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Top of the Rock Description

The views are arguably just as good or better from the Top of the Rock observation deck as they are from the Empire State Building, with shorter waits and smaller crowds at the top. Plus, before or after you ascend to the deck you can explore Rockefeller Center itself, taking a whirl on the ice skating rink (winter only) or waving "Hi Mom!" signs during filming for NBC's "Today" show on the plaza. And of course, Christmas brings one of the most celebrated Yule trees in the world.

Planning Notes

"Look! Is that Meredith Vieira?" You might say something like that when you hang out at Rockefeller Center. People-watching is half the fun, and looking for celebrities makes it extra spicy.

Food options for everyone. There are two restaurants at the level of the skating rink (you descend in a glass elevator), but they're pricey and often crowded. Instead, grab sandwiches at a deli and sit at one of the many benches and seats around the center and see who can spot the most celebrities.

Make it a two-for-one (almost). It costs a bit more, but you can buy (at the box office) a Sunset Ticket, which allows you two trips to the observation deck -- one during the day and a second at or after sunset, when the city really sparkles (adult sunset ticket $29.80; child sunset ticket $12.19).

Reviews of Top of the Rock

Highlight of our visit

By GreenMomNY May 12, 2008 | Westchester, New York

Toddlers & Pre-K

School-Age Kids

What we loved:
Amazing views, uncrowded, super fast getting to the top

What we didn't love:
A little pricey... but still so worth it

I took my niece 7 and nephew 10 to Top of the Rock, and it was definitely one of the highlights of their trip. We went at the end of a long few days of seeing sights around the city mostly going from place to place on foot, and they were astounded to be able to point out many of the places wed been suddenly the Manhattan map wed been referring to over and over really made sense!. My nephew was the master navigator of our trip, so he especially loved seeing the grid of streets from so high up. My daughter 3 at the time was mesmerized by the view-finders bring quarters, especially because they could be swiveled around to look at the other visitors! The views were unbelievable, and the process of getting to the top was infinitely faster and much more entertaining for all of us than for the Empire State Building. My only regret is that we didnt go back for the sunset... next time! Read More