Rockefeller Center: VIP Tour, Top of the Rock & Champagne

What you actually see from the Beam Experience at Rockefeller Center

You skip the entry lines, spend two hours with a guide moving through Rockefeller Center's history and hidden rooftop gardens, then experience Top of the Rock from the Beam and SKYLIFT with a champagne toast included. A Photo Pass captures the moments, and you leave with a 20% discount on souvenirs.

Step-by-step itinerary

VIP guided tour and rooftop experience

• Begin in VIP Lounge
• Guided tour of Rockefeller Center
• Visit hidden rooftop garden
• Enjoy Champagne Toast at Weather Room Café
• Experience private Beam and SKYLIFT rides
• Take photos with Photo Pass
• Shop with 20% discount at Gift Shop

The experience

Stepping into the VIP Lounge at Rockefeller Center, you're already past the crowds that pile up at street level. The two-hour guided tour moves at a pace that lets you absorb the building's history (the Art Deco details, the stories behind the spaces) without feeling rushed. Your guide takes you through one of the hidden rooftop gardens, the kind most visitors never find, and then up to Top of the Rock itself.

The Beam Experience is the part that stays with you. It's a glass-enclosed platform jutting out from the 70th floor, and there's nothing between you and the city except air and glass. You get a Photo Pass included, so someone else can capture the moment you're actually looking out instead of holding a phone. After that, SKYLIFT (a 360-degree rotating experience that moves slowly enough to let the scale of Manhattan sink in), rounds out the views. Then you head to the Weather Room Café & Bar for a champagne toast (you need to be 21+), which is the kind of detail that makes the whole thing feel less like a tourist check-box and more like something you'd do if you had time and knew the place.

The VIP treatment includes priority entry and private elevator access, which means you're not waiting in the main queues or sharing lifts with the regular tour groups. You also get 20% off anything in the gift shop at the end, though by that point most people are just ready to sit down. The whole experience runs about two hours from start to finish, and if you're visiting during the holiday season (December 3 through January 10), there's a special edition that includes up-close access to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree from Center Plaza (normally that area is closed off) plus a photo with Santa on the Beam Experience on select dates.

What’s included

Your experience includes priority entry and private elevator access, VIP Lounge access, a guided tour of Rockefeller Center with a stop at a hidden rooftop garden, the Beam Experience at Top of the Rock, SKYLIFT (the 360-degree rotating platform), a champagne toast at the Weather Room Café & Bar for guests 21 and older, a Photo Pass to capture your moments, and a 20% discount on items in the gift shop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30 and 16:30Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Top of the Rock - Observation Deck

Is this one for you?Right for visitors who want to see Top of the Rock without waiting in the main entry line and don't mind spending two hours on a guided experience rather than exploring at your own pace. The Beam and SKYLIFT require a minimum height, so check those restrictions if you're bringing children.

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Top questions

How long is the VIP Rockefeller Center tour?

Two hours from start to finish, including the VIP Lounge, guided tour, rooftop garden, and Top of the Rock experiences.

What's included in the VIP Rock Pass?

Priority entry, private elevator access, the Beam Experience, SKYLIFT, a champagne toast at the Weather Room Café & Bar (21+), a guided tour with rooftop garden access, Photo Pass, VIP Lounge access, and 20% off the gift shop.

Do I need to be a certain age for the Beam Experience?

You must be at least 52 inches tall (~132 cm) to ride alone. If you're between 42 and 52 inches, you need an adult with you. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on SKYLIFT.

Is there a holiday version of this tour?

Yes, from December 3 through January 10, the VIP Rock Pass Holiday Edition includes up-close viewing of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree from Center Plaza and a photo with Santa on select dates.

What's the difference between the Beam Experience and SKYLIFT?

The Beam is a glass-enclosed platform extending from the 70th floor with fixed views. SKYLIFT is a 360-degree rotating experience that moves slowly to show the city from all angles.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, with elevators on all floors and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs are not permitted on the Beam Experience itself.

Can I bring children under 6?

Children under 6 are free with a paying adult. Strollers are permitted if collapsible.

What should I wear for this tour?

Layers and stable footwear are recommended for the outdoor decks at Top of the Rock.

Can I bring outside food or a camera tripod?

No outside food or beverages are allowed, and tripods are not permitted.

Is there parking or public transportation nearby?

Public transportation options are available near Rockefeller Center. Parking information should be checked separately.