Top of the Rock

The Top of the Rock is the observation deck atop the 70 story GE Building at 30 Rockefeller Center (30 Rock). The view out over the New York City skyline is magnificent! And, it is especially spectacular at night with the city illuminated below!

The 850 ft. (259 m) skyscraper opened in 1933 as the headquarters for RCA and NBC and anchor of the Rockefeller Center development. The public observation decks occupy the 67th, 68th and 70th floors of the building. The 67th and 68th floors are fully or partly enclosed (with openings for camera lenses). The 70th floor is entirely open and is the place I recommend for photos.

On a visit to New York City, you will want to go up either here or the Empire State Building for a view of the Manhattan skyline. The advantage at the Top of the Rock is that you can see the Empire State Building from it.

I didn't find Top of the Rock as crowded as the Empire State Building, nor is there a delay with seeing a film. Photo opportunities abound up here. I liked the glass-ceiling elevator that takes visitors directly to the top. At night, the elevator shaft is illuminated and you can watch the top floor approaching.

Tickets for the observation deck cost $20.

On our trip to New York City we new we were going to either the top of the Rock or the top of the Empire State Building, to do at least one of these is a must for a New York City trip! We decided to go to the top of the Rock because that way we would get a view of the Empire State building. I don't know if it was because of the time we went, we went towards the evening but it was still daylight out, but we didn't hardly have a crowd at all. The elevator took us straight to the top, and made our ears pop. We forgot all about that once we made our way to the edge. It was an amazing view of Central Park, The state of Liberty, and the Empire State Building, plus more. It was worth every penny to get to the top. I would recommend going with some daylight out and staying into the night. We got both day and night shots that way

It is a must do that when in NY you go to the top of Rockefeller Center or the Empire State building. The views are breathtakingly awesome and well worth the trip at any time of the day.

Rockefeller center or Top of the Rock as they call it, offers views of the skyline, the Empire State building, Central Park and the George Washington bridge.

If you are planning on visiting Radio City Hall or where they film NBC Today then you are right where you need to be for a visit to the Top of the Rock. It costs $20 to take the elevator to the 67th floor. Once at the top you can go up to the 70th floor which gives you unobstructed views of the city.

A note for photographers, I heard that they do not allow tripods which you will most likely need if you plan to take some night shots of the city lights. Also, beware that there could be a line to get to the top. We waited about 30 minutes as they were only using one elevator. You can purchase tickets online or at the booth located on the plaza. Rockefeller Center is a stop on the tourist hop on/hop off bus.

This was a great experience. There was no queue when we went and the $18 if well worth it.

The lift up is great, I know you say it's a lift what’s so special....well the roof lights up and you can see all the way up the lift shaft to the top. Trust me it's cool.

There is a history of the building bit which shows how it was made and you can pose for the well know photo on the beam, and walk along a section.

The top has great views (Chrysler is obstructed by MetLife building!) and even for someone who hates heights it's a must see!!