Every December, half the planet tries to fit onto the sidewalk in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree at the same time. I love the tree. I visit it once a year, on a weekday morning, with nothing in my hands. The people I feel sorriest for are the ones trying to see it on their way to the airport, steering a suitcase through a crowd that is not moving.
Rockefeller Center has no public luggage storage, and Top of the Rock does not let you up with large bags or suitcases. This guide covers where to store your bags nearby, how the observation deck’s bag rules work, and how to plan a visit around the busiest season of the year.
Going up Top of the Rock with a suitcase? You won’t.
Large bags and luggage are not allowed on the observation deck, and Rockefeller Center has no storage. Stasher lists spots around Rockefeller Center, so you can drop your bags a few minutes away.
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Rockefeller Center Luggage: Quick Facts
- Luggage storage at Rockefeller Center: none on site.
- Top of the Rock: large bags, suitcases and luggage are not allowed. Small bags such as purses and sling bags are generally fine, kept on you.
- Location: between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, 48th to 51st Streets. Top of the Rock is entered from West 50th Street.
- Nearest subway: 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr (B, D, F, M), 5 Av/53 St (E, M) and 49 St (N, R, W).
- Storage price: Stasher lists Manhattan storage from about $2.49 per bag per day.
The Top of the Rock Bag Rules
Everyone heading up to the observation deck goes through security. Suitcases, large bags and luggage are refused, and there are no lockers to leave them in. Small personal bags are generally allowed if you keep them on you. Some add-on experiences have stricter rules, so check the official Top of the Rock site for the exact attraction you booked.
The same goes for the shops, the plaza and the concourse below. They are public spaces, but there is nowhere to leave a bag, and the crowds in season make even a carry-on hard to manage.
Where to Store Your Bags Nearby
Stasher lists spots around Rockefeller Center itself. Pick one based on how you are arriving and where you are heading next.
Sixth Avenue side
Best if you come in on the B, D, F or M trains, or you plan to walk to Times Square or the Theater District afterward. Our Times Square luggage storage guide covers the blocks to the west.
Fifth Avenue and Midtown East
Best if your trip ends at Grand Central. Store your bags east of Fifth Avenue, see the tree and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, then walk to your train. See our Grand Central luggage storage guide.
Near MoMA on 53rd Street
The Museum of Modern Art is three blocks north. If you are doing both, one storage spot between them covers the whole day.
How Stasher Works
- Search near Rockefeller Center.
- Book and pay online per bag, per day, and check opening hours.
- Drop off by showing your booking.
- Pick up with the same booking before closing.
Bookings are covered by the Stasher Guarantee. Check the current coverage when you book and keep valuables with you.
Visiting During the Holidays
From the tree lighting in late November or early December through early January, Rockefeller Center is the most crowded spot in the city. At peak times the police set up one-way pedestrian lanes on the surrounding blocks. My advice:
- Book storage ahead. Spots near the tree fill up on weekends in December.
- Go early or late. Before 9 a.m. the plaza is calm and the tree is still lit. Late at night is the next best option.
- Book a skating slot online if you want to skate on the rink. Walk-ups mean long waits.
- Check that your storage spot is open late on the evening you visit. Holiday hours vary.
Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building?
People ask me this constantly, so here is my honest answer. Top of the Rock has the better view, because the Empire State Building is in it. The Empire State Building has the history and the open-air 86th floor. If you have time for one, I pick Top of the Rock at sunset. Neither lets you up with luggage, so whichever you choose, store your bags first. Our Empire State Building luggage guide covers that side of town.
What I’d Skip
- Seeing the tree at 7 p.m. on a December Saturday with luggage. You will not move.
- Chain restaurants in the concourse during rush hour. Walk a few blocks west to Hell’s Kitchen.
- Leaving bags with a souvenir vendor who is not part of a booking service. Use a service with a guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rockefeller Center have luggage storage?
No. There is no public luggage storage at Rockefeller Center. Use a bookable storage spot nearby or ask your hotel to hold your bags.
Can I bring a suitcase to Top of the Rock?
No. Suitcases, luggage and large bags are not allowed on the observation deck. Small personal bags are generally fine if you keep them on you.
Where can I store my bags to see the Rockefeller Christmas tree?
Book a Stasher spot near Rockefeller Center ahead of time, especially on December weekends, and check that it stays open as late as you need.
How much does luggage storage near Rockefeller Center cost?
Stasher lists Manhattan storage from about $2.49 per bag per day. The exact price depends on the spot.
That’s my Rockefeller plan: bags stored before you hit the plaza, Top of the Rock at sunset, and the tree before breakfast if it is December. Hours and rules change, so check before you go.
Born and raised amidst the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, I’ve witnessed the city’s many exciting phases. When I’m not exploring the city or penning down my thoughts, you can find me sipping on a cup of coffee at my favorite local café, playing chess or planning my next trip. For the last twelve years, I’ve been living in South Williamsburg with my partner Berenike.