ROCKEFELLER CENTER NYC

 

Between 5th & 7th Avenues and 47th & 52nd streets
(212) 632-3975

One of the most ornate and wealthy areas of the city, Rockefeller Center is the perfect spot for upscale shopping, eating, and relaxing. Located at West 48^th through West 51^st Streets between 5^th and 6^th Avenues in Midtown Manhattan, this "city within a city" is a 21-acre wonderland of restaurants, theaters, and other imposing structures. It is also the site of the world-famous Christmas tree lighting and ice skating rink, as well as NBC Studios and Radio City Music Hall. The following is a brief guide to Rockefeller Center.

At 10 Rockefeller Plaza is a six-level parking garage, so if you’re approaching by car, this would be a good place to start. Also, bear in mind that an underground concourse runs the length of the plaza, allowing for almost unlimited mobility within, so once you’re parked, you should be able to access everything without much trouble. There’s plenty to do outside, such as enjoy free outdoor concerts on select dates, or just wander around the pavilion. The architecture is breathtaking, the epitome of art deco design. You might notice a small bar by the name of Hurley’s that seems to be a bit out of place among the sprawling monsters that surround it. The story behind Hurley’s is that the owner was the only one in the area that refused to sell to Rockefeller at the time that the Center was being developed. As a result, it has the appearance of hanging off the end of the complex.

Rockefeller Center boasts 26 restaurants that cater to an upscale crowd, most notably the Rainbow Room, which is located on the 65^th floor of the 70-story GE Building. The Rainbow Room features upper-crust entertainment, and usually a few upper-crust citizens as well. Prices may be a little steep there. For further entertainment, be sure to explore the Guild Theater at 33 West 50^th Street for movie showings and the Taipei Theater and Gallery at 1221 Avenue of the Americas for a variety of folk performers and exhibits. The International Building at 5^th Avenue between 50^th and 51^st Streets features a huge statue of Atlas and a marble lobby, and is the home of foreign consulates and international airlines.

Four additional highlights that are a bit more famous are NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall (which is detailed elsewhere on the site), the lighting of the large Christmas tree, and the ice skating rink. NBC’s "Today" show is produced from the studio that overlooks 49^th Street and Rockefeller Plaza, and tours are available. Also be sure to check out the "NBC Experience," an interactive event. The famous, huge ice skating rink opens in October and remains accessible until April.

Rockefeller Center is one of those places that simply has to be seen to be believed. For more information, call (212) 632-3975. The Center is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and pamphlets are available at the GE Building information desk. Contact the Guild Theater at (212)757-2406 for schedules and screening information. The Taipei Theater and Gallery can be reached at (212) 373-1850. NBC Studio Tours last one hour and are available for $10 (children under 6 not admitted) between the hours of 9:30 am and 4:30 pm. Call (212) 664-4000 for more information.