Scale the Rockefeller Center

New York is a city I will never grow tired of and the observation deck at the Rockefeller Centre holds views I will never forget. From up there the Manhattan skyline is breathtaking and definitely worth a look at any time of the day, and during any season.  I would recommend visiting both during the day and early evening just as the sun is setting.  Witnessing the sun going down and the cityscape become illuminated is very romantic!  The ‘sun and stars’ ticket is perfect for this, for $38 you can visit twice in one day. A single visit is $25 and the observation deck is open from 8am — midnight with the last elevator to the top at 11pm.

The observation deck, or ‘Top of the Rock’ as it is known can be found 70 floors up, on top of the GE Building. It is 850ft high and was constructed in 1933.  I prefer the views from here than to those of the Empire State building, as you can see this famous landmark from the Top of the Rock. Three viewing floors allow you to see right across Central Park, and even sneak a peak of the Statue of Liberty, although she is very small!  With indoor and outdoor viewing areas, you can still experience the magnificent panoramic scenery and keep warm if it is wet or windy!

Located on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues the Rockefeller Centre is easily found, you could even visit the observation deck in between shopping as you are working your way down 5th Avenue!  Combine a visit to the top with a tour of the Rockefeller Centre.  The RockPASS is great as it gives you an insight into what goes on inside the Centre’s 19 buildings, and learn a little bit about its history too. The Rockefeller Centre is home to the NBC studios and the Today Show, which broadcasts outside on the Plaza every weekday morning. Turn up between 7am and 10am, the crowd are often caught on camera, so catch your five minutes of fame here!

If you are feeling energetic and want to raise money for a good cause the National Multiple Sclerosis society are holding a challenging event on 3rd March 2013. MS Climb to the Top gives you the opportunity to climb the 66 flights of stairs right up to the observation deck.

It would not be winter in New York City without the Rockefeller Christmas tree, normally around 75ft high this is just such a magical tree!  The ice rink at the Rockefeller is open from November to April, and right now until 14th April you can purchase a Sky Skate ticket for $38.  This gives you the opportunity to skate and visit the observation deck, what a perfect winter combination!

After all that activity, I would really recommend recharging by visiting the Magnolia Bakery found at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, their cupcakes are to die for!