Everything to know about the Rockefeller Center
Based in the heart of Manhattan, New York City, the Rockefeller Center is a world-famous commercial complex. Known for its iconic art, entertainment, and historic significance it’s a must-visit for anyone making the trip to NYC.
Rockefeller Center is situated between 48th and 51st Streets and spans from Fifth Avenue to Sixth Avenue, in Midtown Manhattan.
The complex offers a mix of shops, boutiques and restaurants, including luxury brands and dining options
Construction began in 1930 and wasn’t completed until 1939. It was developed by the famous Rockefeller family with the goal of creating a cultural and commercial hub for the City.
Rockefeller Center consists of multiple buildings, including:
- 30 Rockefeller Plaza (Top of the Rock): Also known as the Comcast Building, it offers an observation deck with stunning views of the city.
- Radio City Music Hall: An iconic entertainment venue that hosts concerts, shows, and events.
- The Rink at Rockefeller Center: A famous ice skating rink that attracts visitors during the winter months.
- The Channel Gardens: A landscaped walkway connecting Fifth Avenue to the Center.
- Prometheus Sculpture: A prominent gilded statue of the Greek mythological figure located above the Lower Plaza.
Art and architecture are a big part of the Rockefeller Center and its identity. Here you’ll find its renowned Art Deco architecture and iconic artworks, including sculptures, murals, and reliefs by artists like Lee Lawrie, Isamu Noguchi, and José Maria Sert.
The complex offers a mix of shops, boutiques and restaurants, including luxury brands and dining options.
Christmas is an important time for the Center – it’s known globally for its annual holiday traditions, including the lighting of the Christmas tree, ice skating and other seasonal events in the complex.
NBC Studios and The Today Show are produced at the Rockefeller Center – and you’ll also see the Center depicted in modern American pop culture.
Visitors can explore the complex via guided tours where you can learn about the history of the Center, whilst exploring the cultural significance of the complex.
Is it worth it to go to Rockefeller Center?
Rockefeller Center is the symbol of midtown Manhattan and easily one of the best attractions in New York. A complex of 19 buildings and plazas, located between Fifth and Seventh Avenues and 48th and 51st Streets, Rockefeller Center was built to be a “city within a city.”
Can you visit Rockefeller Center for free?
Experience one of the most significant landmarks in NYC for free and find out what makes 30 Rock such an important gathering place for New Yorkers.
One traveller said,
Well worth a visit if in NYC. We took a leisurely stroll around the Rockefeller Center whilst visiting ‘Top Of The Rock’ observatory deck … Beautiful Art Deco, history, architecture, murals and water feature/garden. Tastefully presented with great photo opportunities.
SallyPembrokeshire via TripAdvisor
Another visitor suggested it gets a bit crowded at the top of the Rock: “Definitely better than the Empire State Building experience but be prepared to use your elbows. People nowadays lack manners, and you need to be assertive to get a nice view.”
A great place to shop, eat, hang, drink and even roller skate. A lot of fun .. its also a great place to hide from the rain .
thehungryexpat2015 via TripAdvisor
Several reviews go on to suggest, if you’re visiting on a budget, to go to The Top of the Rock over the Empire State Building if you want some great views of NYC. “Only half the price, less people, great views to Central Park and Empire State Building,” Franziska K, visiting from France, said.
Be prepared for renovations taking place at the Center – always check before you book tickets and where you can, book in advance.
The whole point of this tour is to see a little more than you would on the standard trip up the rock. The main event – The Rainbow Room – is currently undergoing renovation (July 23rd 2023) and there is little else of interest in the whole tour. Don’t waste your money on this.
Sparky11706 from Canada said via TripAdvisor
Most people have given positive feedback on their trip to Rockefeller NYC, citing great stores, restaurants, the skating rink and the infamous Christmas tree.
Depending on what time of year you’re going, there’ll be plenty of seasonal events on – so plan ahead and book before you leave.