For over two decades immersed in the vibrant energy of New York City, Rockefeller Center has been more than just a landmark; it’s been a familiar touchstone. From early career days navigating its underground passages to countless lunches near Radio City Music Hall and even nights spent in line for Saturday Night Live, this iconic complex has woven itself into the fabric of my NYC experience. So when I think of quintessential New York experiences, the allure of ascending to breathtaking heights at Top Of The Rock Rockefeller Plaza immediately springs to mind.
Back in 2005, Rockefeller Center unveiled a reimagined version of its sky-high attraction, Top of the Rock Observation Deck. A swift 45-second elevator ride whisks visitors to open-air decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors, positioning you perfectly in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. As someone captivated by panoramic vistas wherever my travels take me, I was instantly drawn to the promise of these unparalleled city views. While New York City boasts several impressive vantage points – the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge NYC, and Summit One Vanderbilt – Top of the Rock always held a unique appeal, even though I considered myself intimately familiar with the cityscape below.
Recently, Top of the Rock introduced an exhilarating new feature, the Skylift, elevating the observation deck experience to a whole new level. This open-air, rotating platform ascends an additional 30 feet above the rooftop, offering a full 360-degree panorama. I was fortunate enough to experience a preview of the Skylift just before its public debut, and it redefined my perception of city views.
Stepping onto the 69th-floor outdoor deck, I was immediately struck by the quintessential New York moment unfolding before me. While other observation decks might claim greater altitude or cutting-edge design, Top of the Rock’s strategic location at 50th Street places you squarely in the city’s core. From this vantage point, the sprawling cityscape stretches out in all directions, from the Hudson to the East River, reaching Lady Liberty to the south and extending up to the Bronx in the north. It’s a truly central and immersive perspective.
Ascending to the 70th floor, the Skylift initially appeared remarkably subtle. At first glance, it resembled a simple, transparent circular enclosure nestled amidst the rooftop deck. However, stepping through the doorway and finding a spot along the edge revealed the magic about to unfold. With an almost imperceptible motion, the platform began to rise, so smoothly that I was initially unaware, completely absorbed by the unfolding cityscape. My instinct was to turn and take in every angle, but the Skylift gracefully began its rotation, effortlessly presenting a complete panorama of the city. All that was left to do was absorb the breathtaking spectacle.
Floating above the city’s iconic landmarks felt like a dream. Facing north, Central Park unfurled like a vibrant green carpet. As the Skylift rotated counterclockwise, familiar skyscrapers around Columbus Circle and Times Square, previously known only from ground level, transformed into new shapes from this elevated perspective. Then, as the viewpoint shifted south, the Empire State Building emerged as the undisputed centerpiece. From this vantage point, hundreds of feet in the air, I imagined a whimsical encounter with King Kong himself, perhaps meeting him eye-to-eye if he paused to admire the view. This is the level of immersion Skylift provides – you don’t just see the city; you become part of it.
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While other observation points offer skyline views, Top of the Rock’s Skylift places you within the skyline. It seamlessly integrates with 30 Rock’s Art Deco architecture, dating back to its 1933 inception, while adding a contemporary flair with 96 LED pixel flutes that illuminate the platform and project vibrant colors skyward. The platform also features a central speaker system and a panoramic camera to capture the moment.
Adding to the thrill, halfway through the three-and-a-half-minute ride, our guide prompted us to look down. Suddenly, the frosted glass floor transformed into transparent panels, revealing the city directly beneath our feet. This exhilarating feature, certainly not for the faint of heart, injects an extra dose of adrenaline into the experience, amplifying the sensation of soaring above New York.
“We aimed to craft a unique experience that capitalized on our outdoor space,” explained EB Kelly, Senior Managing Director at Tishman Speyer and Head of Rockefeller Center. Speaking from the 69th floor, she elaborated, “We wanted to ensure visitors could still feel the wind and absorb the sights and sounds of New York, but in a way that incorporated a moment of thrill and awe.”
This innovative experience subtly echoes other iconic Rockefeller Center features. “The Skylift’s rotating floor subtly nods to the legendary rotating dance floor of the Rainbow Room and the joyful twirling on The Rink during winter,” Kelly added, highlighting the intention to infuse a “whimsical moment” into the design.
This deep connection to Rockefeller Center’s rich history, spanning nearly a century, truly distinguishes this attraction. Visitors can also engage with another iconic piece of history by recreating the famous “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photograph. Taken during the construction of the RCA Building (now 30 Rock) on the 69th floor, the image depicts 11 ironworkers perched on a beam high above the city. Now, on the same floor, The Beam experience allows visitors to pose on a similar beam (safely secured with a seatbelt) for a comparable photo, complete with playful props like tools and even donuts.
Further enhancing the historical narrative, The Weather Room eatery on the 67th floor derives its name from a Doppler radar once situated on the 70th floor, used for weather forecasting.
The Beam and The Weather Room both debuted in 2023, alongside a new welcome gallery this past summer. These additions, along with Skylift, complete the comprehensive modernization of Top of the Rock. This revitalization is part of a broader initiative across Rockefeller Center, introducing thoughtfully curated and contemporary retail experiences such as Rough Trade, McNally Jackson Books, N.Peal, Todd Snyder, and The Shops at NBC Studios, alongside dining destinations like Pebble Bar, Smith & Mills, Lodi, Jupiter, Le Rock, NARO, and 5 Acres.
Admission to Top of the Rock ranges from $40 to $61 for adults, with varied pricing for children and seniors. The Beam and Skylift experiences are available as add-ons for $25 and $35 respectively, while a VIP Pass offering private access to both starts at $190.
“Rockefeller Center embodies history and authenticity,” Kelly concluded. “To truly experience the real New York, to connect with its past and present, a visit to Rockefeller Center is essential. It’s here that you can hear its story and become a part of its enduring legacy.” For an unforgettable perspective on this incredible city, Top of the Rock Rockefeller Plaza, especially with the addition of the Skylift, is an absolute must-do.
