Top of the Rock Guide – Tickets, Best Views, Timing, Tips

Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center gives you NYC in 360° — Central Park to the north, the Empire State Building and One World to the south, rivers on both sides, and the rare gift of a glass-free top platform on the 70th floor.

TL;DR

• Buy timed entry; arrive 15–20 minutes early.
• For sunset, enter 45–60 minutes before posted sunset.
• Visit all three levels; finish on the open-air 70th.
• Photographers: bring a microfiber cloth; no tripods.

Quick Facts

• Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza (Midtown Manhattan)
• Levels: 67th (indoor + windows), 69th (outdoor + glass panels), 70th (open-air, glass-free)
• Typical visit: 60–90 minutes; serious photographers often stay ~2 hours
• Best pairings: Rockefeller Plaza, Radio City Music Hall exterior, Fifth Ave stroll, St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Heads-up: Ticketing and last entry times vary seasonally. Always confirm the latest schedule before you go.

Tickets, Passes, and Smart Picks

Checklist before you book:

• Do you want sunset or blue hour?
• Are you visiting on a holiday/weekend? Consider VIP.
• Need flexibility? Choose a Flexible Date ticket or a city pass.

Pro Tip: For sunset, book a slot that scans 45–60 minutes before the official sunset. This captures golden hour, sunset, and blue hour.

Getting There (Transit + Entrances)

• Subway: B/D/F/M → 47–50 St Rockefeller Center; N/Q/R/W → 49 St; 1 → 50 St
• Buses: M5, M7, M50, M57 (confirm schedules)
• Entrances: Staffed, well-signed. Ask for the Top of the Rock elevator flow; it’s straightforward.

Walking Times

• Times Square → Rockefeller Center: ~15 minutes via 6th Ave
• Grand Central → Rockefeller Center: ~15–20 minutes via 5th Ave

Floor-by-Floor Guide

67th — Settle In (Indoors)

• Warm in winter; great acclimation space.
• Photo scouting: frame through windows for symmetric patterns.
• Restrooms and brief breaks often easiest here.

69th — Play With Glass (Outdoor + Panels)

• The glass can create reflections and bokeh; wipe as needed.
• Use gaps between panels to avoid reflections on longer lenses.
• Wind protection here is better than the top level.

70th — Open-Air Crown (Glass-Free)

• Clean horizon lines; classic Empire State framing.
• Best for minimal, timeless skyline images.
• Expect more wind exposure — layer up in cooler months.

What to See — A Curated Dozen

1. Central Park’s green sweep to the north
2. Empire State Building centered to the south
3. Hudson and East Rivers defining Manhattan’s silhouette
4. Midtown canyon perspectives along Sixth Avenue
5. One Vanderbilt and the Chrysler Building’s spire
6. Times Square cluster toward the west
7. Glass-panel reflections (69th) for dreamy overlays
8. Open-air (70th) for glass-free portraits and horizons
9. Seasonal light: snow-blue winter, warm golden fall
10. Art deco stonework details along railings and ledges
11. Binoculars for quick landmark orientation
12. The color shift from sunset to blue hour

Crowd Strategy and Timing

• Morning: Crisp air, calmer vibe, lovely north views over the park.
• Sunset: Arrive early; rotate levels for angles as the light changes.
• Holidays/Weekends: Consider VIP to smooth queues.
• Weather: Watch the radar; re-entry/rescheduling may help during showers.

Insider Tip: If a corner is busy, move and circle back. Traffic often loosens in 3–5 minutes.

Photographer’s Corner

• Lenses: 24–35mm (context), 50mm (classic skyline), 85–135mm (details)
• Settings (starting points):
  • Day: ISO 100–400, f/5.6–8, 1/250–1/800
  • Blue hour: ISO 200–800, f/4–5.6, 1/100–1/320
  • Night: ISO 800–1600, f/2.8–4, 1/60–1/160
• No tripods; use stone ledges and brace elbows for stability.

Sample 60–90 Minute Itinerary

1. 0–10 min: Enter and acclimate on 67th; quick window frames.
2. 10–35 min: 69th for glass reflections; frame south toward Empire State.
3. 35–75 min: 70th for open-air hero shots; rotate north/south/east/west.
4. 75–90 min: Optional return to 69th for blue-hour reflections.

Common Mistakes (And Easy Fixes)

• Booking exact sunset time → Book 45–60 minutes earlier.
• Staying on one level → Visit all three; the 70th is essential.
• Packing bulky gear → Travel light; bring a microfiber cloth.

Nearby Pairings (Walkable)

• Rockefeller Plaza and Prometheus statue
• Radio City Music Hall (exterior)
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Fifth Avenue storefronts and seasonal displays

FAQs

• How long should I plan? → 60–90 minutes. Photographers: up to 2 hours.
• Is re-entry allowed? → Policies vary; check the day-of rules.
• Best level for kids? → Start on 67th (indoors), then brief visits to 69th/70th.

Bottom Line

Buy timed entry, arrive early, and don’t stop until you reach the open-air 70th. Rotate levels as the light changes and you’ll come home with iconic NYC frames.