Top of the Rock Observation Deck in New York, NY
Rising high above Manhattan, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center is one of New York City's premier attractions, cementing its iconic status among locals and tourists alike. Situated in the bustling heart of the city, on the 70th floor of the prodigious 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the observation deck offers awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the city skyline. From the Central Park’s lush greenery to the towering Empire State building and distant Statue of Liberty, visitors have a panoramic vista of city landmarks that never fails to impress.
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck owes its origin to the legendary business tycoon, John D. Rockefeller, who commissioned the Rockefeller Center in the early 1930s, during the Great Depression. Illustrated as a 'city within a city', the center stretches over 22 acres and encompasses 19 commercial buildings. However, its crowning glory —the observation deck— was officially opened to the public on July 16, 1933. For nearly nine decades, it has continued to grant innumerable visitors the privilege of a bird's eye view of the Big Apple.
Arguably, the biggest highlight of the Top of the Rock is its unhindered city scape views. The observation deck is split into three levels – the 67th, 69th, and the open-air 70th floor. As you rise to the top, you will be unfurled to a grand view that extends uptown, downtown and everywhere in between. Noteworthy sights include the vast Central Park, the art-deco masterpiece of Empire State Building, the gothic outline of Chrysler Building, the Hudson and East Rivers serenading the city, and the distant spiky crown of the Statue of Liberty. Apart from the landscapes, interactional multimedia exhibits tell the history of the Rockefeller Center and offers behind-the-scenes peeks at its major events and entertainment highlights.
If you want to elevate your New York experience, be transported into the glittery night sky at the Top of the Rock’s Radiance Wall, a mass display of glass panels, blown glass, crystal clusters, and fiber-optics created by Swarovski. During the holiday season, Top of the Rock's views pair perfectly with the rinkside hustle and bustle of the shimmering Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, creating an unforgettable holiday spectacle.
In essence, a visit to the Top of the Rock offers both the experience of modern wonder and a journey through a rich historical site. Its unrivaled views encompass the essence of New York, amplifying the city's marvelous scale and grandeur. Whether you find your joy in architectural splendors, historical relevance, or breathtaking views, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck is the vantage point that promises to give you a taste of it all.
