Eyeflare - Travel Articles and Tips

Posted: 27 Oct 2011 02:00 AM PDT

Viewing New York and Manhattan from Top of the Rock

Soaring seventy stories over Manhattan is the Top of the Rock, the observation deck on top of Rockefeller Center, with spectacular views of New York City. Open daily from 8 am to midnight, visitors can take the elevator and stay as long as they like. The Top of the Rock is actually on three levels, on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors, with the highest being eight hundred fifty feet above the city streets. There are outdoor terraces on the first two levels that have transparent glass but the highest level is totally open with an unobstructed view of the city.

Rockefeller Center is one of New York City’s most popular destinations and became a National Historic Landmark in 1987. It sits on twenty-two acres in Midtown Manhattan and contains nineteen commercial structures which were built by the Rockefeller family in 1930 and named after the family. The observation decks are atop the centerpiece of the original fourteen art deco towers, the GE Building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza or “30 Rock”.

The entrance to the elevator is on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. After a seventy-five million dollar renovation, The Top of the Rock was opened to the public in 2005. Before arriving at the viewing area, visitors can take in the multimedia exhibit which explores the Center’s history. Coin operated binoculars are available, as are self-guided audio tours. While some sections may have to be closed for safety reasons, the observation decks are open every day despite inclement weather.