For over two decades, Rockefeller Center has been a constant in my New York City life. From early internships navigating its underground passages to years spent near Radio City Music Hall, and even nights camped out for Saturday Night Live tickets, this 22-acre complex has felt like a familiar and comforting space in the heart of Manhattan. Since 2005, Top of the Rock, its iconic observation deck, has offered breathtaking city views. While I’ve always appreciated its central location and stunning vistas, with the emergence of other high-altitude attractions like the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge NYC, and Summit One Vanderbilt, a return visit to Top of the Rock hadn’t been a priority.
That changed recently with the unveiling of Skylift, Top of the Rock’s newest innovation. This open-air, rotating platform ascends 30 feet above the 70th floor, promising an even more panoramic and immersive experience. I was fortunate enough to preview Skylift just before its public debut on October 1st, and it redefined my perspective on this classic New York landmark.
Stepping onto the 69th-floor outdoor deck, the sheer New York City energy was palpable. While other observation decks might boast greater altitude or sleeker designs, Top of the Rock’s midtown vantage point is unmatched. Positioned squarely between the Hudson and East Rivers, the view stretches from the Statue of Liberty in the south to the Bronx in the north, placing you in the undeniable epicenter of the city. This central location is a key differentiator for any Rock Observation Deck New York offers, providing a truly encompassing urban panorama.
Ascending to the 70th floor, Skylift initially appears as a subtle addition – a transparent circular structure blending seamlessly with the rooftop deck. However, stepping inside and onto the platform reveals its transformative nature. The ascent is incredibly smooth and gradual, almost imperceptible at first, allowing you to remain fully absorbed in the unfolding cityscape. Instinctively, you might turn to capture every angle, but Skylift takes care of that for you. The platform gently rotates, presenting a 360-degree spectacle of New York City without any effort on your part.
The feeling is akin to floating amidst the city’s most iconic landmarks. Facing north, Central Park unfolds like a vibrant green carpet. As Skylift rotates counterclockwise, familiar skyscrapers around Columbus Circle and Times Square, previously viewed from street level, rise to meet your gaze, offering a completely new sense of scale. Turning south, the Empire State Building emerges as the undisputed highlight. From this vantage point, suspended 900 feet above the city, one can almost imagine sharing eye-level with King Kong, were he to pause his climb and admire the view. Skylift doesn’t just elevate you above the city; it immerses you within it.
Unlike other rock observation deck New York experiences that simply showcase the skyline, Skylift makes you feel integral to it. Its design harmonizes with 30 Rock’s Art Deco architecture, while incorporating modern elements like 96 LED pixel flutes that illuminate the base and extend upwards. Central speakers subtly enhance the atmosphere with music, and a panoramic camera captures the moment for you.
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But the surprises don’t end there. 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 clear glass, adding an unexpected thrill to the experience. This transparent floor element provides an adrenaline rush that complements the sensation of soaring above the city, perfectly aligning with the intended experience.
EB Kelly, Senior Managing Director at Tishman Speyer and Head of Rockefeller Center, explained the vision behind Skylift 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 innovative attraction also subtly nods to Rockefeller Center’s rich heritage. “The rotating floor of the sky lift 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, highlighting the intention to create a “whimsical moment” deeply rooted in the location’s history.
This connection to Rockefeller Center’s nearly century-long legacy is what truly distinguishes this experience from other rock observation deck New York options. Another iconic piece of history that visitors can engage with is “The Beam.” Recreating the famous “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photograph taken during the construction of the RCA Building (now 30 Rock), The Beam allows guests to pose on a secured beam, 850 feet in the air, capturing a similar image with playful props.
Further enhancing the visitor experience, The Weather Room eatery on the 67th floor, named after a historic Doppler radar once located on the 70th floor, and a new welcome gallery, both opened in recent years. Along with Skylift and The Beam, these additions complete the modernization of Top of the Rock. This revitalization is part of a broader effort to reinvent Rockefeller Center, introducing contemporary retailers like Rough Trade and McNally Jackson Books, alongside diverse dining options such as Pebble Bar, Lodi, and Le Rock.
Admission to Top of the Rock ranges from $40 to $61 for adults, with varied pricing for children and seniors. The Beam and Skylift are available as add-ons for $25 and $35 respectively, and a VIP Pass offering private access to both starts at $190.
“Rockefeller Center is a place with history and authenticity,” Kelly concluded. “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 anyone seeking a unique and historically grounded rock observation deck New York experience, Top of the Rock, now featuring the breathtaking Skylift, is an essential destination.
