Is it necessary to pre-purchase tickets to Top of the Rock? If we don't pre-purchase, what type of wait is probable late afternoon/early evening during the week? Are lines typically longer during the week or on a weekend?
Thanks is advance.

We went in April around 9pm on a Tuesday and did not have to pre purchase or wait. My guess is that if you are going this summer the situation may be different.

-Bill

Went in April using tickets purchased on-line. At the entrance they were giving away half-price coupons.
Have no idea if this was a one-time event of if it's routine.

Suggest going about half an hour before sunset so you can view NYC in daylight and then watch the lights come on.

I went in Jan on a Sat night (prob around 9 or 10ish). No line whatsoever and we did not pre-buy tickets.

In the summer I'm sure it's more crowded of course (and less cold!!!!!) I would recommend going at night, the view is beautiful w/ all the lights...but it made it a little hard to get good pictures.

Thanks. We are going in October. I will not pre-purchase the tickets. I'd rather not be "tied" to a specific time, but rather go when the mood strikes us!

We picked up tickets on the day. We were walking past at 11am (over Easter weekend) and I checked how long the wait was and was told about an hour at that time so I booked tickets for the evening and we walked straight in at 6pm.
Great views!