Birds of Inwood - Visit Teri's new blog about birds!

Birds of Inwood - Visit Teri's new blog about birds!
A visual journey exploring the birds of Inwood and Northern Manhattan

A Visit to Top of the Rock

Crowds are always expected at Rockefeller Center, especially during the holidays, so visitors looking to transcend the madness may want to consider a trip to Top of the Rock. These observation decks high above Rockefeller Plaza offer 360° views of the city and the greater metropolis. While mere mortals snap pictures of friends and family at street level, you could be soaring 70 stories above the plaza for superhero visions of Gotham.

The observation decks of the Empire State Building and 1WTC, seen in the background, are additional options for birds-eye views of New York City, but look at this view from the top of Rockefeller Center!


St. Patrick's Cathedral looks much smaller from this vantage point.
Top of the Rock's lobby provides a serenity not often found at street level.

Looking northeast, the 88 floors of luxury residences at 432 Park Avenue are inescapable.  

With a little luck and the right timing (weekdays, morning or early afternoon), the crowds will not follow you up there. Do expect some company. It costs a little money, but the views are worth it. Don't let overcast or hazy conditions interfere with a trip. Cloudy skies can add just the right dose of beauty and atmosphere. And if you wait a little bit, the skies may clear.      

The skies are clearing for excellent views of Midtown East, Roosevelt Island, and Queens.

Top of the Rock provides a good vantage point to appreciate the layout of Central Park.

And sometimes, when figuring out where you are, all you need is a new perspective.

Images by Walking Off the Big Apple from December 9, 2015 made with an iPhone 6. Clicking on pictures enlarges them.

Resources:
Top of the Rock, for ticket info and hours, see the official website.

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