Rockefeller Center Walking Tour With Optional Top of the Rock
Description
Step back in time to the 1930s as we explore Rockefeller Center, often called a "city within a city." This Art Deco masterpiece will transport you to an era of grandeur and creativity, where we'll uncover the artistic influence of ancient Greece and more modern times. Join your guide to explore the heart of Rock Center. We’ll visit iconic landmarks like Radio City Music Hall and the legendary 30 Rock — home to “Saturday Night Live” — and other renowned spots that define this historic site. The scene here is always changing. In summer, the Channel Gardens are at their most vibrant with seasonal blooms. During Christmas, you can’t miss the opportunity to capture a photo against the famous evergreen — your guide is happy to snap pics for you. At the very end of our tour, you’ll take your included ticket to Top of the Rock and head up over 800 feet to three levels of observatory views. See Manhattan from above with stunning 360-degree views, both inside and out.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This sculpture of the Greek mythological figure holding up the earth is the work of two artists from different disciplines. Here you’ll learn how Greek art influences much of what you’ll see at Rockefeller Center.
Marvel at the architecture inside and out in this neo-Gothic wonder, the largest Roman Catholic cathedral in America.
See nine bronze figures above the entrance to 620 Fifth Avenue and learn a little about their origin and what they represent.
This building has a grand entrance with two pieces of art. One is a woman holding a gilded torch to symbolize French freedom. The other is an elaborate bronze engraving showing more symbolic figures, including France and New York holding hands in friendship.
Though they bloom in summer, these gardens are scenic year-round. They include six granite pools with bronze fountainhead sculptures inspired by mythology. As you take in the views, learn about Prometheus, the many flags you’ll see here, and the various TV shows filmed at 30 Rock.
Also called the Comcast Building, this is the central building of Rockefeller Center. Learn about the giant Christmas tree that adorns it during the winter and what makes it so special.
This three-story mega store is the home of the oldest toy retailer in the country. On the way to it, see the Today Show studio and Christie's.
As we head down West 50th toward the Rockefeller Center, we’ll stop to admire the artwork on the side of this historic entertainment venue. Opened in 1932, Radio City Music Hall is the largest indoor theater in the world. Here, your guide will share more about its history and architecture.
Located above the entrance to 50 Rockefeller Plaza, this stainless steel 3D plaque is one of the largest Art Deco works in the complex. Your guide will explain how the five journalists pictured symbolize the industry of one of the building’s former tenants.
As you say goodbye, your guide will prepare you for what’s next as you visit the Top of the Rock, offering three levels of indoor and outdoor observatory views.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If you’ve booked this tour on the weekend, please be aware that delays are common due to street closures for events and parades that often cross 5th Avenue near Rockefeller Center. We strongly recommend arriving early to avoid any disruptions and ensure you don’t miss the start of your tour.
Reviews(75)
The Tour was great. Chris explained everything on a cool way, i liked that.
Great experience with Chris Lee.
Jim Q. Was a great tour guide and I highly recommend him.
Our tour guide, Paul Kelly, was awesome! He was extremely personable and knowledgeable of the sights on the tour. He answered all of our questions and gave us recommendations on other sights, events and eating places. We were fortunate that we had Paul all to ourselves because the other booking was unable to make the tour. We will definitely be reaching back out to Paul on our next NYC visit to tour other areas of the city.
Walking tour with Kevin, it was really interesting ! I recommand.
Liam, our tour guide was exceptional, friendly and so knowledgeable. Highly recommend this tour, especially if you like historical facts
We visited the Statue of Liberty on 30th April,2026. It was a great experience to see the Statue of Liberty so close and take pictures. The tour guide Mr. Liam O’Brien was very knowledgeable about the history of the statue and explained well. Very much impressed with his style of explanation which made us to understand the history well. Will recommend to all.
Hi, We’re delighted you had such a memorable visit and enjoyed seeing the Statue of Liberty up close. It’s great to hear that Liam's storytelling and historical insight helped bring the experience to life for you. Thank you for your recommendation and we truly appreciate it.
Had a wonderful tour from the wonderful guide Christopher! He spoke like a true New Yorker who loves his city! He was friendly, funny…fantastic! Our first time in New York & thought it would be a nice pre-top of the rock add on - it didn’t disappoint! We learned so much about the area of the Rockefeller Centre; it’s historic past & beautiful architecture! I would highly recommend & hope everyone has as good a time as we had! Eimear & Steve
Hi Eimear & Steve, Thank you for the lovely feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed the tour and Christopher’s energy-he truly brings New York to life. Happy to hear it was a great addition to your visit. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again soon! Best wishes, The ExperienceFirst team
Great tour. Chris is very knowledgeable about the history of Rockefeller Center. Love it.
Great insights about the Rockerfeller art and surrounding area. Our guide was super thorough and helpful in providing tips.
