All-access with Ariel: we go backstage at Top of the Rock

Rockefeller Centre is a whole vibe. It has a certain something exciting is about to happen energy that you only get from being the home of live TV. From the plaza right through to Top of the Rock, you feel like you’re slinking around backstage on a TV set. The observatory staff even wear Britney-style earpieces to add to the effect (which we loved!) 

It’s easily one of the most buzzing places to get your bearings in NYC and we wanted to hear from the hosts who experience that every day – handling everything from bizarre TikTok trends to top secret celebrity sightings.  

We cornered seasoned observatory host Ariel, a Queens resident who’s been welcoming visitors for over 8 years, and grilled him Jimmy Fallon-style.

Well, we are in a TV studio, right?

So, Ariel, Top of the Rock – one of the best views in New York, right? Tell us about it... 

Absolutely. If you want the perfect shot of Empire State Building and Central Park, you’re in the right place. We’re not the highest but we’re on a level with the other buildings so you feel like you’re right among the skyscrapers. 

Walk us through it, what’s a typical day there like? 

There’s always something going on in the Rockefeller Center, whether it’s shows, events, or seasonal moments (like the famous tree lighting day). The vibes are always special. We rotate through different areas, so no day is the same, but my favorite thing to do is greet visitors, introduce them to the building and show them what they can see.  

Okay, be honest, what’s most common thing people get wrong? 

They tend to mix up the boroughs. So, they point at New Jersey and say it’s Brooklyn or Queens and vice versa. Sometimes I tell them, sometimes they’re so confident they’re right I don’t want to break it to them.

We KNOW you get the bathroom question non-stop. What else do people ask? 

‘Where do I go next?’ They spot something from the deck and want to know how to get there or what to do nearby. My favourite tourist attraction is the Madison Square Garden Tour if you’re into sports, and for something a bit different, the vintage shops around Soho and Downtown are unique. I always recommend Jack’s Wife Freda to eat if you want typical New York food. 

As a born-and-bred New Yorker, what’s your number one tip for tourists? 

I always say ‘just get lost’ to people who ask. 

Wait, just get lost? 

Yeah, as in, actually get lost in the city.  

Okay, got ya, Home Alone-style 

Wander around and see what you can find without aiming for anywhere. And don’t forget to try a baconeggandcheese. 

That’s a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich folks – a New York classic. Alright spill... tell us something cool about Top of the Rock. 

Lots of people don’t know about the artwork you can see here. There are two famous murals in the lobby by José Maria Sert. And, my favorite fun fact is that the center was built slightly at an angle, so you’re standing on a subtle slant the whole time. People can sometimes feel it.  

Nice. And working in a live studio, you must have seen a few famous faces. Who’s the coolest person you’ve met?  

Jason Mamoa – I met him when he was filming for Saturday Night Live. We see lots of famous people coming in and out with the NBC studios being here. If I’m working on the entry, I see them coming in from the garage. A tip for anyone visiting Top of the Rock is to look up the stairs one floor above where the ticket kiosks are – that’s the spot where talk show guests come in and out. It's a secret place where you can spot celebs.  

And how often do you end up as a background artiste in other people’s TikToks? 

Probably a lot when I’m not the one taking their photos and videos. Most recently it’s been all about the 6-7 trend as we’re on the 67th floor. 

‘6-7’ – one of those viral trends, like long socks and crocs, that we’ll never understand. Last question, Ariel, what’s the best thing about working at Top of the Rock? 

I’ve been a host for eight years and I love working here. It’s fast-paced and you never know who you’ll see in the complex. I like being that person who treats visitors the way I’d want to be treated on vacation and helps make their time here special.   

Meet Ariel and the rest of the rockstar observatory team on a visit to Top of the Rock. Head up to the official Top of the Rock observation deck or get a full guided tour of the Rockefeller Centre.  

Enjoyed this little slice of New York? 

Take your trip to the next level with our complete Top of the Rock guide, filled with visitor hacks and money-saving tips. 

With The New York Pass®, you can skip the stress and save big on Top of the Rock tickets plus dozens of other must-see attractions, all with one easy-to-use pass. 

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