Empire State Building is not the only skyscraper with a viewing platform overlooking Manhattan; there is also the Rockefeller Center complex. The dominant part of this 19-building complex is the 853 ft tall 30 Rockefeller Plaza, home to the Top of the Rock observation deck. Compared to the Empire State Building, it is located closer to Central Park, making many visitors consider its view even better.
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How to Visit Top of the Rock for Views of Manhattan and Central Park
The Top of the Rock observation deck on the 70th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza consists of three platforms, offering a 360° panoramic view of all of New York. Unlike the Empire State Building, it provides a clear view not only of Manhattan but also the entire Central Park.
🗺️ How to Get to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck
You can find Rockefeller Center and the Top of the Rock observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan. The nearest subway station is 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr, served by the orange B, D, F, and M lines.
The entrance to the building is on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.
🕒 Top of the Rock Opening Hours
The Top of the Rock observation deck is open daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM, with the last elevator going up at 11:10 PM. Opening hours may change throughout the year, so it is best to check in advance when planning your visit. Expect to spend about an hour at the observation deck.
🎟️ Tickets for the Top of the Rock Observation Deck
The ticket price for the Top of the Rock observation deck is $39 for adults, $33 for children aged 6 to 12, and $37 for seniors aged 62 and older. The prices were last verified on March 4, 2025.
You can purchase tickets online, ensuring a reserved entry time and the option to reschedule in case of bad weather.
If you are planning to visit the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Statue of Liberty, consider purchasing the New York Pass or the New York CityPASS. With a single purchase, you gain access to multiple attractions.
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The History of Rockefeller Center in New York
The Rockefeller Center complex was developed by the famous and wealthy Rockefeller family. Oil magnate John D. Rockefeller, with a fortune estimated at $200 billion, is still considered the richest person in history, despite having passed away in 1937. His son, John D. Rockefeller Jr., financed the Rockefeller Center project.
Initial plans for Rockefeller Center emerged in 1928, but actual construction began the following year, even before the stock market crash on October 24, 1929. The crash forced John D. Rockefeller Jr. to finance most of the project himself, with limited contributions from other investors and banks.
He remained committed, and in 1930, construction of the complex officially began, featuring buildings designed in the Art Deco architectural style. Over nine years, 40,000 workers were involved in the project.
The estimated cost of building Rockefeller Center was $250 million at the time, which is equivalent to $5,839,540,000 in 2025. Out of the 19 commercial buildings that make up Rockefeller Center, two are particularly well known.
🏙️ 30 Rockefeller Plaza
The 70-story skyscraper, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, is the central building of Rockefeller Center. Until 2015, it was known as the GE Building, named after the global conglomerate General Electric.
Most of the tower is occupied by offices of the NBC television network, and it also houses Christie’s auction house. Due to its address, the building is commonly referred to as 30 Rock, a name many will recognize from the popular TV series 30 Rock, which aired from 2006 to 2013 and was set in this very building.
During the construction of Rockefeller Center, the famous photograph Lunch atop a Skyscraper was taken on September 20, 1932, showing a group of workers sitting on a steel beam high above the ground.
🏙️ Radio City Music Hall
The Radio City Music Hall building, with its iconic neon-covered façade, has long served as a cultural hub of New York City. When it opened on December 27, 1932, it housed what was then the largest indoor theater in the world, featuring 5,933 seats. The building’s interior was designated a city landmark as early as 1978.
Radio City Music Hall is also home to several NBC television studios. If you purchase a New York Pass, you can take a free tour of the building and the famous concert hall.
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Rockefeller Center Ice Rink
The tradition of New York City’s outdoor ice rink dates back to 1936. The attraction on Sunken Plaza was created almost by accident when the management of the adjacent Rockefeller Center sought to attract more visitors to the area.
The ice rink quickly became highly popular among visitors, leading to its annual construction. The Rink at Rockefeller Center typically opens in October and operates until April, depending on weather conditions. The rink, measuring 121 ft × 60.0 ft, is open from 7:00 AM to midnight, though operating hours may vary throughout the season.
Skating sessions last 90 minutes. For example, you can purchase a ticket for Monday at 8:30 AM and skate until 10:00 AM. Admission prices for the 2024/2025 season range from $21.00 to $114, depending on the time of day, excluding tax. Skate rentals cost $11.00.
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Interesting Facts About Rockefeller Center
🎄 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Rockefeller Center is home to a tradition spanning over 90 years—the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, which takes place at the beginning of December. This event is a significant cultural occasion and is broadcast live by local television networks.
The tree is always transported to the site overnight under police escort to minimize disruptions to New York City traffic. The first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lit in 1931 by construction workers building the skyscraper.
🎌 Flags at Rockefeller Center
The Lower Plaza features a striking display of 193 flags. Until 2020, these were the flags of United Nations member countries. However, the display has since changed, and now the flags rotate as part of various campaigns.
💡 More Fun Facts
Near the entrance to Rockefeller Center, close to the ice rink, stands a massive bronze statue of Prometheus, created by sculptor Paul Manship in 1934. Across all Rockefeller Center buildings, approximately 300 elevators are in operation.
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Photos of Rockefeller Center
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