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Here we are! … In the very end of our long and unforgettable USA trip! And what a better way to say “Goodbye” than saying it loud at the top of the World! Everyone who visits New York for the first time struggles in finding the best place to enjoy the probably best skyline in the world – Manhattan’s Skyline! And yes, they are many great observation decks among which – Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and One World Trade Center.
Rockefeller Center, NYC
If you want to learn more about Rockefeller Center, you can find more information here:
I was searching, and I found it!
“Top of The Rock” is a six-level observation deck, located on the 67th to 70th floors of the Rockefeller Center’s main Art-Deco Skyscraper. This Observation Deck was first opened to the public in the year of 1933 and since 1986 it was closed for visitors. After some massive restorations and improvements “Top of the Rock” reopens in 2005 and since then you can enjoy a 360° Manhattan experience! What is the difference between the levels? The 67th and 69th-floor decks offer non-reflective safety glass instead of grille moulding. You can easily see through the glass, and it is probably easier to take your photos here on a windy day, as 67th and 69th floors are wind saved. The 70th floor is an open-air viewing deck.
Why “Top of The Rock?”
- The views provide some of Manhattan’s most prominent landmarks like Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Citicorp Building, Central Park as well as the Hudson and East Rivers and if you have an eagle eye – the Statue of Liberty.
- The 360-degree outdoor panorama on the 70th floor!
- There is no time limit for how long visitors can stay.
- You can visit some indoor exhibits including the Rockefeller Center’s history and some models of the building.
- “Top of the Rock” has smaller crowds to deal with than the Empire State Building and from here you have the opportunity to enjoy a view and make your best pic of Empire State Building!
- The views of Central Park are better than fantastic!
My tips for visiting “Top of The Rock”
- Buy your ticket online! It eliminates the long lines.
- Timed-entry tickets eliminate long lines as well as waiting time and make it possible to choose the time of day that most appeals to you.
- Dress for the weather! We were lucky, as the weather on that evening was more than perfect. But I can easily imagine being here when it is windy outside – for bad weather I would recommend staying on 67th and 68th floor or choosing the right clothing.
- If you’re staying in New York for a longer time, it is better to choose a clear day to visit the observation deck (again, we were really lucky!). It is not a “must” to buy the tickets in advance, but depending on availability there is an option to book 3 hours of notice online.
- You can always ask the security guards if you want some additional information about the landmarks you’re seeing.
- My favourite deck is the main 360° deck on the 70th floor! No glass, better view, better photos!
During the day the view of Central Park is amazing! BUT – Arriving just before sunset, you can enjoy BOTH – the day and the night views! And so did we! I booked our ticket 3 months in advance… but the best tickets were almost sold out! I checked the times online (see below) in order to find the right sunset hours and I bought the tickets for 30 minutes before sunset. By doing this you can enjoy the daily view of Central Park, the sunset (which was nothing to forget!) and only in 30 minutes you can experience the non-comparable sparkles of New York City at night and the glowing lights of Empire State Building – only if you arrive shortly before sunset …
Have you been to New York? What was your choice for the best observation deck?! You can share any experience in the comment section below!
Enjoy the day
