Read our New York Pass review to learn if this sightseeing pass is a good fit for your NYC travel plans. Rockefeller Centers Top of the Rock is in the Diamond District of Midtown Manhattan at 30 Rockefeller Center Plaza between 5th and 6th Avenue, one of the most popular areas for tourists to visit in NYC year-round. Located in the Rockefeller Center, the observation deck offers stunning views of the city. Both offer stunning views of the cityscape, but which one is better? Does anyone know if you can still visit if this is the vaccine youve had? His work and commentary have been featured in publications like Newsweek, Kiplingers Personal Finance, Dough Roller, CreditCardReviews.com, and more. This pass goes on sale constantly, but youll only be able to take advantage of those sales if you purchase it online. Here is a look at the pros and cons of each attraction to help you decide. Amazing but would definitely Recommend the express pass! Unlike some of my other favorite sightseeing passes, like the Vatican & Rome Card, the New York Pass does not have an option for using the public transportation system. Club Thrifty has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Ill be honest, its pretty hard to come up with a bunch of disadvantages to the New York Pass. Once you lucky enough to get in the building it does get better organized. Watch on. The downside is that it can be crowded and tickets are more expensive than tickets to the Empire State Building. Its a good idea to make reservations to ensure that you have a spot. Tapestry Collection by Hilton Hotels in New York City, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in New York City, InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in New York City, Hotels near The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Hotels near The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Hotels near John F. Kennedy Intl Airport (JFK), Hotels near Newark Liberty Intl Airport (EWR), Motels near Newark Liberty Intl Airport (EWR), Motels near John F. Kennedy Intl Airport (JFK). The general admission tickets range depending on time of day. One shouted at customers who were waiting to enter the lift when the door opened, telling them I tell you when to enter, its MY job. The Mezzanine Exhibit is filled with fascinating information about Rockefeller Center. Found this guide on how to visit the Top of the Rock helpful? Privacy Policy | If you are looking for a great view and are willing to pay for it, then the answer is yes. View is amazing but I am not sure if its worth going through the HORRIBLE process that is getting in. Read More American Express Gold Card vs. Follow the link for details. We appreciate this feedback and we will be sure to pass this along to management, both the good and the bad. Editors Note: Some attractions may require reservations, have limited operating ours, or have limited capacity. If you are interested in panoramic views and dont mind paying a bit more, the Top of the Rock is a better choice. It allows you to skip the line, which can save you a lot of time. So, lets see if the New York Pass is worth it for you! Both Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock are wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant. Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits include more than just travel points. A Universal Studios Express Pass is worth it if you want to bypass the lines and get to the rides faster. The Top of the Rock is one of the best places in New York City to take in the sights. You get the best view of Manhattan from here and a full 360 degree of the NY skyline. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Required fields are marked *. If you go during winter, youll be taken to the Channel Gardens, the world-famous skating rink! These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Rockefeller Center 2020 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. We decided on Top of the Rock instead of Empire State and I'm so glad we did. Your email address will not be published. Now that you know whether the New York Pass is right for you, here are a few tips for making the most of your sightseeing pass while youre there. Read More Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: Best Card for Frequent TravelersContinue. Is a shame! Click here to get yours now. How much time do you need at Top of the Rock? As long as I reserve certain times on certain days, I shouldnt have to wait very long, correct? Another significant landmark is 30 Rockefeller, also known as 30 Rock! The price of the pass can easily be covered by visiting 2-3 included attractions or tours per day. Empire State Building + Statue of Liberty. So I told him 9pm? and he replied in front of all the ones that were in front of us in the line (in a very sarcastic, unprofessional, unethical and rude way) if I said 9:20 or earlier and you have 9:00 then 9:00 is prior to 9:20 so, yes, you can go in. and collect a printed copy/card there? If the wait time is shorter, it may not be worth the expense. Another must have on New York! Although this Top of the Rock restaurant isnt technically part of the observation deck, it is part of the same building and is a great way to end the night or start your tour! Read somewhere that having a pass wont let me skip lines.. Is this true? It also includes a guided tour, which is a nice bonus. Its your choice! more, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, New York Ticket. Absolutely. There are more than 100 miles of TEXpress Lanes open on eight North Texas roadways. It is located in the Rockefeller Center, and offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. It includes a free audio guide, which can be a great way to learn more about the attraction. Wanted to have elopement here next month but not sure if its going to be busy. We appreciate you taking the time to provide this feedback as we are able to use this improve the experience for future visitors. Those Who Need a Few Days Off Remember, once the New York Pass is activated, its good for consecutive days only. Alternatively, you can purchase a discount voucher that gets you into multiple NYC attractions for a fraction of the price if you plan on doing multiple activities on your trip to save money and hundreds of dollars! Beautiful view, however they are letting way too many people up there to enjoy it! Enjoy! The New York Pass offers fast track entry to select (roughly the 10 busiest) locations, allowing you to skip the ticket line. Weve been to NYC once but didnt purchase the pass. The free app even syncs your itinerary with your calendar, guiding you as you plan your sightseeing across the city. So, if you only plan to visit one or two spots, skip this pass. The last thing you want is to spend thousands on a trip to New York, then waste the majority of your time standing in line. Were very sorry to hear about your negative experience during our busy season. As I said the views are great, make sure you go ion a clear day. Its always very busy, $40 plus tax is a lot for the service provided. Its also a good idea to avoid peak seasons such as the rush during the Christmas holiday season. And believe me, I have a lot of patience. These lanes form a system across the Metroplex allowing drivers to commute from one side to the other with less congestion. A regular admission ticket costs $36, but if you purchase it online in advance, the price drops to $30. Correct. Fantastic view of NY. These tickets start at $65 per person. We're so glad you enjoyed your visit! However the organisation to get into the building is a total shambles For this top NYC attraction, you need to queue in the street, on a narrow pavement (in the cold, lucky no rain) to get in. Using this pass instead of buying individual tickets can save up to 35% equaling hundreds of dollars in savings. Access to 3 levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks, No time limit - stay as long as you like during operating hours. As you would expect the views when you get to the deck are amazing. See our full breakdown of the New York Pass and our breakdown of the New York CityPASS to see if its worth it for your visit to save hundreds of dollars on multiple attractions! Hi all. This includes the day you check in and the day you check out. New York Night tour from 3 gorgeous spots, inside & outside of Manhattan, including FREE Top of the Rock observation ticket, Private Custom Tour-SUV/Tour Guide/All-Inclusive New York Pass, Private Pedicab Tour of Midtown Manhattan, Top of the Rock and Statue of Liberty Cruise, NYC Secrets of Rockefeller Center Guided Walking Tour, NYC Secrets of Rockefeller Center Private Guided Walking Tour. There are also many excellent dining opportunities nearby, including Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar, The Capital Grille, and Osteria del Bianco. FLASH SALE: Get up to $130 OFF the New York Pass! Trip Calculators. The answer to the question, "Is Express Pass worth it at Top of the Rock?" The COVID info on their website states about fully vaccinated people being able to visit. Savvy travelers know their time is just as important as their money. Top of the Rock Observation Deck Rockefeller Center Tour CityPASS The Rink NYC Attraction Passes Flipper's Roller Rink Rockefeller Center Tour Tours take place daily at 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 5pm and 7pm. Glad the trip was worthwhile and we hope to welcome you back soon. Hi, A partnership between Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), the TRE is an easy and efficient way to travel directly between the two cities. We just used a photo of the card on our phone and it was no problem. Disclaimer: Comments, responses, and other user-generated content is not provided or commissioned by this site or our advertisers. Should you buy Top of the Rock tickets in advance? Tickets for Top of the Rock usually cost $34 for adults and $28 for children. we did it at night and are really glad we did- but the experience was dampened by the fact that way too many people had been let in and we felt like cattle. Remember, these are just 20 of the 115+ attractions included on the New York Pass. However, if you buy a ticket, there is no time limit to how long you can stay, just make sure to check the hours to take the last elevator down to the first floor! With this pass, you can see much more of New York at a lower price of admission to several top sights. We paid an extra $10 to go at sunset but that was worth it. Visited top of the rock with my partner in December 2021. The Top of the Rock is open daily until midnight, which means that you can visit late at night or early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Yes, there is a cost associated with going to the Top of the Rock in Branson. That way I have a backup if there is a technology failure. You then have to come back at your allotted time. If you are looking for an amazing view of the city and are not concerned about the cost, then the answer is definitely yes. Hi,we are traveling to New York arriving the 23rd June for 3 nights from the UK how much would it cost for 2 adults and two children aged 15 and 14 looking to do around 5 attractions. Terms of Use | Top of the Rock Observation Deck, New York Ticket, Rockefeller Center Architecture and Art Walking Tour, Go City: New York Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 attractions, The New York Pass: 100+ Attractions including Empire State Building, Private NYC Highlights by Chauffeured Escalade, Top of the Rock and Metropolitan Museum of Art, Top of the Rocks Observation Deck Open Ended Ticket with Upgrade, Top of the Rock and Museum of Modern Art Ticket in New York City, Top of the Rock and 911 Museum in New York, Top of the Rock & St Patricks Cathedral Official Tour, Skip the Line-One World Trade The Edge and Top of the Rocks. By checking out just a few attractions a day, you are sure to get your moneys worth. On the south side of the street, youll see a large red carpet outside the building to mark the official entrance! It also includes access to the observation deck, which the express pass does not. Top of the Rock admission prices can vary. Can't wait to go back! Rockefeller Center is located just off of Fifth Avenue, making it a great shopping hub! The Top of the Rock is open daily from 8:00am to midnight, and tickets can be purchased online or at the attraction. New York City is massive. From the 70th-floor observation deck, youll have access to the famous Top of the Rock view of the city for as long as you want! In my opinion, using the subway and bus system is the best way to get around NYC. These Top of the Rock tickets come in three categories: general admission, the express pass, and the VIP ticket. In this tour, a guide leads the guests through the Rockefeller Center buildings and landmarks. We queued to get in, then queues for the lifts. Top of the Rock can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. Not worth the money, empire state building was a much better experience. I think its one of the best sightseeing passes available in any city. Im so glad that I came across this. Worldgirl87 from Dumfries, UK. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Youll also have access to many famous murals and sculptures from famous artists. There is no doubt that the Top of the Rock offers one of the most spectacular views of New York City. The Edge is often crowded, so it can be difficult to get a good view. No signs to help customer to know what to do, wait times etcAt $40 plus tax to get in surely, they can employee more people to help their confused customers to understand the procedures on how to enter the building. Youll also get to use the private elevators throughout the building and have the option to take part in a private tour of Top of the Rock. There were two other employees more which were not much of an improvement since they were rude too. A good tour guide really brings the sight to life, making loads of information easily accessible through the use of storytelling. Purchasing the New York Pass helps focus your travel plans on some of New Yorks most important sights. The Empire City. We'll dive much deeper into all of that shortly. With the New York Pass, youll skip past the lines at several of New Yorks busiest attractions. Also, dont forget about the Fast Track Entry feature! Mulligans5 from Ann Arbor, MI. The express pass does have some advantages. Sale ends soon. As we just discussed, the New York Pass is a great way to save money on sightseeing. We were on the VIP tour before and recommended it. They accept any vaccine at the door. What Celebrities Live In The Dakota Building. There is no place like New York City! Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort), then the Universal Express Unlimited Pass is included for all guests . I went with some visiting guests on a rainy, windy night . Its best to purchase a ticket online before visiting the Top of the Rock. Youll also get fast track entry at some of NYCs busiest sights, so you can skip the line and save time. In that case, each standard queue ride . The longer passes build in even more value, allowing you to slow down and see the city at your own pace. With the Express Pass, you wait in a . By visiting just a few sights a day, you can save hundreds of dollars on the price of your trip. Luckily, there's a way to skip the queue with a Universal Studios Express Pass. Better still let people into the building and have a wait section inside in a warm area. Travelers on a Very Tight Budget If youre on a super tight budget, this pass may not be right for you. Express Pass is an add on to an entry ticket. To use the pass, simply present it at the gate of the included attraction and walk right in for free. You can buy tickets when you get there. When it comes to attractions in New York City, there are few that can rival the Edge and Top of the Rock. The Empire State Building is located in Midtown Manhattan. Sure, taxi rides are faster, but they can cost a fortune. Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: Best Card for Frequent Travelers. We hope youve enjoyed our New York Pass review. The Platinum Card from American Express: Which Card Should You Get?Continue. I have tried multiple times. Visitors Planning on Lots of Sightseeing Heres the simple truth: The more you use the pass, the better value it becomes. Fantastic views all around the top, with a mixture of indoor and outdoor viewing points! With a 10-day pass, you could even skip a couple of days of sightseeing and still save money. Could you confirm this please? The Edge is a popular tourist attraction located in the Financial District. The first thing to consider is the price. Getting general admission to Top of the Rock will give you access to the three different observation decks. Quite frankly, the New York Pass may be the best sightseeing pass Ive reviewed and from an attractions pass connoisseur like me, thats saying something! If I buy the NYC pass and choose the option to download the app and use my pass from there, should I then not be able to use my phone for some reason (hopefully unlikely! Buy Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets | Rockefeller Center General Admission GET THE VIP TOUR $0 Ticket Quantity Adult $40 - 0 + Child $34 - 0 + Senior $38 - 0 + Buy tickets directly to access these added benefits at Top of the Rock: Timed Entry Guarantee Worry-Free Weather Guarantee Ticket Rescheduling Sunset Access No Hidden Fees Youre in luck! Southwest Visa Credit Card Review: Free Companion Pass is Back, Best Money Market Accounts for March 2023, 11 Legitimate Work-from-Home Jobs for 2023. All short films and audio sections of the exhibits come with printed transcripts for those who want one. That doesnt eliminate all queueing, but it can be a significant time savings. Thanks for reading! We purchased tickets with the extra charge in order to see the sunset and we arrived on our scheduled time (around 5:00 pm). The pass allows you to see many of the Big Apples top attractions, and it helps you save a lot of money doing it. We review the costs, how it works, and if its right for you. Top of the Rock 79,718 Reviews #15 of 1,402 things to do in New York City Sights & Landmarks, Lookouts, Observation Decks & Towers 30 Rockfeller Plaza, Enter on West 50th Street, between 5th & 6th Avenues, New York City, NY 10111 Open today: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Save Top of the Rock Observation Deck, New York Ticket 2,760 Book in advance from $43.55 Its total chaos, no real guidance how to get in, 3 different long queues going on with one poor employee trying to sort it all out. Youll also be able to see the massive tree near the skating rink and other holiday festivities happening nearby. The views are spectacular, and the experience is memorable. Save BIG in the Big Apple Save money in NYC with the New York Pass! Rude, unprofessional, unethical personnel. The view at the top I have to say however was worth it. Stop overbooking is my only advice for a 5* review, Top of the Rock (New York City) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. The best way buy a New York Pass is to buy it online. This article may contain references to some of our advertising partners. Honestly, buying a good sightseeing pass is some of the best money we spend on a trip. Over 60 million people visit New York every year, making it one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Youll save money, and you wont have to wait in long lines. The Rockefeller Center is open from 8am to midnight, and the last ticket is sold at 11pm. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by this website or our advertisers. Once you purchase the pass, you can either download it to the app or print a paper copy at home. As for Easter hours, you will need to check with individual attractions for their info. Top of the Rock is definitely worth it at night. Another subway that you can take is the 6 train. The 10-day pass costs only $34.90 per day. Elevators are available on all floors of Rockefeller Center, and all public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Unlike the other two observation decks, this floor is free of glass enclosures, making it great for photos! Finally, we got in at about 6:20-6:30, no sunset, no timed ticket, and with a lot of angry people around us. Avoid the ticket lines, show your pass at the entrance, and literally save hours of sightseeing time. Butterbeer! Now that Ive read this, I realize it was the right thing to do back then, as we were there only for a weekend and on a tight budget. The Theatre at the top of the Rock has a short video presentation that will teach you more about the history of both NBC and Rockefeller Center. We're going in early January just for one night and I lucked out getting a night at Portofino for a little over $300. Thanks for sharing. Read More Go Berlin Pass Review: Is It Worth Buying?Continue. Top of the Rock Top of the Rock 79,676 Reviews #15 of 1,401 things to do in New York City Sights & Landmarks, Lookouts, Observation Decks & Towers 30 Rockfeller Plaza, Enter on West 50th Street, between 5th & 6th Avenues, New York City, NY 10111 Open today: 09:00 - 23:00 Save Top of the Rock Observation Deck, New York Ticket 2,711 Book in advance So, is the New York Pass worth it? According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Top of the Rock: 98% of travelers recommend this experience. I've never been treated so well, they were kind and funny and all round brilliant people. The New York Pass is one of the best sightseeing passes in the world! However, if youre planning on spending a few days in the city, its definitely worth it. Of course we're glad you enjoyed the views and that Damani was so wonderful, but we know that doesn't necessarily make up for the problems you encountered. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. But, dont just take my word for it. We did the tour and observation deck. 3 to 4 people deep at every inch of the viewing platform. At the summit, you can hear the electricity buzzing overhead. Once you get off at this station, youll have to walk less than 3 blocks to get to the building! Top of the Rock is definitely worth it at night. While seeing each part of the building, youll be able to learn more about John D. Rockefeller center and the architecture of the skyscraper itself! You'll also get shopping discounts in the stores! Not only do you save money, but you also avoid the long lines that are common during the summer months. There's several places old and new to get a 360 degree view of the city but some are overpriced and to crowded. While we all used our annual passes to access the park, it's worth factoring in the price of a summer, single-day, two-park ticket, which is about $170. We paid extra to do the VIP tour which was well worth itWe had a fantastic guide tell us about the history. The attraction is open from 8:00 am to midnight, 365 days a year. There is also a $10 fee for tickets purchased online. These tickets start at $65 per person. We will be passing this feedback along to management to help improve our systems for future visits. All you have to do is pick which attraction pass is best for your visit, make a one time purchase, and then the attractions are free or included in your pass! Due to the pandemic, they have extended the length of time you can use your pass to two years instead of one. This upscale restaurant is on the 65th floor of Rockefeller Center and is known for its outstanding views! If youre interested in visiting at night, its important to buy tickets in advance, as the lines can be very long. The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is a major tourist attraction located on the 70th floor of the building. We loved the audio tours and enjoyed the Gesso app. The views are spectacular, but the price keeps going up and up! Learn more about Greg here. Thank you for taking the time to review us! If you want to see the most famous landmarks in New York City, the Empire State Building is a better option. Planning on visiting the Top of the Rock observation deck and looking for tips to help you plan your visit? So, enjoying 1-2 attractions or tours per day will provide you with your money's worth, plus some. The Top of the Rock and Empire State Building are both popular tourist destinations in New York City. Generally speaking, the more sightseeing you plan on doing, the more youll save. Open the PDF, scroll for the particular toll road, and find your starting point on the left column. As mentioned in the piece, the pass allows you to skip the ticket lines at certain attractions. We're very sorry to hear about your experience. Top of the Rock is an observation deck at the top of the famous Rockefeller Center. It doesnt cost a penny to wander through Times Square or Central Park. Enjoy multi-story observation decks. The VIP ticket will give you an experience unlike any other Top of the Rock tickets out there since it includes a tour. Visit just 3 sights a day, and you could save hundreds. There are three different levels of viewpoints and each is worth a visit. Tokeep your NYC trip affordable, you needto save money by any means possible. The staff was EXTREMELY helpful, friendly, and courteous - which really added onto the experience. We went before sunset and spent over 1 hour going between the different floors and views. Combo Packages. Its also one of the most expensive. I am very disappointed with this company as they will not offer a refund for multiple passes on a cancelled trip due to covid. The two on the lower floor were exceptionally rude! Paid for Sunset view, didn't see the sunset! The time it takes to go through the attraction depends on the time of day and the crowd level. The cost of the Express Pass depends on the time of year. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 2. They then did it again and said they felt better and let us in the lift! How much does a top of the rock ticket cost? With a 3-day pass and below, you cant take day off from sightseeing and still get a good value from the pass. Great advice. Thats not a bad price, especially considering the deck is open until midnight. May 2022. It wasnt worth it.