New York City is home to so many iconic landmarks that it’d be hard to even write about them all. From the little statues to the biggest buildings, there are many places in New York City that are important to the city’s history and culture: one such building is Rockefeller Center. Built during the Great Depression and one of the 14 original Art Deco buildings, Rockefeller Center was once the property of Columbia University until it was leased to John D. Rockefeller Jr. Originally, the site was to be the spot where the Metropolitan Opera was going to go. However, many iconic New York businesses have taken residence in the building, including RCA, Radio City Music Hall, and NBC Studios. Explore one of New York’s greatest buildings. Here is a guide to Rockefeller Center, New York City.
Things to do
Get a view from the observation deck
There are plenty of really big buildings in New York City that offer a great view, and Rockefeller Center is just one of the many places. Known as “Top of the Rock”, the observation deck of Rockefeller Center is mostly an outdoor space with protective glass, where you can essentially get a 360-degree view of the city from the top of one of it’s most legendary buildings. The observation deck is said to be designed to resemble an ocean liner, and the Rockefeller Center’s is 200 feet (61 m) higher than the one at the Empire State Building.
Go Skating
Many scenes from movies and TV shows have shots of the iconic Rockefeller Center skating rink. The space was once destined to be another commercial space but was unprofitable in the long run, so it was torn down. In its place, a skating rink was placed in 1936 but was meant to only be a temporary thing. After locals and tourists loved the idea, the Rockefeller Center skating rink became an iconic part of not only the building but New York City as a whole. By 1939, a permanent rink was installed. The rink allows for only 150 people at a time, making it a lovely intimate experience in the heart of the city.
Relax in the gardens
The Channel Gardens are perhaps an underrated and relatively unknown part of Rockefeller Center. The gardens are surrounded by the buildings in a courtyard-like setting, and they are both a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city while still being directly in the middle of it. The Channel Gardens are open throughout the year and have various installations that transform with the seasons to keep people coming back.
Go on a Guided Tour
If you’re looking for a full tour of this 80-year-old building, then you can take a whole tour and learn about everything there is to know about Rockefeller Center. An expert guide will take you through the building, talking about the early days of John D Rockefeller Jr’s ideas for the building to the modern and artistic space it became.
For a separate tour of another important area in Rockefeller Center, check out the NBC Studios tour. For the television fans out there, you’ll learn about one of the biggest networks in TV and everything that goes into making some of your favorite TV shows, from Saturday Night Live to The Tonight Show.
Tip from Content Creator
If you're going to New York and are looking to visit some observatory decks, you cannot miss the one at Rockefeller Center. This was the first viewpoint I visited in New York, and it was one of my favourites!
The observatory deck is right on floor 70 of the Rockefeller Center. Although it is not the tallest observatory deck in New York, it has one of the best views of the city, including the Empire State Building. You do need to purchase a ticket to go up, which can range between 40 USD to 160 USD. You can purchase your ticket through GetYourGuide.
Where to eat
Alidoro
Inspired by some of the classic delicious sandwiches of Italy, Alidoro is a place where you can grab a quick bite and indulge in a delicious sandwich like an Italian cheesesteak or the Alidoro, which has prosciutto, peppers, mushrooms, fennel, and arugula. Alidoro has been around since 1986 and is Rockefeller Center’s favorite.
Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room
Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room is an upscale cocktail lounge located right on the 65th floor of Rockefeller Plaza. The bar has large floor-to-ceiling windows and offers some amazing views of the city while you sip on a fancy cocktail created by a professional mixologist. The bar is open until midnight and there is a dress code.
La Maison du Chocolat
Specializing in the world’s favorite sweet treat, La Maison du Chocolat has been a Rockefeller Center favorite for over 30 years. Serving some homemade and artisanal chocolates as well as some of the best coffee in the building, La Maison du Chocolat is a perfect spot for a quick coffee or tea or a great place to pick up something sweet. Enjoy fruity chocolates and exotic flavors or indulge in some fresh pastries cooked right in-house.
Things to buy
FAO Schwarz
Located in 30 Rockefeller Plaza, FAO Schwarz is an iconic New York City store. FAO Schwarz has been around for years and is one of the oldest toy stores in the United States. Founded on the principle of a huge store filled with marvelous toys and one-of-a-kind wonders, FAO Schwarz will please the kids and bring out the child in any adult.
The Shop at NBC Studios
This store is your one-stop-shop for any TV fanatic out there to get some of your favorite TV shows’ memorabilia. T-shirts, Posters, DVDs, coffee mugs from your favorite NBC shows like Seinfeld, The Office, Friends, and SNL to name a few. Not to mention a rotating calendar of events so there’s always new things in-store.
Travelers tips
Accessibility
Rockefeller Center is completely wheelchair accessible and compliant with The American With Disabilities Act.
Parking
Finding parking in New York City can be a pain. Luckily, Rockefeller Center has parking space on-site on 48th Street between 5th and 6th avenue.
Seasonal attractions
Things like certain flowers and plants in the Channel Gardens as well as the Rockefeller Center skating rink are seasonal activities. Check their calendar of events for dates. The skating rink is generally open October through to April.
How to get there
Subway
Taking the subway is easily the best method for getting to Rockefeller Center. The B, D, F, M trains go to 47-50th Street Rockefeller Center stop. The N, Q, and R trains go to the 49th Street stop and from there, Rockefeller Center is a short walk. You can also take the 1 train to 50th Street Stop or the 6 train to 51st Street Stop.
Buses
Take the M1, M2, M3, M4 or M5 bus to 50th Street.
Rockefeller Center information
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Official Website: Rockefeller Center
Department of Tourism: Visit New York
News and Updates for Rockefeller Center: Rockefeller Center arrives in New York City | 77 Foot Tree Installed in Rockefller Center
Rockefeller Center Architecture and Art Walking Tour
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
History
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