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Review: Rockefeller Center

Is there a New York without Rockefeller Center?
  • Rockefeller Center, Midtown Manhattan, NYC, New York City, NY, USA. Image shot 05/2008. Exact date unknown.

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Rockefeller Center, Midtown Manhattan, NYC, New York City, NY, USA. Image shot 05/2008. Exact date unknown.

Tell me: What’s this place all about? Rockefeller Center sits in the heart of midtown Manhattan, both in terms of its physical location and its prominent place in the city's folklore and culture. Whether you want to check out a performance on the plaza outside the TODAY show, visit the Christmas tree, or practice your best moves on the ice skating rink, you're in for an iconic, family-friendly experience. If you buy a ticket to Top of the Rock, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the city below.

What’s it like being there? Excitement reigns in the plaza—you never know when you'll see a celebrity popping out of 30 Rock. With so many recognizable landmarks in such a small area, you're bound to constantly be pointing and looking up.

Is there a guide involved? No guide needed; just walk around to take it all in.

Who comes here? Tourists and New Yorkers (but lots of tourists).

Did it meet expectations? The iconic artwork, the Channel gardens, the marquees, and the views add up to an only-in-New York city experience.

Any other tips? One of the best parts of Rockefeller Center is that it's free to wander around. Top of the Rock is a paid, timed ticket, but to walk around—or just walk through—is a great way to spice up any Midtown excursion.

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