For over two decades, the iconic Rockefeller Center has been a constant in my New York City life. From early internships in its towering buildings to countless lunches grabbed from its bustling basement eateries, and even camping out for Saturday Night Live tickets, this 22-acre complex has always felt like a familiar and comforting space in the heart of Manhattan. So when the rebranded Top Of The Rock Nyc observation deck opened in 2005, offering breathtaking panoramic views from the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors, it felt like a natural extension of this beloved landmark.
As someone captivated by heights and cityscapes around the globe, I was eager to experience Top of the Rock NYC soon after it opened. However, with the city already boasting impressive viewpoints like the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, and more recently, the Edge and Summit One Vanderbilt, visiting Top of the Rock felt like something I could postpone, a sight I could admire later. That is, until the announcement of their newest, exhilarating attraction: the Skylift.
This innovative, open-air circular platform elevates visitors an additional 30 feet above the Top of the Rock, providing a 360-degree spin and even more expansive views. I was fortunate enough to experience a preview ride on the Skylift just before its public debut, and it completely redefined my perspective on Top of the Rock NYC and the city itself.
Stepping onto the 69th-floor outdoor deck, I was immediately struck by that quintessential New York moment. While other observation decks might claim greater altitude or more modern designs, Top of the Rock NYC places you squarely in the epicenter of the city. Positioned perfectly between the Hudson and East Rivers, the vista stretches from the majestic Statue of Liberty to the south all the way to the Bronx in the north. It’s a truly immersive experience.
Ascending to the 70th floor, the Skylift initially appeared surprisingly subtle, blending seamlessly into the rooftop deck as a transparent circular enclosure. But as I stepped inside and found a spot along the edge, the platform began its ascent. The lift was so smooth and gradual, I barely registered the movement at first, completely absorbed by the unfolding cityscape around me. My instinct was to turn and take in every angle, but the Skylift gently rotated, effortlessly presenting a panoramic spectacle of New York City. All I had to do was absorb the breathtaking views.
It felt like floating amidst the city’s most iconic landmarks. Facing north, Central Park unfolded like a vibrant green carpet. As the Skylift rotated counterclockwise, familiar skyscrapers in Columbus Circle and Times Square, previously known from street level, took on a new dimension, their heights now aligned with my own. Then, turning south, the Empire State Building emerged as the undisputed centerpiece of the view. From this vantage point, nearly 900 feet above the city, I imagined being at eye level with King Kong himself, if he were to pause his climb and admire the scenery. That’s the level of immersion the Skylift provides, placing you directly within the fabric of the city.
Unlike other observation points that showcase the skyline from afar, Top of the Rock NYC with the Skylift makes you feel integral to it. The Skylift’s design harmonizes beautifully with 30 Rock’s Art Deco architecture, a legacy dating back to 1933, while adding a contemporary flair. Ninety-six LED pixel flutes at its base radiate vibrant colors, extending upwards, and a central speaker plays music, enhancing the immersive atmosphere. A panoramic camera captures the moment, providing a lasting memento of the experience.
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Adding to the thrill, midway through the three-and-a-half-minute ride, our guide prompted us to look down. The frosted glass floor beneath our feet transformed into transparent panels, revealing the city streets far below. This unexpected feature certainly isn’t for the faint of heart, but it adds an extra layer of adrenaline to the sensation of soaring above New York, precisely as intended.
EB Kelly, Senior Managing Director at Tishman Speyer and Head of Rockefeller Center, explained from the 69th floor, “We really wanted to create a special experience that took advantage of our outdoor space, that made you really continue to feel the wind in your hair and the sights and sounds of New York around you, but to do it in a way that created a moment that was a little bit thrilling, a little bit breathtaking.”
This exhilarating sensation is intentionally reminiscent of other iconic Rockefeller Center features. “The rotating floor of the Skylift evokes the iconic rotating dance floor of the Rainbow Room a couple of floors below us and the experience of twirling on The Rink downstairs in the wintertime,” Kelly added, emphasizing the aim to create a “whimsical moment” for visitors.
This deep connection to Rockefeller Center’s rich history, spanning nearly a century, truly distinguishes the Top of the Rock NYC experience. Adding to this historical tapestry is “The Beam,” another recent addition where visitors can recreate the famous “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photograph. Taken during the construction of the RCA Building (now 30 Rock), this iconic image depicted 11 ironworkers casually perched on a beam high above the city. Now, on the 69th floor, you can safely pose on a similar beam, securely harnessed, and capture your own version of this historic moment, complete with fun props like tools and even donuts and apples.
“The Weather Room,” a dining establishment on the 67th floor, further nods to Rockefeller Center’s past, named after the Doppler radar that once sat atop the 70th floor, used to forecast the city’s weather.
The Beam and The Weather Room, both launched in 2023, along with a newly unveiled welcome gallery, complement the Skylift as the final components of Top of the Rock NYC’s comprehensive modernization. This revitalization is part of a broader effort to reinvent Rockefeller Center, introducing thoughtfully curated modern retailers such as Rough Trade, McNally Jackson Books, N.Peal, Todd Snyder, and The Shops at NBC Studios, alongside diverse dining options like Pebble Bar, Smith & Mills, Lodi, Jupiter, Le Rock, NARO, and 5 Acres.
Admission to the Top of the Rock ranges from $40 to $61 for adults (13+), $34 to $55 for children (6-12), and $38 to $59 for seniors (65+). The Beam experience is available as a $25 add-on, and the Skylift is an additional $35 per person. For a premium experience, a VIP Pass, including exclusive access to both The Beam and Skylift, starts at $190.
“Rockefeller Center is a place with history and authenticity,” Kelly concludes. “If you want to see the real New York and connect with New York of 90 years ago and New York of today, you must come to Rockefeller Center to hear that story and feel a part of that history.” For an unforgettable perspective on the city, Top of the Rock NYC and the Skylift offer a truly unique and elevated experience, blending history, innovation, and breathtaking panoramic views.
