The 6 Best Things to Do at the Rockefeller Center

Outside of Times Square, perhaps the best known hub of Midtown Manhattan is the Rockefeller Center. Covering a whopping 22 acres, the Rockefeller Center was America’s first multi-use retail, entertainment and office complex, comprised of 19 buildings in total. If you’re visiting New York, you’re likely to pass through the Center at least once (probably more). What you may not realise is that there’s quite a few things to do within the complex. In this post I’m going to give you a list of ways you can spend your time exploring this famous New York destination. Even if you don’t do them all, its worth taking a look and seeing what appeals most to you!

• There’s much more to see in New York beyond the Rockefeller Center. If you’re planning a trip, you should check out my recommended New York itinerary post, which you can find HERE.

The Basics:

• Where? The Rockefeller Center is located in Midtown Manhattan. It takes up 3 blocks between Fifth and Sixth Avenue, sprawling from 48th to 51st Street.
• How to get there: Getting to the Center from Midtown is easy as its definitely in walking distance from Times Square. If you’re staying further out, the closest subway station is 47th – 50th Street Rockefeller Center, which is serviced by the B, D, F and M lines.
• Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/

What’s So Special About the Rockefeller Center?

As I mentioned above, the Rockefeller Center is notable for being the first multi-purpose retail and entertainment complex in the United States of America. It was developed by John D Rockefeller Jr, a name you’ll hear quite a bit about in New York. He famously referred to the Center as “a city within a city”. The development stemmed from the need for a larger space for the Metropolitan Opera, which had outgrown its former site at 49th Street and Broadway. The complex was constructed at the height of the Great Depression and cost $100 million at the time. Owing to the uncertain financial climate, the Met subsequently pulled out of the deal. Not one to let his vision fall to the wayside, Rockefeller ultimately financed the rest of the project from his own personal funds, and after 9 years of construction (involving 40,000 people), the mammoth complex opened in 1933.

Today the Center hosts a myriad of iconic New York attractions and venues. Ranging from entertainment icons such as NBC Studios and Radio City Music Hall, to some of the best views of Manhattan at the Top of the Rock Observatory, there’s something for everyone at the Rockefeller Center. The focal point of the complex is the 70 storey tall skyscraper at 30 Rockefeller Place, which appears much taller than it actually is. You might recognise the building from the show 30 Rock!

What are the Best Things to Do at the Rockefeller Center?

While I’ve been to New York a number of times, I haven’t had the chance to explore the Rockefeller Center in its entirety. With so much to do in the area (not to mention the rest of the city), you really have to pick the things that appeal to you. Here are 6 of the best things you can do on a visit to the Center.

Top of the Rock

• When? 9.00am – 11.00pm daily (last entry at 10.10pm).
• How much? General admission is $40.00 USD for adults and $34.00 USD for children. You can also pay extra for Express Passes or VIP tours.
• Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/top-of-the-rock-observation-deck/

If you’ve only got time to do one thing at the Rockefeller Center, it has to be heading up to the Top of the Rock Observatory. This three storey observation deck is housed on the 67th, 68th and 70th floor of the main tower (70 Rockefeller Plaza) and offers some of the best views of New York. Its one of my person favourite spots to check out the Manhattan skyline (and you can actually get the Empire State Building in your photos from up here!). There’s also stunning views of Central Park looking north, which I think are best appreciated on a clear, sunny day.

The observation deck has both an indoor and open air zone. It gets packed, so you’re best off getting here early in the day. You should definitely book your tickets in advance, or use a multi-attraction pass such as the New York Sightseeing Pass or City Pass to skip the line. The entry area contains exhibits dedicated to the history of the Rockefeller Center, and you’ll also see the massive Joei Chandelier (consisting of 14,000 crystals) hanging here. You’ll then have to pass through a security checkpoint before getting into an elevator and whizzing up almost 260 metres high above the streets of Midtown. Once on Top of the Rock, you can spend as long as you like taking in the views (I suggest allowing around an hour).

Take a Tour of NBC Studios

• When? Tours depart every 20 minutes from 8.20am – 2.20pm Monday to Thursday, 8.20am – 5.00pm Fridays, and between 8.20am – 6.00pm on select weekends.
• How much? Tours cost $84.00 USD for adults, and $79.00 USD for children 12 and under.
• Website: https://www.thetouratnbcstudios.com/

Of the many big name tenants that call the Rockefeller Center home, there is perhaps none more well known than NBC Studios. The working TV studio sees staple programs broadcast such as Saturday Night Live and the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. You can take a guided tour of the Studios, which includes guaranteed access to at least two studio sets, as well as the Production Gallery and Tour Studio. Due to live filming schedules you won’t be guaranteed to see a particular set however, so don’t have your heart set on that one show if you take the tour. Note that there’s a strict “no bathrooms, no photography” policy. The tour begins at the NBC Studios Shop in the lobby of 30 Rockefeller Center.

If seeing the set isn’t enough for you, you can try to score a once in a lifetime experience as a member of the studio audience if anything is being filmed here during your stay, but you’ll have to do a lot of work to get those tickets. Some sell out instantly, while others operate on a lottery system the day of filming. Your best bet is to check out the official website of whatever TV show you’re wanting to see well in advance of your visit to New York.

Radio City Music Hall

• When? Tours run daily from 9.30am to 5.00pm.
• How much? Tours cost $34.00 USD for adults and $29.00 USD for children 12 and under.
• Website: https://www.msg.com/venue-tours/radio-city-music-hall

Launched in 1932, Radio City Music Hall is arguably New York City’s most famous entertainment venue. Originally intended for live stage shows, the venue reopened as a movie theatre, attained landmark status, and now hosts iconic performers from all around the world. It was also the first component of the Rockefeller Center to be completed. You can take a guided Stage Door Tour to learn more about Radio City. You’ll see the main amphitheatre, the Roxy suite and meet a Rockette. If you’re lucky, you may even get to stand on the theatre’s grand stage. Tours run for approximately 60 minutes and advanced reservations are highly recommended.

• I’ve written a detailed post on what to expect on a tour of Radio City Music Hall, which you can check out HERE.

Skate at the Rockefeller Skating Rink

• When? The ice skating rink is open from November to April and generally operates from 8.30am to midnight.
• How much? Prices range from $21.00 to $54.00 USD per person depending on the time and date selected.
• Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/the-rink-at-rockefeller-center/

If you happen to be visiting New York between November and April, you’ll be able to skate on one of the most famous ice rinks in the world. As seen in films such as Home Alone 2 and Elf, there’s no doubt that hitting the ice in the middle of the Rockefeller Plaza is a magical experience. If you’re there right around Christmas, you’ll even see the city’s largest Christmas tree towering above the rink.

If you plan on skating, bookings are essential. Only 150 skaters are allowed on the ice at any one time, so you’ll be waiting for a while, but once you’re up you’ll get 90 minutes to enjoy yourself. Note that for safety reasons, you aren’t allowed to take selfies on the rink, so if you’re wanting photos, you’ll need to ask someone on the sidelines to help you out.

In the summer months, the skating rink is converted into a cafe space. You can still enjoy the Channel Gardens between 49th and 50th Street for some great photo opportunities when the holiday festivities have passed.

Discover the Rockefeller Center’s Artwork

The Rockefeller Center is decorated with works by 30 celebrated artists. They range from paintings inside its halls, to iconic sculptures in the plaza outside. There’s too many pieces to focus on here, but one of most noteworthy sculptures is Atlas, a collaboration by Lee Lawrie and Rene Chambellan, depicting the familiar image of a man holding the weight of the globe above his shoulders. Right in the heart of Rockefeller Plaza is the golden Prometheus, said to be the most photographed statue in all of New York City.

The murals inside the Center are worth tracking down as well. You’ll see works such as Barry Faulkner’s Intelligence Awakening Mankind (a mosaic of over 250 colours) and the Jose Maria Sert’s American Progress (which actually replaced Diego Rivera’s painting that was rejected for its supposed communist themes).

While I haven’t taken it, I think the best way to fully appreciate the artwork on display (as well as so much more) would be on the official Rockefeller Center Guided Tour. It lasts roughly one hour and 15 minutes and will set you back around $25.00 USD (bookings are essential). If you’re looking to save money, you can purchase the Rock Pass, which also includes admission to the Top of the Rock. Check out the website for more details.

Check out the Shops at the Rockefeller Center

Need a break from sightseeing? The Rockefeller Center is a premier destination for shopping and dining, with retail space occupied by all kinds of stores, ranging from high end international brands, to up and coming designers. I’ll be showing my inner child here, but I think the LEGO store is the best of the bunch. Open daily from 11.00am – 6.00pm the store’s range of LEGO sets is unmatched. The displays are the highlight though – check out the LEGO replica of the entire Rockefeller Center by the main window. Its HUGE and such a cool thing to see!

With so much to do, the Rockefeller Center really is a hub of things to do in New York City. Hopefully this post has given you a few ideas when you’re planning a trip into Midtown Manhattan. What’s your favourite thing to do in this massive complex? Have you ever seen a show at NBC Studios or taken one of the many tours on offer? Let me know!