Is Top of the Rock worth it?
Wondering if Top of the Rock should be on your itinerary?
Visiting New York City and wondering if Top of the Rock should be on your itinerary?
If you’re chasing panoramic views, easy access, and fewer crowds than other decks, it might be your perfect match.
Located atop Rockefeller Center, this observatory gives you Central Park to the north and the Empire State Building to the south, all in one sweeping glance.
Let’s dive into the full experience and help you decide whether Top of the Rock is worth it for your trip.
The Top of the Rock experience: What to expect
Top of the Rock is perched on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
You’ll start your visit by entering through the main entrance on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, beneath the iconic Rockefeller Center flags.
Once inside, here’s how the visit usually flows:
- Security check: Quick and straightforward, much like an airport scan.
- Waiting area with exhibits: You’ll pass through Art Deco-inspired interiors with multimedia about the history of Rockefeller Center.
- The elevator ride: Known as the Sky Shuttle, this lift rockets you up to the 67th floor in less than 60 seconds. Look up — the elevator ceiling displays a short light show.
The observation deck spans three levels:
- 67th floor – partially indoor with viewing areas
- 69th floor – mostly outdoor with tall glass barriers
- 70th floor – completely open-air with no glass at all, a rarity in NYC
The 70th floor is where the real magic happens. No glass. No net. Just you and the skyline. It’s peaceful, breezy, and perfect for photographers.
Is it worth the price?
Top of the Rock offers flexible ticket options, and the best value often comes from the ticket that allows you to choose between general admission, the Beam photo experience, or a bundle that includes digital photographs.
This flexibility lets you tailor your visit based on how much time you have and how immersive you want the experience to be.
- General Admission starts at $43, giving you timed access to all three observation levels, a solid option if you’re just there for the views.
- For a small upgrade, you can add “The Beam” photo experience, where you’re safely seated on a steel beam replica, recreating the famous 1932 photo of workers lunching above Manhattan.
- You can also opt for a combo ticket that includes both the Beam experience and digital photos to remember your visit.
Tickets are always cheaper online and let you skip the long lines at the on-site counters. If you’re planning to visit during weekends, holidays, or sunset hours, booking in advance is highly recommended to avoid last-minute disappointment
Compared to other observation decks
New York City has multiple observation decks, each with its own style and appeal. If you’re trying to choose just one or two, this comparison can help you decide which deck aligns with your interests.
| Feature | The Edge | Summit One | Empire State |
| Height | 1,131 ft (100th floor) | 1,210 ft (91st floor) | 1,250 ft (102nd floor) |
| Open-air space | Angled glass walls & floor | Fully enclosed | Small fenced outdoor ledge |
| Photo ops | Instagram-friendly angles | Mirror rooms & light shows | Classic city views |
| Crowds | High during sunset | Busy but timed | Usually crowded |
| Unique experience | Glass floor, sky thrill | Art meets skyline | Old-school NYC charm |
| Best for | First-timers & thrill seekers | Instagrammers & teens | History buffs & traditionalists |
So where does Top of the Rock fit in?
Top of the Rock strikes a beautiful balance between these three.
While it’s not the tallest or the most high-tech, it’s arguably the most photography-friendly, thanks to its clear skyline views and fully open-air rooftop.
It offers the best view of Central Park and the Empire State Building, which is missing from all the others.
For travelers who want a relaxed, classic, and visually rewarding experience, Top of the Rock remains a solid and often underrated choice.
What makes Top of the Rock special?
There’s something refreshingly calm and classic about Top of the Rock.
- Balanced skyline view: Unlike decks at the tip of Manhattan, this one sits in the middle. You’re surrounded by skyscrapers on all sides.
- Historic charm: Rockefeller Center is a living landmark, home to NBC Studios, Saturday Night Live, and the iconic ice rink in winter.
- Photography-friendly: No angled glass, no colored tints, no distractions. Just clean shots, especially from the 70th floor.
- Quick in-and-out: It’s easy to explore the decks, take your time, and leave without spending hours in queues or corridors.
- Nearby attractions: After your visit, you’re steps from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall, and Fifth Avenue shopping.
Perfect for: First-time visitors, couples, families with kids or seniors, photographers, and those short on time
