Times Square is loud. It’s chaotic. Honestly, it’s a lot for anyone who isn’t a caffeine-fueled tourist or a costumed character looking for a tip. But 48 stories above the glowing LEDs and the sea of taxis, things get quiet. That’s where you find the rotating restaurant Times Square travelers and locals have been obsessing over for decades: The View. Located inside the New York Marriott Marquis, it’s the only revolving rooftop restaurant in Manhattan. It’s a bit of an icon.
You might think it’s a gimmick. Some people do. But there is something undeniably cool about sitting in a plush chair and watching the Chrysler Building slowly drift past your table while you sip a cocktail. It doesn't spin fast—you won't get dizzy. It’s a slow, steady 360-degree loop that takes about an hour. Just enough time to see the Hudson River, the Empire State Building, and the neon mess of the Theater District without ever leaving your seat.
What Actually Happens at the Rotating Restaurant Times Square?
The engineering is old-school but effective. The floor moves, the windows don't. This creates a weird, fun sensation when you first sit down where you feel like the city is moving, not you. It’s located at 1535 Broadway. If you’ve ever walked into the Marriott Marquis, you know the elevators are half the fun—those glass pods that shoot up the center of the atrium. You take those to the 47th or 48th floor.
The 48th floor is where the main dining room sits. The 47th is usually reserved for the lounge, which is a bit more chill and often features a buffet. If you’re looking for a full three-course dinner, you head up top. The menu usually leans toward contemporary American. Think roasted chicken, thick cuts of steak, and seasonal vegetables. Is it the absolute best food in New York City? Probably not. You’re in a city with Michelin stars on every corner. But the food is solid, and let’s be real: you’re paying for the 360-degree transition from sunset to the "city that never sleeps" neon glow.
The rotation is subtle. You might be talking to your partner about a Broadway show and suddenly realize the building that was on your left is now behind you. It’s the ultimate "no-bad-seats" scenario. In a normal restaurant, you fight for the window. Here, the window eventually comes to everyone.
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The Reality of the Experience
Let’s talk about the vibe. It isn’t pretentious. You’ll see people in suits next to families who just finished a matinee of The Lion King. It’s a mix. One thing to keep in mind is the "Rotation Fit." Since the floor moves and the stationary core of the building (where the buffet or kitchen usually is) doesn't, you have to be careful when you get up. If you leave your drink on the table and go to the bathroom, your table won't be in the same spot when you come back. Seriously. It’s a rite of passage to see someone wander around looking for their appetizers because they didn't realize their party traveled twenty feet to the right.
The Lounge vs. The Dining Room
Most people don't realize there’s a choice.
- The Dining Room (48th Floor): This is for the big spenders or the "it’s our anniversary" crowd. It’s a prix-fixe situation usually. You get your appetizer, your entree, and your dessert. It feels more formal.
- The Lounge (47th Floor): This is where you go for the famous cheese and dessert buffet. It’s generally a cover charge situation after a certain hour. It’s great if you just want a drink and a view without committing to a $100+ dinner.
People often ask if it’s worth the price. New York is expensive. A cocktail in Midtown is going to run you $20 minimum almost anywhere with a roof. At The View, you’re basically getting a 60-minute tour of the skyline included in the price of your dinner. If you time it right—arriving about 30 minutes before sunset—you get the best of both worlds. You see the golden hour light hitting the skyscrapers, and by the time you're on your second course, the city lights are twinkling. It’s pure magic.
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Why Revolving Restaurants are Disappearing
It’s actually kinda sad, but these places are a dying breed. In the 1960s and 70s, revolving restaurants were the pinnacle of "the future." Architects loved them. But they are a nightmare to maintain. The mechanical tracks need constant greasing and repair. The weight distribution has to be perfect. Because of this, many cities have seen theirs close down or stop rotating entirely.
The Marriott Marquis has kept theirs running because it’s a staple of the Times Square skyline. It’s one of the few places where the architecture serves a literal purpose of orientation. When you’re down on the street, it’s easy to lose your sense of North and South. Up there? You see the grid. You see how the island of Manhattan actually fits together. It provides a perspective that most New Yorkers never even stop to consider.
Getting a Table Without the Headache
Don't just show up. This isn't a "walk-in and get a window seat" kind of place.
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- Book early. Like, weeks early if you want a specific time. Use OpenTable or call the Marriott directly.
- Request a window seat, but don't expect a guarantee. Because the floor moves, every seat is technically a window seat eventually, but the tables right against the glass are the prime real estate.
- Check the dress code. It’s "Smart Casual." No gym clothes. No flip-flops. You don't need a tuxedo, but throw on a nice shirt. It makes the photos look better anyway.
- Mind the cover charge. If you're just going to the lounge, be aware there's often a fee just to sit there after 8:00 PM. It keeps the "just looking" crowds away.
The Secret of the 47th Floor Buffet
If you're a fan of chocolate, the 47th-floor lounge is actually the move. They have a massive dessert spread. We're talking fondue, cakes, tarts—the works. For a lot of families, this is a better deal than the formal dinner upstairs. You get the same rotation, the same view, but with a lot more sugar and a slightly lower bill. Plus, the atmosphere is a bit louder and more energetic, which is great if you have kids who can't sit through a two-hour formal meal.
Navigating the Neighborhood
Times Square is a labyrinth. To get to the rotating restaurant Times Square loves, you need to find the Marriott Marquis entrance on Broadway between 45th and 46th. Don't get distracted by the giant M&M store or the street performers. Head straight for the elevators.
Once you're done with your meal, you’re perfectly positioned for a late-night stroll. You’re steps away from the Richard Rodgers Theatre and the Majestic. If you’ve just seen a show, it’s the best place to decompress. The contrast between the frenetic energy of a Broadway curtain call and the slow, silent rotation of the restaurant is something you have to experience to understand.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Timing is everything: Use a weather app to find the exact sunset time. Make your reservation for 45 minutes before that. You want to see the sky turn purple over the Hudson.
- The "Stationary" Trick: If you feel a bit of motion sickness (rare, but it happens), look at the center of the room. The middle column doesn't move. Fixing your eyes on the stationary part of the building for a few seconds resets your equilibrium.
- Validate your parking: If you're crazy enough to drive into Times Square, check if the restaurant offers any validation for the hotel garage. It won't make it cheap, but it might make it "New York affordable."
- Camera settings: Shooting through glass at night is hard. Hold your phone lens directly against the window to eliminate the reflection of the restaurant lights behind you.
This place isn't just about the food. It’s about the fact that for one hour, you get to see the most famous city in the world from every possible angle without moving a muscle. It’s a classic for a reason. Whether you’re a local showing off the city to out-of-towners or a traveler ticking off a bucket list item, the rotating restaurant in Times Square delivers a perspective you just can't get from the sidewalk.