Best Observatory in New York

• September 27, 2009
• Rated 5 of 5 by W. D. Perez-Leston from New York, New York

The most astounding views of New York from the George Washington Bridge up in 181st Street (and further on clear days) to the Statue of Liberty, right in the middle of the Bay of Manhattan.
Offers the best views of Central Park and the most important and famous buildings in New York, including the Empire State Building, which you can see directly in front of you, at the same level.

Better, precisely, than the too well known Empire State Building, Top of the Rock (the Observatory at the Rockefeller Center) can boast of having an immaculate observatory in three floors where the protection for the viewers is made of large clear glass panels instead of chain-link.
The facilities are always kept spotless and the customer service is much more amicable than at its main rival.

This is a very recommended attraction to visit.

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My Visit to Top of the Rock

• July 30, 2008
• Rated 5 of 5 by jiggs1219 from New York, New York

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Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center)

• April 8, 2008
• Rated 4 of 5 by rufusni from Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Having heard my sister's story of waiting for hours to get to the top of the Empire State Building, I listened to a colleague's advice that the Top of Rock generally had smaller queues and that you could pre-book tickets for a particular time.

In the end I didn't book tickets, but I had no problems walking in and there was no queueing as such. Unusually, when you come in the entrance is on 50th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenue, you go down a floor to the ticket desk, and then up to a mezzanine level for a short introduction to the building. You can even have your photo taken as part of the famed black and white photo of the workmen having lunch on a steel beam. (There are several official photographers here and at the top, who will take photos and then give you a card to view it online and then purchase it if you want). There is also a series of short films, this seems part of making the waiting process seem shorter if you have to wait in line for the lift.

Then on to the elevator which takes less than a minute to reach the 67th floor and the first of the three viewing levels. There is an inside viewing area but the better, even if colder option is the outside terraces, though this inside area is good for keeping warm. Also on the second level up, is a small gift shop, if you want to say you bought something at the top. At these first two levels, there is glass panelling, which is non-reflective and you can take photos through it, which is fine, but the top observation floor is the best. This top level is stepped back, and so is a much small area, and so there is no need for the glass and only a low rail protects from a drop to the observation terrace a floor below.

It therefore fits that the top level is normally the busiest, and it was when I was there. It did give a great all around view of the city, and it is easy to pick out the Empire State and Crysler Buildings, Times Square and Central Park, and there are great views of each. I got to see the city in the day light, and the sunset was quite stunning but it is most impressive watching nightfall and the buildings all lit up, its almost magical! If you want to check out what time of day you want to see the city, the offical website at www.topoftherocknyc.com allows you to see the views from the top at different times of the day, and should give you a feel. For me, I would say nighttime is definitely the most amazing, though I would propose that if you have a little more time, to go up just before sunset and wait until it gets dark. The changing light gives such differing perspectives on the city, from the brightness of day, to the tinges of sunset reflecting off the buildings, to the magical twinkling lights of nighttime.

I was up at the beginning of September, and though a warm day, it got very cold at the top with the winds and especially as the sun went down, so a warm coat is necessary and I wish I had brought a pair of gloves as well. Once you have reached the top, there is no time limit on how long you can stay, well until closing time anyway, instead you just join a line to catch the lift back down. I think I actually waited longer to get back down, than up, and the lift then drops you in the gift shop.

From journal Pausing in New York

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Top of the Rock

• March 31, 2007
• Rated 5 of 5 by bathtubjake from chicago, Illinois

Several members of our group had previously visited the observation deck at the Empire State Building and none of them wanted to return to the lines and worn visitors area. Instead, we opted for a much newer facility, The Top of the Rock.

We followed advice we found in a theater magazine, and visited after our Broadway show. We arrived about 10 pm on a March night, so the sky was black. The city, however, was lit in all its glory. Also, the time of night meant that the attraction was virtually empty.

We had a little trouble finding the entrance from the first floor of Rockefeller Center, but a helpful security guard pointed the way. Once we purchased tickets, and a brochure to describe the view, we took an elevator up to the museum level. There, we looked briefly at a few exhibits, had our picture taken, and went to the next elevator. This one featured a light show on the transparent ceiling.

At the next level, we stepped out into an indoor viewing gallery with floor to ceiling windows and benches nearby. Then, we headed to the outdoor deck. Instead of metal railings, the deck is enclosed in plexiglass, allowing a nearly unobstructed view of the city. The Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge were easily identifiable, as was Times Square. Central Park was noticeable for its darkness. There were a few binocular stands available for a few seconds look in exchange for a quarter.

At the far end of the deck, we passed through a small indoor room, brightly lit with its own light show, in order to get to the other side of the building. We also headed up a short flight of stairs to the top level. The highest level is a small rectangle, smaller than the floor below it. Therefore, it needs no railing to obscure the view.

The March breezes were pretty chilly, so we only spent about a half hour at the top. The return elevators, of course, dropped us off in the gift shop. We were able to walk around the outside of the plaza to see the ice rink from above, but nothing else in the plaza was open at 11pm.

Despite the late hour, we had an incredible view of the city. The facilities were much cleaner and more modern than the Empire State Building, and we essentially had the city to ourselves. What a treat!

From journal Midwest Gals in New York

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Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center)

• March 15, 2007
• Rated 5 of 5 by Dutchnatasja from Etten-Leur, Netherlands

Top of the Rock; day, sunset, and at night all in one visit!

Make sure to arrive shortly before sunset to see Top of the Rock in daytime, with the sunset and at night. This is the perfect way to enjoy all three views in one visit. We did the same thing in December 2006. At the last minute we decided to go to Top of the Rock. It was Christmas Eve and recording the weather channel it was going to be the last clear sunny day. It was our second visit to Top of the Rock, but the first time to see the sunset on top of it.

During the sunset, the buildings were getting an orange glance. It was beautiful! Then it became darker and darker. The lights popped up. The city was getting a new decor. The Empire State Building was lit up in red and green, because of Christmas holiday. Like I told you before, it was December. During the day it was a nice temperature, but after sunset it was very cold. The wind is stronger and chillier on the highest level of Top of the Rock. At one point I was freezing. Gladly there are enclosed (viewing) areas, where you can warm up.

Top of the Rock is great, because both times in May and December there were no waiting lines at the elevators and the ticket counter . The views are amazing and it’s far less crowded than the Empire State Building. The viewing areas are very open and at the highest level no glass or fence to look through.

Something you need to know:
If you like museums and great views, get a Rock MoMA pass. The pass covers admission to both Top of the Rock and MoMA for $30. You can buy these tickets at the Top of the Rock box office.

There is also a Rock Pass, which is $45 and includes access to the NBC Studio Tour and Radio City Stage Door Tour.

Nearest subway stop:
B, D, F, V to Rockefeller Center/47-50th St. Station

Hours:
8am - midnight daily
The last elevator goes up at 11pm.

From journal Santa Takes Manhattan

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