Iconic View of New York
I’ve lived in NY and visited there many times over the past couple of decades, and one of the best ways to see the city is to get a view of New York is from the top of one of it’s buildings. Although I did take a trip to the top of the World Trade Centre in 1982, I always favoured the Empire State Building for it’s iconic charm, and for sentimental reasons… An Affair to Remember
So on this recent trip to New York I was all ready to take a trip up to the top of my favourite building when a friend suggested that we take a trip to the Top of the Rock — The Rockefeller Center.
I knew this building had an ice skating rink but I hadn’t realised that it also had an equally popular observation deck, and as it was a blue-skies day, it was an ideal time to venture up to 50th Street for an aerial view of the city.
The views uptown were better, because they featured the autumnal view of Central Park, but the downtown views provided a sweeping view of the heart of New York, with the Statue of Liberty in the very far distance.
(excuse the quality of the photos – I only had my iPhone with me – and it’s old!)
Central Park View from the Top of the Rock
Downtown View from the Top of the Rock
One good reason to go to the Top of the Rock to view New York is to see the Empire State Building from a different angle.
Lower Observation Deck
Upper Observation Deck
Christmas at Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center is a popular winter destination, not just because of the ice skating rink, but because of the huge Christmas Tree they erect every year in the Plaza. We knew somebody who worked at RC, and they gave us a tour of the staff canteen, not to eat, but to have a birds eye view of the Christmas Tree being decorated.
I wish we could have seen it fully decorated and lit, but we had to leave town before the lighting ceremony, but if you’re in New York during winter time, head up to the Plaza to experience a taste of Christmas – Rockefeller style.
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More Information about the Observation Center
https://www.rockefellercenter.com
I’ve never thought of visiting here before. I don’t think I’ve ever realized that there was an observation deck. But for images like that of Central Park it’s definitely worth the trip.
Thanks Candy. Yes it was news to us too, and such a different perspective than from this part of the city.
Roving Jay recently posted..Why you should visit the UN next time you’re in New York
Love NYC..amazing city but never knew you can go up to get a view from top of the Rockefeller Center…this will be on my next visit list for sure.
WOW! I’ve been trying to decide what season to visit NYC in, FALL IT IS!! Just for that incredible view alone haha
Love New York. One of my all time favourite cities but never been to the Top of the Rock. Looks amazing, it’s a good enough excuse for me to return 🙂
I have never been to the top of the rock! The views definitely look amazing especially the sprawling Central Park colors and New York’s skyline with all the tall buildings. The bird’s view of the ice skating rink looks good! I must return to New York and get to this place! 🙂
You don’t hear a lot of people talk about going to the top of the rock. Wonder why the other buildings get more air play?
I never knew Top of the rock thing in NYC. But found such lovely views form top of the rock in your post. Good to see skating, rick, upper and lower Observation deck and Central park from here. The fall colors of Central Park really look beautiful from here.