More about Top of the Rock Observation Deckat Rockefeller Center

About Top of The Rock

Do you want to see the beauty of the busy Big Apple a.k.a New York? We have the exact place for you! Yup, it’s the Top of The Rock, the three-levels observation deck, available both outdoors and indoors.

It is located in the famous Rockefeller Plaza, on its 70th level. When you stand on that level, Manhattan’s city skyline is so clearly showcased in front of you. This place also has a long history before it finally reopened on the 1st of November 2005.

It’s a perfect place to visit with anyone you love, whether to watch one of the greatest and iconic views in the world when it’s bright, or to wait for the sun setting behind those iconic buildings, like the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and even the Statue of Liberty.

Top of The Rock Opening Hours

If you want to visit Top of The Rock, check the opening hours first. It is open from 9 AM to 12 AM, allowing you to experience this observation deck both when it’s still bright and when it’s already dark.

What is Special about Top of The Rock?

1. The View from the Observation Deck

Top of The Rock is a very hype place to enjoy the 360-degree of uninterrupted view of New York City. It’s a suitable place for anyone, including for children too. All of the iconic buildings of New York City are visible from that level. You can see the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Central Park, Hudson River, and the majestic Statue of Liberty.

Whenever you visit, don’t worry about the sun because Top of The Rocks is three levels and divided into indoors and outdoors. Of course, your visit will be more special when you perpetuate it into countless pictures. If you’re a photography enthusiast, consider bringing your camera here!

Anyway, if you’re only into observing the view, you can use the public binoculars, as long as you have coins! That way, you can have a closer look at a landmark and the cityscape.

2. Radiance Wall

Aside from the spectacular view, you can also do a lot of fun things at Top of The Rock. Well, your Top of The Rock tickets will be so much worth it now that you know there’s also the Radiance Wall, a glass art installation by Swarovski. Well, where else can you enjoy a 360-degree and an art installation at one visit?

3. The Beam

You can also take a picture at The Beam (already included if you choose Top of The Rock tickets VIP Pass as well). The Beam is where you can recreate the iconic photo of Lunch Atop A Skyscraper— a photo of construction workers sitting on a steel beam high above the city.

4. Cafe & Gift Shop

Relax for a while and order for some drinks and snacks at the little cafe in Top of The Rock. Pay a visit to the gift shop and buy something to commemorate your trip to Top of The Rock with your favorite people.

When is The Best Time to Visit Top of The Rock?

The best time to visit Top of The Rock depends, but we divide it into two categories.

First, if you love being away from the crowd and being able to enjoy the stunning view in silence, you can visit it in the morning when it’s newly open, around 9 AM. You can experience a more private viewing since people rarely come that early.

Second, if you want to have the best observing experience, you can come around sunset time. Well, it is more likely to be crowded during sunset, but the view of Manhattan's skyline turns into illuminating and sparkling lights is so priceless!

Location and How to get to Top of The Rock

Top of The Rock is located in the Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, United States.

To reach the Top of The Rock, you can go there via subway. The closest station is the 47-50 Streets - Rockefeller Center station, which serves the B, D, F, and M lines. This station is conveniently located right at Rockefeller Center, making it the most direct option.

Alternatively, you can use the 5th Avenue/53rd Street station, served by the E and M lines. This station is a short walk from Rockefeller Center, and you'll get to enjoy some of Midtown Manhattan's bustling streets along the way.

Another option is the 50th Street station, which is on the 1 line. This station is also within walking distance of Rockefeller Center, giving you another convenient route to reach your destination. 

Taking the subway is a great way to get to the Top of The Rock, but if you want more convenience, you can choose to stay at a hotel in Midtown Manhattan so you can just walk. It’s not that far to reach the entrance of Top of The Rock. So, aside from purchasing your Top of The Rock tickets online, you should also consider booking a hotel nearby.

Tips when Visiting Top of The Rock

Do you have your Top of The Rock tickets already? No? Well, learn our tips when visiting Top of The Rock below:

1. Purchase Top of The Rock Tickets Beforehand

Book your time slot and avoid the long lines by getting your Top of The Rock tickets on Traveloka. It’s easy, fast, and can be done anywhere! Purchasing the Top of The Rock tickets online also allows you to plan your visit carefully, choose the date and the specific time you want to come.

There’s a different price of Top of The Rock tickets when you decide to visit it during its peak hour: the sunset hours.

2. Don’t Bring Too Many Things

Just bring a sling bag or something small that doesn't contain too many things. At the entrance, there’s a security check similar to the airport checking. Make the process smoother and faster for both you and the staff by avoiding carrying large bags.

3. Bring Your Camera

If taking pictures with your smartphone feels not enough, don’t hesitate to bring your camera! The view from up there is worth a lot of shots. Wear your best outfit too, you’re going to make good pictures of yourself too. In fact, some professional photographers are usually available around so you can ask for their help.

4. Wear The Best Outfit

This is not only regarding your selfies or self portraits when you’re at Top of The Rock, but it’s also related to the weather. Suit your outfit to the weather. Although the observation deck is available both outdoors and indoors, wearing a wrong costume still will make you so uncomfortable.

Attractions Near Top of The Rock

How about visiting attractions near Top of The Rock for a more thorough holiday? Relax, you can get the tickets easily on Traveloka, just like when you book your Top of The Rock tickets.

Here’s the list of attractions near Top of The Rock:

1. The Guggenheim

Are you into arts? Because if you do, you must go to The Guggenheim. The distance between The Guggenheim and Top of The Rock is approximately 2.3 miles. By car or taxi, the journey takes about 10-15 minutes without heavy traffic. Public transportation typically takes around 20-25 minutes, involving a subway ride and a short walk.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, popular as The Guggenheim, is a well known art museum located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City. Once you go in, you can enjoy numerous collections of modern and contemporary art, including the works from famous artists like Pollock, Picasso, and more.

2. Central Park Zoo

Located at the southeast side of the famous Central Park, Central Park Zoo can be your next step after visiting Top of The Rock (or maybe before!). Meet notable animals like Red Pandas, Grizzly Bears, even Penguins!

Although it is rather small compared to other zoos that you might have visited, it’s still a fun place to visit, especially when you’re taking the family. Aside from the animals and all the fun activities like petting and feeding them, you can also find some food and drink vendors so you won’t get hungry.

The Central Park Zoo is so close to Top of The Rock. You only need to spend less than 10 minutes to get there.

3. American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History, only a 10 minutes of car ride from Top of The Rock, offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Inside the museum are extensive exhibits, from dinosaurs to space exploration.

Other than the large dinosaur skeletons, the highlight of this place includes the Hayden Planetarium and a butterfly conservatory. It’s indeed a fun place to visit with your kids or your best friends, and every information inside will be some new insights for you.

4. Museum of Modern Art

Another great place to visit is, of course, the MoMA or the Museum of Modern Art. It’s a museum full of notable arts that you might have heard before, like Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Salvador Dali’s The Persistence of Memory, and Andy Warhol’s iconic Campbell’s Soup Can.

The place has super cool permanent and rotating exhibitions, which makes it always a perfect place for everybody that loves arts, movies, music, and culture. Stop by the cafe and absorb all these artsy ambience for your energy. Also, if you want to visit its Sculpture Garden, you should come when it’s spring, fall, or summer.

From the Top of The Rock, you only need to walk for 5 minutes to get to The Museum of Modern Art.

5. Madame Tussauds New York

Madame Tussauds New York is another famous destination near Top of The Rock, reachable by 5 minutes of car ride or 15 minutes of walking. Pose together with your favorite public figure, starting from Lady Gaga, Brad Pitt, and even Abraham Lincoln. The similarity between the real person and the lifelike wax figures are so uncanny!

Some interactive exhibitions are available as well, and don’t skip seeing the Marvel 4D, another highlight of this wax museum.

Other than booking your Top of The Rock tickets for your next exploration in New York! Download the Traveloka app to book your flight, book nearby hotels and find more tourist attractions worth visiting in New York. Have fun!