Top of the Rock VIP Experience

The tower visit is great but the beam is a con. We had already got tickets for the tower and whilst queuing we were offered tickets for the beam and told $20 each for 3 of us plus tax, so around $65 Only when leaving to look at the photos, were we told we would have to pay another$55 for the photos. Already pd $65 dollars for the pleasure of being lifted 15 feet in the air so surely phots should be included. Or we should have been told that photos would be extra.The rest of the visit was great by the way, just the beam made us feel ripped off

Great view in all directions. Best views north into Central Park. VIP comes with lounge access that you can access throughout the day.

The guide was awesome. He made us feel like royalty. The view are unbelievable. This vip tour was worth every penny

The Rockefeller Center is the preeminent commercial and entertaining complex of New York City and one of the most amazing and iconic destination of the world. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Rockefeller Center consists of 19 commercial buildings and features numerous dining, entertainment and shopping venues. The center’s most renowned attractions include the “Top Of The Rock” observation decks, the famed ice skating rink, NBC Studios, and Radio City Music Hall. Other major highlights of the center include “The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree” and its annual tree lighting celebration, “The Channel Gardens” and beautifully designed “Art Deco” style architecture. The origins of the Rockefeller Center date back to 1928, when Columbia University, the owner of the site, leased the land to John D. Rockefeller Jr. Jr. was a highly successful financier, one of America’s foremost philanthropist and the son of wealthy industrialist, John D. Rockefeller, the patriarch of the Rockefeller family. Jr. used his immense personal fortune and strong connections to construct and fully complete the Rockefeller Center. He worked with many architects, most notably, Raymond Hood. Hood served as the principal architect and lead designer of the Rockefeller Center. He was a student of the Art Deco architectural movement and he utilized this style when designing the facade and the interior halls of the center’s buildings. The Rockefeller Center’s construction involved between 40,000 and 60,000 employees and was considered the largest private building project ever undertaken in the 20th Century. The first building opened in 1932 and the center’s official completion date was in November of 1939. Today, the Rockefeller Center continues to remain a leading commercial and entertainment hub and is now owned and managed by real estate firm, Tishman Speyer. They acquired the complex in the year, 2000 from David Rockefeller, a prominent banker and the youngest son of John Rockefeller Jr. The center has been prominently featured in numerous shows and films ranging from “ Elf” “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Due to its distinct and pioneering architectural features, its impact on skyscraper development and integrated urban design and its importance as a commercial and entertainment hub, the Rockefeller Center is listed on the U.S. National Register Of Historic Places and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. In April of 2026, I brought and treated myself and my wife for a visit and tour of the Rockefeller Center to celebrate our Happy Twelve Year Relationship Anniversary!!! We enjoyed every moment of our experience!!! We first visited the gorgeous “Channel Gardens” which is located between 5th Ave & Rockefeller Plaza. We loved viewing the garden’s breathtaking fountains and pools and spectacular floral displays, which include diverse tulips and lilies. We were also mesmerized by the fountainhead sculptures which consisted of mermaids and the tritons. They are well crafted, and fit perfectly within the garden. After visiting the garden, my wife and I took part in the VIP Rock Pass. The VIP Rock Pass is the premium guided tour experience that provides guests exclusive access to the Rockefeller Center. The VIP Rock Pass features 3 guided tours; a guided tour of the Rockefeller Center, a guided tour of a private and secluded Rooftop garden, and a guided tour of the Top Of The Rock observation decks. Our tour guide, Matt was absolutely amazing!!! From the beginning to the end, he was very courteous, consistently engaging, passionate and was unquestionably professional!!! He always checked in with us to make sure we were having a great experience!!! At the beginning of the tour of the Rockefeller Center, Matt provided us with a thorough and concise overview of the Rockefeller family, their great wealth and success in business and philanthropy and their ownership and development of the Rockefeller Center. When we toured the Rockefeller Center, Matt pointed out and discussed the incredible architecture and rich history of many of the buildings, such as Radio City Musical Hall, Christie’s New York, and 45 Rockefeller Plaza. He also discussed 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the centerpiece building and tallest skyscraper of Rockefeller Center. Both my wife and I were in awe of the beauty and grandeur of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. We learned that the building was designed by Raymond Hood, completed in 1933, has 66 floors, is 850 feet tall and the facade is made of limestone. We also learned that the Rockefeller Family Office were longtime tenants of 30 Rockefeller Plaza and they leased office space in Room 5600. Since the 2010’s they moved their operations to another location in the center. Notable tenants of 30 Rockefeller Plaza include NBCUniversal, Comcast and numerous legal and consulting firms. This building is also the venue for the Top Of The Rock observation decks. Matt also discussed and had us view the various works of art found at the Rockefeller Plaza. These gorgeous works works include Paul Manship’s “Prometheus” statue, which is completely made of gold, Lee Lawrie’s “Wisdom Light, and Sound” artwork and his “Atlas” statue and Jose Marie Cert’s “American Progress” a captivating foot mural found in the lobby of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. After touring the center, Matt brought us to visit and see the “Rooftop Garden” in the British Empire Building of the center. Both my wife and I were enthralled by the beauty and tranquility of the garden, and were delighted to see the spectacular views of 5th Ave, St Patrick Cathedral, 30 Rockefeller Plaza and the surrounding skyscrapers. We learned that the garden has been used to host weddings, various live performances and also been featured in various films and shows such as Sam Raimi’s 2002 “Spider-Man” film and Marvel’s “Daredevil” Last but certainly not least, Matt brought us to visit and explore the “Top Of The Rock” observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The “Top Of The Rock” offers indoor and outdoor viewing areas on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. During our tour, my wife and I were able to see magnificent views of New York City’s skyline from each of the floors. We were also able to visit and ride on the Top Of The Rock’s newest attractions; “The Beam” & “The Skylift” Riding on the “Beam” & “Skylift” was truly fun and exciting and they both provided us with majestic panoramic views of New York. We were able to view and take wonderful pictures of New York’s popular destinations ranging from Central Park, the Empire State Building, Summit One Vanderbilt, the One World Trade Center and numerous other locations. Both my wife and I can’t thank Matt enough for helping to celebrate our Happy Relationship Anniversary, and for providing us with an awesome experience at the Rockefeller Center!!! The organization that operates the VIP Rock Pass is blessed to have him on their team!!! Other benefits that come with the VIP Rock Pass, all of which my wife and I were able to enjoy were access to a private lounge at the start of your tour, skip the line access to the “Top Of The Rock” complementary champagne toast and discounts at the gift shop!!! When visiting New York, both my wife and I highly recommend that you visit the Rockefeller Center using the “VIP Rock Pass” This will guarantee that you’ll have the greatest experience when exploring and learning about this outstanding landmark & New York treasure!!!

Sometimes you’re not sure if it’s worth the extra for VIP - in this case yes. We went at sunset, huge line to get in (>1hr), they brought us right in - lines everywhere for everything - not for us… we got to sit on the beam, ride the platform up and free pics.