeller Center,” sits directly beneath the famous Christmas tree that gets ceremoniously lit every year. You’ve almost certainly seen it on TV and in a handful of holiday movies.
The ice rink is open annually approximately from mid-October through the end of March.
Book The Rink at Rockefeller Center tickets online
Our Experience: Is Top of the Rock Worth It?
Anyone visiting New York City naturally wants to head up to one of the observation decks and see the city from above. Choosing which one isn’t so easy. Empire State Building, One World Observatory, The Edge, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, or Top of the Rock?
We went with Top of the Rock because the building is a New York icon and it gives you a fantastic view of the Empire State Building. Two birds, one stone.
We recommend buying tickets online to avoid potential wait times on-site. Your time in New York is definitely better spent than standing in line. But if you prefer to be spontaneous and don’t mind a little wait, you can still pick up your Top of the Rock ticket there.
At the entrance in Rockefeller Center, things move quickly. After a brief security check, you head straight to the elevator. And that’s where the first highlight kicks in — during the fast ride up, a cool light show plays on the ceiling of the elevator.
The real wow moment, though, comes when you step out onto the platform. All of New York is spread out at your feet. It’s an incredible feeling and an unforgettable sight.
Right in front of you is the Empire State Building, behind you stretches the vast expanse of Central Park, and all around you is an endless jungle of skyscrapers.
What we especially loved: the three levels. On the top level, you’re completely outdoors — no glass walls, no barriers. It’s a really great spot for photos, and we definitely made the most of it.
That said, it can get a bit crowded up there. Getting a shot without other tourists in the frame is a challenge. That’s why we recommend going in the morning or early afternoon — it’s noticeably less packed then.
All in all, the Top of the Rock observation deck is absolutely worth it!
Top of the Rock vs. The Edge
Since we’ve visited both platforms with views of the Empire State Building, we want to share which one we think comes out on top: Top of the Rock or The Edge.
Our personal favorite is The Edge.
Both observation decks are very similar. They offer nearly identical views of the skyline and the Empire State Building, and admission prices are roughly the same.
However, The Edge is more modern, more futuristic, and has the cool glass floor section where you can look straight down at the streets of New York below. The Edge also tends to be less crowded than Top of the Rock.
Top of the Rock, on the other hand, is a true icon of the New York skyline. So if you want to combine a visit to an observation deck with a trip to a historically significant building, Top of the Rock is the perfect choice.
The Neighborhood: Combining Top of the Rock with Other New York Highlights
After visiting Top of the Rock, you can of course explore the rest of Rockefeller Center and Rockefeller Plaza.
From October through April, you’ll also find the famous ice rink here — the one that’s been featured on TV and in movies so many times.
Right across from the Comcast Building stands another truly impressive, historically significant building: Radio City Music Hall. This grand concert venue was once the largest movie theater in the world. Today it hosts concerts by global superstars and regularly serves as the venue for the Tony Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards.
If you’re interested, you can take a guided tour of Radio City Music Hall. You’ll learn all about the building’s history and how it’s used today, visit behind-the-scenes spaces, and meet a member of the Rockettes dance troupe.
Book a Radio City Music Hall tour
Other points of interest near Top of the Rock include:
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral: a Neo-Gothic cathedral right on 5th Avenue
- New York Public Library: an impressive library with famous architecture
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): one of the most important museums in New York
Top of the Rock Neighborhood Map
To help you plan your sightseeing as efficiently as possible, we’ve marked Top of the Rock and the surrounding highlights on a map.
Frequently Asked Questions About Top of the Rock New York
Is Top of the Rock suitable for children?
Yes, Top of the Rock is a great outing for kids too!
The observation deck and the exhibition offer exciting experiences that children will genuinely enjoy.
More tips for a New York trip with kids can be found here:
Are dogs allowed at Top of the Rock?
Dogs are not allowed on the observation deck of Top of the Rock, with the exception of service dogs.
Is there a restaurant at Top of the Rock?
No, there’s no restaurant directly on the Top of the Rock observation deck. But within Rockefeller Center and the surrounding area there are plenty of great dining options.
Particularly well-reviewed are:
- Shake Shack
- The Modern
- Del Frisco’s Grille
What's better — Empire State Building or Top of the Rock?
Honestly, it depends on your personal priorities.
Top of the Rock is more modern and offers a seriously cool new experience with the Skylift. Plus, the unobstructed view of the Empire State Building is hard to beat — and it tends to be less crowded than the ESB itself.
That said, the Empire State Building is a historic icon in its own right.
More about the Empire State Building here:
