Top of the World, Ma: Top of the Rock, New York City

I’m fortunate to have traveled to the top of both the Empire State Building and the World Trade Center to see their unparalleled views of the Big Apple. Now, my mother, brother and his family just visited the Top of the Rockâ„¢ at Rockefeller Center, home of NBC.

It re-opened on November 1st, offering 70-story-high, open-air viewing of mid-town Manhattan, with special introductory rates until March 31, 2006.

The Top of the Rock’s Observation Deck was conceived 70 years ago to offer 360-degree views that stretch for miles in each direction, including a panorama of Central Park and the northern half of Manhattan that can’t be seen elsewhere.

Panels of fully transparent safety glass — the only thing between the visitors and the city — are crystal clear for unobstructed viewing. Unlike the ESB which makes you wait in line after line for tickets and elevators, the TOTR’s reserved-ticket system is designed to ensure the deck is never overcrowded.

Other New York landmarks you can see include:
• The Chrysler Building;
• Times Square;
• The Hudson River;
• The East River;
• The Brooklyn Bridge; and
• The Statue of Liberty.

Top of the Rock, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City, New York
• Hours of operation: 8:30am to midnight, 365 days a year; the last elevator goes up at 11pm;
• Ticket prices: $14 Adults; $12 Seniors (62+); $9 Children (6-12);
• T: 212 698 2000; 1-877-NYC-ROCK (1-877-692-7625);
• Web: www.topoftherocknyc.com.