Midtown Manhattan's Rockefeller Centre was a symbol of innovation, indeed of revolution, when it was built back in the 1930s in the aftermath of the Great Depression. Nowadays, it is a “city within a city”, a remarkable complex with so much you can explore, especially in the holiday season when it becomes the centre of the city's festivities.
Constructed between 1930 and 1939, the Art Deco complex has grown over the years to become a hub for a rich array of firms. Today, you can explore 19 different buildings that cover several blocks in this part of town.
There is so much for visitors to see and do at the Rockefeller Centre. You can see the much-loved Rockettes, or enjoy a concert at Radio City Music Hall. At Christmas, the complex becomes home to a towering tree that rises over 30 metres. If you visit between October and April, you can skate on the centre's grand ice rink.
To see the city from a unique vantage point, head for the Top of the Rock observation deck on the building's 70th floor, from which you can enjoy panoramic views across New York. Before you head up to the very top in the Sky Shuttle lift, visit the exhibition of photos and artifacts which you'll find on the mezzanine floor – bear in mind that once you reach the top, you won't be able to get back to the exhibit floor. The viewing deck is open every day, and offers captivating views of the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty to the south as well as Central Park to the north.
At the heart of the complex at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, you can take a tour of the world-famous NBC studios. Running every quarter of an hour, the tour will take you behind the scenes of shows such as NBC's Nightly News as well as Saturday Night Life. For details, look on the Rockefeller Centre's website. If you're a history aficionado, you can also take a tour through the General Electric building, and listen to the insights of guides who will tell you more about the history and the art that you'll find around the complex.
Finish your visit with some food at one of the cafés and restaurants on the Concourse level. Situated in Midtown, you can reach Rockefeller Plaza by bus or subway.
