Top of the Rock is a paid observation deck in Rockefeller Center with views of Manhattan and Central Park
Top of the Rock is an indoor and outdoor observation platform on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan. You pay an admission fee to ride elevators up and spend time looking out at the city from multiple levels. The deck stays open year-round, though hours change by season. Unlike the Empire State Building or One World Observatory, Top of the Rock is not a standalone building — it sits inside the Rockefeller Center complex, which also holds shops, restaurants, and offices.
The main draw is the view of Central Park to the north and the Manhattan skyline in all directions. On clear days you can see into New Jersey and across to the Bronx. The outdoor decks on the 67th and 70th floors let you photograph without glass in the way. The 69th floor is enclosed, which matters if weather is bad or if you are sensitive to wind and cold at that height.
Top of the Rock operates under Rockefeller Center Management Corp., a private company. It is not a city landmark you can visit free — admission is required, and prices vary by how far in advance you book and whether you buy a ticket at the door or online.
Key Takeaways
- Top of the Rock sits inside 30 Rockefeller Plaza and requires paid admission to enter the observation decks on three floors.
- The 67th and 70th floors are outdoor decks with unobstructed views; the 69th floor is enclosed and useful in bad weather.
- Tickets cost less when you buy them online in advance than when you buy them at the entrance.
- The deck is open every day of the year, but hours shift between seasons — check the official website for the day you plan to visit.
- The view faces north toward Central Park and east and west across the skyline; sunset and early evening are the busiest times.
Ticket prices and how to buy
Admission prices depend on when you buy and how many floors you want to visit. Online advance purchase is cheaper than buying a ticket at the entrance on the day of your visit. A single ticket usually covers all three observation levels — you do not buy separate tickets for each floor.
Prices vary by season. Peak season (roughly May through September and around holidays) costs more than off-season months. Children under 6 are often free, and discounts exist for seniors and people with disabilities, though you will need to show proof at the entrance. Group rates explore if you have 15 or more people, but you must arrange these in advance.
You can buy tickets online through the official Rockefeller Center website or through third-party ticket vendors. Buying online locks in a lower price and lets you skip the ticket line at the building. If you buy at the door, expect to pay a premium and possibly wait in line, especially during peak hours.
Hours and the best times to visit
Top of the Rock opens every day of the year, including holidays. Winter hours (January through March) typically run 8 a.m. to midnight. Spring and fall hours (April and October through December) extend to 1 a.m. Summer hours (May through September) run 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. These times shift year to year, so check the official website for the exact dates your visit falls under.
The deck is most crowded between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., especially on clear evenings when people want to photograph the sunset and the city lights coming on. If you prefer fewer crowds, visit mid-morning or early afternoon on a weekday. Rainy or overcast days also draw fewer visitors, though the view will be limited.
If you are planning to photograph the skyline, arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to claim a spot at the railings. The outdoor decks fill up quickly as the sun gets lower. Bring a light jacket even in summer — wind at the 67th floor can be strong and cold.
What to bring and what is not allowed
You can bring a camera, phone, or video camera onto the decks. Tripods and professional filming equipment require advance permission from Rockefeller Center. Selfie sticks are not allowed on the observation decks. You can bring a small bag or backpack, but large luggage or suitcases are not permitted.
Food and drink from outside are not allowed on the decks themselves, though you can eat in the building's restaurants and cafes before or after your visit. The observation decks have no food service, so if you plan to spend more than an hour up there, eat first.
Weapons, glass containers, and hazardous materials are prohibited. Strollers are allowed, and the elevators and decks are wheelchair accessible, though some areas of the outdoor decks are tight and may be difficult to navigate with a large wheelchair or mobility device.
How long to spend at the top
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 2 hours on the observation decks. If you are mainly taking photos and looking at the view, 45 minutes to an hour is enough to see all three levels and get the shots you want. If you want to sit, rest, and absorb the view, or if you are visiting at sunset or after dark to see the city lights, plan for 90 minutes to 2 hours.
The three floors are connected by stairs and elevators, so you can move between them easily. The 70th floor outdoor deck is the highest and offers the most expansive view. The 67th floor is lower but still outdoor and less crowded. The 69th floor enclosed area is useful if you need a break from wind or cold, or if you want to see the view without glare on your camera lens.
Getting to Rockefeller Center and parking
Rockefeller Center is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, between 5th and 6th Avenues and 49th and 50th Streets in Midtown Manhattan. The nearest subway stations are 47–50 Streets–Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M lines) and 5th Avenue–53rd Street (E, M lines). Both are a short walk from the building entrance.
If you drive, Rockefeller Center has a parking garage, but parking in Midtown is expensive — expect to pay $20 to $40 per hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Street parking in the area is metered and difficult to find. Most visitors take the subway or a taxi or rideshare service.
What the view actually shows you
From Top of the Rock, you are looking north toward Central Park, which fills much of the view. On a clear day you can see the north end of the park and into the Bronx beyond it. To the east and west you see the Manhattan skyline — the Empire State Building is visible to the south, and One World Trade Center is visible downtown to the south and slightly east.
The view changes dramatically by time of day. During the day you see the park in detail and the buildings in full light. At sunset the sky turns orange and pink, and the buildings cast long shadows. After dark the city lights come on, and the view becomes a sea of lit windows and street lights. Each is worth seeing, but they are very different experiences.
Weather matters enormously. On a clear day visibility extends 20 miles or more. On a hazy or humid day (common in summer) you may only see a few miles. Rain and fog make the view nearly worthless. Check the weather forecast before you go, and consider rescheduling if heavy clouds or rain are predicted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go back down and come back up the same day with one ticket?
No. Your ticket is valid for one visit only. Once you leave the observation decks and exit the building, you cannot re-enter with the same ticket. If you want to see the view at two different times of day (for example, at sunset and after dark), you need to buy two separate tickets.
Is Top of the Rock worth the cost compared to the Empire State Building?
That depends on what view you want. Top of the Rock looks north at Central Park and the skyline around you; the Empire State Building is downtown and looks out at the city from a different angle. Top of the Rock is generally less crowded and cheaper. Many visitors do both to see the city from different vantage points.
What if it is raining when I arrive?
The 69th floor is enclosed, so you can see the view without being outside in the rain. However, rain usually brings clouds and poor visibility, so the view itself will be limited. If you have flexible plans, consider coming back on a clear day. If you cannot, the 69th floor is better than nothing.
Do I need to book in advance or can I just show up?
You can show up without a reservation, but you will pay more for a ticket at the door and may wait in line, especially during peak hours or tourist season. Booking online in advance is cheaper and faster. During very busy periods (holidays, summer weekends), the deck may reach capacity and stop admitting visitors temporarily.
Are there restaurants or bathrooms at the top?
There are bathrooms on the observation decks. There is no restaurant or cafe on the decks themselves, but Rockefeller Center has multiple restaurants and cafes in the building below. You can eat before you go up or after you come down, but not while you are on the decks.