Rockefeller Center Tour

On the Rockefeller Center Tour, you will learn about the history, the many works of art and the interesting architecture of this building complex. Together with the guide, you will discover Rockefeller Center and its 19 buildings; some of which are more famous than others, though each has its own unique story. During the tour, you will enter some of Rockefeller’s buildings and also walk around outside.

Book your Rockefeller Center Tour here

Behind the Scenes: The Rockefeller Center Tour

The Rockefeller Center Tour is for anyone who wants to learn more about the history, art and architecture of the Rockefeller Center. For example, in the 1930s, buildings were named depending on the tenant. Different countries were approached for this, making it home to the British Empire Building and La Maison Francaise, with The Channel Gardens representing the English Channel. I won’t tell you too many of the facts I heard during the Rockefeller tour because you should definitely go, and I don’t want to spoil it for you!

If you want to learn more about Rockefeller Center and visit places of the complex you otherwise wouldn’t see, you can take the Rockefeller Center VIP Tour.

Exploring Rockefeller Center from the inside

The tour starts inside 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the building where the entrance to Top of the Rock begins. This also makes the Rockefeller Center architecture tour easy to combine with a visit to the observation deck. From here, you will walk with your guide to various points of interest both inside and outside.

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Eric’s Tip: “If you have a New York Pass, you can do this Rockefeller tour and visit Top of the Rock for free. Come in the morning and show your discount pass at the ticket office. Ask about the tour and choose the time that suits you best. If you are visiting the Top of the Rock with the pass, you must book a time slot in advance.”

Your guide will tell you about the art on display in and on the various buildings. John D. Rockefeller Jr, the founder of the Rockefeller Center, was not a big fan of art. His wife, on the other hand, was and thus took it upon herself to add art to the complex, resulting in the impressive works of art still found throughout Rockefeller Center today.

Touring outside

Outside, you’ll pass by Radio City Music Hall and a speakeasy (a secret bar that you don’t go into but can visit after the tour), among other things. You will also see several works of art that you might not have noticed otherwise.

Practical Information

The guide has the freedom to customise the tour. As a result, it can be modified according to the weather and each tour may be slightly different.

You get earphones as part of the tour, so you don’t have to constantly stand close to your guide to hear them.

• Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Departure point: 30 Rockefeller Plaza
• Departure time: several departure times daily
• How to get there: You can take subway lines BDFM to 47-50 Sts Rockefeller Ctr. From there, it’s a short walk to the start of the tour.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible

Book your Rockefeller Center Tour here