Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Heading for the Top of the Rock
Giving the Empire State Building some friendly competition
when it comes to spectacular views, is the observation deck
of 30 Rockefeller Plaza known as the
Top of the Rock
.
The stately deck, which comprises floors 67 to 70, was con-
structed in 1933 to resemble the grandeur of a luxury
ocean liner. It's more spacious than the Empire State Build-
ing's lookout, and the views, though not quite as high, are
as stunning. You might have just as much fun getting up
there as you will on the deck; the sky-shuttle elevators
with glass ceilings project images from the 1930s through
the present day as they zoom upward. Reserved-time tick-
ets help minimize the lines and are available online at
www.topoftherocknyc.com
. The observation deck is open
daily from 8:30am to midnight; admission rates are $18.50
for adults, $16 for seniors, $11.25 for ages 6 to 11, and free
for children under 6. For more information, call
&
877/
NYC-ROCK
(877/692-7625) or 212/698-2000 or visit www.
topoftherocknyc.com.
holidays, when the Christmas tree's multicolored lights twinkle from
above. The rink is open from mid-October to mid-March, and you'll
skate under the magnificent tree for the month of December.
The focal point of this “city within a city” is the building at
30
Rockefeller Plaza
, a 70-story showpiece towering over the plaza.
It's still one of the city's most impressive buildings; walk through for
a look at the granite-and-marble lobby, lined with monumental
sepia-toned murals by José Maria Sert. You can pick up a walking-
tour brochure highlighting the center's art and architecture at the
information desk. On the 65th floor, the legendary Rainbow Room
is open to the public on a limited basis.
NBC
television maintains studios throughout the complex.
Sat-
urday Night Live
and
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
originate at 30
Rock. NBC's
Today
show is broadcast live on weekdays from 7 to
10am from the glass-enclosed studio on the southwest corner of
49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza; come early if you want a visible
spot, and bring your
HI MOM!
sign.
The 70-minute
NBC Studio Tour
(
&
212/664-3700;
www.nbc
universalstore.com) will take you behind the scenes at the Peacock
