TLDR: Rockefeller Center is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, about 25 minutes from the Wales Hotel by subway. Top of the Rock has three observation decks (67th, 69th, and 70th floors) with tickets starting at about $43 for adults. Open 9am to midnight daily. The big advantage over the Empire State Building: you can see the Empire State Building from here, plus the Central Park views are better. The plaza itself is free to explore.
What Makes Rockefeller Center Worth Your Time
Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings in the center of Midtown Manhattan. It was built during the Great Depression and remains one of the most impressive urban developments in the country.
Most visitors come for Top of the Rock, the observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. But the plaza itself, the art, the architecture, and the surrounding attractions make this more than just a viewing platform. You could spend 30 minutes here or half a day, depending on your interests.
How to Get There From the Wales Hotel
Take the 4, 5, or 6 train from 86th Street to 51st Street. Walk west a few blocks to Rockefeller Plaza. The whole trip takes about 25 minutes.
Alternatively, take the 6 to 51st Street and walk over. The entrance to Top of the Rock is at 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Look for the “Top of the Rock” sign at street level.
Top of the Rock: The Observation Deck
Top of the Rock spans three levels: the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. The top deck on the 70th floor is completely open-air with no glass barriers, giving you unobstructed views in every direction.
Tickets start at about $43 for adults. The deck is open from 9am to midnight daily, with the last elevator at 11:10pm. Timed entry means you choose a specific slot when you buy your ticket.
The key advantage over the Empire State Building is the view itself. From Top of the Rock, you can photograph the Empire State Building as part of the skyline. From the Empire State Building, you obviously cannot. The Central Park views from the north side of Top of the Rock are also better than from any other observation deck in the city.
Insider Tip
Top of the Rock is the better observation deck for photos. You get the Empire State Building in your skyline shots, which you can’t get from the Empire State Building itself. Plus the Central Park views are better from here.
Watch Before You Go
When to Visit Top of the Rock
The sunset strategy works here too. Book a time slot about 30 to 45 minutes before sunset. You get the daytime skyline, the golden hour, and the city lights in one visit.
Top of the Rock is generally less crowded than the Empire State Building, especially on weekday evenings. The late-night hours (after 9pm) are particularly quiet.
If you visit during the winter holidays, the Christmas tree is on display from late November through early January. The tree lighting ceremony happens in early December and draws enormous crowds, but the tree itself is visible throughout the season.
Exploring Rockefeller Center at Street Level
The plaza is free and open to everyone. In winter, the famous ice rink operates below the golden statue of Prometheus. In summer, the same space becomes an outdoor dining area.
The Channel Gardens, a sloped promenade between 49th and 50th Streets, are lined with seasonal plantings and lead down to the plaza. The Art Deco details on the buildings are worth looking up for. Literally. The facade of 30 Rock features a massive relief sculpture above the entrance.
The NBC Studios Tour takes you behind the scenes of the broadcast studios where shows like Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show are produced. Tours run frequently and last about 70 minutes. Tickets are around $40.
The Lego Store on the plaza level is surprisingly fun even if you are not traveling with kids. The massive Lego recreation of the Rockefeller Center complex is impressive.
Pairing Rockefeller Center With Other Stops
Rockefeller Center sits in the middle of Midtown, so it connects to almost anything. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is directly across Fifth Avenue. The Museum of Modern Art is two blocks north. Fifth Avenue shopping runs in both directions.
From here, it is an easy subway ride back to the Upper East Side. You are close to some of the best dining on the east side. Check our restaurant guide for options near the Wales Hotel.
If you are comparing observation decks, our Empire State Building guide covers the differences. And our Central Park guide pairs well with a visit here since the park views from Top of the Rock are so striking.
Midtown Is Minutes Away
The Wales Hotel is about 25 minutes from Rockefeller Center by subway. Visit Top of the Rock at sunset, then head back to the Upper East Side for dinner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Top of the Rock cost?
General admission starts at about $43 for adults. Prices vary slightly by time slot, with sunset slots sometimes priced higher. Children 6 to 12 are discounted, and children under 6 are free.
Is Top of the Rock better than the Empire State Building?
For photos, yes. You get the Empire State Building in your skyline shots and the Central Park views are better from Top of the Rock. The Empire State Building has more history and its open-air deck has a different feel. Both are worth visiting if you have time.
What are the hours for Top of the Rock?
Open daily from 9am to midnight. The last elevator goes up at 11:10pm.
Is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree free to see?
Yes. The tree is displayed in the plaza from late November through early January and is free to view. The lighting ceremony in early December draws large crowds, but the tree is visible throughout the holiday season.
How do I get to Rockefeller Center from the Upper East Side?
Take the 4, 5, or 6 train from 86th Street to 51st Street, then walk a few blocks west. The trip takes about 25 minutes.
Can I ice skate at Rockefeller Center?
Yes, during winter months (typically October through April). The rink is small but the setting is memorable. Sessions are timed and tickets should be booked in advance. Lines can be long during the holiday season.
What is there to do at Rockefeller Center besides Top of the Rock?
The NBC Studios Tour, the Lego Store, the Channel Gardens, seasonal events (ice rink in winter, outdoor dining in summer), and the Art Deco architecture throughout the complex. The plaza itself is free to explore.
How long should I spend at Rockefeller Center?
Top of the Rock takes about 1 to 1.5 hours including the elevator ride and time on all three levels. Add 30 to 60 minutes to explore the plaza, Channel Gardens, and shops. The NBC Studios Tour adds another 70 minutes.