Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock)
The Rockefeller Center is a national historic landmark that offers dramatic vistas of New York City from its 850 foot high observatory commonly refered to as the Top of the Rock
Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and listed on the US Register of Historic Places, Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres. Commissioned by John D Rockefeller, it was the largest private construction project ever undertaken and was the setting for the famous 1932 Lunchtime atop a Skyscraper photograph of workers having lunch on a steel beam dangling 840 feet in the air.
The centrepiece of Rockefeller Center is the GE Building, referred to locals as "30 Rock", which headquarters NBC and houses most of the network's New York studios. NBC offers daily studio tours and free tickets to tapings of Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, the Today Show and the Dr Oz Show through the show website or try your luck at with standby tickets at the NBC Studio Experience Store.
At the front of 30 Rock, the Lower Plaza is the centre of the complex and home to the world-famous annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and ice skating rink. On the upper level of the 70 story GE building, Top of the Rock is a six level observatory 850 feet above street level offering visitors an alternative to the crowds at the Empire State Building. Reopened to the public in 2005, Top of the Rock offers sweeping views of the New York City skyline from the Chrysler Building to the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park to the Hudson and East Rivers.
When you visit Top of the Rock NYC, you will purchase tickets with assigned entrance times to reduce congestion. The experience begins with an exhibit area chronically the history of Rockefeller Center, before you begin your 70 story ascent in an elevator with a transparent ceiling. Once on the observation deck, you will enjoy a bird's eye view of the city, but be sure to climb up above the main deck or you will be forced to photograph through glass. The security guards at Top of the Rock are extremely helpful in identifying landmarks and helping visitors orientate themselves to the city below.
Nearby attractions include Museum of Modern Art, Theatre District, Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes.Rockefeller Center | Top of the Rock in NYC Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, USA
Phone: (212) 588-8601
Official Website: Rockefeller Center | Top of the Rock in NYC
Rockefeller Center | Top of the Rock in NYC Reviews
Rated out of 5
Great experience! All the staff were so friendly and accommodating. One man even took lots of pictures of us. The museum was really cool! Especially the King Kong exhibit. Outdoors was beautiful. I wasn’t expecting the nice warm heaters to be there, I was expecting to be freezing cold. So that was a nice plus. We went just before sunset, so we were able to see the view during daylight, sunset, and at night. It was beautiful!
sarah Davis - 2 weeks ago
My birthday-Christmas Manhattan trip was complete when I visited the Rockefeller Center. I've been wanting to see that gorgeous tree for decades & I finally got on the plane & did it. For me it was an unforgettable experience that will stay in my heart forever. I have a thing for Christmas trees and I've seen some beauties & some oddities. The Rockefeller tree was better than my imaginings. It was glorious.
Alexis Levels - a week ago
I’ve been waiting to see the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center since I was a kid, and it was 100% worth the wait! Ever since seeing Home Alone 2 I think we’ve all wanted to see this tree in person. It’s such an epic thing to see in person, the tree is massive and so beautiful! There were so many people. It’s not a long wait, everyone is pretty respectful about moving out of your pic or helping you take it. We walked through the crowd and got a pic right in front of the tree. To be honest there’s a really good shot a few yards away from the front of the tree that makes for an epic pic. If you are in NYC make this an absolute stop anytime of year.
Ali S - 2 weeks ago
Came to NYC for the day to witness all the Christmas decorations and vibes. This place was beyond busy. Barely able to move walking through the crowds it was just ridiculously and dangerously busy. While the sights and decorations were gorgeous, I have absolutely no desire to head back during the holiday season ever again.
The Fab Forty - in the last week
The tree was absolutely beautiful! Very crowded during the Christmas holiday but fun to visit. Our 3rd trip to NYC and will definitely be back! There is always something new to explore!
Linda Zaffram - in the last week
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| B, D, F or M | Rockefeller Center | 0 minutes |
| 1, C or E | 50th Street | 5 minutes |
| N, Q or R | 49th Street | 6 minutes |
How to get to Rockefeller Center | Top of the Rock in NYC by Subway
Take the B, D, F or M train to Rockefeller Center, arriving in the underground concourse or take the 1, C or E train to 50th Street and walk east on 50th to just past 6th Avenue or the N, Q or R train to 49th Street and head north to 50th Street go right (east) to just past 6th Avenue. Access to the Top of the Rock is off 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.
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Photo Gallery
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And Looking Down from the top of the Rockerfeller Center cc licensed photo by ?ellie? -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Lh. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jesús Quiles - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Lh. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Lh. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: John Brighenti - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jesús Quiles - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jesús Quiles - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Always Shooting - cc license via Flickr
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