Visiting Rockefeller Center: What to see at the New York landmark
Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 buildings and some of New York City’s most iconic sites. From Radio City Music Hall to the Rockefeller Center skating rink and the Top of the Rock Observation deck, there is something for every visitor.
Rockefeller Center is located in midtown Manhattan so it’s easy to get to via mass transit or walking. Plus there are many other must-see locations nearby so it makes good use of your limited time visiting New York.
You can dedicate as much or as little time as you’d like for a Rockefeller Center visit. You can take a quick walk around the complex checking out the Radio City Music Hall marquee, the ice skating rink with the famous Prometheus statue, walk through the famous 30 Rock building, and admire the art deco artwork.
View of the famous 30 Rockefeller Center building. All Photos by John O’Boyle / The Empty Nest Explorers
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Attractions at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center Tour
You’ll learn about John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s vision for the complex. You’ll see Rockefeller Center’s most interesting buildings, gardens, and open spaces. A few of the spots you can see only by taking this tour.
The tours take place daily at 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 5pm and 7pm.
Tickets are $27 and you can also purchase a ticket that also includes a visit to the Top of the Rock for $56
Link to purchase tickets - https://www.rockefellercenter.com/buy-tickets/#rockefeller-center-tour
Note - this tour does not include NBC Studios or Radio City Music Hall. You can read about those tours below.
Even if you are not taking a tour of the main 30 Rockefeller Plaza building I’d recommend taking a walk through the first floor and admiring the architecture and artwork.
Artwork on the walls of the 30 Rockefeller Center building
Top of the Rock Observation deck
While there are several observation decks in New York City none has the classic view the Top of the Rock offers.
Top of the Rock is three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks. Unlike other observation decks, you can take in the view in every direction. So you can look north to Central Park and south to the Empire State Building to the World Trade Center.
Recently they have added “The Beam Experience” which reenacts the famous 90-year-old photo of construction workers sitting on a steel beam during their lunch break. (Note - this requires an additional fee of $25)
Timed entry tickets are available here for $40 -$50.
You can also purchase an “Express Pass” that allows you to enter at any time you wish. This ticket seems to use “dynamic pricing” depending on the date but it seems to be about double the regular entry ticket price.
One nice aspect about Top of the Rock ticketing is that if the weather is bad they let you reschedule your visit.
View of the Empire State building and the World Trade Center from Top of the Rock
How to get tickets to the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
You can reserve free tickets to see a taping of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon by clicking here. You’ll see a calendar with dates the show is taping.
Once you have submitted a request, you’ll be added to the request queue. They will notify you by email if they can fulfill your request.
Tickets are very difficult to obtain so I’d suggest requesting the tickets as soon as you schedule your trip.
If you are lucky and receive tickets it’s best to arrive early since they often “oversell” the tickets and your reservation doesn’t guarantee entry.
If you want to try a long-shot approach they hand out stand-by tickets if there is any last-minute availability.
If there is availability they are distributed from 8 am to 3 pm the morning of a show at the Shop at NBC Studios, located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
How to get tickets to Saturday Night Live
Getting tickets to Saturday Night Live is even more of a long shot than the Tonight Show but luckily the process is very simple.
Ticket requests are accepted in August only, you can email your request to snltickets@nbcuni.com.
You should iinclude your full name, email address, and why you would like to attend the show. Unfortunately they do not accept requests for specific dates so flexibility is key.
Another option is stand-by tickets. Click on this link at 10am on Thursday before the show.
Taking the NBC Studio Tour
An NBC page will lead you through the broadcast facilities at Rockefeller Center. Because it is an active production facility you can’t be guaranteed to see the studio for any particular show but among the possibilities are Saturday Night Live, NBC Nightly News and the Tonight Show.
You’ll also get a chance to collaborate with fellow guests to produce a television show firsthand.
Tickets are $48 for adults and $42 for kids and seniors and can be purchased here.
Radio City Music Hall Tour
Radio City Music Hall is probably the most beautiful entertainment venue in New York City.
During the 60-minute tour, you’ll learn about the architecture, see the Great Stage, tour the Roxy Suite, and meet a Rockette.
Tours are offered Tuesday – Saturday from 10:30 AM to 2:00 pm. The cost is $33 for adults and $29 for children.
You can book your tour tickets on their official site.
Skating at Rockefeller Center Rink under the famous Prometheus statue.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
If you are visiting New York City in the winter you’ll be able to see or skate on the most famous skating rink in the country.
The Rink was originally a temporary attraction in 1936 and in 1939 it became permanent. Now it attracts a quarter of a million skaters annually.
Skating ticket prices vary from $11 to $79 depending on the day and time. Tickets can be purchased here.
If skating is not your thing you can enjoy the picture postcard view and watch the action looking down from the main plaza.
Be warned that during peak times between Thanksgiving and Christmas the area around the skating rink is unbelievably crowded.
After taking in the sights at Rockefeller Center you’ll be close to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Central Park. You can read our post about visiting Central Park here.
The Rockefeller Center complex also offers extensive subway access to other parts of the city. We also have a post about how to ride the NYC subway here.
This post was researched and written by John of the Empty Nest Explorers. You can learn more about the Empty Nest Explorers here.
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