Top of the Rock Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Top of the Rock. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• New York Icon Photography Tour Led by a Local Photographer

• City of Contrasts Tour—Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn

• VIP Rock Pass: Includes SKYLIFT, Beam, Rooftop Garden

• Rockefeller Center Walking Tour With Optional Top of the Rock

• Top of the Rock Observation Deck New York City Ticket

Top of the Rock ticket prices vary depending on demand for specific time slots. Tickets start from US$42 for adults (anyone aged 13–61), US$40 for seniors aged 62 and over, and US$36 for children aged 6–12. The Skylift and the Beam cost an additional US$15 each for all ages. There are also express and VIP options.

Yes, Top of the Rock is well worth visiting. With sweeping 360-degree views of the NYC skyline—including the iconic Empire State Building—it's arguably the city's premier observation deck. The Beam even lets you recreate the 1930s photo Lunch Atop a Skyscraper, which was taken as the workers built what is now 30 Rock. Booking VIP tickets that include fast-track entry can make a lot of sense at busy times of year.

Per one customer who booked the Top of the Rock Observation Deck New York City Ticket, "We were last at Top of the Rock about 15-16 years ago, and it was an elevator ride and a photo backdrop. Today, it's been built into an entire experience that absolutely justifies the ticket price. It's well staffed with informed, friendly people and the crowd is well controlled—and this is during Xmas week!"

Yes. You can buy entry tickets on the day, but buying your tickets ahead of time online will save you waiting in line. When prebooking online, you can select your preferred day and time slot. Alternative ticket options let you arrive anytime on a chosen day, and enjoy immediate entry even if sold out.

While there are no limits on how long you can spend at the Top of The Rock, most people find around one hour is enough to appreciate the panoramic views from the three observatories. With time for security checks and elevator lines, you can expect to stay around two hours.

The observatories are open from morning until late at night, with the last entry an hour before closing. Visiting near opening or closing time lets you enjoy the views relatively quietly. That said, sunset visits can be extra special, with Manhattan’s sometimes red-and-pink skies providing a magical backdrop—expect to share the spectacle with big crowds.

The Top of the Rock is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza—you enter through its main doors on 50th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. If you’re approaching via 5th Avenue, walk past the famous Rockefeller Plaza and look for the entrance’s red sidewalk carpet. The nearest subway station is 47th-50th Street Rockefeller Center.

No. The Rockefeller Center isn’t included in Top of the Rock tickets. However, the ground floor, plaza, and gardens of the art-deco skyscraper are free to enter. To see and learn more, consider booking a Rockefeller Center tour or a Rock Pass, which combines a tour with Top of the Rock entry.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Top of the Rock. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in New York City:

• Statue of Liberty

• Empire State Building

• Central Park

• Ellis Island

• National September 11 Memorial and Museum

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in New York City.