Rockefeller Center is a popular tourist spot in New York. It is world-famous for the lighting ceremony of a huge Christmas tree that takes place every year. It is a large-scale commercial complex that includes the American television network NBC studios, office buildings, restaurants, and shops, and there are many ways to enjoy the scenery and shopping.
Why not take a stroll through the promenade while checking out the market? It would be a waste to just take a commemorative photo and then go home! We will introduce you to Rockefeller Center, a popular tourist spot in New York, in detail.
1. What is Rockefeller Center?
Rockefeller Center is located in Midtown Manhattan, New York. It consists of six blocks, surrounded by West 48th Street to 51st Street and 5th Avenue to 7th Avenue, with Rockefeller Plaza, famous for its Christmas tree, at its center.
The flags of the UN member states with the Comcast Building in the background and the golden statue of Prometheus are impressive. Many people have probably seen Rockefeller Plaza with its giant Christmas tree and skating rink on TV or in photos.
Construction of Rockefeller Center began in 1930 by billionaire John Rockefeller and was completed in 1939. It was in the news when Mitsubishi Estate bought it in 1989, but most of it was sold due to the collapse of the bubble economy. Currently, they only own two buildings.
Name: Rockefeller Center
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111 USA
Official/related site URL: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/
2. Comcast Building (formerly known as the GE Building)
The GE Building is a 70-story skyscraper located in the center of Rockefeller Center. It has since been renamed the Comcast Building. Flags from all over the world are hung in Rockefeller Plaza, and it is often referred to as the Rockefeller Center in guidebooks. First, take a commemorative photo here!
Every year from mid-October to April, an ice rink is built in the square. It is known as a seasonal winter event and attracts many locals and tourists. On the Wednesday following Thanksgiving, a huge Norway spruce Christmas tree is set up and lit up, and will remain decorated until the Epiphany on January 6th of the following year. It is a must-see if you are touring Manhattan in the winter.
3. Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock is an observation deck at the Comcast Building, the heart of Rockefeller Center. From the 70th floor, the top floor of the skyscraper, you can see the skyscrapers of Manhattan in 360 degrees, making it a very popular spot with tourists! Enjoy the beautiful view of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and more.
The daytime scenery is also wonderful, but the night view of Manhattan is exceptional. We recommend using the "Sun & Stars" ticket, which allows you to enter twice within 24 hours, to visit twice, once in a day and once at night. Tickets are required to visit the observation deck, and can be purchased online. Admission is time-designated, so you may have to wait for more than an hour when it is crowded. There are shops and restaurants inside Rockefeller Center, so it is also recommended to spend time there.
4. Radio City Music Hall
Rockefeller Center is home to Radio City Music Hall, which opened on December 27, 1932. This hall is where the Tony Awards ceremony is held every June. It is also known as the home of the world-famous theater company, The Rockettes.
In particular, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, held every Christmas, is a winter tradition. Stage performances are held throughout the year, so if you're interested, be sure to visit.
Name: Radio City Music Hall
Address: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020 USA
Official/related site URL: https://www.msg.com/radio-city-music-hall?cmp=van_radiocity
5. Shops and Restaurants
Rockefeller Center is home to about 100 brand stores, including Coach, Anthropologie, Cole Haan, L'Occitane, and J. Crew. The official website has a list of stores, so be sure to check it out beforehand. There are also restaurants on the first floor, and fast food restaurants lined up in the concourse directly connected to the subway. It's easy to drop in, so it's recommended for when you're feeling a bit hungry.
◎Rockefeller Center Summary
Rockefeller Center offers tours to see the inside of the building. You can take a tour to appreciate the artwork displayed in the lobby or a tour to see the NBC television station. To access Rockefeller Center, take the B/D/F/M subway lines and get off at the Rockefeller Center station, then walk for about 5 minutes.