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New York City

Is Top of the Rock worth it?

Worth it if…Overhyped · −14Three-level deck at 30 Rock facing the Empire State Building and Central Park
Top of the Rock
Jakub Peller · Google Maps
Top of the Rock
Lisa Wodars · Google Maps
Top of the Rock
Barbara Landi · Google Maps
Top of the Rock
Verasztó András · Google Maps
Top of the Rock
Maurizio Fedeli · Google Maps

Worth it, with conditions. 4.7 across 93k Google reviews; reviewers and guides repeatedly name it the best all-round view in the city.

Hype78How famous and hyped it is
Reality64Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
The gap−14OverhypedHow we score
4.7 ★ Google · 93,002 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first

Been to Top of the Rock? Was it worth it?

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Is it worth it for you?

Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 first-timers vote

If you pick one deck, guides call it the best all-round view: Empire State Building one way, Central Park the other.

Why Reality is 64

Lives up to its fame4/54.7 across 93k Google reviews; reviewers and guides repeatedly name it the best all-round view in the city.
Value for money3/5From $42 is mid-pack for NYC decks; add-ons ($28 Beam, $35 Skylift, ~$40 photos) are where reviewers feel overcharged.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5Its Empire State + Central Park view is distinctive, but you need only one deck and others are higher or more novel.
Easy to do4/5Central Midtown location, open 8 a.m.–midnight, timed entry and generally manageable crowds.

What people loved

The best straight-on view of the Empire State Building plus an unobstructed look over Central ParkOpen-air terraces on three levels, with less glass between you and the view than most decksUsually cheaper and less crowded than the newer decks; open until midnightStaff and timed entry keep things organized; short film and glass-roof elevator on the way up

What wore them down

Beam and Skylift add-ons are short (1–2 minutes) for their price and the Beam is inside the enclosure, not over the streetPhoto-package upsell (about $40) on top of tickets and add-onsLowest of the major decks at about 850 ftOne guide reports poor past customer service and a frustrating CityPass exchange line

Know before you go

See something out of date? Fix it right here.

Booking: Timed-entry tickets for a set date and time; buy online ahead (especially for sunset) or at the box office.

EntryTimed Admission from $42; Skip-the-line from $82; VIP Pass (guided, Beam, Skylift, champagne) from $185Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Beam / SkyliftBeam combo from $73 (about $28 over general admission); Skylift add-on $35, bought on site onlySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Child / seniorUnder 6 free; Free Tours by Foot lists $43.55 adult, $41.37 senior, $37.02 child (Jan 2025)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursDaily 8 a.m.–midnight; last entry 11:10 p.m.Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ReservationTimed tickets for a chosen date and slot; can also be bought at the entranceSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Height70th floor, about 850 ft — the lowest of the major decks, with open-air terraces on three levelsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time neededAbout 1–1.5 hours; add time for the Beam or Skylift linesSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting thereSubway B/D/F/M to 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center, 2 min walk; ~10 min walk from Times SquareSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM

In their words

“The views are stunning in every direction, including a great view of the Empire State Building.”
Kate Lieshok · Google review · 4 months ago
“It’s a fun experience and worth doing once, but the prices are simply not reasonable for what you get.”
Ronen.M · Google review · 4 months ago
“The sky lift and the beam may be options worth spending only if you want to get an instagram worthy photograph.”
Nitin Paul Ambrose · Google review · 2 months ago
“On a clear day the views rival the other observation decks in Manhattan…with the real victories here being the fresh air and dual levels.”
Justin Rogers-Cooper · Google review · 5 months ago

Tips from people who went

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Questions people ask

How much does Top of the Rock cost?

Timed admission starts at $42 online; skip-the-line from $82 and VIP from $185. Children 5 and under are free.

Is The Beam at Top of the Rock worth it?

Reviewers say it lasts only a minute or two and is inside the deck enclosure; it's mainly for the photo. The Beam combo starts around $73.

What are Top of the Rock's hours?

Daily 8 a.m. to midnight, with last entry at 11:10 p.m.

Can you see the Empire State Building from Top of the Rock?

Yes, it is the deck's signature view, alongside Central Park to the north.

Top of the Rock or Empire State Building?

Top of the Rock is usually cheaper and shows the Empire State Building; the Empire State has the history but you can't see it from its own deck.

Better fits, according to people who went

Empire State Building — photo by Cale O'DayWorth it if…Reality 58 −26Empire State Building★ 4.7Midtown · ViewpointFor the history and the classic open-air 86th floor rather than the view of it.Rockefeller Center — photo by Matthias MüllerWorth it if…Reality 56 −34Rockefeller Center★ 4.7Midtown · LandmarkThe plaza, rink and Christmas tree below are free to see.SUMMIT — photo by FurYWorth it if…Reality 64 0SUMMIT★ 4.7Midtown · ViewpointHigher, with art rooms and an even closer Empire State Building view.Central Park — photo by Enzo MaidanaWorth itReality 90 −6Central Park★ 4.8Uptown & Central Park · ParkFree 843-acre park in the middle of Manhattan with lakes, lawns, bridges and the Ramble

Sources

Verdict by The Hype Gap editors. No one paid for it. Facts checked Oct 16, 2026. How we score · Standards