Top of the Rock New York Opening Times
If you want to visit the famous Top of the Rock but don't know its opening hours and want to know when it opens and how long the visit lasts, read on!
Seeing the New York skyline from the Top of the Rock from the very heart of Manhattan is a magical sensation.
Don't let vertigo stop you, make sure you know the opening hours of the observation deck so you can plan your visit and buy your tickets. It will be an unforgettable experience!
1. What are the opening hours of Top of the Rock?
Top of the Rock is open from 10 AM to 10 PM, every day of the week and every day of the year. These long opening hours offer great flexibility and allow you to climb to the top of Rockefeller Center at almost any time of the day and enjoy the views of New York City like a child.
Practical tips for choosing the time of your visit
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Indicate date and time when booking in advance: it is necessary to select a date and time to visit the Top of The Rock at the time of booking your tickets. I recommend you to be punctual, as they do not guarantee access outside the time you have chosen.
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Be aware of the first and last visit: The first lift goes up at 10 AM and the last one at 9:10 PM. Keep this in mind in case, before going up to Top of the Rock, you want to see other tourist attractions in the area.
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Holiday hours: The regular Top of the Rock hours may vary if there is a holiday or long weekend on the calendar. My advice is to do a quick Google search if your trip falls on a public holiday to check for any changes that may occur on those dates.
2. And when does Top of the Rock close?
As mentioned in the previous point, in normal weather conditions the Top of the Rock is open until 10 PM every day of the year, regardless of whether it is hot or cold.
In the event of extreme weather conditions (snow, hail, strong wind, etc.) parts of the observation deck may be closed to the public for safety reasons at the discretion of the attraction. However, visitors will be informed of weather conditions prior to entry.
In any case, the Top of The Rock has an observatory spread over three floors, with the 67th floor almost completely closed, where you can take shelter. From its windows there are excellent views of the Big Apple skyline.
3. How long does the visit to the Top of the Rock last? How long can I stay at the observation deck?
There is usually no time limit to stay inside the Top of the Rock observation deck and visits generally last between 45 and 60 minutes.
The Top of the Rock is perhaps the most famous skyscraper in New York and the one most recommended by travellers because it has the best panoramic view of the city and the best views of Manhattan and Central Park.
They are so fascinating that you will find it hard to leave. Add to that the Mezzanine Exhibit, a visit to the LED-lit Breezeway, the Radiance Wall and the gift shop, and you're likely to be there for a long time. There's so much to see, it's up to you to decide how long to stay.
4. When to go to watch the sunset at Top of the Rock?
The time of sunset is not constant throughout the year but varies over time (for example in summer it can be between 7 PM and 9:30 PM and in winter between 4 PM and 6:30 PM), so if you are going to the Top of the Rock with the intention of seeing it, I recommend that you first check online when the sunset occurs in the month you are travelling to New York.
Sunset is a favourite time for tourists visiting the skyscrapers of the Big Apple, including the Top of the Rock. The views are breathtaking at such a height, which is why it is the most crowded time of the year.
But be careful because, unlike other skyscrapers in the city, tickets to the Top of the Rock have an additional cost of about 8 Euros per ticket just to go and watch the sunset.
So if you'd rather save that money and get a more intimate experience by going up to the observation deck without so many people around, my advice is to go early in the morning on a weekday - you'll have the Top of the Rock almost to yourself and that's a treat! However, if you're worried about your budget during your trip, use this guide to Top of the Rock ticket prices to help you organise your budget before your trip and to give you some tips on how to save money on your visit.
5. What other places can I visit near the Top of the Rock? Timetables of nearby tourist attractions
Midtown Manhattan is full of attractions close to the Top of the Rock that you can explore by taking a stroll around the area. Check out the opening hours of some of the most popular tourist attractions near the Top of the Rock below.
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Grand Central Terminal: Open from 5:15 AM to 2:00 AM daily.
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St. Patrick's Cathedral: Open from 6:30 AM to 8:45 PM daily.
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Chrysler Building: The lobby is open from 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays. A good time to visit without tourists disturbing the workers is from 10:30 AM to 11 AM or from 2 to 4 PM.
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New York Public Library: Open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 AM to 8 PM. Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM.
6. What are the opening hours of other skyscrapers in New York?
And if after climbing to the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center you've been so taken with the New York skyline that you'd like to see it again from other points in the Big Apple, here's a brief list of the opening hours of the city' s other iconic skyscrapers.
There are some, like the Empire State Building, that have super extended opening hours (until 2am!) and will allow you to enjoy the illuminated views of Manhattan well into the early hours of the morning. It's practically a VIP experience as there aren't usually many travellers at that time of day.
- Empire State Building
- Opening hours
- 8 AM to 2 AM
- One World Observatory
- Hours
- 9 AM to 9 PM
- The Edge
- Hours
- 10 AM to 10 PM