Editor's note: This article was updated on October 7, 2024.

Top of the Rock offers the best views of NYC from high above. Seventy floors up in the sky and it's like you can see the entire city, Long Island, and New Jersey all at once. Seeing these incredible vistas is as easy as traveling to Rockefeller Center and buying a ticket to Top of the Rock.

Before you go, it’s helpful to understand a bit of the building’s history.

When the RCA Building (now known as 30 Rock) opened in 1933, the Observation Deck was the first attraction to open to the public. Inspired by a luxury cruise liner, it had Adirondack chairs, potted evergreens, and an outdoor refreshment bar. It became an instant sensation, drawing 1,300 visitors a day. The deck was closed in 1986, but, after extensive refurbishing inside and out, reopened as Top of the Rock on November 1, 2005.

In 2019, Rockefeller Center started a five-year revitalization of its entire 22-acre campus; it ushered in a host of new attractions and offerings to the already celebrated urban oasis. Two of the most notable additions — Skylift and The Beam — can be found at the all-new Top of the Rock, sending its visitors on one-of-a-kind, sky-high adventures.

Occupying the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors (the last two are open-air), Top of the Rock offers jaw-dropping, 360-degree sights — including an aerial view of Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and even the Statue of Liberty.

A few famous faces have been spotted on the rooftop of 30 Rock over the years. From the early days, you can see Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly singing "New York, New York" in 1949's On the Town. Jimmy Fallon, Jon Hamm, Cameron Diaz, and U2 have also all taken in the views a time or two. Not to mention the countless Instagrams starring people from all over the world…

To make sure you get your own picture-perfect visit at Top of the Rock, read on for a handful of helpful tips and links.

What to Know Before Visiting Top of the Rock

Tip #1: Buy your Top of the Rock tickets ahead of time.

The easiest and most efficient way to buy tickets is online. Top of the Rock tickets include reserved entry, so you can pick a time that fits your schedule — an essential around the holidays. While you can’t select an arrival time with the Express Pass, it does guarantee expedited entry and a discount to the Top of the Rock Shop. To make the most out of what Rockefeller Center has to offer, consider purchasing the VIP Pass, which includes a guided tour of Top of the Rock and private Beam and Skylift experiences.

If you're already at Rockefeller Center and your visit to Top of the Rock is more of a spontaneous one, enter at 50th Street and proceed downstairs to the box office. Credit card and cash are both accepted. If you obtained tickets through a third-party voucher, or if you're having any issues with your already-purchased tickets, head straight to the Will Call desk, located just inside the main entrance on 50th Street. Don't worry about getting lost — Top of the Rock staff are available to direct you to all of these locations, and guide you through the various ticket options.

Tip #2: Enter on 50th Street.

With tickets in hand, head to the main Top of the Rock entrance on 50th Street at your appointed time. Top of the Rock is stroller-friendly (as long as it's collapsible), and fully wheelchair accessible. If you’re on 6th Avenue, look for the Radio City Music Hall marquee, and then for the red carpet outside the main doors. While you admire the sparkling chandelier that's the centerpiece of the grand atrium lobby, be prepared for a security checkpoint; it should only take a few minutes.

Your visit officially starts inside the new Welcome Gallery, where you'll walk through an exhibition about Rockefeller Center's rich and storied development. There are a handful of unique photo opportunities, and you’ll even get to see a short film about the history of Rockefeller Center. As you take the elevator to the top, hold on for the ride of your life. We won’t give away any spoilers… Just make sure to look up.

Tip #3: Time your Top of the Rock visit properly.

When's the best time to visit Top of the Rock? The most popular is sunset, of course; there’s nothing more magical than watching the city lights start to illuminate. If you’re trying to beat the crowds, our Top of the Rock insider told us that the best options are either right at opening (9am) or late at night (8pm onward) any day of the week. You'll have a more private experience in the morning, but evenings feature Skylift’s stunning light show.

Tip #4: Go all the way up to the top.

Top of the Rock is a three-level observation deck; the lower two floors have protective glass while the topmost level offers 360-degree, unobstructed views. Give yourself at least 45 minutes to enjoy the views in all directions, and bring quarters for the viewfinders. When you're done, factor in a few extra minutes to get back down to the lobby. You'll be dropped off at the Rink Level Gift Shop, where you can pick up your photos before heading to Under 30 Rock for food, shopping, or ice skating at The Rink (depending on the season), and more.

Tip #5: Stop by The Weather Room.

On Top of the Rock’s 67th floor, you’ll find The Weather Room, a café and bar in the clouds. Named after the Doppler radar that once sat on the roof of 30 Rock, it’s an indoor viewing space where you can soak in the sights while sipping a cocktail or two. The Weather Room’s menu features quintessential New York eats like bagels, artisanal sandwiches, and freshly baked desserts.

Tip #6: Make time for The Beam.

The Beam challenges visitors to summon the courage of those who built Rockefeller Center. Taking guests on an exhilarating ascent 12 feet above the deck, The Beam delivers unparalleled views of the city below. It’s a daring recreation of “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper,” the iconic 1932 photo depicting 11 ironworkers lunching precariously on a steel beam during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The experience is included in the VIP Pass, but visitors can also add The Beam to their General Admission or Express Pass tickets.

Tip #7: Don’t miss out on Skylift.

Skylift is a brand-new experience at Top of the Rock, and it’s one you absolutely can’t miss. As Skylift’s glass platform revolves 360 degrees and rises 900 feet above street level, you’ll be treated to the only fully panoramic view of NYC. And if you’re there around sunset, you might catch Skylift’s nighttime light show, a technicolor display that shines throughout the city. Like The Beam, Skylift is included in the VIP Pass and can be added to General Admission or Express Pass tickets.

Related: Your Guide to Skylift, the Newest Addition to Top of the Rock

Tip #8: Bring your memories home with you.

Photos are one of the most popular keepsakes, but there's more memorabilia to explore. The Top of the Rock Shop has everything from t-shirts and tote bags to mugs and magnets.

Tip #9: Stay informed with our Top of the Rock FAQs.

It’s always best to plan ahead. For any other questions you might have, our FAQ page has all the answers, along with tips, directions, ticket information, and everything else you need to know to get the most out of your visit.

Top of the Rock is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Find the entrance on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It’s open daily from 8am to midnight; last entry is at 11:10pm. Tickets can be purchased here.