For over two decades, Rockefeller Center has been more than just a landmark in New York City for me; it’s been a constant, evolving presence in my life. From my early career days interning in the 1271 Avenue of the Americas building, navigating its intricate underground passageways, to years spent working near Radio City Music Hall, grabbing daily lunches from its bustling basement eateries, and even braving overnight standby lines for Saturday Night Live tickets, Rock Center has always held a special, familiar place in my heart. This iconic 22-acre complex, nestled between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and 49th and 51st Streets, feels like a true home away from home.
In 2005, Rockefeller Center unveiled a revitalized version of its most elevated attraction: Top of the Rock Observation Deck. This breathtaking experience whisks visitors up in a mere 45 seconds to open-air decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, placing you right in the vibrant heart of Midtown Manhattan. For someone captivated by heights and cityscapes across the globe, the allure of Top of the Rock was immediately apparent. I vividly remember my first visit in 2008 for a private event, captivated by the stunning views.
New York City is certainly not short on sky-high vantage points. With iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and One World Observatory, and newer sensations like Edge NYC and Summit One Vanderbilt, the competition for the best skyline view is fierce. Yet, despite knowing Top of the Rock offered unparalleled perspectives of a neighborhood I thought I knew intimately, I hadn’t revisited, assuming it was primarily for tourists.
However, recent news changed my perspective. Top of the Rock announced its latest innovation, an exhilarating addition to its already impressive summit: Skylift. This open-air, circular platform ascends an additional 30 feet above the 70th floor rooftop, offering a complete 360-degree panoramic rotation. I was fortunate enough to experience a preview ride just before its public launch on October 1st, and it completely redefined my understanding of Top of the Rock and its place in the city’s skyline narrative.
Stepping onto the 69th-floor outdoor deck, I was immediately struck by the quintessential New York moment unfolding before me. While other observation decks may boast greater altitudes or sleeker designs, Top of the Rock‘s 50th Street vantage point places you squarely in the city’s epicenter. Positioned perfectly between the Hudson and East Rivers, the view stretches from the iconic Statue of Liberty to the south all the way to the Bronx in the north. It’s a truly immersive experience, grounding you in the vast geography of this sprawling metropolis.
Ascending to the 70th floor, I was surprised by Skylift’s understated presence. At first glance, it appeared simply as a transparent, circular enclosure on the rooftop deck. But as a guide opened the entrance, I stepped inside and found a spot along the edge. With an almost imperceptible motion, the platform began to rise, so smoothly that the ascent was initially unnoticed. My attention was completely consumed by the unfolding panorama. Instinctively, I began to turn, eager to capture every angle. Then, the platform started its rotation. Effortlessly, Skylift presented the city in its entirety, requiring nothing more than my presence to absorb the breathtaking spectacle.
The sensation was akin to floating amidst the city’s most celebrated landmarks. Facing north, Central Park unfurled like a vibrant green carpet, a stark contrast to the steel and glass surrounding it. As Skylift rotated counterclockwise, familiar skyscrapers in Columbus Circle and Times Square, landmarks I knew intimately from street level, revealed new dimensions from this elevated perspective, their heights now aligned with my own. Then, as the viewpoint shifted south, the Empire State Building emerged as the undisputed crown jewel of the skyline. From this vantage point, 900 feet above the city, I imagined a whimsical encounter: if King Kong were still clinging to the tower, we would be face-to-face, both pausing to admire the view. This is the level of immersion Skylift provides – you are not just observing the city; you are within it.
While other observation decks offer a detached perspective of the skyline, Top of the Rock with Skylift positions you as part of it. Skylift seamlessly integrates with 30 Rock’s Art Deco architecture, a legacy from its 1933 inception, while injecting a modern flair with 96 LED pixel flutes that illuminate the base and extend skyward with vibrant colors. Adding to the sensory experience, a central speaker subtly broadcasts music, and a panoramic camera captures a memento of your elevated journey.
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But the surprises didn’t end there. Midway through the three-and-a-half-minute Skylift ride, our guide prompted us to look down. Suddenly, the frosted glass floor beneath our feet transformed into transparent panels. Definitely not for the faint of heart, this feature adds an unexpected adrenaline surge to the sensation of soaring above the city – precisely the intended effect.
“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,” explained EB Kelly, Senior Managing Director at Tishman Speyer and Head of Rockefeller Center, speaking from the 69th floor.
This innovative experience draws inspiration from other iconic Rockefeller Center features. “The rotating floor of the Skylift evokes the iconic rotating dance floor of the Rainbow Room, just a few floors below, and the whimsical experience of twirling on The Rink downstairs in the wintertime,” she added, emphasizing the goal of creating a “whimsical moment” for visitors.
This connection to Rockefeller Center’s rich history, spanning nearly a century, truly distinguishes the Top of the Rock experience. Another iconic chapter from this history is readily available for visitors to engage with: the famous “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photograph. This image, depicting 11 ironworkers perched on a beam high above the city, was captured during the construction of the 69th floor of the RCA Building, now part of Rockefeller Center. Today, on the same floor, visitors can recreate this iconic image on “The Beam.” Safely secured with a seatbelt, you can pose atop a similar beam, complete with playful props like hammers, wrenches, doughnuts, and apples, capturing a memorable and historical photo opportunity.
Further enhancing the visitor experience is The Weather Room eatery on the 67th floor. Its name pays homage to a Doppler radar that once graced the 70th floor, from which weather forecasts were determined.
The Beam and The Weather Room both debuted in 2023, complementing a newly unveiled welcome gallery from the previous summer. Along with Skylift, these additions mark the culmination of Top of the Rock’s comprehensive modernization. This revitalization is part of a broader Rockefeller Center initiative to reinvent itself with thoughtfully curated and contemporary 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 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 a $25 add-on, and Skylift is an additional $35 per person. For an exclusive experience, a VIP Pass, including private access to both The Beam and Skylift, starts at $190.
“Rockefeller Center is a place with history and authenticity,” Kelly concluded. “If you want to truly experience the real New York and connect with both its 90-year history and its vibrant present, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center is an essential destination. Here, you can hear its story and become a part of that enduring legacy.”
