Top of the Rock (WhatISee)

Top of the Rock

I've always been one of those people who looks towards the roofs of buildings and wonder what the view looks like from up there. So when I heard from newyorkology.com that the top of the rock was reopening, I knew I'd be there. Last night, I noticed that Bluejake and Jen Chung were up there for a sneak preview.

The views are outstanding, and well worth a visit, even for jaded new yorkers. $15 is a small price to pay. Try to get up there a half hour before sunset on a clear night. The color changes in front of your eyes.

The logistics of visiting are quite easy, you buy your ticket online, print out the receipt, and walk in the door (which is on the basement floor). A short elevator ride to a security check, then a walk through their exhibits. They play a movie, but I walked right through to the front and waited for the movie to finish. The middle row seems to get called first. A short line outside on the mezzanine and then a funky elevator ride to the top, with slide projectors and a glass roof.

Walk all the way around in a big U, skipping the small terraces on this floor. Ride the escalator up to the next level. There's still a small staircase up to the highest level which doesnt have any glass in front of you at all because it's set back. It feels like you're floating on top of the city.