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155 reviews for Top of the Rock
One of Top of the Rock's Favorite Reviews What's This?
THE ABSOLUTE MOST AMAZING VIEWS OF NYC!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, so forget the Empire State Building all together....at Top of the Rock you can see EVERYTHING (including the ESB) with so much better views and less crowds. It was so worth the $18 to get to the top. We had done ESB the last time we were in NYC, but this time, we did it right. From start to finish....the whole Rockefellar experience was much more classy, less stressful, and relaxing. we had the whole elevator to ourselves (unlike ESB, where we were literally packed in like sardines). it was amazing. the views were terrific.....we went around 8:30 pm and stayed until closing.....seriously, we didn't want to leave. we had a beautiful view to the north and central park, the south, with a perfect view of the ESB. the whole experience was much more professional and worth every penny. the tourists above were much more laid-back and you can tell they enjoyed every minute....just as we did. no pushing, no shoving....no small walkways....it was a perfect delight being up there and seeing the greatest city in the world from above.
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BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF NYC!!! I'm not kidding! The view of central park is awesome (especially early fall when the leaves are changing color)! The view of Manhattan is beautiful (go at night to see all the twinkling lights)! Definitely a must-see for tourists and NYC natives alike!!
The best part is the observation deck is surrounded by thick glass, not linked-fence type of crap. Your view is un-obstructed. Awesome opportunities for photographers to get some amazing shots! The highest level is surrounded by a short fence without any glass around the top portion so you can get an optimal view! (Don't worry, the highest level [70th floor I think] sits about 10ft in from the rest of the building on all sides so it's not dangerous to be near the edge.)
The $20 price tag is very fair considering you can stay up there as long as you'd like. Plus there are three levels, all with outdoor observation decks. The best option is to spend $30 on the "Sunrise/Sunset" ticket so you can go in the morning & evening!
Seriously the view you get at Top of the Rock is unmatched by any other building in NY (including the Empire State building)!
I was excited to go to the Top of the Rock and I'm glad I did, despite the $20 admission to go up. I liked how to get to The Top you must walk through the Rockefeller Center, which is chock full of shops and eats galore. That's an experience in itself I tell ya.
The Top of the Rock consists of 3 observation decks on various levels - it's nice to be able to see the city from each of the 3 levels. My favorite scene was of Central Park, which you cannot see from the Empire State Building. It's also nice to be able to SEE the Empire State Building too (can't really do that from the Empire State either, hahaa).
They did a great job explaining the history of the Rockefeller Center, and the Elevator you ride going up is pretty cool too because it flashes various scenes on the elevator ceiling so you feel like you're in some sort of twilight zone. Definitely worth at least one visit. I can't quite decide if this is better of the Empire State, they're about equal to me.
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After three unrelated people told me that I needed to go to the Top of the Rock on my NYC trip, I figured I should listen. Glad I did.
While the Empire State Building is taller (meaning a more sprawling view), Top of the Rock gives you the chance to actually HAVE Empire State Building in your pictures, which in my opinion gives a more quintessential NYC cityscape.
We went on Labor Day before our flight out. Perfect viewing weather. Minimal line. Three floors for observation gave me the opportunity to take a whole mess of pictures---easily 30 pictures, even some panorama pics. I loved being able to center my views of downtown with ESB in the center. Absolutely worth the stop.
We paid 20 dollars and it was worth it!
Today was our 2nd anniversary and we didn't want to spent that much money, and we thought this would be a good place to go for our anniversary and it was!!!
It was just beautiful, I am glad i went there, i really loved it and enjoyed it!!!!
You can't miss this even if you are a new yorker!! Trust me its worth it!!!
Go for sundown- go early- wear a coat (No I'm not your mother but it gets chilly up there!)- relax on a bench until the sun starts to set- and then smush-forward for the best view of your city aglow. Seriously- do this- it is magical.
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Before my trip to New York, I scanned the internet for the best place to get a skyscraper view of the world's most famous city.
I learned that the Chrysler Building once had an open observation deck, but it had closed long ago. In fact, it seems many buildings invited the public inside to share their rich interiors and legendary views, but those days are long gone now - such a shame.
Still, there's the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. Having never stayed in New York City before, I was happy to learn of a low stress and affordable alternative to the ESB. In fact, going to the Top of the Rock gives you a terrific view of the ESB, and the rest Manhattan.
5 stars - NYC is so beautiful, so impressive...a living monument to the 20th century. Who knows what the 21st will bring...perhaps you will travel to the Top of the Rock and catch a glimpse for yourself. Go!
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After having done the Empire State Building's 86th Floor Observation Deck the day before, I wasn't keen on doing what I thought would be a very similar experience; I was wrong.
The 'Top of the Rock' tour, although still somewhat Disney Worldesque in the manner in which they move people through long lines, does an excellent job of sharing the building and centers rich history with guests. There are wonderful photographs, stories, and artifacts that hold a guests interest while waiting. In addition, unlike the Empire State Building, guests are treated to short video clips that help to bring the complex's soul to life.
The views, although similar to those at the Empire State Building, offer visitors three levels of observation, one of which is wind buffeted by large plates of glass. Additionally, Central Park to the North is something that can't be seen from the ESB.
If I had to pick where to spend the $20 admission, this would definitely be my choice.
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It was here where I saw the most incredible and breath taking views of the city! I was interested on learning the more historical aspect of it. They did have you watch a short video clip on it while waiting to board the elevators but i guess you're on your own to do your own research for details. The elevators had you up there in no time and seeing the world famous skylines and skyscrapers with views of Central Park was thrilling. The $2 maps were interesting as it identifies key buildings and point of interests within the city. For $2 why not as it's all part of the experience. I would have originally thought the Empire State Building would have the most amazing views but I was told by a NY friend this was the spot to visit. Her recommendation definately did not disappoint.
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Lovely, just like the other yelpers have outlined.
If you are reading these reviews to chose between the TOTR or the Empire State Building, let me explain why you should go to the ESB.
TOP OF THE ROCK vs. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING:
- The views from the Empire State Building really are much better. The vantage point from the ESB is that you are soaring over NYC. You can see how vast it is, you are on top of it. From the TOTR you are still in NYC. Yes, the views are still incredible but you are not above it all, just most of it.
- The TOTR has glass on 2 of the levels that protect you from the wind and the ESB does not. The ESB has this wiring that is sorta annoying but the openings are big enough to take photos.
- They both charge $20
- The TOTR experience is more pleasant because you have the option of watching a historic video and they don't try to sell you a bunch of upgrades.
All of that being said, we are going up there for the views and the ESB has better views.
'nuff said. (from a former tourista and a current resident of NYC)
This really has to the be best attraction in the city. The views from here are panty dropiing awesome. You get a great view of the park, the GW Bridge, LGA and the NJ Palisades to the North. South you get to see all of midtown, the ESB, and Downtown.
I was lucky enough to go on a clear day and I would see for miles. I could even make out the two Ritz-Carlton Towers in White Plains. This is something everyone, yes even new yorkers should experience.
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Sometimes I like to get my 'tourist' on. I've been to NYC more times than I can count on my hands and toes but I never went up any buildings. After doing my research I found out that this is the place to go for one of the best views of the city.
For $18 bucks or so you get to go up to the top of rockefeller. What is great is that there is more than one floor and also an air conditioned inside part. This was useful since it was hot as hell outside to come in for a little break. I'm sure its cool in the winter as well. As an avid amatuer photographer I was very pleased that they had a 360 degree view of the city as well. You get an amazing view of central park, plus you can see cool buildings like the empire state building. Its nice to be outside and experience the breeze, and its good for your photos because you can find space between the glass and take pictures unobstructed.
Highly recommend coming.
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WAY better than empire state building. I've been to both during the evening. I think at ESB, you're too high up in the sky and you can barely see anything down bellow. TOTR also has photographers at the top. And, there aren't that many people/tourists here, so you won't be standing in lines to buy the ticket, or riding the elevator. it also makes for better pictures when there aren't 100 people in the background.
there are some serious views of this outstanding, sprawling and dense city from up on that rock. if you have twenty bucks you might as well be a super tourist, like me, and indulge yourself in the scenery from above~!
the journey up to the top is pleasant and filled with history videos, tons of photos and info, and lots of beautiful artwork. the elevators are super high speed and get you to the top in no time. the ceilings on the elevators are clear and there is a whole light show and photo montage/video they play for you on your short trip up.
we went on an extremely sunshiny, clear day [yay!]. it was a sunday and the crowds were minimal. there is a ton of space to get good pics from up on the observation deck and a few telescopes to enhance the already enjoyable vistas.
it's fun being so high up in the sky and to tell you the truth, i think i was mostly happy to actually be able to see so much of the sky for the first time in four days!
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A must-see for any tourist. We went on a Friday afternoon. No crazy lines like Empire State. Nor that ugly metal grille ruining all pictures. Incredible views.
There were many things I wanted to do on my trip to NYC, but between trains randomly deciding to go somewhere else at the last possible second, an outdated and poorly marked map of an old cemetery, and just plain lack of time, it was impossible to do it all. However, I was determined to go to the top of some tall building somewhere, and I didn't care (too much) how much it cost or where exactly it was, so before I left for the airport I made my way here.
My initial thought was to go to that other famous tall building that lets you pay to go up an elevator to the top, but between Yelp reviews and a $2 off coupon (making it $18 instead of $20), I figured this was the better bet. Granted, the Empire State Building is taller, but at that height, what's 30 stories?
The ceiling of the elevator acts as a transparent screen - ads for NBC are played while music booms in the background, and you can actually see the elevator rushing toward the top of the shaft, which is illuminated by little blue lights. Once at the top, you can go on either side of the building and get a perfect panoramic view of the city. If you're feeling up to it, you can also go to the upper deck using the escalator, and if you're really, really up for it, the stairs to the upper, upper deck where the only thing up there is a couple of antenna-looking things and rails to prevent you from careening into one of the lower decks.
It was a little annoying paying $2 for the map that tells you where everything is, but it was money well spent - besides, if you're going to spend that much on an elevator ride, you may as well know what you're looking at once you get up there. There are also combo tickets available, so if you go earlier in your trip and plan on going to the Met, MOMA, or someplace similar, it's worth checking out the deals.
I don't know that I'll go back here the next time I'm in the city (which I'm planning to do next year), but it's definitely recommended if you're craving an amazing view.
4.5 stars.
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Screw Mount Everest. The Top of the Rock is the top of the world. The best view of the greatest city on Earth, unless you count Las Vegas, but in my book Vegas is in Heaven (or Hell?).
Just look at the pictures. It is even more breathtaking in person.
Okay so you pay like 25.00 pp.
Take the elevator to the TOP and walk around for 2 minutes and our done. WOW what a way to get people.
Absolutely nothing to do up there and nothing to see.
Why would you go to Empire State Building to see views of NYC?
Then you wouldn't be able to see THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING!!!!!!!!!!!!
did you ever think of that?
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The cost: I was pretty hesitant to pay $18 for postcard views of a city I didn't know well, but my friend wanted to come here. As jaded as I am about these things, I'm pretty glad I made the trip.
Staff: Security was pleasant and quick. It was simpler than airport security, but they do scan your bags and have you walk through a metal detector. People were stationed throughout the hallways to clarify that you didn't actually have to read all the museum bits on the walls... but why not? You already paid to go in, and there's no time limit.
The view: New York is as stunning as I remember, although I think I took it for granted. I wasn't blown away by the lack of ugly fencing, like the other Yelpers here. I wish I'd gotten the $2 map (or even known about it) since I don't know the city enough to recognize anything besides Central Park, Times Square, and the Chrysler building.
Photos: They have you pose in front of a cheesy backdrop and give you a little card to identify your picture in case you want to buy it as you leave. There are also photographers stationed throughout the three observation decks, offering to take pictures of you in various poses.
Of course, the privilege of a (5" x 7"?) larger photo of your awkward grinning self sets you back $20... or you can pay $25 and get four wallet-sized pictures and some cheap magnetic photo frames. I'm glad I sprung for these because my own pictures turned out so badly, but isn't this a little expensive?
In summary, it's a great experience. It costs a little extra, but you might find it worthwhile.
$18-20 admission (timed tickets = shorter waits!)
$20-25 souvenir photos
$2 map of the city
$0.50 per telescope use
... and in our case, $15 for lunch for two since we forgot to eat beforehand and were starving by the time the elevators dumped us in the basement of Rockefeller Center. (Sigh.)
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These reviews have it, forget Empire State Building, TOTR is it.
Great views, plenty of space, time and enough space to to take pictures.
I recommend everyone do this once, definitely take or suggest this to your out of town friends.
PS. This building is a work of art, it was the intention of the Rockefeller's to make a work of art (at least that is what I understood from the video at the beginning of the tour).
I got turned around in the hallways as I was leaving (i think I took several rights, :) ) but the exit that I left through was just the most gorgeous marble (?) walls and columns I had ever seen. The architecture, design, and quality-of-finish of this building will never be duplicated, ever.
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TOP OF THE ROCK v. EMPIRE STATE
Dude, listen to all the other Yelpers AND Heidi C. and do TOP OF THE ROCK. I went to the Empire 5 years back and it was way too high to enjoy everything. From the top of the rock, you have an awesome view of Central Park, Manhattan, and especially the Empire State. You can see the statue from there too.
You have 3 levels of viewing awesome-ness. The first one doesn't make a complete circle around the building. You have glass panels blocking. The 2nd floor you have glass panels as well but it goes around the whole top. The 3rd floor is a bit more cramped b/c everyone goes here. There's no glass panels. Just you, the wind, and concrete cement wall waist-high blocking you from falling. I LOVED IT. Totally trumps the Empire State viewing deck. Plus the Empire has fencing all around. Fence? Ew. Gross.
No student discounts (I asked...even though I'm not a student, hehe).
Adult: $20/each
DO IT. FORGET THE EMPIRE STATE BLDG.
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you must do this.
no, really, shut up, do it.
this is the best view in NYC. i could spend all day up there!
the best part is BEING ABLE TO SEE the Empire State Building, rather than being on it, which seems like a better concept.
Unbelievably better than the Empire State Building.
First of all, it's a little less expensive. Second, you're not treated like cattle and it doesn't take a lot of time to get to the top. Third, the views are equal, if not better - since you can see in to central park.
This is something that should not be missed if you're visiting NYC.
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I echo the previous review. Forget the ESB, I only take my guests to the Top of the Rock. If you buy your ticket online ahead of time, you can download an audio guide for your MP3 player and not worry about the line (though there really never is one). You can pick a time slot and just show up on or after it. The deal of buying a sunrise sunset ticket is great too b/c you can go twice!
* Always $18 if you buy online
* Never a line
* Not crazy crowded
* So much fun to see the ESB rather than being on it.
* Glass walls around the buildings THREE viewing levels (all incl. in your one ticket) is amazingly better than the ESB
* Do it!
I've saved the best for last. My favorite and most memorable destination in NYC: Top of the Rock @ the Rockefeller Center.
If you want an unforgettable view of NYC, come here right before sunset. A 2-level observation deck. No bars. No wires. Just glass panels.
Words cannot even begin to describe the spectacular sight.
As the sun slowly descended into the horizon, and the sky became a vibrant glow. It was BREATHTAKING.
As the sky darkened, and the city lights came to life. It was AMAZING.
For a hectic city like NYC, this is the place is to get away from it all. There was only a soft whisper amongst the crowd and camera-flashes trying to capture the beauty of the nightscape. It seemed like everyone there just wanted to take the moment in, and make it last.
I truly loved loved loved it here. My favorite spot. My favorite spot.
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Awesome experience! Much better view than Empire State Building! Gorgeous 360 degree views of Manhattan, including Central Park, which cannot be seen from the Empire State. I'm not sure how much it costs because I went for free, but whatever it is, it's totally worth it!
Fabulous views of the city! I've never gone to the top of the Empire State Building but the friend I was with had, and she preferred the view from the Rockefeller center. There was also practically no line, and we were in the elevator with three other people.
From the top you can see Central Park--gorgeous--the Empire State Building, and even the Statue of Liberty! It was definitely worth the $18 we paid to go up there. You can find people with coupons wandering around the Rockefeller Center or you can go online beforehand to print them out, I think.
I'm generally wary of tourist traps but this was an awesome experience.
If you royally screw up a first date with a girl and you are looking to attempt to redeem yourself on a second date, the date that she has so graciously decided to grant you...take her by surprise to the Top of the Rock.
You will become the romantic thoughtful hero of the day! So when you go in the kiss, by pressing her up against the glass with the view the city skyline as a backdrop...she will think she is the smartest woman in the world for saying yes to this second chance. Why?
Because the views from up there are BREATH-TAKING, far better than those offered from the top of Empire State Building. There is room to walk around and plenty of space to see the city from above. Plus you also get to see the dark outline of where Central Park lies amongst the rows of tall lit up buildings which is something the ESB doesn't offer. Its a must see view for visitors and natives alike!
Disclaimer (for second date hero wannabes): If you revert back to your snakey ways later in the night not even the previous Top of the Rock venture will save you...sorry buster!
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The weather cleared up a bit today so we headed to the Rock. The tour guide had recommended this over the Empire State Building as you can see the Empire State Building from the Rock.
Tickets were $20 per person but it's easy to find coupons for $2 off everywhere. There's not really much to see on the ground floor - a small presentation and 3 x 4minute films.
The trip to the top (67th floor) takes about 30 seconds. There are 3 observartion decks, 1 indoor and 2 outdoor but the view is pretty much the same.
Your get a great view of the Empire State Building though we lost its top to the fog today. Also a nice view of Central Park the other way. A good way to get the layout of the 5 boroughs though we couldn't see Staten Island today.
Good spot to view the city
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Awesome view of New York at night. We would have stayed longer but it was so cold up there on the 70th Floor!
The elevator to the top is crazy fast. Once you start moving, the ceiling becomes transparent and you can see yourself fly towards the top. SCARY!!
There was a security check complete with x-ray machine for your stuff and a walk through metal detector (just like at the airport) before you are even allowed onto the elevator. Bring your camera but leave your gun at home, folks.
At $20 per person, it's a great view but not cheap.
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Whenever we have visitors we alway take them to Top of the Rock (over Empire State). Empire State might be iconic but the lines are too long, the space is too small and there are way too many ppl.
Top of the Rock is really well done - the views are amazing. The glass panel barriers allow for amazing views. The tickets are sold for a particular time, meaning the lines to get up are never too long.
Love every bit of this place.
Hands down- this was the best thing we did/saw in NY. We went by Rockefeller in the morning, but it was cloudy so we came back in the afternoon and got perfect views of New York city. I didn't even realize how large Central Park was until we viewed it from the Rock. Bing so high up didn't scare me - don't worry for those of you afraid of heights. There are three levels at the top and I don't find the top to be that much different from the second level. So if it is crowded at the top, take photos from the mid-level because its the SAME thing. lol. You'll see what I mean when you get there. For the negative reviews, I don't know how you can go up, walk around for 5 minutes and leave - we were there for at least an hour and we have short attention spans.
As a kid who grew up in New York City, I had visited the Empire State Building many times. I have a deep appreciation for its history and the engineering that went into it, but there's simply no doubt that the view at the "Top of the Rock" beats the Empire State Building's view hands down.
The experience begins in a beautiful lobby where you purchase your tickets. The design of the lobby alone was quite stunning. Instead of a small cramped space with tons of tourists all around you, you get to move freely about a wide rooftop to absorb the beautiful view. My favorite is the view of Central Park, which is amazing!
But wait! There's more! The interior has a series of benches where you can sit. The way the windows are set up, the sunlight just floods in and it's just wonderful to sit there and absorb it all in.
I would recommend this to anyone, not just tourists. Sometimes living in the city we lose an appreciation for the beauty of the city around us, and this really helps you regain that perspective.
Great views if the weather holds. Things which could be better:
a) Put some refreshments at the top;
b) Install some aircon for the queues;
c) Get rid of the creepy elevator attendant.
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As a New Yorker I generally try to avoid all tourist traps. However, I did get suckered into going to Top of the Rock and it was absolutely WORTH IT. The view is absolutely amazing and you actually get to see the ESB. You may not realize it but you can't see the ESB when you're on top of it! The other really spectacular part of the view is the Central Park. You can see the vastness of the green space that almost feels out of place in the concrete jungle.
I think it's definitely a must for both families and couples. It's very romantic. Also, come here in the evening when there are few crowds (I was here at 6-7 and there were no lines and almost no one at the top) and you get to see the city lit up. You actually get to see Times Square in great detail.
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One of the best, if not the best, view of the city. Sitting on the 67-69th floors of Rockefeller Center, you can see the entire city from here, including Central Park, the Empire State Building, downtown, the Statue of Liberty and others.
Quite a breath-taking view of the city. Just be aware if it's windy on the ground, it's going to be insanely windy up top.
If you like being herded through rope lines like cattle, and finally reaching the end of one only to find another rope line awaiting and another and another, then this is the place to be. My cousins visiting from Italy and I waited almost 2 hours on said lines until we finally reached our goal. The view was spectacular but the wait was bananas, and not worth the 60 bucks it cost me to get the three of us up there. Top of the Rock cost my cousins at least 3 other stops on our NY tour due to the lost time.
Oh by the way, there was a 45 minute wait to get out of there as well.
See the view from Top of the Rock once, then forget it exists.
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I've lived in NY all my life and never did any of the touristy stuff. I regret never taking the opportunity to go inside the WTC before 9/11. However, this weekend I had a friend come in from out of town and I took her to the Top of the Rock.
Although it was freezing cold, we went on a perfect night as there was no line and it was not crowded at all. It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.
Breathtaking views of the city. I would think viewing the skyline is better at the Rock than at the Empire State, since you'll actually be able to take a picture of the symbolic skyscraper. The outside viewing area had a glass wall instead of a fence so it was perfect for viewing and taking pictures.
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Glad we came here instead of Empire State. The view was AMAZING!!! Weather was perfect!!!
Can't compare the view of ESB, but TOTR is taller so you can see EVERYTHING NYC and Beyond!!.
If you love to take pictures this should definitely be on your list!
It's also cheaper to go here than ESB!


