…Hidden Secrets, Best Photos Ops and Tips
What a treat to get a private tour of the Top of the Rock NYC!!! I honestly didn’t think I was going to be impressed, but WOW, was I surprised. John, TOTR Senior Customer Care Representative, gave us some real NYC Insider tips about the TOTR and Rockefeller Center.
Top of the Rock Ticket & Tour Options
- Both the Rock Center Tour and Top of the Rock are usually included with all the major NYC Attractions Passes.
- Save 10%: Rockefeller Center Tour Tickets
- TV & Movie Locations with NBC Studios Tour – recently redone and opened
- Buy with your Top of the Rock pass directly at the Rock Center site
Top of the Rock Tour
Just as you walk in to TOTR, there is a huge, hanging crystal chandelier, which looks like a suspended waterfall. Now look at it closely…
It is actually an inverted model of the building, also known as 30 Rockefeller Center (30 Rock).
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This iconic image, known as “Men on Beam,” was taken during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Center. Ask 10 New Yorkers, and I’ll bet, like me, 9 of them thought it was taken at the Empire State Building.
During the tour, sit on the beam and look down through the glass floor to get a virtual sense of what it was like to have lunch at 70 stories high.
TOTR – Men on Beam 1932
Rockefeller Center – Depression
The tour includes three very interesting 5-minute films about the history of Rockefeller Center, the Rockettes and NBC Studios.
Rockefeller Center was originally intended to house the Metropolitan Opera, but when the Depression hit in 1929, John D. Rockefeller changed direction and chose to create over 70,000 much needed jobs in New York City by building Rockefeller Plaza.
NYC Insider Tip
Pay attention – this is truly insider information given to NYCIG by the Manager of TOTR….
“In addition to our two Swarovski crystal installations, the Joie chandelier and Radiance crystal geode wall, Swarovski also hid several of their crystal animal figurines inside Radiance.”
Can you find all the hidden crystals?
When to Visit Top of the Rock
Sunset is the most popular (ie, busiest) time of day. Watching the sunset over The Empire State Building is breathtaking.
The best time to propose at TOTR is in the morning, the least crowded time. If you’re really, really lucky, you will feel like you have a whole outdoor floor, and all of New York City, to yourself for a short time.
The all glass elevator takes 43 seconds to go from Floor 2 to Floor 67. There is no 13th Floor at 30 Rockefeller Center.
TOTR at Sunset
View of Empire State Building
Hiddens Secrets at TOTR
Watch for the hidden Swarovski crystal animals along the walls of the 67th floor. See if you can find the Cat eating the Mouse or the Rabbit hidden in the wall.
The huge, open space on the 67th Floor of 30 Rock was Don King’s office, before the Observation Deck re-opened in 2005, after a 20 year hiatus.
67th Floor – Don King’s Office
TOTR Observation Deck 1930’S
The Observation Deck was originally modeled after the lounge deck of a cruise ship, such as the Titanic, complete with wood Adirondeck Chairs and waiters serving cocktails. In the 1930’s, during the Depression, a trip to the Observation Deck of the Top of the Rock NYC was designed to simulate setting sail in the heart of New York City.
At the Top of the Rock NYC gift shop, there is a smaller model of the Swarovski Crystal Star that is always on the Top of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. You can even purchase a replica to take home and put on your Christmas Tree.
NYC Insider Guide Tip – don’t waste your time taking pictures from inside the glass, as I did.
Head straight to the 70th floor, the very top of the outside observation deck, for completely unobstructed, no glass, 360 degree, unbelievable views of Manhattan.
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Top of the Rock NYC Tickets
- Reserved Times – Adults $39, Child (6-12) $32.00, Senior (62+) $28.00
- Sun & Stars (Sunrise/ Sunset – two visits in one day) – Adults $54, Child $30
- Rock Pass – Top of the Rock and Rockefeller Center Tour
Best Hotels Near Rockefeller Center
Some of our top value picks near Rockefeller Center include:
- The Jewel facing Rockefeller Center - great value and location. My NY high school classmates stayed here for our reunion
- 3 West Club - consistently receives excellent reviews, especially the location and value for the price.
- Radio City Apartments - a NYC Insider Guide Favorite
- New Hotels: Motto by Hilton NYC Times Square (Opens Oct 6, 2023) + Hampton Inn by Hilton New York Times Square + Home2 Suites by Hilton New York Times Square (Open Nov 1, 2023) - New 1000 room Hilton Hotel with 3 brands in the same building right next to Rockefeller Center
See the Insider Guide for dozens more Hotels Near Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center runs from 47th - 50th Streets, between 5th and 6th Aves. Download our free neighborhood maps at Midtown East Hotels and Midtown West Hotels
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Restaurants Near Top of the Rock
Del Frisco’s Grille
Del Frisco’s Grille is a casual destination offering wood oven-baked flatbreads with toppings like pulled rosemary chicken and goat cheese, hearty salads, “two fisted” sandwiches such as the Pastrami & Swiss Reuben, fresh seafood classics ranging from Cioppino to Ahi Tuna Steak and, of course, a range of signature steaks and chops.
Harry’s Italian Pizza Parlor
Restaurateur Peter Poulakakos and award winning pizza Chef Nick Angelis have brought a spinoff of their downtown favorite, Harry’s Italian, to Rockefeller Center. Harry’s Italian Pizza Parlor will offer their old fashioned square pizzas by the slice or pie, as well as salads, Italian ices and hero sandwiches. Visit Harry’s in the Rockefeller Concourse for a delicious meal.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Potbelly, the raved-about sub chain that originated in Chicago, continues to make inroads into Manhattan’s lunch scene. Located in the Concourse, Potbelly is a renowned sandwich shop famous for its toasted subs, freshly-blended milkshakes and folksy décor.
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Annual Events at Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock Starlight Music Series
Almost every February and September, TOTR offers us a special treat with wine, this spectacular view and live jazz music! Visit the 67th floor observation deck at Top of the Rock and enjoy the city at sunset with wine and champagne (for purchase) provided by Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe.
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Halloween Spooktacular at Top of the Rock
Some years, TOTR hosts a "Spooktacular," where children can enjoy face painting, magic shows, crafts and sweet treats while the whole family will enjoy the stunning, 360-degree panorama of New York City. Activities are free with admission. See more: Halloween Spooktacular at Top of the Rock
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Rockefeller Center More Info
- Visiting Rockefeller Center
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
- Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
- Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall
- Today Show Summer Concert Series
Top of the Rock NYC More Info
- Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112
- Website: topoftherocknyc.com
- Main entrance is at 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues
- Top of the Rock NYC is fully ADA compliant and open 365 days per year.
- 8am to 12:30am, 7 days a week. The first elevator goes up at 8am, the last one at 11:40pm. Hours of operation may vary on holidays.
- Neighborhood Guides: Midtown East and Midtown West
- Nearby Attractions: Rockefeller Center, NBC Studios, The Today Show, Nintendo World, American Girl Place.
Holiday Hours of Operation:
- Thanksgiving: 8am-Midnight
- Christmas Eve, December 24: 8am-10pm
- Christmas Day, December 25: 8am-Midnight
- New Year’s Eve, December 31: 8am-10pm
- New Year’s Day, January 1: 10am-12:30am
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I have an all night layover on the 22. I land at 10pm and leave at 9:15 am in terminal 5. I wanted to take the the airbus to go to top of the rock and explore that area. Is it safe to walk and would there be anything open at that time?
Hi Sheila:
You don’t say what airport, but since you said Terminal 5, I’ll assume JFK. You also didn’t mention if are you arriving domestic or international (will have to go to through customs). I highly doubt you’ll be able to make TOTR if your flight lands at 10pm. BEST case scenario, if your flight lands and deplanes exactly on time you have no luggage, no customs, you run through the airport and the airtrain is exactly on time, you’ll be in midtown by 11:15. Possible? Yes. Likely? No. As stated above, the last elevator goes up at 11:40pm and TOTR is open until 12:30. Midtown is perfectly safe, but no other shops or attractions will be open at that time. Restaurants and bars will be hit or miss – Midtown appeals to a business crowd and thrives during the day and happy hour. It’s not known as a late night spot.
I’d recommend checking out the Empire State Building instead as it is open until 2am:
https://www.nycinsiderguide.com/empire-state-building (Last elevators go up at 1:15am)
https://www.nycinsiderguide.com/new-york-city-nightlife
There will be a bit more to do around Penn Station (especially if there is a concert or game that night @ MSG). And Koreatown stays open ALL THE TIME – tons of food, some shops, 24 hour spas, Karaoke and more.