Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center
4.5
About
Rockefeller Center is a national historic landmark in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Home to Top of the Rock Observation Deck, NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall and much more. Shop, dine and explore at one of New York's most inspiring locations.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Rockefeller Center
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Midtown
This is the iconic New York that so many visitors imagine before they visit—spectacular skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, iconic public buildings like Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library, and the non-stop hustle and bustle of the city streets. Fifth Avenue is a shopper's heaven where you can find every kind of store imaginable, with fashion brands ranging from the affordable to the ultra-fancy. Visit the Rockefeller Center to experience towering Art Deco grandeur, and foodies will love the busy restaurants that stay open late in Koreatown. After dark, Midtown calms down a bit, but at any time of day or night it still feels 100% New York.
How to get there
- 47–50 Sts – Rockefeller Center • 3 min walk
- 5th Ave / 53rd St • 5 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
10,000 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,666 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- lovefoodDallas, Texas205 contributionsIce Skating NYCWe went ice skating underneath the tree and it was the PERFECT Christmas activity! Make sure to make reservations as they fill up fast. The ambience of the rink in NYC is amazing, as well as clear directions and great customer service. Highly recommend this activity. They also say on their website they are ADA accessible, which is great!Great advice! Definitely book early for skating during the holiday season. We're glad you enjoyed and we hope you come back soon!Written 6 January 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2022Written 13 December 2022
- Rene CLong Beach, California19 contributionsSo much funWent there during the holiday season as we've been told how beautiful it is during that time. So glad we did! It was stunning and to see the X-mas tree and all the other lights and building lit up. WOW! A definite must do if you travel during the holiday season. Won't be disappointed.Thanks for the review! We agree, a vital part of the holiday season in NYC.Written 6 January 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2022Written 16 December 2022
- Bluegrassmom58Versailles, Kentucky44 contributionsStunning viewsWe had a ticket for 2:10 to go up. This part was chaotic because the person letting people up was not going by ticket times, he was just letting groups up. So we waited until 3 before we got up. We stopped a couple floors up to wait again. While waiting we saw short videos of the history and construction of the tower. That was really interesting! Finally up at the top and the views were amazing!Thanks for your review! We're sorry for the chaotic busy season at Rockefeller Center but we're glad you made it to the top and found the information interesting. Come back anytime!Written 6 January 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 25 December 2022
- JessParis, France17 contributionsBreathtaking view of New York City!An absolute must see in New York for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city. I went at night and loved the experience. It’s certainly even more incredible during sunset! It was definitely a very memorable evening.We're glad you enjoyed it. Hope to see you back here soon!Written 6 January 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2022Travelled with familyWritten 29 December 2022
- holidayhoney65Chessington, United Kingdom1,192 contributionsUnnervingly crowdedWe visited the Rockefeller Centre both day and night. I have given an average revue as the magic of the place is taken away by the overcrowding Night We visited the Rockefeller Plaza at night to see the tree, the crowds were insane and I have to say a little unnerving. At one point there were barriers put across the street to keep the crowds in one area which I didn't understand as when you had seen the tree you wanted to walk away and get out of the crowd but we couldn't and everyone was stuck for quite sometime, finally people pushed the barriers out of the way and the crowd moved. If it is like that every night around Christmas I would avoid going again and especially if I had children with me. The tree however was spectacular, beautiful and did not disappoint Day A lot less crowded during the day around the tree area but off course the lights do not look as pretty but at least you could get close enough to see the tree and the ice rink We also passed through the centre inside so we could go to Top Of The Rock. This I would recommend booking in advance as even trying to book the morning of that day all the slots where booked and we had to book for the next day. I have to say inside the Rockefeller building on the ground level it is also chaotic, understaffed and hot and the que from the ladies toilets was out the door and a long way from the toilet entrance so don't get caught short. We did visit The Top Of The Rock which was awesome and so well done but I will review that under Top Of The Rock.Thank you for the review. We appreciate you braving the crowds during the holiday season to spend some time with us. Definitely great advice for future visitors who want to see the tree.Written 6 January 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2022Written 31 December 2022
- Anir S1 contributionThe Rockefeller CenterThe Rockefeller Center is a popular tourist destination in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City, known for its iconic shopping, dining, and entertainment. One of the notable attractions at the Rockefeller Center is the Top of the Rock observation deck, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the 70th floor of the GE Building. Visitors can also take a tour of NBC Studios, where SNL and The Tonight Show are filmed. The Rockefeller Center features a variety of dining and entertainment options, including the famous ice skating rink under the vibrant Christmas tree for during the holiday season. The area’s restaurants are also impeccable. Overall, the Rockefeller Center is a must-visit, memorable destination for anyone visiting New York City. If you want a bustling attraction to visit during the holidays, the Rockefeller Center is the perfect place for any family or group to visit.We couldn't have said it better ourselves! Thanks for providing this spot-on info to all of future visitors.Written 6 January 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2022Written 4 January 2023
- ChrissyMirraCanton of Basel, Switzerland388 contributionsFantastic Observation deckThe decision was between the Rockefeller Center and Empire State Building. In the end it came down to Price and what you get for the price. We had the Express pass which was great as the Sunset Access was included. We could stay as long as we wanted and it was great. The only thing negative: It wasn't clearly marked where the Express pass people can go. We actually stood in a queue until I asked and they were like " Oh why are you waiting come please" so yeah it would have been better if they mark it clearly.Thanks so much for your review! This is great feedback regarding letting Express Pass holders know that they don't need to queue in the General Admission line. We will pass this along to management. We hope to see you back soon!Written 6 January 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 January 2023
- ArrowVoyagerBrampton, Canada845 contributionsGorgeous in the Day but night brings it Alive!Beautiful building with lots of displays and interactive activities. But at night, you cannot stop enjoying the tree. Next seeing Atlas with the weight on his shoulders and finally Promethius, All more beautiful with Lights!You did the full circuit of Rockefeller Center sights! Glad you got to see it all while the decorations are still up. Come back soon!Written 9 January 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2023Written 8 January 2023
- reise31,081 contributionsA Manhattan gemRockefeller Center is a sight to behold, especially in winter. This time, we witnessed the tree go up, but missed the glorious lights & the trumpeting wire-sculpture angels. Still, there’s lots to see & do, whether it’s just taking in the impressive array of public art or taking a tour, going up to the observation decks, skating under the iconic statue of Prometheus, sitting in on a taping of a show, dining, shopping, etc.We're so glad you had a great experience with us. Too bad you missed the lights this year, but there's always next year! Thanks for taking the time to leave this review and we can't wait to welcome you back again.Written 17 January 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2022Travelled with familyWritten 16 January 2023
- Conny WylieOttawa, Canada752 contributionsFamed Art Deco styled Building.The Rockefeller Center is an immense 22 acre business complex in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Luck would have it, my timing was bang-on for a performance of the Today Show. More luck, I could have swore that I saw an aging David Letterman walk out of the famed Rainbow Room, I could have been wrong, but I doubt it. The property is just jammed with attractions and I just wandered around looking up and about. The business sections were occupied by the likes of the Radio City Music Hall theatre, the home of NBC Studios and more. The enormous Xmas tree and bustling skating rink were fascinating.Just another normal day here at Rockefeller Center! We're so glad you had a positive experience here, you truly saw it all. Come back anytime.Written 27 January 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2023Written 25 January 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
25,594 reviews
Excellent
15,598
Very good
7,622
Average
1,998
Poor
263
Terrible
116
Stephanie Nankoe
Honolulu, HI60 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Great time during November to go, they had the tree lighting. If you can not stand the crowds please do not consider going. It gets prwtty busy in that area
Written 9 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack
Old Bethpage, NY770 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Rockefeller Center is a must if you are in the city during Christmas time. Unfortunately the tree wasn’t lit up when I went, but it was still cool to see all of the Christmas decorations and the ice skating rink. Overall, I highly recommend!
Written 6 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Passport49962940788
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Couples
We booked the observation deck but it was a waste of money as it was raining and you couldn't see a thing. We could not reschedule as apparently they were fully booked and they have a no refund policy. Lost $80, staff couldn't care less, clearly this happens a lot and they just make money for nothing. Typical Rockefeller I guess !
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim L
Spalding, UK28 contributions
Nov 2023
The views from the top were incredible. It was a gorgeous day with bright sun and was very hot for the time of year. I knew we would see the tree lit up but couldn’t even see the tree as all the scaffolding surrounded it.
Written 3 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stephens473
Nottingham, UK314 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
We walked the 5 minutes from our hotel to the Rockefeller Center , we went into the NBC Studio building , a really beautiful structure with amazing architecture , we then went to Radio City Music Hall , again another amazing piece of architecture with lots of history and so much to see.
We then went to the Rockefeller Plaza to look at the famous tree, beautiful but a little underwhelming when you are actually there.
We then went to the Rockefeller Plaza to look at the famous tree, beautiful but a little underwhelming when you are actually there.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel R
Rochester, MN1,710 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Iconic area especially in the winter but always something going on. Lots to do nearby in so far as shopping and eating…..
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pál S
Budapest, Hungary121 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
One of our main lookout points in New York would have been the Top of the Rock. On the 5th of October it took about an hour for the two of us to book an appointment using two different bank cards, but the address was not accepted in any way, so we then went to the Edge's observation deck, where we could book without any problems. Otherwise, we made reservations at several other New York attractions without any problems.
Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're sorry to hear about this. Thank you for bringing this to our attention so we can further address. Have a great day!
Written 10 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NikaNumber1
Royal Oak, MI6,588 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The rink is ready and the Christmas market huts are up as well.
The holiday season is starting up in the big Apple.
I always think of all of the famous movies with the Rockefeller center and rink in many RomCom scenes.
The rink and center is animated and packed today.
It looks nice even during the day here today.
The holiday season is starting up in the big Apple.
I always think of all of the famous movies with the Rockefeller center and rink in many RomCom scenes.
The rink and center is animated and packed today.
It looks nice even during the day here today.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this lovely review, it reads like a beautiful poem! Visit us often this holiday season.
Written 10 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MurrayElliot
Edinburgh, UK326 contributions
Oct 2023
Long queues to get into the Rock, but the express pass got us in and up to the top in minutes. So glad we didn't have to queue otherwise we'd have missed the sunset! Definitely worth the extra investment. Elevator was fast, the view from the top magnificent, if a little busy, especially on the topmost terrace. People rather rude, but that's just humans for you.
Ice rink at the bottom was open, a beautiful sight all in all.
Ice rink at the bottom was open, a beautiful sight all in all.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Thank you for leaving this review and we hope to welcome you back again soon.
Written 10 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Craig E
Manchester, UK1,779 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Of all the observation decks in New York this one has by far the best views from the top. The view over Central Park is perfect.
Highly recommend if visiting NY.
Unlike the Empire State Building, the process to get to the top here is very efficient and slick.
Highly recommend if visiting NY.
Unlike the Empire State Building, the process to get to the top here is very efficient and slick.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this excellent review! We're so glad you enjoyed the views and like our processes. Come back soon!
Written 10 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paradise232405
San Antonio, TX
We visited the Top of the Rock observation deck and purchased the 6 photos to download but lost the little code they gave us! 😭 Is there a way to still get our pictures and download them somehow, since we already paid??
MidwestKathM
Detroit, MI910 contributions
You'll have to contact the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Just Google it and look for the contact info to call them and ask what to do. Good luck!
Belinda C
Worthing, UK41 contributions
Several years ago we visited NYC and had an early breakfast in a restaurant with huge windows at rinkside level, watching the professional skaters on the ice before it was open to the public. It looks as if this restaurant is no longer open - can anyone confirm or provide the name if the restaurant?
salchow88
Queens, NY55 contributions
If you are referring to Rock Center Cafe or the Sea Grill, sadly they both closed. I believe it was late last year or early this year. Hopefully something new goes into the space.
I got a digital code for downloading our photos but could not retrieve them - only digital issues have been issued last June
I am sending emails since weeks to the customer service but no-one is answering my emails
If you are unable or unwilling to provide the Photos please pay me back what you owe me.
Mjunecko
6 contributions
We want to visit the top deck & check out the view from there. Is there anything we need to know prior to the trip? Access/fees?Thank you in advance.
Is this a safe enough area to walk around with my 10 year old daughter? It would be just the two of us as it is planned to be a special mother / daughter day.
TravelMacks
Phoenix, AZ281 contributions
Very safe! It was clean, appropriate and magical enough for a child!
Natashahewins97
Telford, UK12 contributions
If I'm only looking to go to the top of the rock what ticket is best to buy please an is it best to purchase in advance
Pinad
London, UK38 contributions
you definitely save money by buying in advance and just purchasing tickets for that specific place. We chose 3 different venues and it definitely saved us time and money.
Nickleberry D
Wolverhampton, UK32 contributions
Hello if anyone can help Is the rink open xmas day please
barbaradonlin
New York City, NY62 contributions
Yes it is
constandina
6 contributions
Als we en de rockfeller center en de empire state building willen bezoeken wat is de ideale tijd /uitzicht om dit te doen.. sochtends of s' avonds
Daniella1983
Sao Bernardo Do Campo, SP202 contributions
Lá tem filas o dia todo, se o dia estiver bonito, vá no final da tarde assistir ao pôr do sol. Não subi no empire state, mas do rockfeller você tem uma visão 360 graus
dan801
Cairns, Australia466 contributions
Can I enter before sunset in a general entry and then simply stay 2-3 hours up there until sunset? I want to get both day and night views.
Chris A
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK192 contributions
There was no time restriction on the tickets so can’t see why you couldn’t stay for as long as you want?
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Claim your listingROCKEFELLER CENTER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Rockefeller Center
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Rockefeller Center:
- Rockefeller Center Architecture and Art Walking Tour (From €29.18)
- New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (From €90.27)
- Full-Day New York "Must See" Small-Group Tour plus One World Observatory Ticket (From €117.62)
- New York Christmas Holiday Small-Group Walking Tour (From €25.29)
- Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Tour (From €49.24)
- Hotels near Rockefeller Center:
- (0.13 km) The Jewel Hotel
- (0.13 km) 3 West Club
- (0.29 km) The Towers at Lotte New York Palace
- (0.26 km) Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York
- (0.15 km) DoubleTree by Hilton New York Midtown Fifth Ave
- Restaurants near Rockefeller Center:
- (0.00 km) Cafe d'Avignon
- (0.01 km) Blue Bottle Coffee
- (0.02 km) Black Seed Bagels
- (0.02 km) Godiva Chocolatier - Rockefeller Plaza
- (0.02 km) Hale and Hearty Soup
- Attractions near Rockefeller Center:
- (0.01 km) Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe
- (0.02 km) The Dr. Oz Show
- (0.02 km) The Meredith Vieira Show
- (0.02 km) Swarovski
- (0.02 km) Posman Books