Top of the Rock

We booked tickets on line for $38 plus an extra $10 as we wanted to go at sunset (the start of fleecing you for every penny). A small queue and through security and you’re then herded to have greenscreen photos taken on girder as per the famous workers photo.

We tried to watch the 4 minute film re the history of the building but was told to get in the lift ASAP or we’d miss the sunset!!?? (It was an hour before sunset).

Next we get into an ultra fast lift which was great and at the top you can roam between 3 levels with very top one having no barriers so you get a fantastic 360 view.

It took a long time between the sun going down and it being the night view (and it’s freezing up there) so plan that in.

We went to look at the photos which weren’t that great and they wanted $30 for 1 or $34 for both!! An absolute rip off for photos and gift shop was equally extortionate compared to other NY shops!!

Whilst the views were great (though there are other great views for free) the whole thing felt like sheer robbery!!

Extreme unpleasant,
(1) overcrowded and super disorganized, bought four adults to see the sunset, with the crowds our 4:05 pm tickets we could pass the front door only by 4:25 and get into the top itself be later 4:40. That said obviously lost the sunset ($+10/person). In addition a fourth person was not even able to get into in time due the super line.
(2) Staff was super rude - offensive and yelling to us.
Disappointed and disrespected.

Yes they indeed have a nice sight, but after going to both TOP and Empire Estate I can say that the latter is definitely better (although a small $ premium).
Finally do recommend Empire given this disrespect and long lines regular likely experience in the TOP of the Rock.

There was a lot going on around Rockefeller at the time we went as it was over the new year period so there were lots of queues for different things and it's not obvious where the entrance to the observation decks is. We had purchased VIP tickets in advance which was supposed to give you queue jump, they do not have a time on them as you can go any time with those tickets where as if you purchase normal tickets in advance they will have a time on them or you can queue in a different line for people with the city passes etc which was by far the longest line. There was a member of staff outside showing people which line they needed to be in so we showed him our tickets and asked which line we should join. He said that because our tickets didn't have a time on them we needed to be in the massive line, I asked him if he was sure as it wouldn't be worth paying the extra $40 each if we had to wait in the biggest queue and he just pointed at the long line. So we waited for 40 mins in that line. However when we got inside and our tickets were scanned we went straight through and jumped all the queues. The staff inside were brilliant, really friendly. Sadly this couldn't make up for the waiting outside, which I wouldn't have minded had I not paid an extra $80.

We visited here late night in February and there were no lines and plenty of space to view the city. The lights are just amazing to see from that view. You're sitting in the middle of it all, high enough to see all the buildings but not too high that you're looking down on everything. The only thing we had trouble with was getting a little mixed up inside the building when trying to find the entrance to the observatory and also the exit. Lots of stairs and escalators! The staff was very helpful.

For those who have passes, please make sure you read up on how to use them here. You have to purchase "timed" tickets to reserve your time slot for viewing. YES even with a pass as you have to scan it to receive your time. It was not a big deal for us considering it was not busy at all but I am sure during peak months and times it can get crowded. I can't believe people are upset about this with the passesit clearly says in the directions AND the website for Top of the Rock that you MUST redeem a ticket at the counter. There is no need to rate a one star for your lack of preparation.

We purchased the 24 hour pass option so we could see at night and early morning. This is the way to go. This also will give you a buffer if weather conditions are not ideal. They also were so kind as to allow us to change the time due to a 0% visibility upon our original entry time/day. Recommend getting in line early if you are going first thing so you can take pictures with little to no people present.

Bought the sun and stars ticket for myself and my Mum in December. We booked the ticket for 3.15pm so that we could see the sunset. It was very busy but to be expected at sunset.
When we queued outside before even going through security, the staff were not friendly and seemed extremely stressed and shouting at people who were struggling to understand the ticketing system. Have read a lot of other reviews too saying this but think they need to try sort the system out.
However, when we got to the top, we took loads of brilliant photos of the view and was a great experience. Went to the very top deck for sunset and we were jam packed but managed to get a good spot. Got very cold waiting for the sunset but was worth it. Then returned a few hours later for the night view, brilliant. Was such an incredible view and a lot quieter- New York at night is beautiful. The side facing Lower Manhattan and Empire State is definitely the better view but fabulous views of Central Park too. There is no time limit to how long you are up there. Gift shop at the top too. Lift up to the top of fab, very fast with projections on the glass roof. Highly recommend going for the Sun and Stars ticket and checking online what time sunset is to see sunset whilst up there.

We included the Top of the Rock tour as part of our trip to the Rockerfella Centre and we are so glad we did. Sean Patrick was a fantastic guide, funny and informative and gave us lots of information about the local area and the history of the buildings. He was very knowledgeable and made the tour really enjoyable. I would highly recommend you incorporate this into your trip, it lasted approximately 1 hour and you were then taken to queue for the observation deck.

We really enjoyed the sunset views however, there were simply too many people who hogged the front for long periods. Everyone in the sunset time slot paid for the experience and instead of everyone getting their photos and stepping back to let others see many people just camped out in front of the glass making it difficult to take in the full views. We were there the weekend before Christmas so we did expect it to be busy but, a little common courtesy for each other would have gone a long way to enhance everyone’s experience. Still would do it again!

I saw a couple of reviews about the length of queues, the cost and trying to get space on the viewing levels, but I must have timed it perfectly because there was nobody in the queue for payment, and there were only a handful of people on any viewing level.
I went early on a Sunday morning the day after the Christmas tree had been removed from the Rockefeller Plaza.
If you have spent a couple of hours or days walking around the city, the Top of The Rock experience is well worth the money to look down on everything from above and to be able to see the density and spread of the buildings around.
The view of NYC is so familiar even though I had never seen it before and it is amazing to be able to see all the iconic buildings from one vantage point.
The staff were all so friendly, cheerful and helpful.
There is a gift shop at the top and the price for merchandise is on a par with other official gift shops
The guide on offer for an extra $1 was well worth it as it gives details of the view for both night and day. I have to go back to NYC next month and I will definitely do it again. Loved it.

We chose a day when we knew the weather would be good, we paid our fee of $40 each (about £32) and headed off in the lift to the TOTR which was an experience in itself.
From the top we could see clearly across all of Manhattan and beyond including New Jersey, I think my favourite view though was Central Park to see how it was all set out.
We probably spent about 45 minutes up there which was enough for us as we had a busy day ahead of us, whilst at the top it never felt crowded and there was always room for a selfie or two.
I would certainly give the TOTR top marks but if I was disappointed in one thing it was the charge of $34 for a couple of photos they take of you superimposed on the steel beam, why do you want to charge your guests the amount of money when the have already paid to get in? (Felt like a tourist trap)
Is a must do in NYC and we are certainly glad we visited.