Top of the Rock
add photosIs your New York bold? Is it brilliant? Is it tranquil? Is it peaceful? Discover New York in all its forms from 70 stories up at Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Our high-speed shuttle sends you racing to the sky. Our dazzling multimedia history exhibits are a feast for the eyes and stimulate the minds of all ages. And then there's the view: the city's only crystal-clear, 360 degree experience of your New York.
8 Reviews for Top of the Rock
10
00 families found this helpful
"Great Views"
Take this trip upward to the Top! Parents will love the views and orientation. The children will love being up so high and the visit gives them freedom to explore. Purchase the photo the professional will take of the family. Do a crazy pose and wait for the photo to be displayed. You can spend as much time as you want and the hours are such to give you the time of day you want to make the trip.
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'11, '12, '130 families found this helpful
"Spectacular View of the City"
For a birds eye view of New York City, head to the Top of the Rock. It will offer you one of the best views you've ever seen.
We went up on a Saturday night and were very lucky to find it fairly empty with no lines (it can get quite crowded). Once at the top, you can enjoy three floors to view the city from. Removed from the noise and the constant pace of below, you can enjoy a peaceful moment and take the city in.
Being that we went up at night, we were treated to seeing Times Square all aglow, The Empire State Building lit in blue in honor of the Giants big day at the Superbowl the following day, bridges, and all the twinkling lights of New York.
My 8 year old daughter was mesmerized at this different take on visiting the city. She loved that rather than looking up at the buildings we were high enough to look down.
If you are going to be in the city for a few days, consider purchasing a New York Pass. Top of the Rock is one of the attractions in which you can gain admission.
0 families found this helpful
"Lines, even with reserved time slot"
We did not know what to expect. We had vouchers that were given to us by the Gramercy Park Hotel. We walked into Rockefeller Center, waited in line to redeem them, got our time and came back. But we didn't realize that the rest of the experience is series of lines before you can get to the top, even when you have an assigned time to enter. This isn't ideal when you have a 4-year-old on foot. At one point we were stopped in a section where they were showing a movie about the building. I just had no idea how much longer it would take to get to the top and my daughter was losing it. And guess what? There were more lines after this.
But, you really can't beat the view. It's 360 degrees and completely panoramic. We spent maybe 5 minutes up here taking photos. And then there was a line to get in the elevator to go down. The good news is that you do actually go straight down and out, once you're in the elevator.
I think the entire experience took a little over an hour. But that was a long time with a bored kid. I did enjoy walking through Rockefeller Center too.
1 family found this helpful
"Fantastic views, awesome elevator"
For my elevator-obsessed toddler boy, the Top of the Rock elevator was amazing. He enjoyed looking up at the lights and images on the ceiling of the elevator and riding quickly up to the top of Rockefeller. The views atop of Empire State and Central Park are absolutely breathtaking, even though it was raining when we went. We had gotten the ABC NYC book by Joanne Dugan recommended here on Trekaroo prior to our trip and my son enjoyed spotting all the water towers (for W) from so high up. Don't miss the sparkly wall and sculpture made of swarovski crystals while at the top.
1 family found this helpful
"Truly breathtaking!"
There's not much else to say besides breathtaking. I have always lived near the city, and it was not until a few years ago that I decided to do this. I was trying to get my children to love the city as much as me, and my youngest son asked me if we could "do the top of the rock". At first I was a little skeptical because I didn't know if he'd enjoy it, but it was truly amazing. I have never seen a better view of the city in my life and it was incredible that my youngest son chose a destination that not only left him speechless, but him as well!!!!
1 family found this helpful
"Agree Top of the Rock is better"
As a native New Yorker, I have to agree with the other 2 reviews. The location is far better and the view is also better. You actually have less barriers (though still safe) here than on the Empire State Building. The interactive lightroom is great. I have a pic and I wil lhave to try and post it. My youngest prefered the lights to the view...ahhh what does she know???
2 families found this helpful
"Better than the Empire State Building"
You can actually see all New York from up there and the Empire State Building as a bonus! The view is definitely worth it. Our family really had a nice time admiring New York. There was an interactive light room just before the observatory deck where we all had fun.
You can buy a combo ticket MOMA/Top of the Rock for $30 (for adults) and you do not have to visit the MOMA the same day. This offer is not valid online.
4 families found this helpful
"Top of Manhattan"
Instead of heading to the Empire State Building, consider visiting Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Plaza. Enter on 50th between 5th and 6th and head up 70 floors to the top. Three levels of viewing and two levels with outdoor viewing lend this attraction to the best views of Manhattan. Why is it better then the Empire State Building? It's in a slightly better location of midtown, you can see the Empire State Building (instead of standing at the top of it) against the skyline, you can see Central Park, and so much more. Order your tickets in advance online and you can skip ahead in the ticket lines. Wait is not too long to get to the top and bathrooms exist all along the attraction. Children under 6 are free. Open 365 days a year. Entire tour can take anywhere from one to two hours. This is one of our favorite stops in the city for all ages! When you are done, you can enjoy Rockefeller Plaza and there is an abundance of eateries available.
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