Top Of The Rock: A True Gem Of NYC
Gertrude Stein famously said: “The view of Rockefeller Center from Fifth Avenue is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen ever seen ever seen.” I’d beg to differ from Gertrude’s statement, taking it a step further: The view from the TOP of Rockefeller Center is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen ever seen ever seen.
Start of the tour!
Having lived in NYC for seven years, I’d somehow never gotten around to going to Top of the Rock, spouting out the excuses that 1. the place will be swarming with tourists, and 2. how different will the view really be than from the observation deck of the Empire State Building? Wrong and wrong. Here’s why:
- Top of the Rock has a meticulous Timed Ticketing system in place, allowing just the right amount of folks up during a slotted time period. Hence, even though we went smack in the middle of a summer Saturday afternoon, we had absolutely no line to queue up in. And everyone working there, from people at reception, to the ticket counter, to elevator attendants, were honestly some of the nicest New Yorkers I’ve ever met. A serious A+ for customer service with a smile.
- I now know that comparing the Empire State Building to Top of the Rock is like going to Paris and saying it’s the same thing to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Two completely different experiences, both offering their own unique views, history, and (most importantly) photo shoot opportunities.
Playing tourist in my own city!
Before heading up, take in a bit of background with the short videos in the Top of the Rock Theater. Currently showing are: NBC and Rockefeller Center: An American Tradition, The History of Rockefeller Center, and The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. It’ll give you a greater appreciation of how Top of the Rock is ultimately John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s greatest gift to the people of New York.
Once you take the trippy elevator ride to the top, you have three floors of observation deck to explore, with the options of glass enclosure and outside terraces. It was a rainy afternoon, but I do believe NYC looks just as lovely in overcast skies as she does in a sunny one. She’s a gorgeous, gorgeous city, isn’t she?
Top of the Rock will definitely get you in an Empire State of Mind!
The panorama views offer visitors a glimpse of New York that can usually only be seen from an airplane…13 miles of Manhattan, stretching from Inwood to Battery Park, and all the vibrant communities in-between. Peaks of the outer boroughs and Jersey can been seen, too. I loved taking in the lush green of Central Park…front and back yard to NYC kids and adults alike.
Looking at NYC's front yard: Central Park
I’d like to think that if Gertrude Stein zipped the 70 floors to the Top of the Rock, she too would be in such awe, that it would quickly take the place of the view from Fifth Avenue as the most beautiful thing she’s ever seen.
WHAT: Top of the Rock 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, New York 10112
A very special thank you to the wonderful folks at New York City Vacation Packages! Check out their site for tickets to Top of the Rock that let you bypass the line and get straight to the view!
By: Jessica Tiare Bowen
Just saw this! Took my mom there when she was in town in July, she loved it! Then, I wrote about it, obvs!
Koren @ City Gal recently posted..Playing Tourist At Top Of The Rock
It’s definitely an awesome spot for both tourists and locals alike! Look forward to reading your take on it, too!:-)
Haha I see we took a photo at the same place in the corner with the view of the Empire State Building where you jump
crazy sexy fun traveler recently posted..RELAX IN ANCIENT BATHS IN MANHATTAN – NEW HIDDEN GEM OF NEW YORK CITY
It’s a GREAT spot for a photo, isn’t it?! Glad you had just as much fun as we did!:-)
Love the famous art depicting the beginnings of building the big apple! Always one of my favorite pieces.
Jumping for joy was cute as well. Your staff seem to love what they do!
Thanks! We really do, and are happy to be able to share our excitement of the city with our readers!:-)
Great review! I have to admit that I’d never even heard of the Top of the Rock tour before, but it looks amazing. Love the super cute touristy photos and the fact that you are enjoying your city to its fullest
And that view of Central Park…oh my God, amazing!
Andi at The Particular Traveler recently posted..Dreaming of New York City
Thanks so much Andi! I think when people think of going to the top of a tall building in NYC and taking photos, the Empire State Building is still the first thing that pops into mind. And rightly so, Top of the Rock didn’t open its observation deck until 2005!
Wow, that view is incredible! I love the lighting. Sheesh, Central Park is huge! I’ll add this to my NYC things to do!
The Time-Crunched Traveler (Ellen) recently posted..Why I’m glad we didn’t skip Lima (and why you shouldn’t, either)
Thanks Ellen! Even though it was a rainy day, it’s hard to get a BAD shot of NYC skyline!;-)
Isn’t it cool being a tourist in your own city?
I’m embarrassed to say that I lived in NYC for 10+ years, worked at Rockefeller Center – okay, it was a temporary assignment – and never made it there. Oh yes, I made some of the same excuses. Especially the one about tourists. The views are incredible. I’ll put it on my list for my next visit.
InsideJourneys recently posted..5 Reasons to Visit St. Elizabeth Jamaica
It really is SO much fun to tour your own city! It’s funny…when I’m traveling I always make it a point to visit iconic sites and museums, but in my own city it’s easy to say, “Oh, I’ll get around to it eventually!” Always such a treat when we actually do make time for it!;-)