Rockefeller Center
45 Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan, New York City, NY
Radiating art deco glory, Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan is where you'll find Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studios, the Top of the Rock observation deck, and in winter, New York City’s famous ice rink and Christmas tree. Opened by John D. Rockefeller Jr. during the Great Depression, it’s a classic NYC stop for its history as a cultural center and architectural icon.
There’s a lot to see and do in the complex of 19 buildings and gardens. Daily Rockefeller Center tours highlight the rich assortment of art deco sculptures, murals, and design, while benefiting from expert historians telling the story of the structure, gardens, and art. Entertainment fans can go behind the scenes on an NBC Studios tour, while anyone who loves NYC can see it all from above at the Top of the Rock observation deck.
Don’t miss artist Paul Manship’s famous Prometheus statue in the Lower Plaza and Lee Lawrie’s Atlas on Fifth Avenue, or the underground shopping and dining concourse. Most New York City sightseeing tours include the Rockefeller Center.
The center is wheelchair accessible and has free Wi-Fi available.
Many miss the Rockefeller Center Channel Gardens, but it’s worth visiting the strip of fountains and plantings, which change with the seasons.
The NBC Studios tour is an interactive experience, as travelers can have their photo taken at the news desk or create an impromptu clip.
You can take in views of the Manhattan skyline from three observation platforms at the Top of the Rock. (Book timed tickets in advance.)
Rockefeller Center is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Midtown Manhattan, stretching from West 48th to West 51st Streets. Top of the Rock is at the top of the Comcast Building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (entrance on 50th Street). The nearest subway stop is 47-50th Street/Rockefeller Center, which you can reach on the B, D, F or M line.
There is always something going on at Rockefeller Center, open 365 days a year. The holiday season, however, is the highlight, so be ready for crowds around the Christmas tree.
Winter brings Rockefeller Center’s ice skating rink to life, starting in early October. The 90-minute skating sessions can be reserved in advance—otherwise admission is first come, first serve, with only 150 people skating at a time (so be sure to book ahead for the holidays). Skating lessons and other packages are also available. The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, an iconic and festive annual NYC tradition, is lit at the end of November and stays up through early January, while the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and its stellar Rockettes make for another holiday highlight.
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