📖 Location Overview & History
Perched 850 feet above Midtown Manhattan atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Top of the Rock is widely considered by photographers to offer the best observation deck view in New York. Unlike the Empire State Building itself, Top of the Rock gives you a direct, centered view OF the Empire State Building and Lower Manhattan, with the 70th floor featuring an open-air deck with no glass or metal grating.
📷 Photography & Lighting Masterclass
☀️ Optimal Light
Sunset slot (book 1 hour before sunset to catch day, sunset & night)
👥 Crowd Levels
Timed entry tickets; popular at sunset
🔍 Recommended Lens
Wide 16-35mm for open deck 70th-floor unobstructed glassless views
💡 Lighting Angle
Watch the Empire State Building light up in colors as twilight turns to night
🚇 Transit & Getting Here
Subway Lines: B/D/F/M to 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
GPS Coordinates: 40.759088, -73.979401
💬 Community Field Notes & Photographer Reviews
🛡️ Pre-Moderated
Verified Tip
Always head straight up to the 70th-floor outdoor terrace. It has zero glass partitions, giving you crystal-clear glare-free photos.
📸 Leave a Field Note & Share Your Photo
Share recent lighting conditions, crowd tips, or photos. Tips and photos are verified by our editorial desk before publishing.