Top of the Rock NYC
…Hidden Secrets, Best Photos Ops and Tips
What a treat to get a private tour of the Top of the Rock NYC!!!
I honestly didn’t think I was going to be impressed, but WOW, was I surprised. John, TOTR Senior Customer Care Representative, gave us some real NYC Insider tips about the TOTR and Rockefeller Center.
Top of the Rock Tour
Just as you walk in to TOTR, there is a huge, hanging crystal chandelier, which looks like a suspended waterfall. Now look at it closely…
It is actually an inverted model of the building, also known as 30 Rockefeller Center (30 Rock).
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This iconic image, known as “Men on Beam,” was taken during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Center. Ask 10 New Yorkers, and I’ll bet, like me, 9 of them thought it was taken at the Empire State Building.
During the tour, sit on the beam and look down through the glass floor to get a virtual sense of what it was like to have lunch at 70 stories high.
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The tour includes three very interesting 5-minute films about the history of Rockefeller Center, the Rockettes and NBC Studios.
Rockefeller Center was originally intended to house the Metropolitan Opera, but when the Depression hit in 1929, John D. Rockefeller changed direction and chose to create over 70,000 much needed jobs in New York City by building Rockefeller Plaza.
NYC Insider Tip
Pay attention – this is truly insider information given to NYCIG by the Manager of TOTR….
“In addition to our two Swarovski crystal installations, the Joie chandelier and Radiance crystal geode wall, Swarovski also hid several of their crystal animal figurines inside Radiance.”
Can you find all the hidden crystals?
Top of The Rock Discount Passes |
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CityPASS |
NY Explorer Pass |
New York Pass |
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Sunset is the most popular (ie, busiest) time of day. Watching the sunset over The Empire State Building is breathtaking.
The best time to propose at TOTR is in the morning, the least crowded time. If you’re really, really lucky, you will feel like you have a whole outdoor floor, and all of New York City, to yourself for a short time.
The all glass elevator takes 43 seconds to go from Floor 2 to Floor 67. There is no 13th Floor at 30 Rockefeller Center.
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Watch for the hidden Swarovski crystal animals along the walls of the 67th floor. See if you can find the Cat eating the Mouse or the Rabbit hidden in the wall.
The huge, open space on the 67th Floor of 30 Rock was Don King’s office, before the Observation Deck re-opened in 2005, after a 20 year hiatus.
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The Observation Deck was originally modeled after the lounge deck of a cruise ship, such as the Titanic, complete with wood Adirondeck Chairs and waiters serving cocktails. In the 1930′s, during the Depression, a trip to the Observation Deck of the Top of the Rock NYC was designed to simulate setting sail in the heart of New York City.
At the Top of the Rock NYC gift shop, there is a smaller model of the Swarovski Crystal Star that is always on the Top of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. You can even purchase a replica to take home and put on your Christmas Tree.
NYC Insider Guide Tip – don’t waste your time taking pictures from inside the glass, as I did.
Head straight to the 70th floor, the very top of the outside observation deck, for completely unobstructed, no glass, 360 degree, unbelievable views of Manhattan.
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Top of the Rock NYC Tickets
Reserved Times – Adults $25, Child (6-12) $16.00, Senior (62+) $23.00
Sunrise/ Sunset (two visits in one day) – Adults $38, Child $20
Rock Pass – $35 for Top of the Rock NYC and NBC Studios Tour
Top of The Rock Discount Passes |
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CityPASS |
NY Explorer Pass |
New York Pass |
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City Sights Downtown Bus Tour and TOTR- Combine TOTR tickets with a New York City Bus Tour and save at least $10.
Top of the Rock NYC is fully ADA compliant and open 365 days per year.
30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112-0004 (212) 698-2000
Main entrance is at 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues
8:00am to midnight, 7 days a week. The first elevator goes up at 8:00am, the last one at 11:00pm. Hours of operation may vary on holidays.
Hotels Near Top of the Rock
Rockefeller Center runs from 47th – 50th Streets, between 5th and 6th Aves. Both Midtown East Hotels and Midtown West Hotels will be nearby.
Hotels within a 5-10 minute walk to Rockefeller Center include:
The London NYC | 151 West 54th Street (6th/7th Aves)
Waldorf Astoria | 301 Park Ave (49th/50th Streets)
Hilton New York | 1335 Ave of the Americas (= 6th Ave) at 53rd St
Club Quarters, Rockefeller Center | 25 W 51st St at 5th Ave
Membership generally required for weeknights, but great rates and available to the public on weekends.
The Jewel Facing Rockefeller Center | 11 W 51 St at 5th Ave
Restaurants Near Top of the Rock
Del Frisco’s Grille
Del Frisco’s Grille is a casual destination offering wood oven-baked flatbreads with toppings like pulled rosemary chicken and goat cheese, hearty salads, “two fisted” sandwiches such as the Pastrami & Swiss Reuben, fresh seafood classics ranging from Cioppino to Ahi Tuna Steak and, of course, a range of signature steaks and chops.
Harry’s Italian Pizza Parlor
Restaurateur Peter Poulakakos and award winning pizza Chef Nick Angelis have brought a spinoff of their downtown favorite, Harry’s Italian, to Rockefeller Center. Harry’s Italian Pizza Parlor will offer their old fashioned square pizzas by the slice or pie, as well as salads, Italian ices and hero sandwiches. Visit Harry’s in the Rockefeller Concourse for a delicious meal.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Potbelly, the raved-about sub chain that originated in Chicago, continues to make inroads into Manhattan’s lunch scene. Located in the Concourse, Potbelly is a renowned sandwich shop famous for its toasted subs, freshly-blended milkshakes and folksy décor.
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Top of the Rock NYC Virtual Tour
Take a look at President Obama, Roger Federer, Matt Lauer, Ellen Degeneres , Jessica Alba, Sarah Jessica Parker and more visiting TOTR in NYC.
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Latest News and Events at Rockefeller Center
Top of the Rock Winter Starlight Music Festival 2012 |
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February 1, 8, 14, 15th, |
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The winter music line up at Top of the Rock includes: Wed, February 1: Angela Workman | Wed, February 8: Dive Bar Dukes Tues, February 14 : Hans Holzen Trio | Wed, February 15: The Nick Bucci Band |
Top of the Rock Fall Starlight Music Festival 2011
September 28, October 5, 12, 19,
6 – 8 pm.
Wine, this spectacular view and live jazz music! Visit the 67th floor observation deck at Top of the Rock and enjoy the city at sunset with wine and champagne (for purchase) provided by Rock Center Café and hot chocolate and sweet treats provided by La Maison du Chocolat. Music free with Top of the Rock Admission fee. Every Wednesday, September 28 – October 19, 2011.
Top of the Rock News 2010
Rockefeller Tree Lighting (December)
Top of the Rock Holiday Hours 2010:
Christmas Eve, Fri., 12/24: 8:00am – 9:00pm (last elevator 8:10pm)
Christmas Day, Sat., 12/25: 10:00am – 10:00pm (last elevator 9:10pm)
New Year’s Eve, Fri., 12/31: 8:00am – 9:00pm (last elevator 8:10pm)
New Year’s Day, Sat., 1/1/11: 10:00am – Midnight (last elevator 11:10pm)
- Spook-tacular at Top of the Rock (October)
- Top of the Rock Starlight Music Series
September 22, 29 and October 6,
6 – 8 pmWine, this spectacular view and live music! Visit the 67th floor observation deck at Top of the Rock and enjoy the city at sunset with wine and champagne (for purchase) provided by Rock Center Café and hot chocolate and sweet treats provided by La Maison du Chocolat.
- Fashion’s Night Out – Step Out on the Red Carpet
Friday, September 10, 6:00pm – 11:00 pm
Rockefeller Center will be transformed into a massive red-carpet extravaganza. The experience will include “live mannequins” showcasing fashion-forward looks from the Center’s retailers, as well as paparazzi-style photos by Kodak. - The Capital Grille Special Offer, Time-Life 3-Course Menu $39 Per Person. Now through October 1, 2010
- July 26th – August 22nd: AJ Maxwell’s Steakhouse provides delicious bites and beverages at Bar 30. Rockefeller Center and House Beautiful magazine announce the opening of Bar 30 by House Beautiful, a new summer bar and lounge in the heart of Rockefeller Plaza. What was House Beautiful’s “Kitchen of the Year” has been transformed by designer Jeff Lewis into another culinary destination. Bar 30 will remain open through August 22nd, 11am – 10pm daily.
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Nearby Attractions: Rockefeller Center, NBC Studios, The Today Show, Nintendo World, American Girl Place, Rockefeller Christmas Tree (seasonal).
Return from TOTR to New York City Tourist Attractions
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