Top of the Rock Observation Deck

By alantvuong on October 8, 2020

I have been continuing to look back at my past trips since covid doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon, and can’t believe that it’s been 10 years since I visited New York City. A buddy and I went in August 2010 and one of the attractions that we went to was the Top of the Rock Observation Deck located in the Rockefeller Center. Over the past decade, I have continued to visit so many tall towers and observation decks that it’s hard to remember which one that I like best.

Getting There

we went to Pop Tarts World first

We were staying at Bryant Park Hotel which was located right beside the popular Bryant Park. The Rockefeller Center was about a 15 minute walk/stroll from our hotel, but we casually grabbed some lunch at the park, a couple cupcakes at Crumbs Bakeshop, and a quick visit at a Pop Tarts pop up store. These were all on the way towards the Rockefeller Center so it was all very convenient to do.

Crumbs Bakeshop has since closed down

Rockefeller Center

The Lego Store at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is a large complex of 19 buildings that includes a mix of office and retail that opened in 1939. We really enjoyed the massive Lego store that was on the main floor of one of the buildings. The store showed off giant Lego structures surrounded by color bricks and Lego sets everywhere.

excited to check this place out

About the Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock is a 3 level observation deck located on the 67th, 69th and 70th floor. It is located atop the Art Deco 30 Rockefeller Plaza building. It is 850 feet above ground and visitors must go through security before being allowed to enter. Lines can get really long to purchase tickets so it is recommended to buy them online in advance.

we get to watch a short video before taking the elevator up

After security, we get to see an exhibit all about the history of the Rockefeller Center, take a few pics and watch a short video before heading into the elevator. The elevator ride is just under 1 minute and has a glass ceiling that also include a quick light show with a few images and music.

glass ceiling and light show in the elevator

Observation Deck

Since there are 3 floors to the observation deck, each floor offers a different unique experience to them. Since it can get quite busy, I suggest going to the floor with the least amount of people first. There are many exciting views to be had including the Empire State Building, Chrysler building, Central Park and more.

outside observation deck

The views were amazing and really spectacular and it was great to see a 360 degree view of the city. There are binocular machines that require money to be used but we didn’t bother with them. There are 2 outside decks so dress accordingly as it can be really windy and cold so high up. Staff members were also helpful in identifying landmarks when we weren’t sure what we were looking at.

Central Park

Since we went early in the day and the weather was nice and clear, it was really easy for us to see everything. We were told that the views at night are spectacular too, so next time I would go just before the sun sets to enjoy both the day and the night views. We probably stayed at the Top of the Rock for about an hour which was plenty of enough time to see everything and visit the gift shop.

Empire State Building

We both really enjoyed our time at the Top of the Rock and it was quite wheelchair accessible. I was able to check out all 3 floors of the observation deck and liked how there was an indoor and an outdoor viewing areas. I would definitely come back next time I am in New York and would consider buying tickets bundled with other city attractions to get the best deal.