In a nutshell
- Top of the Rock is one of the most popular observation decks in New York City. The platform is located at the famous Rockefeller Center, right in the heart of the city.
- From up here, you have a 360-degree view of New York City and a clear view of the Empire State Building.
- We’ve been to the Top of the Rock ourselves and share our personal experience and tips for buying tickets and what to do on site.
- Our favorite ticket is the Top of the Rock standard ticket. You’re guaranteed not to go wrong with it. You can buy it online at the official ticket store or on GetYourGuide.
What is the Top of the Rock?
Top of the Rock is the observation deck of the Rockefeller Center in New York City. It is located on the Comcast Building and offers one of the best panoramic views of the city.
The building rises 259 meters into the sky, making it the 16th highest skyscraper in New York.
Top of the Rock consists of three floors: the 67th, 69th and 70th floors, whereby the top level, the Observation Deck, is completely without glass. Perfect for photos. Up there, you have a completely unobstructed, 360-degree view over New York City.
The Top of the Rock has around 3 million visitors a year – so more than 8,000 a day. That’s not as many as the Empire State Building, but it’s still a figure that shouldn’t be underestimated.
Tickets & Admission for the Top of the Rock
To help you find the best ticket option for the Top of the Rock, we answer all your questions about buying tickets, compare the different tickets and give you our personal ticket recommendation.
Where is the best place to buy your Top of the Rock ticket?
You can buy tickets for the Top of the Rock Observation Deck both at the box office and online. Just do it depending on your preference when traveling and planning.
If you like to have everything wrapped up in advance and want to save waiting time, then book your tickets online. If you are a spontaneous traveler, you can buy tickets directly on site. However, there may be a wait and it may not be for your preferred time slot.
At the official Rockefeller Center website you can get all the tickets available for the Top of The Rock NYC.
On GetYourGuide you can buy the standard ticket for the Observation Deck, a combination ticket for the Observation Deck and The Beam Experience and a VIP ticket. This inlcludes fast track entry, guided tour, The Beam Experience, Photo Pass and 20 percent discount in the gift store.
By the way, we explain The Beam Experience in more detail below.
How much cost the different tickets for the Top of the Rock?
In these two tables you will find all the regular tickets for the Top of the Rock in New York, the ticket prices and links to the ticket store.
Children under the age of 6 have free admission to the Top of the Rock when accompanied by a paying adult.
Top of the Rock tickets from the official provider
| What? | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Ticket | $34-61 | Get your ticket |
| Express Pass | $95-105 | Get your ticket |
| VIP-Pass | $190 | Get your ticket |
Top of the Rock tickets from a third party provider
| What? | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Ticket | $47-53 | Get your ticket |
| Combo Ticket (entry + The Beam) | $71 | Get your ticket |
| VIP-Ticket | $208 | Get your ticket |
Important: On GetYourGuide you can find the standard ticket, the combination ticket and the VIP ticket. You select the ticket that suits you best in the booking process.
Add Top of the Rock Skylift and The Beam to your booking
In addition to the magnificent observation deck, the Top of the Rock offers two other highlights: The Beam and the Skylift.
The Beam is an interactive attraction that allows you to recreate the famous photo “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” from 1932.
The Skylift is a kind of glass elevator on the actual platform. It takes you several meters higher into the air and offers an even more spectacular view.
Both attractions are available as an additional option to the regular admission ticket for the Top of the Rock. Either spontaneously on site as an upgrade or online.
The additional fee is 25 dollars per person for The Beam and 35 dollars per person for the Skylift.
Book The Beam ticket online
Book your Skylift ticket online
Can you go spontaneously to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Yes, as mentioned above, you can spontaneously visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and buy tickets directly on site. However, there may be waiting times, especially during peak times or on public holidays.
To ensure that you have access at your desired time and to minimize possible waiting times, we recommend you to book your tickets online in advance.
Is the Top of the Rock included in a New York Citypass?
Yes, the Top of the Rock is included in several New York City Passes that offer you discounted admission to various attractions in New York. For example, the New York All-Inclusive Pass and the New York Sightseeing Pass.
If you are thinking about buying a City Pass for New York, we recommend checking the options carefully and compare the different passes to find the best deal for you.
Our pass comparison will help you with this:
Top of the Rock Standard Ticket
We recommend the standard ticket for your visit at the Top of the Rock. This is the most affordable ticket, yet it still offers an amazing experience above New York’s skyscrapers.
The standard ticket includes:
- Access to the three levels of the platform incl. free outdoor platform
- 360-degree view of New York City
The price for the standard ticket is:
- Adults (13 years and older): from $40
- Children (ages 6-12): from $34
- Seniors (aged 62 and over): from $38
The ticket is valid for the day of purchase and has a time slot for entry. Additional options such as the Skylift and The Beam can be booked spontaneously on site.
You can buy the standard ticket here:
- Online via the official ticket shop
- Online via GetYourGuide
- On site at the ticket office in Rockefeller Center
Directions: How to Get to the Top of the Rock in Manhattan
The Top of the Rock is located on the Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan.
The exact address is: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
Top of the Rock on Google Maps
There are several ways to reach the Top of the Rock Observation deck at Rockefeller Center. These are our recommendations:
New York subway
Take the B, D, F or M line to 47th-50th Streets/Rockefeller Center Station. Rockefeller Center is only a few minutes’ walk from the subway station.
On foot
If you’re already in the neighborhood and want to take a stroll through Manhattan, the Top of the Rock is only about a 5-minute walk from Times Square – between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue.
How a Visit to the Top of the Rock Works
To make sure you have a great time at the Top of the Rock, we’ll explain everything you need to know for your visit.
Top of the Rock opening hours
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is open daily from 8.00 am to 00.00 am. Last admission is at 23.00 hrs.
Opening hours may vary during the high season, in summer and during school vacations.
When is the best time to visit the Top of the Rock?
The best time to visit the Top of the Rock depends on what you want to experience.
Early in the morning from 8 to 10 am there are fewer people there, the waiting times are shorter and the light over the city is pleasantly soft on nice days.
At sunset, you can experience the New York skyline from the Top of the Rock in beautiful golden light. During this golden hour, you can take super beautiful photos. However, there are also more people on the platform.
After 8 pm you can see the sea of lights of New York from above. By this time, the crowds have died down again.
Are there different entrances for different ticket types?
Top of the Rock has one main entrance for all ticket types. However, the entry processes may vary depending on the ticket type.
With a pre-booked standard ticket, you can simply enter through the main entrance at the booked admission time. You will be checked, your ticket will be scanned and then you can go up.
With special tickets, you can skip the queues, for example.
Top of the Rock waiting times
The waiting times for visiting the Top of the Rock Observation Deck vary depending on the time of day, day of the week and number of visitors.
You have the longest waiting time:
- on the weekend
- on public holidays
- during vacations
- in the afternoon
On those days, wait times may range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, even with a designated admission time slot. However, you will still be able to enter.
You have the shortest waiting time:
- during the week (Monday to Thursday)
- in the early morning
- in the evening (after sunset)
In that case, the maximum wait time is 10 to 20 minutes.
Security at the Top of the Rock New York City
The security checks at the Top of the Rock in New York are similar to those at other popular tourist attractions in the city. The checks include bag checks and metal detectors.
What is allowed on the observation deck and what is not?
You may NOT take these items onto the Top of the Rock platform:
- Large, bulky luggage
- Food and drinks
- Sharp objects (arrows, nail scissors, etc.)
- Tripods and large camera equipment
- Scooters and skates
You may take these items onto the Top of the Rock platform:
- Small bags and backpacks
- Cell phones and small cameras
- Empty bottles (there are water stations in the building for refilling)
- Small personal items (wallet, headphones, keys, etc.)
- Baby carriages (we recommend a travel buggy for New York)
Is the Top of the Rock barrier-free?
Yes, the Top of the Rock in New York City is barrier-free. The platform is accessible with a wheelchair, there are barrier-free elevators and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
How much time should I plan for the Top of the Rock?
You should plan to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours in total for your visit to the Top of the Rock.This is enough time to see the exhibition and enjoy the view from the platform.
If you also want to do The Beam or the Skylift, you don’t have to add much time. Both attractions only take a few minutes.
What can you do at the Top of the Rock?
The Top of the Rock is one of the coolest viewpoints in New York City. But the skyscraper has even more to offer.
View from the Top of the Rock
From the Top of the Rock you have an incredible 360-degree view of New York City.
To the south, you can see the iconic Empire State Building and the skyscrapers that dominate the skyline. To the west, your gaze sweeps over the Hudson River and One World Trade Center. To the north, Central Park stretches out like a huge green oasis in the middle of the city.
Perhaps you can also discover your hotel in New York?
And the cool thing is: the vibe of the city changes depending on the time of day. In the morning, in the soft sunlight, everything is quiet – by New York standards, while the sunset bathes the skyline in spectacular colors. And when it gets dark, the city shines in countless lights.
Top of the Rock Skylift
The Top of the Rock Skylift is a relatively new attraction that takes you gently high above Rockefeller Center. A kind of elevator.
You step onto a rotating platform with glass walls and are lifted about 9 meters above the 70th floor of the building. In other words, even higher than the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.
The small, round platform rotates slowly. This allows you to enjoy the view at your leisure and from all sides.
You can book the Skylift Ticket online in advance or add it to your admission ticket on site.
Book your Top of the Rock Skylift Ticket online
Top of the Rock The Beam
The Beam at the Top of the Rock is an interactive attraction that allows you to recreate the famous “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photo from 1932.
You sit on a replica steel beam that stands in a closed-off area on the platform. The steel girder is raised a little and rotated slightly. You are up there for 3 to 4 minutes. The picture is also taken during this time. Then it goes down again.
You will also need an additional ticket for this. You can buy this online or on site.
Book your Top of the Rock The Beam ticket online
Exhibition at Top of the Rock
On the way to the outer observation deck, you can visit an interesting exhibition with historical and multimedia elements inside the building.
The exhibition gives you an understanding 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 in New York City is one of the most iconic winter activities of all.
The rink, officially called “The Rink at Rockefeller Center”, is located directly under the famous Christmas tree, which is festively lit up every year. You’ve probably seen it on TV and in a few Christmas movies.
The ice rink is open annually from around mid-October to the end of March.
Book The Rink at Rockefeller Center tickets online
Short info: There are restrooms for visitors at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. However, there is no bar or restaurant here. But of course, there are countless spots for food and drinks in the immediate vicinity. For example, at the FootCourt in Rockefeller Center.
Our Review: Is the Top of the Rock Worth it?
Anyone traveling to New York City naturally wants to go to one of the observation decks and see the city from above. Making a choice is not that easy. Empire State Building, One World Observatory, The Edge, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or Top of the Rock?
In this case, we opted for the Top of the Rock because the building is a New York icon and we have a fantastic view of the Empire State Building from here. It was like killing two birds with one stone.
We recommend buying tickets online to avoid potential waiting times on site. You can definitely invest your time in New York better than queuing. If you prefer to be spontaneous and don’t mind a little waiting time, you can also get your Top of the Rock ticket there.
Everything runs very smoothly at the entrance to Rockefeller Center. After a short security check, you go straight into the elevator. And that’s where the first highlight awaits you! A cool light show is played on the ceiling during the rapid ride to the top.
But the real highlight awaits you when you step out of the elevator and onto the platform. The whole of New York lies at your feet. An amazing feeling and an unforgettable sight.
The Empire State Building ist directly in front of you, the huge Central Park behind you and the endless jungle of skyscrapers all around.
What we particularly liked: the three levels. On the top level, you are completely outdoors, without glass walls or bars. A really good photo spot, which we naturally took advantage of.
However, it is a bit crowded at the top. It’s difficult to get a photo without any other tourists. That’s why we recommend going to the Top of the Rock in the morning or early afternoon. Then it’s not quite so crowded.
All in all, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck is definitely worth a visit!
Top of the Rock or The Edge?
As we have already been to both platforms with a view of the Empire State Building, we don’t want to withhold from you which of the two is better: Top of the Rock or The Edge.
Our personal favorite is The Edge.
Both observation decks are very similar. They offer almost identical views of the skyline and the Empire State Building. Admission also costs about the same.
However, The Edge is more modern, futuristic and has the cool glass floor area through which you can look down onto the streets of New York. The Edge is also not as crowded as the Top of the Rock.
Top of the Rock, on the other hand, is a real icon of the New York skyline. So if you want to combine a visit to a platform with a visit to an important building, the Top of the Rock is perfect for you.
The Surrounding Area: Combine Top of the Rock with other New York Highlights
If you have been to the Top of the Rock, you can visit the rest of Rockefeller Center and Rockefeller Plaza afterwards.
From October to April, you will also find the famous ice skating rink here, which is so often shown on TV and in movies.
Just opposite the Comcast Building is another really cool building steeped in history: the Radio City Music Hall. This venerable concert hall was once the largest movie theater in the world. Today, world stars give concerts there, and the Tony Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards are also regularly presented there.
If you like, you can take a guided tour of the Radio City Music Hall. You will learn all about the history of the building and its use, visit secret rooms and meet a member of the dancer group The Rockettes.
Book a Radio City Music Hall tour
Other sights near the Top of the Rock include
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral: neo-Gothic cathedral right on 5th Avenue
- New York Public Library: impressive library with famous architecture
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): one of the most important museums in New York
The area around the Top of the Rock on the map
To help you plan your sightseeing, we have marked the Top of the Rock platform and the surrounding highlights on a map for you.
FAQ about the Top of the Rock New York
Is the Top of the Rock also suitable for children?
Yes, Top of the Rock is also a great destination for children!
The observation deck and the exhibition offer exciting experiences that can be really interesting for kids.
Are dogs allowed on the Top of the Rock?
Dogs are not allowed on the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, with the exception of service dogs.
Can you buy top of the rock tickets on the day?
Yes, you can still buy tickets for the Top of the Rock spontaneously. However, there may be price increases on site during the peak season. Waiting times can also be longer.
Is there a restaurant at the Top of the Rocks?
No, there is no restaurant directly on the Top of the Rock platform. But there are several places to eat in the surrounding area and within Rockefeller Center.
Particularly well rated are:
- Shake Shack
- The Modern
- Del Frisco’s Grille
Is Top of the Rock worth the money?
Yes, we think Top of the Rock is worth the money. You can find our full range of experiences above.
Which is better, Empire State Building or Top of the Rock?
Whether the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock is better definitely depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
Top of the Rock is more modern and offers a really cool new attraction, especially the Skylift. The unobstructed view of the Empire State Building is also impressive.
It’s also not as crowded as the Empire State Building.
On the other hand, the Empire State Building is of course a historical icon.
The choice is yours.
Which is better, SUMMIT One or Top of the Rock?
The comparison between SUMMIT One and Top of the Rock is similar to that between The Edge and Top of the Rock.
SUMMIT One is much more modern and offers many different installations in addition to the viewing platform. Top of the Rock, on the other hand, is a true classic.
That was our review of the Top of the Rock in NYC
Do you have any questions about the Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center? Feel free to leave us a comment. We look forward to hearing from you!