Visiting Top of the Rock at Night

Sitting high up on 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the Top of the Rock has three levels of observation decks, both indoors and outdoors. These decks offer amazing, clear views of the city's skyline both during the day and night. As amazing as the cityscape is during the day, gazing at the New York skyline during the night is a truly magical experience and one you should witness firsthand!

This guide gives you all the essentials for a memorable and efficient visit to Top of the Rock at night.

Visiting Top of the Rock at night

As evening falls and stars twinkle above, the real magic at Top of the Rock isn't just the sky, even though it feels closer. What's truly stunning is the New York City view below, sparkling with colorful lights. Whether you’re on the 67th, 69th, or 70th floor at night, you get a 360-degree view of Manhattan, seeing New York's heart through its towering skyscrapers.

The Empire State Building stands out, especially bright at night. You can also spot other landmarks like Central Park, The Edge, Hudson Yards, the Statue of Liberty, and the One World Trade Center.

Seeing New York from this high up at night is like a fairy tale. It's the perfect end to a day exploring the lively streets of the Big Apple.

Things to do at Top of the Rock at night

Visit all three observation decks

At the Top of the Rock, nestled atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the three levels of observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors offer breathtaking views of New York City's skyline. These decks, unique with indoor and outdoor spaces, provide a panoramic vista unlike any other in NYC, especially enchanting at night.

Top of the Rock observation decks

Explore Rockefeller Center

While the Top of the Rock is a standout attraction, Rockefeller Center offers more. Visit Rockefeller Plaza at the base for seasonal activities like ice skating in winter or roller skating in summer. Don't miss the Rock Center Tour, where you can dive into the area's rich history, art, and architecture. Look for potential openings at the once-public Rainbow Room and Bar SixtyFive.

Take some memorable photos!

On the Top of the Rock, the 70th floor is the prime spot for photography, offering unobstructed views of the NYC skyline, especially towards the south. Avoid the western side to keep the 69th-floor deck out of your shots, and capture sprawling vistas from the southeast side of the building.

Visitor tips

Aim to arrive just before sunset to witness the city transition from day to night. This way, you can enjoy both the stunning sunset and the sparkling city lights. Check the sunset time for the specific date of your visit and plan accordingly.
Give yourself 2-3 hours at the venue to end with a lovely dinner at The Weather Room at Top of the Rock or any of the dining options at Rockefeller Center.
New York City can get chilly at night, even during the warmer months. Since Top of the Rock is an open-air observation deck, it can be windy at higher altitudes. Bring a light jacket or sweater to stay comfortable at the outdoor decks.
Use the night mode in your phone cameras to take the best possible pictures and videos at the observation deck. But be mindful of using flashes so that you don’t disturb other visitors.
The Beam experience at night will be just a tad bit more thrilling with the stronger winds adding extra adrenaline.

Plan your visit to Top of the Rock

Book Top of the Rock tickets

Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets

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Combo (Save 4%): Top of the Rock Observation Deck + The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Tickets

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Rockefeller Center Guided Tour

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1 hr. 15 min.

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Top of the Rock with 2 or 3 Top NYC Attraction Tickets

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New York CityPASS®: Choose 5 Attractions

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Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets with the Beam Experience

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Top of the Rock Observation Deck VIP Pass with the Beam & Skylift Experience

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Combo (Save 5%): Top of the Rock + Edge Observation Deck Tickets

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Combo (Save 5%): Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour

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Go City New York All-Inclusive Pass: Choose 1 to 10 Days

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Frequently asked questions about visiting Top of the Rock at night

Can I visit Top of the Rock at night?

Yes, you can visit Top of the Rock at night. It offers a unique experience with a different perspective of the city.

How much are the tickets to visit Top of the Rock at night?

Ticket prices for adults are $40, for children (6-12) are $34, and for seniors (62+) are $38.

Is Top of the Rock crowded at night?

Usually, the crowd begins to taper down after sunset. Visiting around 9pm or 10pm would be ideal to avoid crowds.

Is Top of the Rock open at night?

Yes, Top of the Rock is open until midnight every day, making it the perfect observation deck for a night visit! Keep in mind that the last entry is at 11:10pm.

Till what time is Top of the Rock open at night?

Top of the Rock is open until midnight, with the last admission at 11:10pm.

What can I see from the Top of the Rock observation deck at night?

You can enjoy spectacular views of New York City's landmarks like the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Chrysler Building at night. The city's night lights and energy offer a unique perspective.

Is visiting Top of the Rock at night worth it?

Visiting Top of the Rock at night is definitely worth it. The nighttime views of the city are simply magical and provide the perfect end to a day in the vibrant city of New York.