Is Top of the Rock worth it
For photography, Top of the Rock is the best observation deck in New York City. It is the only Manhattan deck that places the Empire State Building in your skyline photo, and the only one that lets you see Central Park from above. The three observation levels (67, 69, 70) give different angles and the top level is open air with low glass railings perfect for unobstructed shots.
The visit is recommended for first time visitors who plan to take photos, repeat visitors who already did the Empire State, and couples who want a quiet city-lights moment after dinner.
Types of tickets
Top of the Rock has four main ticket categories.
- Standard ticket $40: Access to all three observation levels.
- Skylift add-on $60 total: Adds the hydraulic platform above the main deck.
- VIP access $79: Skip-the-line entry, plus Skylift, plus a souvenir photo.
- Sun and Stars $79: Two visits in one day (once in daylight, once at night).
Best time to visit
The most photogenic slot is 1 hour before sunset. You enter in daylight, watch the city lights turn on, and leave in full darkness. This slot sells out 1 to 2 weeks in advance for summer dates. Midnight closing means you can also visit at 9 or 10 pm to avoid queues.
For families with kids, mid-morning (10am to 11am) is the calmest time. School groups arrive after 11.
How to get there
The entrance is on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. Subway: 47-50 Streets Rockefeller Center on the B, D, F, M trains. From Times Square it is a 5 minute walk east. From Grand Central it is a 7 minute walk west.
Combo passes that include Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock is included in New York CityPASS, Sightseeing Pass, and Go City. The Sun and Stars upgrade is usually a separate paid add-on even with a pass. CityPASS combines Top of the Rock plus Empire State Building plus 4 more attractions for around $146 (saves around 35 percent versus individual tickets).
Top Rockefeller Center experiences on Viator
Beyond the standard observation deck, Viator sells guided Rockefeller Center tours, NBC studio tours, and Top of the Rock combo packages with Empire State or Edge. Prices range $40 to $145 and most include skip-the-line entry.
Book your Top of the Rock tickets
Compare standard, Skylift, VIP and Sun and Stars options with verified reviews.
See Top of the Rock TicketsNearby attractions
Rockefeller Center sits at the center of Midtown, walkable to several other major attractions.
- Empire State Building: 12 minutes walk south. The deck you photograph from Top of the Rock.
- Central Park: 10 minutes walk north. Enter at 59th Street and follow the East Drive.
- Edge at Hudson Yards: 15 minutes by subway. Compare decks in the same evening.
Frequently asked questions
For photos, yes. Top of the Rock shows the Empire State Building in the frame, plus Central Park to the north. For atmosphere and history, the Empire State wins. Many visitors do both, one in daylight and one at night.
A hydraulic glass-floor platform that lifts above the existing deck for a higher elevated view. Costs $20 extra and groups of 8 are lifted at a time. Not for visitors with vertigo.
Daily 9am to midnight. The 8 to 10 pm slots are the least crowded if you want the city-lights experience without queues.
Yes. The elevator is large and stroller friendly. The deck has step-free access throughout.
There is a small concession on level 67. Most visitors eat in Rockefeller Plaza below before or after.
60 to 75 minutes from arrival to exit. The deck itself takes 30 to 45 minutes if you walk all three observation levels.
