Top of the Rock Tickets, Prices, Discounts, What To Expect and More
Perched high above Midtown Manhattan atop 30 Rockefeller Center, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck offers 360-degree panoramic views of New York City.
Opened in 1933, Top of the Rock offers visitors the unique opportunity to take in NYC’s breathtaking urban scenery and landmark architecture.
From the Top of the Rock’s three-tiered decks, you can see Central Park and the northern half of Manhattan, the Hudson and East Rivers, the Statue of Liberty etc.
As the sun sets and the glittering city lights sparkle to life, the atmosphere becomes even more magical atop what is truly one of the city’s most iconic vantage points.
Top of the Rock is a must-visit whether you’re a first-time NYC visitor or wish to enjoy a new perspective on the dynamic cityscape.
This article provides all you need about Top of the Rock tickets, prices, discounts, observation decks, features and other visitor information.
A Glace At the Top Of the Rock
Hours: 9 am to 11 pm
Last entry: 8 pm
Time needed: 45 mins to 1 hour
Best time to visit: Late Afternoon
Ticket cost: $44
Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, United States. Get Directions.
Where to buy Top of the Rock tickets
You have two options for getting Top of the Rock tickets: online or at the ticket counter.
When you buy online tickets to the Top of the Rock Observatory Deck, you can skip the long waiting hours at the ticket counter.
The waiting time can go upto an hour or 1.5 hours during the peak tourist season.
The ticket counter also has limited tickets and might get sold out soon.
Hence, it is better to buy your tickets online and save yourself from the hassle of queues, waiting time and any last-minute disappointment.
Online tickets also offer discounts and combo tickets, which are often unavailable at the counter.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket
Your ticket to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck includes access to all three viewing levels.
The first level offers a glimpse of the city from the 67th floor, while the second and third levels provide even higher vantage points of the Manhattan skyline.
You can admire the cityscape in all its glory on the outdoor decks.
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is ideal for photography and sightseeing.
Ticket includes:
- Entrance to the observation deck
- Access to all three levels
Ticket Prices:
| Age | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13 to 61 years) | $44 |
| Senior Citizen ticket (62 to 99 years) | $41 |
| Child ticket (6 to 12 years) | $37 |
| Infant ticket (5 years and younger) | Free entry |
Visiting Top of the Rock With City Passes
You can visit the Top of the Rock Observation Decks with the New York City passes.
The city passes are suitable for travelers who plan to visit many attractions in the city.
These passes last a while so that you can plan your visits better. There are two passes: the Go City Explorer Pass and the New York City Pass.
The Go City Explorer Pass NYC lets you go to 95+ cool places, like Top of the Rock. It’s good for 60 days and you can pick ten attractions.
With the Go City Explorer Pass, you can save up to 40% on the entry fees for many attractions.
The New York City Pass gets you into 5 top NYC attractions, including the Top of the Rock observation deck.
It’s valid for nine days and helps you skip lines at many places to enjoy NYC more.
With these passes, you can see the best of NYC, like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, without any hassles.
How to Reach the Top of the Rock
The Top of the Rock is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, just 0.7 miles from the Grand Central Terminal.
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, United States. Get Directions.
Here is how you can reach the Top of the Rock:
By Metro
47th-50th Street Rockefeller Center stop is the closest metro station.
You can take train lines B, D, F, or M to reach the observatory deck.
The station is a minute away from Rockefeller Center.
By Bus
Av Of the Americas/W 50 St is the closest bus station.
You can take buses M1, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7 and M50 to reach Top of the Rock.
The closest bus station & their distance from the Top of the Rock is listed below.
| Station Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Av Of the Americas/W 50 St | 3 min |
| W 49 St/5 Av | 3 min |
| 5 Av/W 49 St | 3 min |
| 6 Av/W 51 St | 4 min walk |
| 5th Ave @ 51st St | 4 min walk |
| 5 Av/W 50 St | 4 min walk |
By Subway
45 – 50 Sts Rockefeller Center Station is the closest subway station.
You can take subway lines B, D, F and M.
Another close subway station is the 5 Av/ 53 St station, which is connected by subway lines E and F.
By Taxi/ Car
If you are new to New York and have yet to figure out public transport, you can simply hail a taxi. Or you can book one from apps like Uber.
Most drivers know the popular Rockefeller Center, so you shouldn’t have trouble reaching it!
If you have your own vehicle, you can drive down. You can use the parking lot- SP+ garage located at 25 West 48th Street.
You will find convenient and discounted parking!
Top of the Rock Opening Hours
Top of the Rock is open daily from 9 am to 12 am and the last entry is one hour before closing.
However, the opening hours may differ on special occasions and holidays.
Here is an overview of Top of the Rock’s opening hours on holidays:
| Holidays | Timings |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Eve | 8 am to 10 pm |
| New Year’s Day | 10 am to 12.30 am |
| Christmas Eve | 8 am to 10 pm |
| Christmas Day | 8 am to Midnight |
| Thanksgiving | 8 am to Midnight |
Best Time to Visit the Top of the Rock
The Top of the Rock, located in New York City, offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. The best time to visit depends on your preferences.
The best time of the day is during sunset. You’ll witness the city’s transformation from day to night with a beautiful golden glow.
Further, a visit in the late afternoon lets you enjoy daylight and the city lights.
For the most crowd-free experience, plan a visit at 9 am as soon as the observatory deck opens.
Try going to the observation deck on weekdays. They are less crowded than on weekends.
The ideal time of the year is spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and you’ll avoid extreme summer or winter conditions.
The view is also more vibrant with blooming flowers or colorful fall foliage.
Visit Top of the Rock in the late afternoon, on a weekday, during spring or fall, for the best experience.
How Long Does It Take To Tour The Top of the Rock
On average, visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour at the Top of the Rock.
This gives you enough time to soak in the iconic skyline, take photos and simply marvel at the city’s beauty.
The time you spend can vary depending on the crowd and the time of day.
Mornings are usually less crowded, making it a great time for a quick visit.
On the other hand, visitors who go in the evenings spend around 1.5 to two hours due to crowds and enjoy the sunset and night lights.
Remember, it’s a popular spot, so you might have to wait in line. But the amazing views are well worth it.
Features of Top of the Rock
Here are some of the best features of Top of the Rock you can enjoy:
Top of the Rock Observation Decks
One of the main attractions at the top of the Rock is the three outdoor observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
These open-air decks offer 360-degree views of New York City’s incredible skyline, Central Park, the Hudson River, and beyond.
On a clear day, you can see for over 80 miles in the distance from the observatory decks.
Some of the most iconic views are of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and more.
Informational signs around the decks highlight different landmarks and fun facts.
The Joe Chandelier
Hanging above the 70th-floor observation deck is American sculptor Joe Chandlier’s “Glass Crystal Confection”.
This 9-foot wide crystal chandelier sculpture twists and sparkles, refracting rainbow light across the deck when hit by the sun.
It’s become an iconic fixture itself at the Top of the Rock, visible from the streets below and through the transparent glass walls from the 67th and 69th-floor decks.
67th Floor Mezzanine
An interior viewing area is on the mezzanine level between the 67th and 69th-floor decks.
Full-length glass window panels let visitors get different vantage points of the city while taking a break from the outdoor decks.
There are also interactive tablet stations to help identify landmarks and various spots around New York.
The Beam Walk
For those looking for a thrill, the Beam Walk includes an all-glass enclosed walkway that suspends visitors 70 stories above Midtown on the 70th-floor outdoor deck.
You can walk across see-through glass panels, peering straight down to the ground below for a unique adrenaline rush.
Top of the Rock Trivia Theater
On the mezzanine level, the Trivia Theater features a short film about New York City history and fun facts about Rockefeller Center and the observation decks.
Visitors can take a seat and learn more about the building through the entertaining video.
High-Speed Sky Shuttle Elevators
To reach the top floors, the high-tech Sky Shuttle elevators propel visitors upward at 600 feet per minute.
Ride up in style to the 67th floor in under 60 seconds in these super-fast elevators made of glass so you can watch the floors whizz by.
Things To Do At The Top of the Rock
The Top of the Rock, this breathtaking observation deck, provides an unparalleled view of the city and its iconic skyline.
Here is a list of some exciting activities and experiences that await you at the Top of the Rock Observatory Deck.
Take in the Amazing Views
You can enjoy sweeping views of New York City from Top of the Rock observatory decks at levels 67 to 70.
From here, you can see the Empire State Building, the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan, Central Park and more iconic sights.
On clear days, you can enjoy the skyline of New Jersey and Philadelphia.
Have a Meal with a View
The Top of the Rock Observatory Deck has a restaurant and cafe where visitors can enjoy a meal with a view.
The restaurant offers a variety of options, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. All of the dishes are prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Watch the Sunset
The Top of the Rock Observatory Deck is perfect for watching the sunset.
The city transforms as the sun sets, casting beautiful oranges and pinks across the skyline.
Take Photos
The Top of the Rock Observatory Deck is great for taking Instagram-worthy pictures.
Visitors can get the perfect shot of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the rest of the skyline from the deck.
Take a Tour
The Top of the Rock Observatory Deck offers guided tours of the observation deck. The tour guides are knowledgeable and can answer any questions visitors may have.
The tour also includes interactive audio-visual displays, which provide more information about the history and sights of the city.
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is a must-see destination for any traveler.
From its breathtaking views to its interactive experiences, there is something for everyone at this iconic destination.
Make sure to add it to your list of must-see attractions when you visit New York City.
FAQs About Top of the Rock
1. How much is admission to Top of the Rock NYC?
Admission to Top of the Rock NYC is $44 for adults (ages 13-61), $41 for seniors (ages 62-99) and $37 for children aged 6 to 12. Children five and younger get free entry.
2. What are the types of tickets available for Top of the Rock NYC?
The Top of the Rock NYC has several ticket options for those looking to get the best view in the city.
The City Explorer Pass is one of the most popular tickets available and offers entry to over 95+ tours and attractions throughout the city.
Next, the CityPASS is also an excellent choice for visitors looking to save 40% on five of the city’s top attractions, including the Top of the Rock NYC.
The New York Pass is another great option for exploring the city.
3. Should I buy Top of the Rock tickets in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to buy tickets to Top of the Rock in advance, as tickets are often sold out on the day of your visit.
4. Where do you park for Top of the Rock NYC?
There is no parking onsite at the top of the Rock NYC, but several parking garages are nearby.
Some are Ipark, Icon Parking, SP+ Parking, Continental Garage, MP Hudson LLC and Stewart Hotel.
5. How long does it take to be at the Top of the Rock NYC?
The journey to the Top of the Rock, which is 850 feet (260 meters) high, will be memorable.
It only takes less than a minute, but you should remember to look up as the elevator ascends.
6. Is the Top of the Rock NYC better at night or day?
The Top of the Rock NYC offers stunning views no matter what time of day you visit.
During the day, you can see the city skyline in all its glory, with the Empire State Building and Central Park standing out of the crowd.
The sun is a great natural light source, making the experience even more enjoyable.
At night, the view is equally breathtaking. The city lights twinkled in the darkness, and the Empire State Building was illuminated against the night sky.
Depending on the weather conditions, you may even be able to see the stars in the sky.
The night views offer a completely different experience than during the day, as the city is transformed into a sea of
7. Is the Top of the Rock NYC worth it?
Absolutely! Visiting the Top of the Rock in NYC is worth it! You can feast your eyes on a great view of the city!
You can see iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Central Park and the Hudson River.
Your experience includes interactive audio guides, educational exhibits and an elevating glass floor.
8. How long is the Top of the Rock experience?
Visitors to the Top of the Rock observation decks are welcome to stay as long as the decks are open.
Typically, people spend around 45 minutes to an hour taking in the stunning views, but there is no time limit for those who wish to stay longer.
9. Is Top of the Rock better than Empire State?
Yes, Top of the Rock is better than Empire State.
Not only does it have spectacular views of the entire city, but it’s also more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.
The observation deck is open year-round and offers a variety of activities and attractions to keep visitors entertained.
There is also a restaurant, bar and café, which makes it easy to grab a bite or a drink and enjoy the views.
10. Can you eat on Top of the Rock?
Yes, you eat on Top of the Rock, but if you’re looking for a more relaxed setting and delicious drinks with a view, head down to the 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
You’ll find the Rainbow Room restaurant and Bar Sixty-Five, a rooftop bar and lounge here.
The Bar Sixty-Five is open to all visitors and offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Featured image : Stock photos by Vecteezy