Start at the top by visiting the Top of the Rock observation deck--recently reopened after 20 years. The three-tiered observation deck on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors offers breathtaking views of the New York City skyline, including the spires of the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. Tickets are $20 adults, $13 children ages 6 to 12, $18 senior citizens. You can also purchase "Sunrise Sunset" tickets for $30 adults, $15 children, which permit you to visit in the day and at night on the same date. Purchase tickets online, at the box office on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, or by calling (877) NYC-ROCK.
One of the best ways to appreciate Rockefeller Center is to take a guided tour of the complex. A Rockefeller Center historian will be your guide through the buildings, gardens and spaces that make up the "city within a city." With personal headsets that connect you to the guide, you'll hear about John D. Rockefeller's vision for the Center, the Art Deco design, the building's artwork, the statues of Prometheus and Atlas, the Channel Gardens, Radio City Music Hall, and NBC studios. The one-hour tours take place four times a day Monday through Saturday; three times on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling (212) 664-7174, and are $12 for adults, and $10 for senior citizens and children 6 to 12.
Take the NBC Studios tour, which has been offered to the public since 1933. You'll see the historic NBC Sharp History Theatre, used in NBC's early days in radio. You will also visit some of the network's famous studios, including "The Today Show", "Dateline NBC", "NBC Nightly News", "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", and "Saturday Night Live". Tours leave from the NBC Experience Store, and tickets are $18.50 for adults, and $15.50 for children 6-12 and seniors. Order tickets online at the NBC website or in person.
Purchase tickets for a combination tour of both the NBC Studios and Rockefeller Center. These tickets, at $23.45, must be ordered in advance by calling the reservations number at (212) 664-7174. You can also order a combination ticket for both the NBC Studios Tour and the New York TV & Movie Sites guided bus tour, which covers 40 sites from TV shows & movies. Advanced tickets are required and can be ordered at zerve.com or by calling (212) 209-3370.
Get up early if you're visiting over the summer and join fans of "The Today Show" by attending one of the morning show's outdoor Toytoa Concert Series performances. Viewing is on a first-come, first-serve basis outside the Today Show Studio, located at 49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza. This summer's performers will include Neil Diamond, Mary J. Blige, New Kids on the Block, Alanis Morissette, the B-52s, Kenny Chesney, Rihanna, Coldplay, Ashlee Simpson, Rascal Flatts, Natasha Bedingfield, Miley Cyrus and more. Almost all concerts are held on Fridays.
Shop Rockefeller Center, which isn't only a place for tours. In fact, you'll find more than 100 stores in both the Plaza area and in the Underground Concourse at 30 Rock. Favorite stores include Nintendo World, a hands-on gamer's paradise, the NBC Experience Store, J. Crew, Swarovski, Nine West, Movado, Tumi and the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store.
Dine in any of Rockefeller Center's 40 restaurants and fast-food establishments, which range from McDonald's and Wendy's to the more upscale Rainbow Room. Our best bet, if you can score a table, is the Rock Center Cafe, a bustling restaurant where you can dine al fresco in the warmer months or watch the skaters glide along the famous Rockefeller Center Skating Rink during the winter.
Don't forget to squeeze the impressive Radio City Music Hall into your day at Rockefeller Center. If you're visiting in the winter, be sure to reserve tickets to see the Christmas Spectacular--a must during the holidays--followed by a spin on the Rockefeller Skating Rink and a look at the famous Christmas Tree. If you're visiting at another time of the year, check the show schedule at Radio City or take their tour. The one-hour Stage Door Tour costs $17 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under, and $14 for senior citizens. The best part is that you will get to meet a Rockette at the end of the tour.
