If you are visiting New York City for the first time and want an area that you could spend the whole day in, Rockefeller Center is the way to go. Over here you can find plenty of great attractions nearby without having to walk too much. It covers 22 acres between 48th Street and 51st Street and is a complex of 19 commercial buildings. Let us dig in deeper and look at the most fun things to do in and around Rockefeller Center.
Things to do at Rockefeller Center
Top of the Rock If you have time to do just one thing at Rockefeller Center, then this would be it. This is easily the best view of the city. When you arrive at the top, you will have three levels for you to explore that have indoor and outdoor viewing decks. You will be able to see the entirety of downtown with the Empire State Building in the middle of it from one side of the building. While from the other side of the building, you can view Central Park and the north side of Manhattan. It is open every day of the week except holidays from 8 am to Midnight. To get the best photographs, go there just before sunset. Although the crowds will be quite large, it is still worth the view.
The Tonight Show – The tickets for the Tonight Show tapings are free. There is photography or videography allowed inside the area so be mindful of it. Tickets are released one month at a time and usually during the first week of the previous month. You will need to leave your backpacks and suitcases at home as they are not allowed here. Dress appropriately as you might be in front of the camera and entry can be denied on that basis.
Saturday Night Live – The lottery for Saturday Night Live tickets runs once every year. Make sure you apply quickly as they get picked up quite quickly.
NBC Studios Tour – Here you can get a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the most famous studios in the world. You will learn about how TV shows are made and might even get a glimpse into the studios of Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show. Along with the tour, they might even give you a chance to produce your show in the Tour Studio. Ticket prices are $33 for adults.
Radio City Music Hall – You will get an inside look into one of the most famous iconic venues in the world. Here you will get to learn about its history, marvel at some of the art, and get a chance to meet Rockette. Tours run here from 9.30 am to 5 pm and admission is $28 for adults. You can take as many photos as you like over here, but videography is prohibited.
The Rink – For people who are visiting New York City during the months of winter, you should go to the Rink at the Rockefeller Center to either watch people or lace yourself up for ice skating. The Rink is open every day from 8.30 am to 12 am and the season starts from early October and ends around mid-April. Remember that the schedule can change based on the weather. It is on a first come, first serve basis and there are around 150 people on the ice at one time. Tickets are priced at $32 for adults and skate rentals are $12. You can also get skating lessons for $50 and be aware of other skaters so you do not crash into them and get injured.
Rockefeller Center Tour – If you wish to experience a completely different side of Rockefeller Center then you should book this tour and learn about the history that is spread throughout the center. While on the tour, an expert will take you back in time and teach you about some important places in the complex. These tours run every half hour from 10 am to 7.30 pm. The tour tickets are priced at $25.
Channel Gardens – At the Channel Gardens you can sit, relax, and enjoy the beautiful landscape gardens on the plaza. There is also a Christmas Tree present which is one of the most recognizable trees in New York. Make sure if you are visiting during the holidays that you stop here.
The Rainbow Room – It has been open since 1934 and is on the 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. It is an event space for weddings, movie premiers, fashion shows, and birthdays. This has been the main point for a meeting of the elites of the city. It is open for brunch and dinner on certain weekdays and the best way to know if they are open is to give them a call.
How to get there
Taking the subway is probably the most convenient method to reach Rockefeller Center. The B, D, M, and F trains go to 47-50th Street Rockefeller Center stop. While the N, Q, and R trains go to the 49th Street stop. From there, the Rockefeller Center is just a short walk away. Either than these, you can also take the 1 train to 50th Street Stop or the 6 train to 51st Street Stop. For arriving by bus, take the M1, M2, M3, M4, or M5 bus to 50th Street.
Rockefeller Center is completely wheelchair accessible. To find parking in New York City can be a bit of a pain but Rockefeller Center has a parking space on site on 48th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.
Dining
There are over 50 restaurants, cafes, and bars that you can choose from in the Rockefeller Center. They can range from grabbing a quick bite or having a full meal. Here are a few of them that we have listed below for you.
- Alidoro – It is inspired by some of the classic sandwiches of Italy, it is a place where you will be able to find a quick bite to have or indulge yourself in a mouthwatering sandwich such as an Italian cheesesteak. It has been around since 1986 and is Rockefeller Center’s favorite.
- Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room – This is a high-end cocktail lounge that is again located on the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Plaza. It has amazing views of the city to offer and has large floor-to-ceiling windows. You can enjoy all of this while you sip a cocktail. Remember that the bar is open until midnight and there is a strict dress code.
- La Maison du Chocolat – It specializes in making Chocolates and has been a Rockefeller Center favorite for over 30 years now. It serves some homemade chocolates and some great coffee in the building. It can be a great spot to grab a quick coffee or tea. You can also enjoy some fruity chocolates or indulge in freshly baked pastries.
Stay
Here are some of the best hotels that are near Rockefeller Center.
- The Courtyard by Marriot, Midtown East (0.6miles/12-minute walk)
- Library Hotel, Midtown Eats (0.6miles/12-minute walk)
- Four Seasons Hotel New York, Midtown East (0.6 miles/12-minute walk)
- Park Hyatt New York, Midtown West (0.6 miles/12-minute walk)
