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Are you heading to NYC soon and wondering whether the Top of the Rock is worth it? We are here to help!
There are quite a few observatories in New York City. The most famous is the Empire State Building and that’s where most tourists go to however, the Rockefeller Center is also a very popular attraction.
The Top of the Rock offers stunning views of New York City from its observation deck on the 70th floor of Rockefeller Center.
You can see the whole of Manhattan, Central Park but also as far as Long Island and New Jersey.
In this Top of the Rock review, we will tell you everything you need to know about this attraction. This means we will mention the pros and the cons as well as prices and tips for visiting.
So, are you ready to discover whether you should visit the Top of the Rock or not? Let’s get started!
What is the Top of the Rock Observatory?
The Top of the Rock is an observatory deck located on the 70th floor of Rockefeller Center.
The Rockefeller Center is one of the most iconic buildings in New York City. It’s located in Midtown Manhattan, near 5th Avenue and is famous for hosting the tallest Christmas tree in NYC in December.
While the Rockefeller Center is ‘only’ the 32nd tallest building in NYC, it boasts some incredible views from the top.
This is where you can find the observatory known as The Top of the Rock.
It offers one of the best views of New York City, particularly Central Park and of course, the Empire State Building.
Click here to see the prices.
Top of the Rock Information
Here is a quick summary about the Top of the Rock.
- Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, United States
- Opening Times: 9 AM to 11 PM
- Height: 850 feet (260 m) – 70th Floor
- Entrance fee: Adults: $42 + $10 during sunset hours (can be booked here)
- Included in: New York City Pass, New York Go City Explorer, New York CityPASS, Sightseeing FLEX Pass
- Main landmarks you get to see: Empire State Building, Central Park and Midtown Manhattan
- Indoor and outdoor areas. Binoculars are available.
- Alternatives: Empire State Building, Edge, The Summit One Vanderbilt, One Trade Center
- The elevator ride is less than 1 minute
- Museum and information: you can find panels with the history of the Rock before the elevator. There also is a movie explaining everything.
- Time needed: 2 hours.
Why should you visit the Top of the Rock?
The most famous observatory in NYC is the Empire State Building. It’s an iconic building and everyone wants to go there.
However, once you are on the ESB there is one thing you cannot see and it’s the Empire State Building itself!
From the top of the Rock, you will get absolutely fantastic views of the EBS. It’s right in front of you!
Another landmark that you can admire like no other is Central Park.
From the Top of the Rock, you will get 360-degree views of Manhattan and can see as far as the Statue of Liberty, New Jersey and Long Island.
Its ideal location, in Midtown, makes it a prime spot to enjoy the city.
Top of the Rock Review: Pros
Now that you know a bit more about the top of the Rock, it’s time to discover the pros and cons of the visit and whether it’s worth visiting.
Let’s start with the pros!
1. It’s the best view of Central Park
The Rock is pretty close to Central Park and is ideally located in the middle, just a few streets down. This means that from the Top of the Rock, you get to enjoy absolutely incredible views other Manhattan’s biggest park.
Central Park is one of the most unique parks in the world and it can be hard to truly realise how big it is. From the top of the Rock, you truly get to understand how massive it is.
It’s also particularly pretty since you can see all the different areas, the ponds and the lake.
2. The view of the Empire State Building is breathtaking
If you want to see the Empire State Building in all its beauty, then the Top of the Rock will be the best place for that.
From the top of Rockefeller Center, you get a full-frontal view of the Empire State Building. It’s an incredible sight and one that you won’t forget anytime soon!
You can get amazing photos with the ESB from there and can admire its architecture much better.
While visiting the Empire State Building is a bucket list item, the downside to it is that you don’t get to see the building itself since you are at the top.
The ESB is a marvel of architecture and it deserves to be admired!
You can see it from other observatories in the city but the Top of the Rock definitely provides the best view of that specific landmark.
3. 360-degree views of New York City
One of the best things about the Top of the Rock is that it offers 360-degree views of New York City.
This means that you can see all of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, New Jersey and Long Island.
It’s an incredible experience to be able to see so much of the city at once and it really is a unique perspective.
4. It’s less crowded than the Empire State Building
The Top of the Rock is definitely less crowded than the Empire State Building.
The ESB is one of the most popular tourist attractions in NYC and it can get really crowded, especially during summertime.
This means that you might have to wait in line for a long time just to get to the elevator.
It also means that there are more people at the top and therefore your photos won’t be as good.
Over 4 million people visit the ESB each year which is 1 million more than the Top of the Rock.
So, if you want to have fewer crowds, the Top of the Rock is a better option (it doesn’t mean it won’t be busy though).
5. It’s an amazing sunset spot
One of the best times to visit the Top of the Rock is at sunset.
The views are absolutely incredible and you get to see the city in a whole new light.
If you get there a bit earlier (and are willing to spend more time at the top) you will get to see NYC by day, during sunset and by night.
The views seem completely different depending on what time of the day you go so it’s a good way to hit not only 2 but 3 birds with one stone.
Also, once it’s dark, you get to see the lights coming from Times Square which is pretty cool.
6. The experience is unique
The Top of the Rock is definitely a unique experience.
It has a lot of history behind it and it’s one of the most iconic buildings in NYC.
Rockefeller Center was built in the 1930s and it has been home to many events over the years.
It’s also where the famous Christmas Tree is located so it’s definitely worth a visit during wintertime!
7. It’s included in the New York City Cards
If you are planning on doing a lot of sightseeing during your trip to NYC, then you are probably thinking about getting a New York City Card. There are several of them and they all offer different services.
However, what they have all in common is that they include the Top of the Rock.
It’s a great way to save money while visiting NYC.
8. You can use the free Top of the Rock app
Before visiting the Top of the Rock, you can download the free app and get an audio tour.
It’s a great way to learn more about Rockefeller Center and the history behind it.
The app will also give you some information about the buildings you see from the observation deck, making it easy to understand the view.
9. There are 3 observation decks
The Top of the Rock has 3 observation decks. They all offer pretty much the same view but they are located on different floors.
The first one is on the 67th floor and there are large glass panels in front. This is for safety reasons and we are all glad they are here but they tend to ruin the photos a bit.
The second one is on the 69th floor and the third one is on the 70th floor. This one doesn’t have the glass panels so the view is much better but it’s also smaller and with more crowds.
10. It’s very pretty well organised
The Top of the Rock is a very well-oiled machine. It’s obvious that they receive a lot of visitors each day and they are very well prepared for it.
The whole process is very efficient and you don’t have to wait in line for too long.
If you took a timed entrance, you will barely have to wait since you can go straight to the elevator.
If you have a voucher and need to change it at the front desk, there will be a bit of waiting however, they are quick.
The security check is after the first elevator and it’s quick and easy.
11. You can stay as long as you want
Once you are at the Top of the Rock, you can stay for as long as you want.
There is no time limit so you can stay and enjoy the views until it closes.
However, keep in mind that it gets very cold at night so make sure to dress appropriately.
Top of the Rock Review: Cons
Now that we talked about all the positive things about the Top of the Rock, it’s time to discover what are the not so good things.
1. It’s not as high as the Empire State Building
The observatory of the Top of the Rock is located on the 70th floor which is 650 ft high.
The Empire State Building on the other hand is 1,050 ft high.
It is a pretty big difference and that’s the reason why a lot of people prefer going to the ESB instead.
While this is true that you will be higher at the Empire State Building, you won’t get as good as a view of Central Park so bear in mind that it’s not all about size!
2. The views of the financial district and Lower Manhattan are not the best
The Top of the Rock is located in Midtown Manhattan and as such, the views of the financial district and Lower Manhattan are not the best.
While you will get amazing views of Central Park and the ESB and can still see Lower Manhattan, the Rock is not the place to get the best views of the financial district.
If you want to see Lower Manhattan better, you should opt for the ESB or the Edge.
3. It can be very busy
The Top of the Rock is a popular attraction and it can get very busy, especially during peak season and at sunset times.
If you want to avoid the crowds, make sure to go early in the morning or before lunch.
It can be difficult to make your way to the front when it’s very busy and you’ll end up waiting quite a long time.
Thankfully that’s not always the case but it’s good to be aware of it. Also, that’s not something that only happens at the Rock. NYC is a very busy and touristy city so that’s the case in most attractions.
4. It can be very cold and windy
The Top of the Rock is an outdoor observatory and as such, it can get very cold and windy.
Make sure to dress appropriately and to have a jacket with you, even in summer.
If you are visiting in winter, it will be much colder than in the street (and we all know it can be very cold in NYC!) so make sure to keep that in mind.
That having been said, this is the case for all outdoor observatories and not just the Top of the Rock.
5. It’s not cheap
A ticket to the Top of the Rock is not cheap.
While it’s not as expensive as the Empire State Building, it’s still quite an expense and if you are visiting NYC on a budget, you may not want to spend that much.
If you want to save some money, you can opt for a New York City pass which includes the Top of the Rock as well as other attractions.
Is the Top of the Rock worth it?
Now that we talked about all the pros and cons, you may be wondering if the Top of the Rock worth it.
And the answer is… YES!
The Top of the Rock is definitely worth it and we would even say that it’s a must-do when visiting NYC.
While it’s true that it has some cons, the pros definitely outweigh them.
The views from the Top of the Rock are amazing and you will get to see some of the most iconic landmarks of NYC such as the Empire State Building, Central Park, and more.
You will get to truly appreciate New York City and realise how big it is!
If you are looking for an amazing experience with stunning views, the Top of the Rock is definitely for you!
Tips to make the most of your Top of the Rock experience in New York City
Now that you know all about the Top of the Rock, we want to share with you some tips to make the most of your experience.
1. Get there early or 1 hour before sunset
As we mentioned before, the Top of the Rock can get very busy, especially during peak season and sunset times.
To avoid the crowds, make sure to get there early in the morning or before lunch.
If you do want to see the sunset from the Top of the Rock, make sure to get there an hour early.
The museum part is not extremely long but it does take a fair bit of time to go through security and the exhibition so you’ll need to be there at least 1 hour before sunset to get to see everything.
2. Dress appropriately
The Top of the Rock is an outdoor observatory and it can get very cold and windy, even in summer.
Make sure to dress appropriately and to have a jacket with you.
3. Book a timed-entrance
You can buy your tickets online here. When you do, you will notice that you can either book an open ticket or a timed-entrance.
While I appreciate that it seems more convenient to book an open ticket since you will have more freedom to go whenever you want, it’s actually less convenient.
With an open ticket, you will receive a voucher that you have to change at the front desk. This means you will have to stand in line like everyone else.
If you have a timed-entrance ticket, you can go straight to the elevator and waste no time.
4. Don’t bring big bags or tripods
You can bring a small bag with you but anything bigger than that will not be allowed.
The same goes for tripods. You are not allowed to bring them into the observatory.
You will have to go through security after the first elevator and these items will either been taken away from you or you will be sent off. It would be a shame to miss out for that.
5. Don’t forget your camera!
The views from the Top of the Rock are amazing and you will want to take lots of pictures!
Make sure to bring your camera (or phone) with you.
6. Consider taking a New York City Pass
If you are visiting other attractions in New York City, you may want to consider getting a New York City Pass.
It includes the Top of the Rock as well as many other iconic attractions such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and more.
You can learn more about it here.
7. Go all the way to the top
There are 3 floors at the Top of the Rock and the views just get better and better as you go up.
Once you exit the elevator, you will be tempted to stay at the first floor of the observatory but this one is also quite busy. You can take the stairs to go to the second and third floors, from which you get the true 360-degree views.
Make sure to go all the way to the top for the best views!
8. Enjoy the views!
Make sure to take your time and enjoy the views.
This is a once in a lifetime experience and you want to make sure to savour it!
And that’s it! These are our tips for making the most of your experience at the Top of the Rock in New York City.
Other observatories in NYC worth considering
In addition to the Top of the Rock, there are other great observatories in New York City worth considering.
The most popular one is probably the Empire State Building but if you want to avoid the crowds, you may want to consider One World Observatory, the Summit One Vanderbilt or The Edge.
Each one has its own unique features and views so make sure to do your research before deciding which one is right for you.
Here is a quick overview of what to expect from which one.
Empire State Building
Location: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001, United States
Pros: It’s the most iconic building in NYC and the observatory is higher up than the Rock. You will also get better views of the Financial District.
Cons: It’s busier and you won’t get to see Central Park as well as from the Rock.
One World Observatory
Location: 117 West St, New York, NY 10006, United States
Pros: This is the tallest building in NYC and the observatory is over 120 meters higher than the Top of the Rock. It’s also in an iconic location, right by where the World Trade Center Twin Towers were. You will also see the statue of Liberty very well from there.
Cons: You won’t see upper Manhattan and Central Park as well as from the Rock. The One Trade Center is located in Lower Manhattan so it’s less central.
The Edge
Location: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, United States
Pros: It’s higher (340m) than the Top of the Rock and you will get fantastic views of the Hudson River, the Vessels and the Statue of Liberty. There also is a glass floor under the deck which is particularly cool.
Cons: Again, you don’t get to see Central Park as well. The building is also lesser known.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Location: 1 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017, United States
Pros: It’s a very different experience since you will take a glass elevator and then be in an entirely glassed observatory. It’s on Madison Avenue which will allow you to get better views of East Manhattan. There is a glass floor, art exhibitions and fantastic views of the Empire State Building and even Central Park. All in all, it’s also the most ‘Instagram-friendly’ observatory in New York City.
Cons: The views of the ESB and Central Park are lateral, you won’t be facing them like you would from the Rock.
All in all though, this is the best alternative to the Top of the Rock.
Top of the Rock FAQs
Here are questions you may have about the Top of the Rock and the answers.
How much does the Top of the Rock cost?
The ticket price for the Top of the Rock is 40$ + tax (for adults). There is an extra fee of $10 for sunset hours.
You can buy your tickets online here.
What if I need to cancel?
If you book through Get Your Guide and need to cancel, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance for free. This is one of the main advantages of using Get Your Guide.
How can I book?
Simply click here and choose the date and type of ticket you want.
How long does the Top of the Rock take?
You should plan on spending about 2 hours at the Top of the Rock. This includes time for waiting in line, taking the elevator up and down, the museum part and enjoying the views from the observatory.
That having been said, if you are in a rush and you have a timed-entrance you can do it in 1 hour. You will need to skip the museum part but it’s feasible.
If you’d rather take your time, you can also easily spend up to 3 hours at the Rock.
When should I go to Top of the Rock?
You can go at any time of the day but we recommend going in the morning to avoid the crowds. You will also enjoy seeing the city waking up and the light is generally better then.
That having been said, going at sunset can also be a very special experience as you will see the city lights come on while watching the sun set.
The views of NYC by night are also pretty magical especially since you get to see the Empire State Building lit up.
Where do you enter Top of the Rock?
The entrance is on West 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue. Here you will find two lines, one for the timed-entrances and one for the front desk where you can either buy your tickets or exchange your voucher.
Is Top of the Rock outside?
The elevator and the museum part are inside however, most of the observatories are outside.
The first floor of the observatory is split between an indoor area and outdoor area. The other two are entirely outside.
Does Top of the Rock offer military discount?
Yes, the Top of the Rock offers a military discount but you will need to buy your ticket at the front desk to get it.
Is Top of the Rock better at day or night?
It really depends on what you are looking for. If you want to get the best views of Central Park, we recommend going during the day. However, if you want to see the city light up and have a more magical experience, we suggest going at sunset or even at night.
We hope this article has helped you decide if the Top of the Rock is worth it for you. For more information, don’t hesitate to check out our other New York City articles.
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