Rockefeller Center

You just can't leave New York without visiting the Rockefeller Center. A fairy tale place with the most impressive Christmas Tree I've ever seen, and shops and some other places that are truly magnificent. In summer you can enjoy the great Rock Center Café and in winter the ice skate park, in that very same place. I strongly recommend to visit this place at night so you can truly enjoy the lights spectacle, there are lights even in the trees surrounding the Plaza. Dreamy. Don't forget to visit the Teuscher Chocolatier and, of course, the Top of the Rock, one of the cities top experiences. Even a better experience than the Empire State building if you are looking forward to take pictures and enjoy the best view available in Manhattan.

Great place to see, be ready to dodge the tourists. I visited during Easter time and there were lots of people around, there was Ice skating still and a giant Easter bunny on display. But my favourite experience was going to the top of the Rock as the lights of Manhattan came out, it was spectacular! Definitely recommend and even though there were many people there, I felt a sense of peacefulness over looking the city from above.

Yes, everyone will tell you to get to Rockefeller Center in December to see The Tree -- and you should, at least once in this lifetime. Stand across the street from Saks Fifth Avenue, right where 30 Rock frames The Tree, which frames Prometheus, which frames the skating rink, which is flanked by trumpeting angels on both sides (it's the angels who set it off -- trust me on this), and I defy you not to be a bit awed by the spectacle. Take the pictures. But take them quickly! There are a ton of tourists, and they're all trying to get the same shot. Rockefeller Center is worth your time during the other 11 months of the year, as well. First of all, it's an art lover's paradise, with all the Art Deco murals, statues, and carvings all over the place. Be sure to look up into every entrance and archway, because you're sure to see something fab. And take some time in the lobby at 30 Rock, where the walls and the ceilings are a marvel. Once you've done all that looking up, get on the escalators and head down -- there's an entire city underground Rock Center. The corridors are fully heated in the winter and fully air-conditioned in the summer, and they boast a bevy of high to medium-brow restaurants, coffeeshops (Starbucks and Blue Bottle have you covered), food courts, retail stores, and the entrance to Top of the Rock. The underground runs from 48th to 50th Streets, so it's an ideal place to recharge before heading back outside. Should you wish to indulge your sweet tooth before leaving the complex...yes, I know you heard there's a Magnolia on 6th Avenue and 49th Street. Go if you must. Save some money for the real deal, however -- the La Maison du Chocolat on 49th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. Unless you're visiting from Paris, they don't have chocolate like this where you're from. No, they don't. Just go and indulge.

I love going into the city and watching the shows. During the winter time it was always a family tradition to see the the tree and enjoy the shows. I love it

During winter time, when the Christmas tree lights are on, the atmosphere even if its one of the most common places to feel love, romance seems to be in the air. Take a sit next to the ice rink and watch the people enjoying their time while you take the best of an unexpected international mate in the world's capital city.

I grew up outside of New York City but a good family tradition is to go see the Christmas tree and also try to fit in some ice skating during the holidays! Though it can get pretty packed with tourists, they come from all over the world to see this amazing display! Also, I was inside the building when my mom got made over for the Today Show with Kathy Lee and Hoda and I was able to see where they filmed Saturday Night Live where they have been doing it for so many years. I was also able to see the Top of the Rock with amazing views and a great place to take the perfect family picture!

The Christmas Tree gets more beautiful every year, it is so bright and full of life! The tree is very tall and it is a magnificent architecture in itself, it really feels like its part of the city. Rockefeller Center is so beautifully lighted throughout the Christmas season, it's very captivating! They have light movies on the buildings, it's a great place for kids to visit by far! If you go make sure there is enough space in your camera, you won't be able to stop taking pictures!

Rockefeller Center is an energetic landscape 24/7. However, being present at Rockefeller Center during a live performance is the ultimate experience. Thousands of great artists have performed at the center and crowds of people gather around to watch. There is nothing like a live show in the center of New York City!

This is one of the top tourist places in NYC, and everyone always wants to go during Christmas time - but DON'T! I mean, I can't say to "not" go - but bring extra patience and wear a bubbly jacket - you end up getting pushed around like bumper cars/pinball machine. I go almost every year (reluctantly) and although I get the famed picture in front of the tree - I am always leaving there annoyed at how people are so pushy and unforgiving. You might want to make sure you eat dinner beforehand so that you're not annoyed AND hungry!

I love Rockefeller Square!!! I love 30 Rock, and this place is perfect if you like the show! Last time it felt like you’re about to run into Tina Fey in the subterranean Starbucks. I know Rockefeller plaza is full of tourists, but coming here for Christmas is a tradition! Skating in the square is amazing in winter, even if there are a ton of people and it’s really hard not to run into anyone! I love skating and then going for coffee at Starbucks or a cupcake at Crumbs! Try it!!

I think of Midtown as a kind of waste of space catering to tourists between 21st and Central Park. There’s the Empire State building, Fifth Avenue’s stores, and Rockefeller Center—tourist central. Still, when it’s around Christmastime, there isn’t anything quite like going skating in Rockefeller Center, even if that means getting away with not being able to skate by being so crammed in you literally can’t fall over. Being around all the Christmas spirit—the lights around Rockefeller Plaza and the big tree, and the department store windows on Fifth Avenue—definitely puts you in the holiday mood. Besides, if you don't go, you'll regret it...so go, just don't stay too long.

Personally, Rockefeller center is not one of the first places I recommend to out of town guests unless it's the holiday season so that what I'll base my review on. During the holidays the area is very festively dressed up and is close to 5th avenue where there are a ton of iconic window displays. For not super expensive you can also skate at the legendary ice rink under the world famous tree, or grab dinner at a restaurant overlooking the rink. The other allure would be visiting "the top of the rock" particularly if you're a 30 rock fan, but other than that I'd leave the area alone outside of the holiday season.

I feel like I am super spoiled or just really like to rag on Midtown. I used to work here, so I had the opportunity to come to Rockefeller Center anytime I pleased (hence why I was spoiled). They are actually really decent for lunch with shops ranging from Hale & Hearty to Blue Bottle Coffee to Bouchon to Potbelly Deli. There are so many options to choose from that whether you're a tourist or an employee in the area, you won't be disappointed. My favorite part about going into the food court is that if you're coming from outside, you can ride down the tiny elevator that looks like something out of Willy Wonka. The place is clearly always packed. Come in the winter where you can hang out over the balcony or view all of the ice skaters from a window inside. If you like to ice skate, I suggest skating the rink a few times as well. The tree is obviously the biggest draw here along with Good Morning America's concerts that take place at like 6am for taping. I went to Coldplay one summer. Wasn't exactly worth it because of the crowd and how many times they had to play, "Viva La Vida," but I was extremely close to the stage, so that was cool. The place itself is majestic for the area. The buildings are clean and the area is well kempt. Grab a hot chocolate from Jacques Torres inside, head on out to the skaters, and take in the winter wonderland with a lover or an intimate gathering of friends. It will get you in the holiday spirit in no time. As for the rest of the year, eh just wait until December.

The best time to go see Rockefeller Center is in the winter. They have their famous Christmas tree which is simple but stunning, and the ice skating rink where it is fun to watch the ice skaters or venture out and ice skate yourself. There are some restaurants in Rockefeller Center but the highlight is definitely the Top of the Rock. It is very touristy but offers amazing views of the city and an interesting exhibit about the city and Rockefeller Center itself. I will say that once you have done it once, you won't be dying to go back again and again, but it is something you have to do that one time.

Rockefeller Center is just amazing. Any time of the year is a blast here. I love coming here during the winter to ice skate!! It is one of a kind. The holiday season is so much fun and gorgeous here. There are so many great places to eat here. One of my favorites is Magnolia Bakery. Definitely try a cupcake!! Also there is unlimited shopping to be done here. I know you can find shopping everywhere in NYC but rockefeller center has great shopping too. The place is very historic and has plenty of events you can go to all year round.

Rockefeller Center is amazing to visit while in New York City during the holidays. It is decorated with a tree, they decorate and light up the stores, and they have a ice-skaing rink. If you want to see Rockefeller Center during the holidays, give yourself plenty of time because it gets pretty crowded. During the rest of the year, Rockefeller is mostly visited by tourists who are also visiting Times Square. For that reason it gets overlooked as a touristy place in New York City, but it is still worth seeing. I would recommend Rockefeller Center to those who have extra time while visiting New York City.

For the average tourist, Rockefeller Center is a must-hit. This becomes even more true during the Christmas season, when it seems like all of New York has had the same idea as you and decided to go ice skating by the giant Christmas tree. And I must admit that, even I, a lifelong New Yorker, always try to stop by Rockefeller Center at least once during the holiday season. I just can't help it; it's too pretty! However, the ice skating is extremely overpriced, naturally to take advantage of the poor tourists that will pay anything to do everything those travel guides tell them to do. If you don't like crowds, I highly discourage you from going, and I guarantee you that you're really not missing a great deal. The giant Christmas tree is pretty, yes, and ice skating is always fun. But a tree in your own house can be prettier, and ice skating can be done in countless other venues. Although I love Rockefeller Center, I must admit that the hype around it is a tad overrated.

During the holidays, nothing beats Rockefeller Center. The tree, the ice-skating rink, the lit-up stores, the statue of Atlas with the light shining up under it, all of these are so iconic in the American understanding of Christmas that to miss them is truly a shame. However, for the rest of the year, Rockefeller Center is really just kind of a spill-over neighbor of Times Square, leading tourists and rich midtowners from the 42nd Street hub to Central Park and back again, without much personality to call its own. Don't get me wrong, between November and February, this hood should be checked out at all cost. But during the rest of the year, it's just another busy area in the world's greatest city, and isn't much of a loss if missed.

As noted earlier, Rockefeller Center is a free, fabulous, and fun thing to do for anyone at any age. It is a relaxing way to walk and talk with friends Or family. Watching NBC studios is truly fun and the signs and crowds ? NBC Today Show is from 7-10 AM. And they do pay a lot of attention to the crowds outside at The Center. Say hi to Matt. Christmas is a very special time at Rockefeller Center. In 2012 the Christmas tree will be lite on November 28 and stay lite each night ( all day on Christmas Day) until the final night of January 7, 2013. Crowds can be crushing....so get your Zen mood in gear as it is well worth the effort.

If you're already doing the touristy thing and window shopping along Fifth Avenue, stop off and make sure you see Rockefeller Center. And do the ultimate tourist act and actually go to the Observation Deck - either because you are new to New York, or because you have friends in town, or just because you've never done it. I was surprised at the amount of interesting history I learned about the Rockefellers, and other movers-and-shakers in New York from that time period. While this area is even more packed during the holidays - it's hard not to feel festive around the holidays after the annual tree lighting. The stores are nothing to write home about - except Dean & Deluca if you want the experience. My advice is to skip the ice skating - if you have your heart set on it, continue up north to Central Park and go ice skating at that rink. The rink is larger, and you actually have a shot of running into some locals (and probably will witness about six wedding proposals).

As far as a touristy activity that the whole family can find something to enjoy - Rockefeller Center is hard to beat. Basically if you've ever seen an NBC show in your life, the tours of the studios are worth it. Just seeing how small of a space all of the famous shows that are/have been shot there is amazing. The observation deck is a more than adequate way to get a grasp on how massive and expansive NYC actually is. It is also very conveniently located in that you can have lunch, grab a drink or shop all in the immediate vicinity. Also - the tree and skate rink in the Winter is too classic to pass up.