Top of the Rock FAQs

Top of the Rock is an observation deck located at the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. It offers panoramic views of the city from three different levels – the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. The observation deck also features attractions such as The Beam, a ride inspired by the famous photograph “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper.” Another highlight is the Skylift, which takes visitors 900 feet (274 meters) above Manhattan for an unforgettable experience. The viewing platform attracts approximately 3 million visitors annually.

Top of the Rock is definitely worth it for breathtaking, panoramic views of New York City. The observation deck spans three levels — the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors — with the top terrace featuring an open-air platform that provides unobstructed views of iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Central Park. Unique attractions like The Beam and the Skylift add to the experience. Whether you visit during the day, at sunset, or at night, the views are stunning, making it a must-see NYC destination.

The Top of the Rock’s main entrance is on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The entrance is marked by a large, red carpet. There are two queues – one for visitors who need to purchase tickets on-site and another for those with Top of The Rock online tickets.

There is also a second entrance on the Concourse level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

Top of the Rock is open daily from 8 am to midnight, with the last elevator going up at 11.10 pm.
On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, Top of the Rock closes early at 10 pm, and the last entry is at 9.10 pm.

The Top of the Rock observation deck is spread across three levels. The 67th floor (820 feet, 250 meters) features a double-height indoor observatory, along with attractions like the Radiance Wall and the Beam Walk exhibit. The 69th floor (840 feet, 256 meters), known as the Breezeway, has an outdoor deck surrounded by frameless safety glass, allowing for clear views while maintaining safety. The 70th floor (850 feet, 259 meters) is a completely open-air deck, free from glass or metal enclosures, providing unobstructed panoramic views of the city.

The height of the Top of the Rock observation deck varies depending on the specific level, but the highest point is its 70th floor, which is 850 feet (259 meters) above street level.

During sunset, Top of the Rock offers stunning views of New York city, making it the best time to be on the observation deck. The sky lights up with hues of pink and orange, making it the best time for photography as well. The city’s skyscrapers and landmarks reflect these warm tones, creating a magical atmosphere as the day transitions into night. In the summer, sunset occurs between 7 pm and 9.30 pm, while in the winter, it happens earlier, between 4 pm and 6.30 pm. Since sunset is a popular time to visit, it tends to be crowded.

It’s not possible to watch the sunrise from Top of the Rock, as the attraction opens at 8 am, which is after sunrise. However, the Empire State Building, which is just 1 mile (1.6 km), offers a Sunrise Experience in which guests can catch the sunrise from its observation deck.

There is no age requirement to visit Top of the Rock – visitors of all ages are welcome. Additionally, children aged five and under can enter for free.

Top of the Rock does not have a formal dress code. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for the weather. Since it can get windy, especially in the evenings, bringing a jacket or dressing in layers is recommended.

If you prefer clear, panoramic views and want to appreciate the city’s details in natural light, visiting during the day is a great option. To avoid the crowd during day time, it’s best to visit between 8 am and 11 am. If you enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere and want to see the city all lit up, visiting at night can be a captivating experience. The observation deck tends to be less crowded after 8 pm.

There is no time limit for how long you can stay at the Top of the Rock, as long as you are there during operating hours. Once inside, you can enjoy the observation decks for as long as you like. Most tourists take 45 minutes to one hour to explore the 67th, 69th and 70th floor observation decks.

The elevators at Top of the Rock, known as Sky Shuttles, travel at 1,200 feet per minute (370 m/min). These high-speed elevators take 43 seconds to take the visitors from the Mezzanine Level to the 67th floor.

No, outside food and beverages are not allowed at Top of the Rock. However, there are refreshment options available within Rockefeller Center and at the observation deck. Some of the restaurants include Lodi, Del Frisco’s Grille, Bill’s Bar & Burger, Dough, Chip City, FuKu, and The Weather Room.

Large bags, suitcases, and luggage are not allowed at Top of the Rock. Guests should leave them at their hotel or a storage facility. Small bags, such as purses, fanny packs, and sling bags, are permitted but must be kept on at all times.

Yes, restrooms are available at Top of the Rock. They can be found on the 66th floor, the concourse level, and in the restaurants at Rockefeller Center.

Photography is allowed at Top of the Rock, but tripods are not permitted for safety reasons. Mini tripods are often allowed if placed on the concrete piers between the fences, as they take up minimal space. Sunset is the best time to take photographs from Top of the Rock.

Top of the Rock offers several great photo spots. The 70th floor is fully outdoor and glass-free, providing unobstructed views. The southeastern side of the 3rd level allows for clear downward angles – it captures landmarks like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty. The 69th-floor Breezeway offers unique lighting effects, while the lowest level and coin-operated viewers provide classic NYC skyline shots.

Top of the Rock Observatory has no specific weight limit for individual visitors. However, the Sky Shuttle elevators that transport guests to the observation decks have a capacity of 16 people per elevator to ensure safety and comfort.

Yes, people with a fear of heights can visit Top of the Rock. The 67th floor is almost completely enclosed, allowing visitors to enjoy the views without feeling fully exposed to the height. The Sky Shuttle elevators also help ease anxiety, as they have glass ceilings with projections that symbolize the passage of time, serving as a distraction from the height. The elevator ride is very quick, ascending 850 feet in less than a minute.

No, you can’t climb to the top of Top of the Rock by stairs. The primary way to reach the observation decks is through high-speed elevators. While there are stairs within the observation decks, they are only used to move between the different levels once you are at the top.

Yes, you can bring your baby to the Top of the Rock observatory and kids aged five and under enter for free. Strollers are allowed as well, but a baby carrier may be more convenient in crowded areas. If you need a private space for nursing, staff can assist with available options.

Yes, guests can bring strollers to Top of the Rock. However, strollers may be difficult to maneuver in crowded areas. Using a baby carrier is recommended as an alternative for easier movement.

Top of the Rock does not have a dedicated coat check or lockers. However, there are nearby luggage storage options like Vertoe and Nannybag if you need to store larger items.

Yes, you can visit Top of the Rock in winter, as it is open 365 days a year. The experience offers stunning views of the city’s holiday lights and decorations. Just remember to wear warm clothes and check for any changes in operating hours during holidays.

Top of the Rock is an observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, not a separate building. The architectural firm responsible for 30 Rockefeller Plaza was the Associated Architects of Rockefeller Center, led by Raymond Hood. In 2005, the observation deck was renovated by Gabellini Sheppard Associates.

The closest subway station to Top of the Rock is 47-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M lines), with nearby options including 50th Street (1 train), 51st Street (6 train), and 49th Street (N, Q, R trains), all within walking distance.

The phone number for the Top of the Rock observation deck is (212) 698-2000.