VIBE

Stuck with an expensive chunk of Midtown real estate during the Depression, high-roller John D. Rockefeller decided to take a drastic gamble, building an entertainment complex so fabulous that even cash-strapped New Yorkers wouldn’t be able to stay away. The result: the spectacular Rockefeller Center, which houses everything from the razzle-dazzle Radio City Music Hall to the sky-high Top of the Rock observation deck. Tourist must-do’s include a Rockette-loaded performance of the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, a trip to the 70th-story Top of the Rock observation deck (which offers great views of Central Park, the Chrysler Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge), a juicy tidbit-laden tour of the onsite NBC Studios, and a wintertime spin around the ice rink at the foot of the world famous Christmas tree. Tourists and locals alike appreciate the snacking and shopping too: La Maison du Chocolat has an outpost here, as does the fabulous Kinokuniya Bookstore.

GO HERE WITH

Photographers - for the views; TV fanatics - for a tour around NBC studios; kids - for a twirl around the skating rink

WHY WE LIKE IT

When we’re looking for a stellar city view, we always pick the Top of the Rock over the Empire State Building. Not only are there no long lines (bless those timed tickets!), but we also like being able to see the Empire State Building itself in the skyline. Being closet architecture nerds, we’re also quite partial to the Rockefeller Center audio tour–it gives great insight into the masterful Art Deco design.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The ice rink can get “this isn’t fun anymore” crowded, especially around Christmastime.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you’re planning on taking in a Rockefeller Center tour and a trip to the Top of the Rock, consider buying a combo pass–it will probably save you a sizeable chunk of change. If you’re really on the hunt for primo views from the Top of the Rock, think about springing for a sunrise/sunset ticket, which will allow you entrance to the top for both scenic high points of the day. If you take an NBC Studio Tour, get a good look at your tour guide because he or she could well be famous someday–high-profile folk who launched their careers leading such tours include greats like Ted Koppel and Michael Eisner. On a downbeat note, Rockefeller Center’s swanky 65th-story cocktail lounge and restaurant the Rainbow Room is unfortunately closed at the moment–though constant rumors about high-profile chefs interested in taking it on hint that it may reopen soon. We’ll keep you posted!

CLOSEST COMPS

Empire State Building (New York); Radio City Music Hall (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.