Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets Rockefeller Center New York
- Duration2 hours
- Open onEvery day of the year
- Meeting point30 Rockefeller Plaza, on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
This ticket takes you to Top of the Rock, the observation deck on 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan. Your default option is the all-inclusive pass: timed admission to the three levels of indoor and outdoor decks, The Beam Experience and the SKYLIFT rotating platform. Other options in the booking panel cover general admission, admission with The Beam, or admission with SKYLIFT. Entry is timed and self-guided. There is no hotel pickup.
Highlights
- Default all-inclusive pass with admission, The Beam and SKYLIFT
- Three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks
- Views of Central Park and the Empire State Building
- The Beam, recreating the famous Lunch atop a Skyscraper photo
- SKYLIFT, an open-air rotating platform raised above the 70th floor
- Other options: general admission, with The Beam only or with SKYLIFT only
Full Description
Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center
Top of the Rock is the observation deck of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the Art Deco tower at the heart of Rockefeller Center. The building opened in the early 1930s and the observation decks were restored and reopened to visitors in the 2000s. Searching for Top of the Rock tickets brings up one of the most popular observation experiences in New York, and this page compares the options.
The entrance is on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, marked by a red carpet. To get to Top of the Rock, use the subway to Rockefeller Center or walk from Fifth Avenue, Radio City Music Hall and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Opening hours change by season and the last lift leaves before closing.
The observation decks on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors
The experience begins in the lobby under a sparkling chandelier, followed by a welcome gallery and a short film on the history of Rockefeller Center. A fast lift then takes you up in less than a minute to the 67th floor, from where stairs and lifts lead to the higher levels.
The 70th floor is fully outdoors and offers the largest outdoor viewing area of any New York observatory. From here you look north over Central Park and south to the Empire State Building, with the Hudson and East rivers on either side. It is a strong answer to whether Top of the Rock is worth it.
The Beam and SKYLIFT
The Beam recreates the 1932 photograph Lunch atop a Skyscraper. You sit on a steel beam that is lifted about twelve feet above the deck and rotates 180 degrees, so you feel like one of the ironworkers in the picture. There is a minimum height of 42 inches (107 cm) with an adult, 52 inches (132 cm) to ride alone, and a weight limit.
SKYLIFT is an open-air platform that rises nearly thirty feet above the 70th floor, turning slowly to give a 360-degree panorama. Your default all-inclusive pass includes both experiences. Guests who dislike heights can stay on the fixed decks.
Planning your Top of the Rock visit
The best time to visit Top of the Rock depends on what you want: sunset for the colours and the city lights, or a weekday morning for quieter decks. Your ticket is valid at the time on your reservation. If you arrive late, go to the entrance and staff will admit you at the next available time.
Plan for about two hours. The decks are open in all weather but portions may close for safety. Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended, and food, transport and a guide are not included.
Itinerary
- Arrive at 30 Rockefeller PlazaEnter on 50th Street at your booked time and pass security.
- Welcome gallery and liftSee the exhibits and film, then ride the fast lift to the 67th floor.
- Observation decksExplore the indoor and outdoor levels on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors.
- The BeamSit on the rotating beam for the classic skyscraper photo.
- SKYLIFTRise above the 70th floor on the open-air rotating platform.
What's included
- Timed general admission to the Top of the Rock observation decks
- Indoor and outdoor observation levels
- Tax
- Free Wi-Fi
Not included
- The Beam experience
- SKYLIFT
- Food and drinks
- Transport
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 6–12
- A short visit — about 2 hours
Not suitable for
- Guests with a fear of heights
- Children under 42 inches (107 cm) for The Beam
- Guests over the weight limit for The Beam (300 lb / 136 kg)
Meeting point
There is no hotel pickup. Go to Top of the Rock at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, entering on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and look for the red carpet. Show your ticket on your phone at your reserved time.
Important information
- Your ticket is valid at the time on your reservation; late arrivals are admitted at the next available time.
- Your default pass includes admission, The Beam and SKYLIFT; other options cover fewer experiences.
- The Beam has minimum height rules: 42 inches (107 cm) with an adult, 52 inches (132 cm) alone.
- Decks are open in most weather, but portions may close for safety.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
- Allow about two hours in total.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Top of the Rock ticket cost?
The price depends on the option and age category. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and children for each option.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Tickets are for entry only; you make your own way to Rockefeller Center.
How long is the visit?
About two hours, including the decks and the extra experiences.
Is Top of the Rock suitable for children?
Yes, for the decks. The Beam has minimum height rules, listed in the booking panel.
What should I wear?
Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, since parts of the deck are outdoors.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes, when your date and time slot are available in the booking panel.
What is the difference between the options?
The default all-inclusive pass covers admission, The Beam and SKYLIFT. Other options cover general admission, admission with The Beam, or admission with SKYLIFT.
What is The Beam?
A rotating steel beam lifted above the deck, recreating the 1932 skyscraper lunch photograph.
What is SKYLIFT?
An open-air platform that rises nearly thirty feet above the 70th floor for 360-degree views.
What is the best time to visit Top of the Rock?
Sunset for colours and lights, or a weekday morning for quieter decks.
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