View from Top of the Rock
Best NYC skyline views from Top of the Rock
You’ve probably seen exquisite photos of the NYC skyline featuring the Empire State Building glowing at sunset.
Chances are, those photos were taken from Top of the Rock.
With its unobstructed views, open-air decks, and perfect framing, it’s a dream for photographers and casual visitors alike.
This article breaks down everything you can see from the top, and when to go for the best shots.
How high is the observation deck?
Top of the Rock is situated at 850 feet (260 meters) above street level, topping out on the 70th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
While it’s not the tallest deck in NYC, its unique structure offers a clear and symmetrical view of Manhattan’s most iconic landmarks.
What makes it stand out is the multi-level layout:
- 67th floor: Enclosed viewing space with large windows, ideal for winter or windy days.
- 69th floor: Open-air views with protective glass panels, perfect for photography.
- 70th floor: Completely open-air and unobstructed with no glass, no barriers, just the sky and skyline.
Unlike some decks enclosed in glass, Top of the Rock is known for its photographer-friendly setup, giving you true panoramic visibility in all directions.
What can you see from the Top of the Rock?
Top of the Rock is uniquely positioned in Midtown Manhattan, offering views north toward Central Park and south toward the Empire State Building and Downtown NYC.
You essentially get the best of both worlds, cityscape and nature.
Here’s what you can expect to spot from each direction:
| Direction | Key Landmarks Visible |
| North | Central Park, Upper Manhattan, George Washington Bridge (on clear days) |
| South | Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Statue of Liberty (distant) |
| East | East River, Chrysler Building, Roosevelt Island, Queensboro Bridge |
| West | Hudson River, Hudson Yards, Edge NYC, New Jersey skyline |
Many visitors say the view of the Empire State Building from here is the best in the city, framed beautifully with Downtown Manhattan stretching behind it.
Tip: For postcard-worthy photos, use the 70th floor’s open-air deck. It gives a clean view with no reflective glass panels.
Best time to visit the best view
Top of the Rock is open daily from 9 am to 11 pm, with the last elevator going up at 10.10 pm.
Choosing the right time for your visit can make a huge difference to your viewing experience.
Day vs. night view
- Daytime is ideal if you want clear views of Central Park, architectural details, and distant skylines.
- Nighttime transforms the city into a sea of lights. The Empire State Building’s illuminated top stands out like a beacon, and the city glows in every direction.
For the best experience, arrive 60–90 minutes before sunset. You’ll see the skyline in daylight, catch golden hour, and then watch the city light up after dark.
Sunset viewing tips
Sunset is by far the most popular time to visit Top of the Rock, and for good reason. It offers some of the most magical views of New York City.
However, it’s also the most crowded time, so planning ahead is key.
Buy your tickets online in advance, as sunset slots tend to sell out quickly.
To catch the golden hour and the transition into night, select the “Sunset” time slot or book a ticket for about an hour before the official sunset time.
Even in summer, it can get breezy at the top, so don’t forget to bring a light jacket.
Bonus: From the west-facing side, you can see the sun setting behind the Hudson River, casting a golden glow across Manhattan. It’s truly breathtaking.
Weather conditions and visibility
Visibility can change fast in NYC, especially in winter or rainy seasons. Cloudy days can obscure landmarks, while rain and fog reduce photo quality.
Check visibility forecasts on the day of your visit.
Use apps like AccuWeather or The Weather Channel to predict skyline clarity.
Top of the Rock has no rescheduling fee for date changes due to weather, if you purchase tickets online, which is a big bonus for tourists!
Interactive experiences that enhance the view
Designed with visitor engagement in mind, Top of the Rock turns a simple view into a memorable adventure.
The Beam
The Beam offers one of the most popular photo opportunities, recreating the iconic 1932 image of workers sitting on a steel beam during the construction of Rockefeller Center.
Visitors sit on a secure beam replica while a high-resolution photo is taken with the stunning skyline in the background. This experience can be added to your ticket package or purchased on-site.
Radiance Wall
On the mezzanine level, you’ll pass by the Radiance Wall, a dazzling installation of glass, crystal, and fiber optics created by Swarovski.
It sets the tone for the elegant and immersive experience ahead and is great for selfies and Instagram stories.
History exhibits
Learn about the building’s construction, art deco style, and Rockefeller family legacy through multimedia displays.
It’s a subtle but enriching part of the journey, ideal for visitors who love mixing views with a bit of history.
Tips for visiting the observatory
Here’s how to make the most of your Top of the Rock experience:
Book your tickets smartly
Top of the Rock offers flexible ticket options like general admission, The Beam photo experience, or a bundle with digital photos.
General admission starts at just $43, and with a small upgrade, you can enhance your experience significantly.
Tickets are always cheaper online and help you skip long lines at the counter, so it’s wise to book early, especially during weekends or holidays.
Buy This TicketBring the right gear
DSLR users should bring a wide-angle and telephoto lens, while smartphone users should clean their lenses and use panorama mode. Avoid visiting right after rain, as the glass may be foggy, and the deck slippery.
Arrive early, especially on weekends
Even with a timed ticket, you might face longer lines on weekends and peak holidays. To avoid rushing or missing your slot, arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes early. This gives you time to get through security and grab the best viewing spots.
Dress for the deck
It can be windy and cold, even in summer. Bring a jacket, and in winter, pack a hat and gloves. The 70th floor is open-air, so dress warmly for the best experience.
Photography tips for Top of the Rock views
Want those frame-worthy shots of New York City’s skyline? Top of the Rock offers fantastic conditions for photography, but a few extra steps can help you capture that wow factor.
- Use the 70th floor – It has no glass panels, giving you the clearest shots with no reflections.
- Shoot south for iconic skyline photos – The Empire State Building and lower Manhattan stack beautifully in the frame.
- North-facing shots – During the day, they give you a crisp view of Central Park, especially stunning in fall foliage or winter snow.
- Instagram reels or stories – Try a slow pan across the skyline with the Hudson River glowing in the sunset.
- Golden hour – This lighting (just before sunset) offers the best contrast and color saturation for both phone and DSLR photography.
Bring a mini tripod if you’re shooting at night, and take advantage of benches and rails to steady your camera for long exposure shots.
