Top of the Rock Observation Deck New York City Billet

It was hot and stuffy even in the outside viewing area because the glass walls don’t allow any airflow. We asked about doing the beam pictures but the cost was ridiculous and it didn’t even include the actual photo.

So based on consensus from online research; the Top of the Rock was deemed to be the best observation deck so I decided to visit it. I am originally from Toronto and love the CN tower so figured that it would be a good experience. However, this was nothing like that and rather is an overpriced tourist trap and like the rest of NYC, is all about scams. 1. Insane prices. And that is if you book for a specific time (no rainchecks if bad weather). Yet somehow there is a long line 2. Before you board you have to watch a propoganda film about JD Rockefeller. 3. The ticket just gets you to floor 67. 4. I bought a ticket for the beam exprience. I thought it would be like the CN tower edge walk, there would be a beam sticking out over the city you could sit on. With a safety net or something. It was marketed as a thrilling experience. In reality, it is a 60 second low thrill ride that doesn't go anywhere and is just a way from them to take your photo so they can sell it you at overinflated prices 5. Skyride experience same deal. A 60 second ride that takes you a bit higher, half of it they force you to pose for a photo that they can sell to you and overinflated prices And the view all honesty, isn't that great. A better elevated view for NYC is from the Roosevelt Island Tram (a cable car despite its name), especially at night. Or from The Statue of Liberty Pedestal. Otherwise, see it from the ground

Nice late night experience with phenomenal views

We bought tickets online for a certain time. If you show up before your entry time you have to wait in line u til it’s your time. They allow way too many people up there at once. There isn’t a lot of room up top and closer to sunset it became so crowded we just left. There is a small restaurant/bar but it was all full. The view of course is great but I wish we had done the Edge.

Wait for golden hour was disappointing. Jammed pack to the point where you could hardly move to get around to see each side of the city. I would suggest a “lane” for people to walk who don’t necessarily want to just stay for sunset. Picture opportunities were slim as everyone was crammed at glass.

The view - especially at night - is great. But poor signage makes it difficult to find entry/exit points in the ground floor of the building. The elevators are too crowded and it isn’t necessary since the lines were not incredibly long at the time. Give me 15 people instead of 18-20 to an elevator car and an extra 5 minute wait time in line. The staff need better training - several were rude and acted disturbed if they were asked questions. The gift shop pushes a QR code to leave a “3 star or better review” to get a small discount. Maybe just treat visitors better and you won’t need to beg for good reviews. The opening movie was well done and enjoyable. There are several other exceptional observation decks that provide a more welcoming experience.

Went at night to see NYC all lit up. The views were amazing but it was massively overcrowded. We waited to get a good photo opportunity yet people refused to move even though they stopped taking photos. Just a set amount of people should be allowed a certain time before being moved on. More and more people were cramming onto the viewing areas making it feel unsafe. Not very well organised, needs a complete rethink.

We booked a time so we would be on the observation deck for the sunset but so did 100s of other people. It was mobbed and people were frankly pretty rude about staying at their spot around the perimeter and were camped out for a while. We did have to stay alert during the line waiting in because there were individuals lined up for the time after us that moved the barrier to cut into the line ahead of us. If you get claustrophic or don't like a lot of people, you're not going to want to go during sunset times. We had a drink at the bar on the 1st level, don't expect a cheap drink here! And of course, the elevator dumps you into the gift shop on the way down. We did get some great views and the rooftop thinned out dramatically after sunset. This tour I would recommend if you're looking for a rooftop experience. There are some skip the line options that might be worth it if you want to get moving a bit faster but you all end up at the same spot in the end.

Our experience was absolutely horrible. I wasted my money because they would not let us up because they said it was not visible. It was very hazy and cloudy and they said that we wouldn’t be able to see anything so I wasted all that money for nothing. I will be telling and warning many people not to go do this. I will probably go on social media as well.

I was expecting I guess something else. It wasn't what I expected. For first timers not knowing anything we had to figure it out