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New York City Observation Deck Experience

TourTruth score 6.2 out of 10

Average

20 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score

  • New York City
  • Updated November 2, 2026

Take in New York City views from Top of the Rock, with SKYLIFT, The Beam Experience, and access to its three-floor observation deck.

About this tour

See New York City from a fresh angle with this all-inclusive Top of the Rock experience. Begin in the Welcome Gallery, then explore the Interactive Film Experience before heading to the three-floor observation deck for sweeping city views. For an extra lift, step onto SKYLIFT, an open-air platform that rises nearly 30 feet above the 70th floor, or try The Beam Experience, a rotating ride inspired by the famous 1932 photograph of workers lunching high above the city. The Beam recreates the elevated pose 12 feet above the deck and offers memorable photo opportunities; a Photo Pass is available to purchase on site. This New York City observation deck experience brings together landmark views and distinctive attractions in one visit. Plan for an average stay of 45–60 minutes, dress in layers with stable footwear for the outdoor decks, and check the height and supervision requirements before riding. Make time for the SKYLIFT and The Beam, then enjoy the city panorama at your own pace.

Highlights

  • Rise nearly 30 feet above the 70th floor on the open-air SKYLIFT
  • Recreate the iconic 1932 skyscraper photo on The Beam Experience
  • Take in unobstructed city views from the three-floor observation deck
  • Explore the Welcome Gallery and Interactive Film Experience

What's included

Included

  • SKYLIFT
  • The Beam Experience
  • Interactive Film Experience
  • Welcome Gallery
  • Access to the three-floor Top of the Rock observation deck

Not included

  • Food and beverages, available for purchase at The Weather Room
  • Photo Pass, available for purchase on site

Ratings on each provider

The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.

Important information

  • Children 5 and under are free
  • Guests must be at least 52 inches (132 cm) tall to ride The Beam alone; guests under 52 inches must be at least 42 inches (107 cm) and accompanied by an adult
  • Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the SKYLIFT experience
  • Guests over 300 lbs. (136 kg) cannot ride SKYLIFT
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  • Wheelchairs are not permitted on The Beam Experience
  • Strollers are permitted but must be collapsible; elevators and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available
  • Service animals are allowed; all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • No outside food or beverages, tripods, or weapons are allowed
  • Wear layers and stable footwear for the outdoor decks
  • Guests may stay as long as desired within operating hours

Frequently asked questions

How long does a visit usually take?

The average visit lasts 45–60 minutes, and guests may stay as long as desired within operating hours.

Are children allowed on the Beam experience?

Guests must be at least 52 inches (132 cm) tall to ride alone. Guests under 52 inches must be at least 42 inches (107 cm) and accompanied by an adult.

Are children allowed on SKYLIFT?

All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the SKYLIFT experience. Guests over 300 lbs. (136 kg) cannot ride.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, but wheelchairs are not permitted on The Beam Experience. Elevators and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available.

Can I bring food, drinks, or a tripod?

Outside food and beverages, tripods, and weapons are not allowed. Food and drinks are available for purchase at The Weather Room.

How this score is calculated

This score is based on one provider. Viator rates it 4.30 from 20 reviews. We place that rating among all Viator ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.

How the score works and rating distribution in New York City
  • Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
  • Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
  • Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
  • The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 6.2.

Provider rating distribution in New York City

How many tours in New York City have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.

  • GetYourGuide
  • Viator

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