1. Travel
About.com
New York City Travel

Discuss in my forum

Rockefeller Center Basic Information

By , About.com Guide

Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall

Heather Cross

Rockefeller Center in Brief:

The Rockefeller Center complex was conceived by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in early 1929 in the hopes of revitalizing the area. Despite the stock market crash, construction continued, providing much needed employment during the Great Depression. This commercial complex of 19 buildings is worth visiting to experience the architecture and art, as well as to enjoy the area's shopping and dining.

Getting to Rockefeller Center:

  • Rockefeller Center Cross Streets: From 5th to 7th avenues between 47th and 50th Streets
  • Nearest Subways to Rockefeller Center: F, B, D or Q trains to 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center stop; 6 to 51st Street; 1 to 50th Street
  • Rockefeller Center Map

Rockefeller Center Essentials:

Rockefeller Center Admission Price: Free [
  • Rockefeller Center Phone: 212-632-3975
  • Rockefeller Center Official Website: http://www.rockefellercenter.com/
  • Rockefeller Center Hours: Rockefeller Center's plazas are open 24 hours a day 365 days a year, but the hours of attractions and shops vary. Check with each for specific hours.

Shopping & Dining in Rockefeller Center:

Rockefeller Center has a vast array of options for shopping and dining, whether you're looking to purchase high-end goods or just grab a quick bite to eat. Check out this Shopping & Dining Guide for a complete list of the shops and restaurants in the area.

Rockefeller Center Shopping Highlights:

Rockefeller Center Dining Highlights:

  • Blue Bottle Coffee
  • Bouchon Bakery
  • Dean & Deluca
  • La Maison Du Chocolat
  • Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe
  • Sea Grill
  • 'Wichcraft

Rockefeller Center Tours:

More Rockefeller Center Information:

About Rockefeller Center:

Rockefeller Center refers to the complex of buildings and plazas between 47th and 50th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues. And there's a lot to see elegantly-crammed in those few square blocks.

Rockefeller Center is home to NBC Studios, and the Today Show, and Saturday Night Live all proudly broadcast from there. Atop the GE Building is the famous Rainbow Room, the star of which is the silver and gold room itself, complete with slowing rotating dance floor.

The holiday season brings on some of the most memorable of Rockefeller Center experiences. There's the larger-than-life Christmas tree in the center plaza, fantastically decorated, all overlooking the ice-skating rink below. And around the corner is Radio City Music Hall, most well known for the stunning dancing line of Rockettes from the annual Christmas Spectacular.

But Rockefeller Center has lots to offer year-round. The food and shopping seem almost endless, and the people-watching is top-notch.

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.