While the Empire State Building may be the obvious choice for New York City observation decks, we went to visit Top of The Rock instead during our NYC visit in Oct. 2011. Top of the Rock is the observation deck at Rockefeller Center (home of NBC Studios and the famous rink).
We chose to go here for a couple of reasons. First, it was closer to where we parked and the general vicinity where we were strolling for the day which was around 5th Ave and then to Central Park. We were trying to minimize our walking since my mother was with us and she couldn’t walk for extended periods of time. The other being we wanted the Empire State Building in our skyline pictures.
We bought our tickets from a kiosk overlooking the plaza and rink on 50th St. Prices were $25 for adults and $16 for 6-12 years old kid which was a little pricey but it was a clear day so we knew we were going to get some tremendous views.
They actually had attendants carrying little machines to swipe credit cards too. Tickets (including timed tickets) can also be purchased and printed online on this Top of the Rock website to save some time. The Empire State Building tickets to one level were actually cheaper by $5.
There was a “Fire Safety Day” event with the NY Fire Department going on in front of Rockefeller Plaza that day. Hordes of elementary school kids on a fieldtrip were here all wearing their NYFD fire hats. My son was able to get one and he proudly wore it all day with plenty of compliments from strangers and even wore it to the airport and after landing home. The kids were able to talk to the fireman and there were various displays of fire engines and even one of an old firetruck. It was already a great day for my son.
The entrance to the observation deck was near the Radio City Music Hall. We walked upstairs and were led into an open mezzanine area with plenty of exhibits on the history of Rockefeller Center. Of course, there was a backdrop set-up with photographers for the tourists to recreate the famous photo of the construction workers sitting on a beam.
We quickly bypassed them and headed to the lines. Luckily, there weren’t that many people since we came on a Tuesday morning. There were seats and restroom facilities in this area too.
The lines were separated into 3 sections all facing a giant screen to watch videos relating to Rockefeller Center. I was only able to see one of the three videos since my kids chose this time for a bathroom break. After each video was finished, a group was released to go to the elevators.
We had to line up again to get on the elevator which went pretty quickly. The elevator ride to the 67th floor was quite interesting with some sort of light show up above. The elevator opened into a gorgeous view of Central Park before us and a gift shop that led us into an indoor viewing area.
There were three levels on the observation deck with the 70th floor completely open to enjoy the surrounding panoramic views and city skyline. It was such a beautiful and clear day in the high 70s that we could see for miles. One of the best things about this deck was the unobstructed view of Central Park. You can see its immense size and was stunning with the leaves changing colors at this time.
We had a clear view of the Empire State Building but an obstructed view of the Chrysler Building. The safety glass enclosure on the other levels also provided plenty of viewing areas. I would love to come back here during sunset to see the city transform and enjoy all the city lights.
Although a bit pricey, we highly recommend going to Top of the Rock for a different perspective on the city. New York city offers the city pass which includes this attraction among others for a great deal if you have time to visit at least six attractions.
Website: Top of the Rock NYC
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza – Entrance on 50th Street Phone: 212.698.2000
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