Report: Top of the Rock in NYC is a chaotic nightmare, not worth it

Top of the Rock, Bottom of the List

“Why would anyone want a reminder of this awful experience?” a stranger wondered aloud as she observed the shelves of souvenirs in the gift shop at the exit of Top of the Rock.

Top of the Rock — the observation deck atop Rockefeller Center in Manhattan — is something of a bucket-list item on a typical tourist’s NYC trip. Fear of heights notwithstanding, who wouldn’t want to soak in a view of one of the most legendary cities in the world from 70 stories high? The classics are classics for a reason, right?

With all of this in mind, I looked forward to my Top of the Rock appointment on a recent trip to New York. When it was all said and done, though, I’m sorry to say I agreed with the woman in the gift shop. Her sentiment captured the essence of an overhyped, frustrating afternoon I wish I could forget.

Purchasing Top of the Rock Tickets

From the onset of choosing a ticket package among many options, the Top of the Rock experience was overwhelming. Selecting something called a Rock Pass, I wondered if I’d picked the best value for my dollar, but shrugged off my confusion as rookie inexperience.

The Rock Pass pairs general admission to Top of the Rock with an art tour of Rockefeller Center’s lower floors. Since my visit was in December, I’d also get to take a photo with 30 Rock’s Christmas tree in a roped-off area away from crowds. I added the observation deck photo pass separately. My total was around $90, which seemed fair to me.

Though I opted not to partake, Top of the Rock also offers access to the newly installed photo-op The Beam, which recreates a famous construction photo from nearly a century ago.

Chaos and Confusion

It didn’t take long to realize nearly every aspect of Top of the Rock’s operations lacks organization.

For my selected ticket package (with the art tour and photo pass), there had been no pre-arrival email instructions to speak of, nor was there much clarity upon arrival as to how to experience what I’d purchased. Checking my ticket at the door, an usher directed me to the elevator that took me to the roof, where I learned I shouldn’t have been sent up the elevator (after waiting about 40 minutes to do so).

Later, I realized the photo pass I purchased misled the reality of the situation: photographers are stationary in one spot using iPads to take guests’ photos. I requested a refund for the photo pass portion of my ticket.

That’s not to mention the general chaos of several hundred people shuffling around, each experiencing their own version of the events I just described. Guests and employees alike were palpably unhappy. The atmosphere was a challenge for my anxiety and neurodivergency, something I don’t say flippantly. If unexpected stimuli overwhelms you, like me, avoid this attraction.

In a particularly tense moment, myself and a group of about a dozen other visitors entered the wrong line for an elevator (despite there being no signage noting where we were supposed to go). An employee raised their voice and verbally reprimanded everyone (including children), which naturally angered a few guests who shouted back. “Get me out of here,” I thought, trying to find a happy place in my mind.

Tip: Skip Top of the Rock, Take the Art Tour Separately

Despite the overall stressful experience, I enjoyed several aspects of Top of the Rock, but had to intentionally compartmentalize my sanity to do so.

The art tour — showcasing the many sculptures, paintings, and tile murals in and around 30 Rockefeller Plaza — was fascinating.

Of course, another highlight was a solo photo with the iconic 30 Rock Christmas tree. Our group’s tour guide escorted all of us right up to a private photo-op area. There were no professional photographers present, but the convenience alone may be worth the price of admission for some guests visiting during the holidays.

Consensus

Top of the Rock seems like one of those things you “have to do” in New York City, but despite the cool photos, the process of getting them was not worth it to me. Even at a less-busy time of year, I’d hesitate to return. Besides, my favorite part — the art tour with the Christmas tree photo-op — could’ve been purchased separately, avoiding the rooftop visit and its stresses.

More NYC Attractions

Something in Rockefeller Center significantly more fun than Top of the Rock? “Saturday Night Live”! Learn how to get “SNL” tickets and take a peek behind the scenes during a live filming in our previous stories.

Not too far away on Broadway, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” wows with special effects wizardry. Read our review here.