Top of The Rock
Top of the Rock is an observation deck located atop the historic Rockefeller Center in New York City, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the skyline, including landmarks like the Empire State Building and Central Park.
Top of the Rock is an iconic observation deck situated on the 70th floor of the Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Renowned for its stunning panoramic views, it provides visitors with an unparalleled vantage point to admire the city's skyline and landmarks. Unlike some other observation decks, Top of the Rock offers unobstructed views of both uptown and downtown Manhattan, including iconic structures like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.
Visitors can access Top of the Rock through the Rockefeller Center's main entrance on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Once inside, they can purchase tickets for timed entry to the observation deck, allowing for a smoother and more efficient experience. The deck features three levels, each offering different perspectives and opportunities for capturing memorable photographs of the cityscape.
One distinctive feature of Top of the Rock is its outdoor observation deck on the 70th floor, which boasts 360-degree views of New York City. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas of landmarks such as Central Park, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty. The deck is equipped with glass safety panels and viewing platforms, ensuring a secure environment for all visitors to appreciate the scenery.
In addition to its panoramic views, Top of the Rock provides various amenities and services for guests, including souvenir shops, cafes, and restrooms. The Rockefeller Center complex itself is also home to numerous dining and shopping options, making it a vibrant destination for tourists and locals alike. Overall, Top of the Rock offers a memorable and immersive experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of New York City from one of its most iconic landmarks.
My Thoughts
For a long time Top of the Rock was the best observation deck in New York, with the best view. The first few times I went to New York this was the observation deck I chose to visit as it was such an obvious choice. It still remains that it has a great view and is worth a visit, however, with the observation decks that have opened recently (Summit One & The Edge) it’s not such an easy decision to make. If you are visiting New York for the first time or for a short time I would recommend one of the newer options. Top of the Rock would be third on the list for me.
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Quick Facts
Rockefeller Center's Top of the Rock observation deck is situated on the 70th floor of the GE Building, which is part of the Rockefeller Center complex in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
The observation deck offers visitors breathtaking 360-degree views of New York City, including iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Chrysler Building, and the Hudson River.
Top of the Rock features three observation levels, each providing unique perspectives of the city skyline and ample opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning shots of Manhattan.
Unlike some other observation decks, Top of the Rock offers both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, allowing visitors to experience the city's beauty in various weather conditions while ensuring safety with glass safety panels and designated viewing platforms.
Top of the Rock provides amenities such as souvenir shops, cafes, and restrooms for visitors' convenience, as well as timed entry tickets to manage crowd flow and enhance the overall visitor experience at this popular New York City attraction.