About
The classic three-tier observation deck atop 30 Rock — the only one with the Empire State Building front-and-center — open 365 days a year, 8am to midnight.
Photographers pick Top of the Rock over the Empire State Building for one reason: you can't photograph the skyline's star while standing on it. The 70th-floor terrace is genuinely open-air — no glass, no mesh — which no other major NYC deck matches. And 365-day operation with midnight closing means it fits any itinerary, from a Feb morning to a July night.
What to expect
Timed entry, art-deco lobby, and three tiers to roam at your pace; sunset is the crush, night visits are the sleeper pick with the city lit below. The Beam (recreating the 1932 lunch-atop-a-skyscraper photo) and Skylift cost extra. Budget 45–75 minutes.
Good to know
- Year-round operation stated on the venue's own site: 'open 7 days a week, 365 days a year', hours daily 8:00 am–midnight, last entry 11:10pm (rockefellercenter.com Top of the Rock page; site blocks automated fetches — verified via its April 2026 archived copy)
- Enter on 50th St between 5th and 6th Avenues
- Sunset slots sell out — book timed tickets ahead or go after dark
- The 70th floor is fully open-air with unobstructed, glass-free sightlines
- Combo tickets with the Rockefeller Center tour and The Beam are available
Going? Keep it.
Common questions
Top of the Rock or Empire State Building?
For photos, Top of the Rock — it's the only deck with the Empire State Building itself centered in frame, plus a full Central Park view north. The ESB wins only if standing on the icon matters more than seeing it.
Is it really open every day?
Yes — Rockefeller Center's own FAQ states Top of the Rock is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, whatever the weather, from 8am to midnight (last elevator 11:10pm).