Top of the Rock is an observation deck located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, offering visitors a 360-degree view of the New York City skyline from three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks.
Top of the Rock is known for its unobstructed views of iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Chrysler Building, the George Washington Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and the Statue of Liberty.
You can choose from three Top of the Rock tickets – General Admission, VIP Ticket, and RockMoMA.
Snapshot
Hours: 9 am to 12 am
Last entry: 11.10 pm
Time needed: 2 to 3 hrs
Ticket cost: $43
Best time: Daytime
Sometimes the Top of the Rock tickets sell out
Didn’t get Top of the Rock tickets for your preferred time and date? You can visit The Edge @ Hudson Yards or the Summit One Vanderbilt – both are equally amazing observation decks.
What’s ahead
Where to buy Top of the Rock tickets
While you can purchase tickets from the counters at the venue, it is better to buy tickets online to avoid waiting in line.
Even though Top of the Rock doesn’t have long lines, online tickets are more convenient.
Insider Tip: The New York Pass offers skip-the-line access to Top of the Rock and over 100 other attractions.
How does online ticket work
Once you purchase tickets to The Rock, they get delivered to your email address.
There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. You can show the e-ticket on your mobile phone when you visit the attraction.
When you book tickets online for Top of the Rock, you are assured of a seamless experience.
Top of the Rock ticket prices
When planning your visit to Top of the Rock, you can choose from various types of tickets. Let’s take a look at the tickets and prices.
General Admission tickets
This bestseller gets you entry to the indoor and outdoor observation decks.
Ticket prices
Adult (13 to 61 years): US$43
Senior (62+ years): US$41
Child (6 to 12 years): US$37
Note: Child tickets can be bought in combination with Adult or Senior tickets.
Top of the Rock VIP tickets
The VIP Top of the Rock Pass offers an unparalleled way to experience one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. Here’s what makes this pass stand out:
Skip the lines: With priority entry and elevator access, you can quickly bypass the general admission lines and ascend to the observation deck.
Exclusive access: Enjoy entry to the VIP Lounge, where you can relax in comfort and style before your ascent.
The beam experience: This unique experience allows you to recreate the famous photograph of ironworkers lunching on a steel beam during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Imagine yourself soaring high above Manhattan’s skyline, securely seated on a rotating beam-like structure.
Guided tour: A private guide, fluent in English, will accompany your group of up to 15 people, providing insights and context to enhance your experience.
Photo package: Capture the breathtaking views and your unforgettable moments with the included Photo Pass.
Gift shop discount: As a VIP guest, enjoy a 20% discount at the newly revamped gift shop, allowing you to take home a special memento of your visit.
Ticket prices: US$174
Note: For the bean experience, the minimum height is 52″ (4.3 ft). The weight of visitors should be under 300 lbs (136 kg). Kids must be supervised by an adult. Infants under 12 months get in for free.
Buy VIP TicketsRockMoMA tickets
RockMoMA is a combination ticket granting you access to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
This ticket offers a significant cost savings of $10 compared to purchasing individual tickets.
You will start your day at the Top of the Rock and visit MoMA after enjoying stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the city.
The art museum is within walking distance of the observatory, so this combo is a huge hit with tourists.
Flexibility: RockMoma offers the flexibility to visit both attractions on the same day or two separate days, allowing you to plan your itinerary according to your preferences.
Ticket price (17+ years): $63
Buy RockMoMA TicketsTimed tickets
Top of the Rock uses timed ticketing, meaning you must choose a specific time slot for your visit.
This allows for better crowd management and shorter wait times.
That’s why it is better to reach Top of the Rock at least 10 minutes before the time mentioned on your ticket.
What are the passes that include Top of the Rock?
If you plan to visit multiple attractions in New York City, consider purchasing a city pass that includes entry to Top of the Rock. Some of the most popular options include:
New York CityPASS: Includes access to the 86th-floor observatory of the Empire State Building and four other top attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
New York Pass: Grants entry to the Empire State Building and over 100 other NYC attractions, perfect for visitors planning to explore multiple sites.
Go City Explorer Pass: Allows you to choose from a list of top attractions, including the Empire State Building, and pay for only the number of attractions you want to visit.
Flex Pass: Grants entry to more than 100 landmark destinations, including Top of the Rock, and museums, with option to include up to 12 paid attractions.
Day Pass: Allows up to 10 days of access to more than 100 of the best landmarks, experiences, and museums in the city.
These passes can save you both time and money, especially if you’re planning to visit several attractions during your stay.
Frequently asked questions about tickets
Here are some frequently asked questions about Top of the Rock tickets.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
While you can buy tickets at the venue, we suggest you get them online in advance, especially during peak season or popular times like sunset. Booking ahead helps secure your preferred time slot and avoid waiting in line.
What is Top of the Rock’s Weather Guarantee?
If inclement weather impacts your visit, Top of the Rock will reissue your ticket for a later date or time. You must contact them 24 hours before your visit if you need to reschedule due to a plan change.
Is there a time limit on the observation decks?
No, you can stay on the observation decks as long as you like during operating hours.
What to expect at the Top of the Rock
Your Top of the Rock experience begins in the Welcome Gallery on the Mezzanine Level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where you can take photos and see a model of the entire Rockefeller Center campus.
Afterward, you can watch a short film about the history and construction of the landmark before taking a 43-second elevator ride to the 67th floor, where Level 1 of the Observation Deck is located.
The observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors offer a variety of indoor and outdoor viewing experiences.
Enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views, explore exhibits about Rockefeller Center’s history, and enjoy amenities like The Weather Room Café & Bar.
Best time to visit Top of the Rock
Since the green Central Park is an integral part of the view from the Top of the Rock, we highly recommend a visit during the day.
Central Park looks like just a dark patch from the observatory at night.
We suggest you visit between 9 am and 3 pm for shorter wait times.