Rockefeller Center Guided Tour

Explore Rockefeller Center’s Art Deco legacy and iconic landmarks on this 75-min guided tour led by a live historian.

Getting started

Arrive at the 50th Street entrance (between 5th and 6th Avenues), then head down the staircase to join the Express Line and present your pass. Your guide will greet you and begin with a brief introduction before leading the group outdoors.

What to expect

Rockefeller Center Guided Tour

Step into the heart of Manhattan and discover Rockefeller Center, a National Historic Landmark spanning 89,000 square meters and home to 19 commercial buildings. This complex is celebrated for its Art Deco architecture and its origins as a Great Depression-era project.

Features

• 30 Rockefeller Plaza (“30 Rock”): Visit the building made famous by NBC’s studios, where shows like SNL are filmed, and the namesake of a beloved sitcom.

• Radio City Music Hall: See the legendary venue that hosts the Radio City Rockettes and the annual Christmas Spectacular.

• Public artworks: Admire Paul Manship’s gilded Prometheus sculpture, Isamu Noguchi’s News, and the American Progress mural, each reflecting the center’s artistic and cultural significance.

• Seasonal ice skating rink: View the renowned rink, a favorite backdrop for holiday films and New York City traditions.

Rockefeller Center Guided Tour

Discover New York City's Rockefeller Center on this 75-minute walking tour, led by a professional historian who provides insights into the history, art, and architecture of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The tour includes visits to Top of the Rock for panoramic views, 30 Rockefeller Plaza (home to NBC Studios), the legendary Radio City Music Hall, and public artworks such as Paul Manship’s Prometheus and Isamu Noguchi’s News. This guided experience is available in multiple audio languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian. Guests with mobility issues can enjoy wheelchair accessibility throughout the tour. The tour covers approximately 0.5 miles of walking through Rockefeller Center's 22 acres, offering a unique perspective on landmarks like the famous Christmas tree lighting that began in 1931.

Explore Top of the Rock

Your tour stops at Top of the Rock where you can enjoy breathtaking views from its 70th-floor observation deck. Built between 1935 and 1936, this tower stands at 85 stories high with a height of approximately 850 feet above street level, offering expansive panoramas of Manhattan's skyline. Visitors spend about 30 minutes here, marveling at the intricate design details that set it apart from other observation decks in New York City. The building is part of Rockefeller Center and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark since 1987.

Visit 30 Rockefeller Plaza

At 30 Rockefeller Plaza, guests can explore the home of NBC Studios, also known as "30 Rock," which was completed in 1933 and has been a cornerstone of American television broadcasting ever since. The building spans over 2 million square feet and houses numerous studios, production facilities, and offices. Visitors spend about 20 minutes here learning about its rich history, including the original design by architect Raymond Hood and the groundbreaking work done by NBC during World War II. This landmark is unique for its blend of entertainment and architectural significance.

Discover Radio City Music Hall

Your tour includes a visit to Radio City Music Hall, an iconic venue that opened in 1932 and has hosted countless performances ranging from concerts to films. With a seating capacity of over 5,900 people, it features stunning Art Deco architecture and elaborate stage sets. Guests spend around 25 minutes here exploring its grandeur and learning about the history behind its construction during the Great Depression era. The hall is renowned for its annual Christmas Spectacular, which has been running since 1933.

Marvel at Public Artworks

The tour also takes you to several celebrated public artworks within Rockefeller Center, such as Paul Manship’s Prometheus and Isamu Noguchi’s News. These pieces are integral parts of the center's aesthetic appeal and cultural significance. Visitors spend about 15 minutes here admiring the craftsmanship and historical context behind each artwork. The sculptures date back to the early 1930s and have become symbols of creativity and innovation in New York City.

Tour Highlights

• Walk through [Rockefeller Center] with a historian
• Tour duration: 75 min walking tour
• Audio guide available in 10 languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian
• Visit the iconic [30 Rockefeller Plaza] building home to NBC Studios
• Explore the legendary [Radio City Music Hall] with its rich history since 1932
• Marvel at celebrated public artworks including [Paul Manship’s Prometheus] and [Isamu Noguchi’s News]
• Upgrade experience with a VIP Pass for priority access to Top of the Rock
• Junior Tour option on weekends for families to engage younger guests through interactive storytelling

Perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and tourists, this guided tour provides an immersive experience into New York City's cultural heritage. The 75-minute format allows you to walk through Rockefeller Center’s iconic landmarks like Top of the Rock, explore 30 Rockefeller Plaza with its rich broadcasting legacy, and marvel at Radio City Music Hall’s grandeur. This tour offers a unique blend of historical insights and architectural appreciation that sets it apart from other sightseeing tours in New York.