Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock)

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is one of those classic NYC holiday spots that actually lives up to the hype. The tree is massive, covered in thousands of lights, and topped with a bright star that looks great in photos from pretty much any angle. The whole plaza feels super festive with the ice rink below, the lit-up angels, and the crowd energy, even if it’s a bit chaotic. It does get very crowded, especially in the evenings and on weekends, so be ready to move slowly and dodge lots of people taking photos. If you can, go later at night or on a weekday for a slightly calmer vibe. Overall, it’s a must-see holiday stop in NYC—touristy, yes, but totally worth it at least once.
Wayne_Neighbor - a week ago

I had a perfect experience! I was very lucky to be the only VIP Rock Pass guest in my time slot :) My guide, Tim, knows absolutely everything about Rockefeller Center! The entire tour was super enriching. Tim walked me around all the surrounding buildings, introduced their history and interesting anecdotes, and patiently answered all my questions. I’m really grateful to him! I also want to thank the two staff members in the lounge. Having a cup of hot chocolate in the winter felt amazing (unfortunately, I didn’t catch their names). The Rockefeller observation deck is truly fantastic! Unlike the Empire State Building, there are no suicide barriers blocking the view (and it still feels completely safe), so you can enjoy the full New York night skyline from outdoors. The Skylift is also awesome! Even though I’m afraid of heights, the night view of NYC from up there is absolutely unbeatable. The Beam experience was really fun too—imagining sitting on a beam like workers did nearly a century ago is such a unique opportunity (of course, with a safety harness). I also tried the guided premium experiences at the Empire State Building and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, but I have to say Rockefeller is the best! I highly recommend visiting Rockefeller and if possible, definitely try the guided tour. It’s absolutely worth it!
Shengyu Xu - a month ago

Visiting Rockefeller Center in New York was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip, and it truly deserves every bit of attention it gets. This place blends history, beauty, art, and pure New York energy in a way that feels both grand and welcoming. From the moment you step into the plaza, there is a unique atmosphere that makes you feel like you are standing in the heart of the city. The entire complex is clean, beautifully maintained, and full of life. The architecture is stunning classic, iconic, and timeless. Whether you visit during the day or at night, the view is equally impressive. During the daytime, you can appreciate the details of the buildings and the sculptures, and at night, the lights make everything look magical. One of the highlights for me was visiting the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking. You get a full 360-degree view of New York City: Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Hudson River, and the endless skyline. Unlike some of the other famous viewpoints, the Top of the Rock gives you a clear and unobstructed view of the Empire State Building, which makes it perfect for photos. The staff were friendly, the entry process was smooth, and everything was organized very well. I also loved walking around the plaza area. There are so many shops, cafés, and restaurants around, making it a perfect place to spend a relaxed few hours. During the winter season, the entire center transforms with the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree and the ice-skating rink. Even if you are not visiting during Christmas, you can still feel the charm and the warmth of the place. The golden statue of Prometheus adds a beautiful artistic touch to the plaza area. Another thing I appreciated was the security and cleanliness. Despite the crowd, the area felt safe, managed, and very tourist-friendly. The guides and staff members around the center always seemed ready to help with directions or questions. If you love photography, this place is a dream. Every corner gives you a picture-perfect background the flags, the fountains, the art pieces, the tall buildings, and the vibrant street energy. It truly captures the spirit of New York. Overall, Rockefeller Center is a must-visit landmark. Whether you are a tourist exploring New York for the first time or someone who has lived here for years, this place never loses its charm. It offers a mix of culture, history, entertainment, and world-class views. My visit here was absolutely worth it, and I would highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip to the city. It’s one of those places that stays in your memory long after you leave. Definitely a 5-star experience
sravani jessi - a month ago

We went on December 12th and booked the all inclusive holiday VIP package which included a tour of the rockefeller center, private viewing of the outdoor terrace overlooking 5th ave, front of the line views of the christmas tree, beam experience, photos with Santa, Champagne toast etc. Our guide was fantastic and the pictures are worth a lifetime of memories. Was it expensive, yes, was it worth every penny, yes!!! Thank you to all the staff that looked after us. You made our christmas bright.
Myles - a week ago

It is SO busy. Good Lord. The tree is very beautiful. It was really fun to see in person. Fun to watch the ice skating rink and a good view. But super crowded so I wouldn’t stay here long.
Nikki Hammond - 2 weeks ago