How many of these NYC landmarks can you spot from Top of The Rock?

Commandeer a viewfinder and get ready to spy a smorgasbord of Manhattan skyline icons from 800 feet in the air!

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
View from Top of The Rock

A stunning Art Deco architectural marvel of Depression-era New York, the Rockefeller Center remains one of the city’s most iconic buildings – if no longer quite one of the tallest – a century on from its construction. Remarkably, back then 30 Rock was the third tallest building in town (and therefore on the entire planet), behind only the mighty Empire State and Chrysler buildings. So yeah, the outlook from up top has changed a fair bit down the years and Top of The Rock now has that nice feeling of sitting among the Manhattan rooftops, rather than dizzyingly high above them. The views, however, remain outstanding. We took the 43-second elevator ride up to the open-air deck on the 70th floor to find out what exactly you can spot from up here, and where to look for it. Read on for all the essential Big Apple attractions to look out for….

1. The Empire State Building – easy to love, difficult to miss

The Empire State Building

Look south

Ok, so this one’s a little obvious, but you can’t compile a list of things to look out for from Top of The Rock without including perhaps the most iconic building in the NYC skyline. Yes, that elegant Art Deco confection right there in front of you is the Empire State Building, a landmark beloved of native New Yorkers, oversized primates and general skyscraper fanciers for the last 100 years. Top of the Rock promises one of the best, unobstructed million-dollar views in town from its key vantage point just a few blocks away.

Fun fact: it took some 3,500 construction workers less than 14 months to build the Empire State Building, an utterly remarkable feat in 1930.

Pro-tip: visit Top of the Rock after sundown to see the Empire State Building all lit up like a Christmas tree.

2. Central Park – a great green oasis in the heart of Manhattan

Woman photographing Central Park from Top of The Rock

Look north

The view from Top of the Rock allows you to take in the whole, vast sweep of Central Park as it cuts its blue-and-green swathe through the heart of Manhattan’s concrete jungle. See if you can pick out the monumental Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Green Lawn and the enormous reservoir that more or less cuts the park in half.

Fun fact: Central Park’s 843 acres make it bigger than some countries, specifically Monaco (500 acres) and Vatican City (110 acres).

Pro-tip: this may be the only spot in NYC where you can get a selfie with the whole of Central Park as your backdrop.

3. George Washington Bridge — the one with the lighthouse

George Washington Bridge in the fall

Look north 

Let your eyes follow the broad sweep of the Hudson River north and you’ll soon meet the mighty George Washington Bridge, a soaring feat of early-20th-century engineering that’s linked Manhattan to New Jersey for the last 100 years. Squint a little and you might even spot the cute lil red lighthouse at its eastern end.

Fun fact: this mighty steel construction is nearly a mile end to end and has a whopping 14 lanes for traffic, more than any other suspension bridge on the planet.

Pro-tip: collar a member of staff for help picking out the New Jersey cities of Hoboken, Weehawken and Jersey City.

4. The Statue of Liberty — small but mighty

Nighttime view of the Manhattan skyline from Top of The Rock

Look south

Ok sure, Top of The Rock might not be the place to get that Insta-perfect shot of Lady Liberty. You’ll want the Staten Island Ferry or a trip out to Liberty Island itself for that kind of thing. But yes, you can see the Green Goddess from up here in Midtown. Just about. Tear your eyes away from the Empire State Building for a second and look a little to its right. That’s it. Now look a little closer: you’ll soon pick out Ellis and Liberty Islands down where the Hudson meets the East River in the bay.

Fun fact: it’s possible to climb up into the statue’s crown, but the narrow 162-step double-helix staircase ain’t for the faint of heart, or weak of glute.

Pro-tip: you’ll need a pretty good zoom lens to get a clear shot from up here. Better frame the Empire State Building to the left of your shot, with the Hudson pointing the way south to the Statue of Liberty.

5. The Chrysler Building — why so coy?

Look east

The Chrysler Building is another major icon of the Big Apple’s skyline, thanks to its lofty height (1046 feet, fact fans) and distinctive Art Deco crown and spire. You can spot it peeping out coyly from behind the rather more workaday MetLife Building.

Fun fact: on its completion in 1930 the Chrysler briefly held the title of world’s tallest building; at more than 200 feet taller, the Empire State Building knocked it from its perch a mere 11 months later.

Pro-tip: like the Empire State, the Chrysler is often best viewed after dark, when illuminated in all its nighttime glory.

6. Brooklyn Bridge — icon of the East River

Brooklyn Bridge

Look south

Look left of the Empire State Building to where the East River meets the bay. That big thing with the neo-Gothic stone towers? That’d be the Brooklyn Bridge, a U.S. National Historic Landmark that was once the world’s longest suspension bridge, and which has been providing safe passage across the water from Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn (and indeed vice versa) since 1883.

Fun fact: celebrated 19th-century American showman and politician P.T. Barnum was so convinced of the bridge’s stability that he walked a herd of 21 elephants across it in 1884. 

Pro-tip: try not to confuse the Brooklyn Bridge with the Manhattan Bridge, which is marginally further north up the East River.

7. One World Trade Center — the big kahuna

One World Trade Center

Look south 

Here’s one you really can’t miss. For it’s a whopper, a behemoth, an absolute colossus of the Manhattan skyline. Only the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the One World Trade Center is the gleaming glass goliath that sits at the southernmost tip of Lower Manhattan on the former site of the Twin Towers. Still can’t see it? It’s the one with the huge spire, sandwiched between the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty as you look south.

Fun fact: the One World Trade Center’s height — exactly 1,776 feet including the spire — is a deliberate and direct reference to 1776, which, as every American knows, is the year the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

Pro-tip: line up the Empire State, One World Trade Center and Statue of Liberty at golden hour for the ultimate New York skyline shot.

8. Radio Park at Radio City Music Hall

Look down

Did you know that the iconic Radio City Music Hall is part of the Rockefeller Center? Sure you did. But did you also know that it has a beautiful, verdant oasis on top of it? Well, now you do. The park has a number of different zones — a woodland garden here, a cheery tree grove there — and is popular with employees of the Rockefeller Center. Peer straight down from Top of The Rock’s west platform and you might just catch a glimpse of the lift operator who brought you up here taking a break for lunch.

Fun fact: the original architectural plan for Radio City Music Hall included a rooftop garden, but it took until 2021 — a full 90 years later — for this vision to be realized.

Pro-tip: don’t forget to take your hat off before peering over the edge!

Bonus round: can you spot these on-the-move NYC icons?

Woman hailing yellow New York cabs

Your NYC bingo checklist includes yellow New York cabs, hot dog carts, Big Bus sightseeing tours and (binoculars required) the Staten Island Ferry. Now you see them, now you don’t. But how many can you spot from the Top of The Rock?

Top tips for landmark-spotting

  • Go on a bright New York morning for diamond-clear snaps of the city’s iconic skyscrapers. Clear days also promise the farthest-reaching views.
  • Bring binoculars or use your phone camera or the Top of The Rock viewfinders to zoom in for a close-up.
  • Top of The Rock staff really know their stuff, so don’t be afraid to ask if you can’t pinpoint the landmarks you most wanted to see. 

Enjoyed this little slice of New York?

Keep your sightseeing top-level with our sister guides to the things you can see from One World Observatory and Edge at Hudson Yards.

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Which Area of New York Should You Stay in for Sightseeing?

Picking a great neighborhood to stay in can make or break your NYC trip. Our guide will help you decide on the best spot for your vacation - here are our top five.
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street corner on the Lower East Side of NYC where you'll find some of the best things to do in the city
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NYC’s Lower East Side: Markets, Murals, and More

Ready to dive into one of New York’s most captivating neighborhoods? Lower East Side buzzes with energy, where every block tells a different story. From century-old Jewish delis to hidden speakeasies and street art that bursts with color, the Lower East Side offers more than just great bagels (though, yes, you’ll find those too!). Whether you’re craving fascinating history, mouthwatering eats, or a night out surrounded by NYC locals, this is urban adventure at its finest. Here’s our guide to exploring, eating, and experiencing everything Lower East Side has to offer.    Our can’t-miss Lower East Side picks include:  Lower East Side Food and Culture Walking Tour by Top Dog Tours  The Tenement Museum  Katz’s Delicatessen  Essex Market  Street Art Safari  Russ & Daughters Café and Shop  Visit to Mercury Lounge  Museum at Eldridge Street  Rooftop Drinks at The DL  Economy Candy  Lower East Side Food and Culture Walking Tour by Top Dog Tours  If you want a crash course in everything this neighborhood is famous for, start here. The Lower East Side Food and Culture Walking Tour isn’t just about eating—though, yes, there’s a lot of delicious sampling involved. Think of it more like time travel with snacks. Passionate guides introduce you to classic delis, Jewish bakeries, fresh dumpling counters, and much-loved pickles stands, sharing stories about generations of immigrant families who shaped the area’s character. Expect stops at legendary eateries (sometimes even with owner stories), tastings of knishes, bagels, possibly even a fresh pastrami sample, and loads of insight into how the Lower East Side became New York’s ultimate culinary crossroads.  Beyond the bites, this walking tour winds through alleys covered in vibrant murals and architectural treasures you’d miss on your own. Every block reveals another fascinating tale—from pushcart vendors to punk rockers. Whether you’re curious about bagel origins or want to hear how the neighborhood turned into a street art canvas, this tour delivers both flavor and local color in every sense. Come hungry, leave with a full belly, new friends, and a love for the Lower East Side’s flavorful heritage.  The Tenement Museum  Peek behind the tenement doors and you’ll discover the real stories that built modern New York. The Tenement Museum isn’t your typical museum—it’s a living history experience set inside meticulously recreated apartments on Orchard Street. Walk through rooms that once housed Jewish, Italian, Irish, and Chinese families, and listen as costumed guides bring their struggles, dreams, and recipes to life. You’ll touch the banisters, see the original wallpaper, and step onto floorboards worn by over a century of families.  The immersive tours transport you from 19th-century sweatshops to 1960s Puerto Rican kitchens. Always inclusive, always authentic—expect moving stories about survival, determination, and the everyday joys of city life. If you love connecting with NYC’s roots (and maybe shedding a tender tear or two), this is one for the memory books. Plus, since you’re just steps from bustling Orchard Street, you’re perfectly set up to segue into lunch at a classic deli or bakery right afterward.  Essex Market  For over a century, Essex Market has been the neighborhood’s place to shop, eat, and connect. Freshly modernized in a new, spacious home, this market is a maze of food stalls where New Yorkers come for everything from organic produce to Ecuadorian pastries. Stroll past artisan cheese counters, taste Colombian arepas, or snag a wedge of the city’s best baklava. There’s even a cozy area where community events and live culinary demos take place—so you can watch local chefs in action.  The market’s variety mirrors the neighborhood’s diversity: every aisle introduces you to a new flavor or specialty. We find ourselves returning for the creamy lox spread at Shopsin’s, the dream-worthy handmade pasta at Samesa, and the vegan treats at Body & Soul. Come lunch, you might be sampling Vietnamese pho one minute and New Orleans-style po’boys the next. The high-energy, communal seating guarantees you’ll rub elbows with locals, and the friendly vendors are always ready to recommend their favorite bites.  Street Art Safari  Lower East Side functions as an everchanging outdoor gallery—turn any corner and you’re likely to find a wall, mailbox, or even a sidewalk mural painted by an up-and-coming artist. Loud, expressive, and incredibly photogenic, the street art here tells the neighborhood’s story in color and pop culture references. Want to dig deeper? Join a local street art tour or simply arm yourself with a camera and wander side streets like Rivington, Ludlow, and Bowery.  On your stroll, you’ll spot works that tackle everything from hip-hop legends to social justice—sometimes tagged in a day, sometimes painstakingly planned. Long-standing murals by Shepard Fairey and Buff Monster coexist with new faces. We always recommend popping by the intersection of Houston Street and Bowery for larger-than-life commissions that rotate seasonally. To really up your game, stop by the First Street Green Art Park, where you can even contribute to community projects. Every mural comes with a story, and you’ll quickly understand why this neighborhood attracts creative minds from all over.  Russ & Daughters Café and Shop  There’s a reason food lovers—both locals and out-of-towners—make pilgrimages to Russ & Daughters. This family-run business traces its roots back more than a hundred years, when Jewish immigrants introduced NYC to a world of smoked fish, bagels, and silky schmears. Pop into the original shop on Houston Street for a classic to-go experience—the line moves fast—or settle into the charming Russ & Daughters Café nearby for a slower-paced breakfast.  Bagel platters arrive with hand-carved nova, pickled herring, and surprisingly addictive chopped liver. Try the classic "Board" with bagel, cream cheese, tomato, and their signature smoked salmon—or, if you're feeling bold, sample the super-savory caviar menu. It’s retro in the best possible way, with counters gleaming and waitstaff in traditional diner whites. The space buzzes with families, foodies snapping photos, and regulars debating the merits of sable vs. sturgeon. If you love flavor with history, this is your breakfast or brunch jackpot.  Catch a Show at Mercury Lounge  After your daytime exploring, head over to Mercury Lounge for a taste of New York’s legendary music scene. This intimate venue tucked into East Houston Street has launched careers—The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, and Norah Jones all got their start here. The vibe is authentic, with exposed brick walls, cozy booths, and a crowd that’s passionate about discovering the next big thing.  Live music happens nearly every night of the week, cutting across all genres: rock, indie, pop, and emerging electronic acts. Tickets are affordable and the bar is well-stocked. It’s a place where you feel plugged right into the city’s creative pulse, whether you’re dancing up front or kicking back with a drink at the bar. Even if you’re not familiar with the night’s band, you’re in for an experience that captures Lower East Side’s restless, retro-modern spirit.  Museum at Eldridge Street  Calling all lovers of history, architecture, and quiet wonder—the Museum at Eldridge Street welcomes you inside a meticulously restored 19th-century synagogue that sits right in the heart of the Lower East Side. Step through the doors, and you’re greeted by soaring stained glass, intricate woodwork, and the palpable sense of community that shaped this neighborhood long before trendy cafes hit the scene. The museum weaves together stories of Jewish immigrants who gathered, worshipped, and built new lives here, and the guides are gifted storytellers who’ll take you on a journey through cultural and architectural transformations.  The showstopper is undoubtedly the dazzling rose window—a kaleidoscope of color that bathes the sanctuary in light, especially magical on a sunny afternoon. Docent-led tours combine moving accounts of families past, spirited explanations of religious customs, and a sprinkling of local gossip from the turn of the last century. Throughout the year, you’ll also find concerts, holiday tours, and hands-on activities for kids, all set within this beautifully preserved treasure. Even for those who’ve seen plenty of religious sites, the warm welcome and quiet majesty at Eldridge Street make it stand out.  Economy Candy  Chocolate coins, rainbow jelly beans, vintage sweets from nearly every decade—Economy Candy is pure joy for your inner kid (and any actual kids tagging along). Family-run since 1937, this delightfully packed shop has shelves bursting with treats from around the world. You’ll rediscover retro favorites like Charleston Chews and Bazooka gum, alongside modern craft chocolate bars and quirky NYC-themed candy tins.  The interior is an explosion of color and nostalgia with bins, barrels, and whimsical displays everywhere you turn. The staff is warm and ready with recommendations, whether you’re hunting for the sour strips your grandmother loved or wild new gummies to take home as souvenirs. It’s easy to lose track of time and even easier to walk out with a bag brimming with goodies. For an authentic Lower East Side keepsake—sweet, surprising, and a little bit old-school—Economy Candy is a must.    There you have it—NYC’s most eclectic neighborhood, served up with history, color, flavor, and a dash of downtown swagger. Whether you’re snacking on classic bagels, diving into local stories at the Tenement Museum, or dancing under the stars at The DL, Lower East Side proves that New York pulls off magic—and more than a little bit of mischief—at every turn. Trust us, you’ll leave wishing you had another day to try it all over again.    Enjoyed this? Check out travel tips from real New Yorkers, and all the other neighborhoods you should explore on your trip!    Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started!    
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Friday in NYC: Unmissable Adventures for Your Perfect Day

Thinking about how to spend an epic Friday in New York City? Smart move—the city truly comes alive at week’s end. Between rooftop views, world-class museums, neighborhood bites, and a skyline that twinkles well after sundown, your schedule nearly fills itself. Whether your dream day involves people-watching in Central Park, discovering contemporary art, or savoring the city’s legendary street food, NYC serves it all on one crowded, fascinating platter. Stick with us as we guide you through a Friday adventure filled with classic attractions, quirky finds, and a few of our favorite food stops along the way. Ready to take a delicious, dazzling bite out of the Big Apple?  Our top things to do on a Friday in NYC include:  Empire State Building  The High Line  Whitney Museum of American Art  Central Park Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking  Greenwich Village Walking Tour by Experience First  MoMA  Landmark Cruise by Circle Line  Chelsea Market  Broadway and Times Square Tour by Experience First  Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos Show  Walk the High Line: Park in the Sky  If you love a good stroll (and a bit of botanical intrigue), the High Line’s your urban paradise. This former rail line, now a mile-and-a-half landscaped walkway, elevates your Friday perspective—literally and figuratively. Wandering from Gansevoort Street up toward Hudson Yards, you’ll spot wildflowers, unique public art, and striking city views tucked between old warehouses and new skyscrapers. The vibe morphs with each block: some stretches feel contemplative and quiet, while others are alive with street performers and sculpture installations. It’s a great way to absorb local color, sneak photos of the Hudson River, and take a people-watching break. And with Chelsea Market nearby, snacks are always just around the corner.  Whitney Museum of American Art: Modern Masterpieces  The Whitney sits at the foot of the High Line, making it an easy next stop. Step inside and you’re surrounded by some of America’s most boundary-pushing paintings, sculptures, and multimedia works. The light-filled galleries turn even first-time visitors into passionate art fans—contemporary and 20th-century pieces really feel at home here. Fridays often bring special talks and themed tours, and the terrace views of downtown Manhattan are just as fabulous as the artwork. What makes the Whitney special is how it connects visitors with living artists and ever-changing perspectives on American creativity. You’ll leave feeling mentally refreshed—and maybe a little inspired to try your own doodle.  Greenwich Village Walking Tour by Experience First: Bohemian Gems and Bites  No Friday in the city is complete without exploring one of its coolest neighborhoods: Greenwich Village. Hop on a walking tour and discover why musicians, poets, and pizza fans have loved this area for decades. Your guide will lead you down charming, tree-shaded lanes, past jazz clubs, historic gay bars, and secret courtyards filled with tales of revolution, rebellion, and creative breakthroughs. There’s often a stop at an old-school pizzeria or a bakery famed for cannoli—each with a backstory worth savoring. Along the way, the Village’s bohemian past feels surprisingly present, surfacing through comedy clubs, record stores, and murals. If you’re after the local side of Manhattan, this tour is as close as you’ll get in an afternoon.  MoMA: A Modern Art Powerhouse  When you’re ready to be wowed, make your way to MoMA. Few museums can claim such a collection of modern and contemporary hits: think Monet’s water lilies, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and so many bold, brash, conversation-starting works from the last century. Fridays at MoMA always feel special—the atmosphere buzzes with art students, couples on dates, and families all interpreting masterpieces through their own lens. The galleries are bright and thoughtfully arranged, while the sculpture garden out back is a peaceful hideaway for tired feet or a coffee break at the café. Love to leave a museum scratching your head and dreaming up ideas? MoMA guarantees that spark.  Landmark Cruise by Circle Line: Sail the Skyline  Want to see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan’s skyscrapers in one hit—without the foot mileage? Step aboard the Circle Line’s Landmark Cruise. This narrated, open-air adventure breezes past waterfront sights, with guides who love to point out little-known facts, famous film locations, and celebrity apartments. The city feels fresh from the water, and you won’t tire of snapping photos—especially when the sun lights up downtown or sets behind Lady Liberty. The mood is upbeat and fun (kids always love it, grown-ups always wave at passing boats), and the boat’s snack bar means your Friday energy stays at peak.  Chelsea Market: Eats and Treats for All  When cravings hit, Chelsea Market delivers. This bustling indoor food hall—nestled just below the High Line—brings together flavors from around the globe. Browse artisanal doughnut stands, noodle bars, and the always-popular Los Tacos No. 1, where the adobada tacos lure lines for a reason. The market’s industrial vibe, exposed brickwork, and flickering vintage lights set the scene for serious grazing. Here, you can sample everything from Israeli hummus bowls to decadent lobster rolls. The crowd is a happy mix: laptop-toting locals, wide-eyed tourists, and chefs on snack breaks. Whether you devour desserts by Doughnuttery or sip a strong espresso at Ninth Street Espresso, it’s a Friday lunch you’ll remember.  Broadway and Times Square Tour by Experience First: Lights, Legends, and Laughs  It’s not a Friday in New York without a glimpse behind the curtain. Let an animated guide reveal the secrets of Broadway and Times Square—where the city’s energy flickers brightest as evening falls. You’ll stroll past famous theaters, hear the scoop on blockbuster shows and their stars, and get tips on finding the best last-minute seats. Stories abound: ghostly legends, tales of opening-night jitters, and the evolution of Times Square from glitzy to gritty and back again. Expect theatrics, trivia, and a serious sense of excitement in the air. There’s nothing quite like standing beneath those neon lights, surrounded by the buzz of theater-goers and street performers, feeling like you’re part of the show.  Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos Show: Nightlife With a Twist  Ready to wrap up your NYC Friday with some show-stopping fun? Swing by Shake, Rattle & Roll—New York’s high-energy, all-request dueling pianos experience. At this interactive musical party, two talented performers battle for audience applause, tackling hits from Billy Joel to Beyoncé. Everyone sings along, toasts new friends, and even jumps up to dance as the tunes keep rolling. The setting is pure party: tables packed, crowd singing in chorus, sparkling drinks in hand. The show attracts locals and travelers alike, creating a feel-good, anything-can-happen atmosphere unlike any other night out in New York. The performers are pros at reading the room and keeping the vibes high. One minute you’re belting out classic rock anthems, and the next, the whole venue is cracking up as unsuspecting guests are called onstage. Add in playful drink specials and a crowd that’s ready to let loose after a day of exploring, and you’ve got all the makings of a truly memorable Friday finale. It’s pure New York energy and the perfect way to make new friends—or simply revel in great music—before your head hits the pillow.    So there you have it: a Friday in New York City packed with legendary views, scoops of art and culture, unforgettable bites, deep neighborhood explorations, a splash of waterborne fun, and nightlife that’ll have you singing out loud. Whether you follow our plan from sunrise to singalong or mix and match your favorites, NYC guarantees a day where you’ll end up with a big smile—and stories you can’t wait to tell.    Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to 4th of July in the Big Apple, and uncover the city’s little known hidden gems.   Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®    We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started! 
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