Best known as the home of the Rockettes and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Radio City Music Hall also hosts concerts, award shows and many other events. Now a national landmark, it was the first building in the Rockefeller Center complex and remains the largest indoor theater in the world.
Best and worst times to go to Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall is most crowded in the evenings and afternoons right before and after a performance, especially during the busy holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Year's. The New York Spring Spectacular, a new show that takes place around Easter, also features the famed Rockettes but tends not to be as crazily busy as the Christmas show.
Must see/do at Radio City Music Hall
The best thing to do at Radio City Music Hall is to see a show, either the Christmas or Spring Spectacular, or one of the many concerts that take place throughout the year. Be sure to allow time to explore the building itself. Or, take the Radio City Stage Door Tour, a one-hour walking tour which provides a behind-the-scenes look at Radio City Music Hall. Visitors are led around the beautiful Art-Deco interiors, learn the secrets and history of the Great Stage, and even meet one of the world-famous Rockettes.
Admission to Radio City Music Hall
Tours operate daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. approximately every half hour when there is an event; and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. when there are no events scheduled at Radio City Music Hall. Tour prices range from $17.95 for children to $26.95 for adults.
Admission times and prices for performance vary widely.
Parking and Public Transportation to Radio City Music Hall
Street parking is almost non-existent in the Rockefeller Center area and parking garages, while plentiful, may be expensive. Taxis or public transportation are better options. By subway, take the B, D, F or M train to 47th-50th/Rockefeller Center or take the N or R to 49th Street. By bus, take the M5, M6, M7 or M27/M50 to Rockefeller Center.
Food at Radio City Music Hall
Outside food and beverages, including water, are prohibited at Radio City Music Hall. There are, however, food concessions once inside. The Rockefeller Center neighborhood also offers many dining choices at a variety of price levels.
Insider tip for visitors to Radio City Music Hall
One of the benefits for people who work at Rockefeller Center is the series of underground corridors that connect the complex's 14 main buildings. These tunnels, known officially as the Underground Concourse, and referred to by others as the Catacombs, provide access to the nearby subway lines as well as to fast food and other dining establishments, cards stores, clothing boutiques and a myriad of other shops and services.
Other places to visit near Radio City Music Hall
If you are at Rockefeller Center during the winter, don't miss a glimpse of the iconic Christmas Tree and a spin around the world's most famous ice skating rink. Go at off-peak times, since the rink can get VERY crowded. Tours of the NBC Studios and a stroll through the Channel Gardens are also recommended. The Top of the Rock observation deck offers magnificent New York City views (including the spires of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building). Go during the day to see the splendor of the city unfold beneath you, or better yet, go at night and see the city sparkle.
Author's bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese.
