Top of the Rock is a paid observation deck on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan

Top of the Rock opened to the public in 2005 after a major renovation of Rockefeller Center. It sits inside the same building as NBC Studios and offers views of Central Park, the Hudson River, the East River, and the Manhattan skyline from three separate floors. Unlike some observation decks, you can access all three levels with a single ticket.

The deck is operated by Tishman Speyer, the real estate company that manages Rockefeller Center. It is open year-round, though hours vary by season. The observation areas are both indoors and outdoors, so you can see the city in any weather.

Key Takeaways

  • Top of the Rock tickets cost between $38 and $48 depending on whether you buy them online in advance or at the door, with discounts for children and seniors.
  • You can visit all three observation floors with one ticket and stay as long as you want once you enter.
  • The outdoor decks are open year-round, but wind, cold, and rain can make winter visits uncomfortable, while summer afternoons draw the largest crowds.
  • The best times to visit for clear views are early morning on weekdays, especially in fall and spring when weather is mild and visibility is highest.
  • You will pass through security screening similar to airport security before entering the elevators to the observation decks.

Ticket prices and how to buy them

Ticket prices vary depending on when and where you buy them. Online advance purchase through the official Rockefeller Center website typically costs $38 for adults, $32 for seniors (65+), and $28 for children (6–12). Children under 6 enter free. Tickets bought at the box office on the day of your visit cost $48 for adults, $42 for seniors, and $38 for children.

Many third-party ticket vendors and hotel concierge services also sell Top of the Rock tickets, sometimes at different prices. Combination tickets that bundle Top of the Rock with other Rockefeller Center attractions like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) or the Radio City Music Hall tour are available through some vendors. Buying online in advance saves money and can reduce wait times at the entrance.

What to expect when you arrive

The entrance to Top of the Rock is on the ground floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza at 50th Street. You will go through a security screening process that includes a metal detector and bag check, similar to airport security. Bags larger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches are not allowed inside. Weapons, sharp objects, and large outside food are prohibited.

After security, you take an elevator to the 67th floor, where the first observation deck is located. From there, you can take additional elevators to the 69th and 70th floors. The entire visit is self-paced — there is no tour guide or time limit, so you can spend 30 minutes or several hours looking at the views and taking photographs.

The three observation floors and what each offers

The 67th floor has both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. The outdoor deck wraps around the building and gives you a 360-degree view of the city. The indoor area has large windows and is climate-controlled, making it comfortable in any season. This floor is the most crowded because it is the first one most visitors reach.

The 69th floor is smaller and less crowded than the 67th. It also has indoor and outdoor sections and offers views in different directions, so you can see parts of the skyline that may be blocked from other floors. The 70th floor is the highest and offers the most expansive views, though the outdoor area is smaller than the 67th floor.

All three floors have large windows and outdoor railings designed for photography. The outdoor decks are open to the elements, so bring a jacket even in warm months — wind at that height can be strong and cooling.

Best times to visit for clear views and smaller crowds

Early morning on weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, draws far fewer visitors than afternoons and weekends. If you visit between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on a Tuesday, you may have entire sections of the outdoor deck nearly to yourself. Weekends and holidays are consistently busy, particularly between noon and 5 p.m.

Visibility is best on clear, dry days with low humidity. Fall (September through November) and spring (April through May) typically offer the clearest views and the most comfortable outdoor temperatures. Summer afternoons can be hazy due to heat and humidity, and winter mornings are often cold and windy, though the views can be sharp on clear winter days.

Avoid visiting during rain or heavy cloud cover — the views will be obscured and the outdoor decks will be wet and slippery. Check the weather forecast before you go, and consider visiting on a different day if visibility is poor.

Photography rules and what you can bring

Personal cameras, smartphones, and small tripods are allowed on all three floors. Professional photography equipment — including large tripods, reflectors, and commercial-grade cameras — requires a separate permit from Rockefeller Center and is not allowed without advance permission. If you plan to do professional photography, contact the Rockefeller Center events office before your visit.

You can bring a small personal bag, a camera bag, and a jacket. Backpacks larger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches will not be allowed through security. Outside food and beverages are not permitted, but there is a small café on the 67th floor that sells snacks, sandwiches, and drinks at typical observation deck prices.

Accessibility and facilities

All three observation floors are accessible by elevator, and wheelchair users can navigate the indoor viewing areas. The outdoor decks have railings and are paved, though they are not fully wheelchair-accessible in all sections due to the building's design. Accessible restrooms are located on the 67th floor.

There is a coat check service available if you want to leave a jacket or bag while you explore the decks. The café on the 67th floor has seating areas where you can rest. There are no lockers, so do not leave valuables unattended.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see all three floors?

Most visitors spend 45 minutes to two hours at Top of the Rock. You can move through quickly in 30 minutes if you just want to see the views, or stay much longer if you want to photograph from multiple angles or visit at different times of day to see how the light changes.

Can I go back outside if I leave the observation deck?

No. Once you leave the observation deck area, you will have to exit the building and buy a new ticket to return. Plan your visit so you see everything you want before you leave.

Is Top of the Rock better than the Empire State Building observation deck?

Both offer views of Manhattan, but from different vantage points. Top of the Rock lets you see Central Park and the Empire State Building itself, while the Empire State Building lets you see Top of the Rock and Rockefeller Center. Top of the Rock is generally less crowded and has more outdoor space. The choice depends on which views matter most to you.

What should I wear to visit in winter?

Wear a warm coat, hat, and gloves if you plan to spend time on the outdoor decks. Wind at the 67th floor and above is much stronger than on the street, and the temperature feels colder than it actually is. The indoor viewing areas are heated, so you can move between indoors and outdoors as needed.

Can I bring my child to Top of the Rock?

Yes. Children of all ages are welcome, and children under 6 enter free. The outdoor railings are high enough to be safe, but keep young children supervised at all times. The crowds and long elevator rides can be tiring for very small children, so plan accordingly.