Rockefeller Center Shops in NYC — A Complete Guide

General Shopping District Information

10 Nearby Shopping Centers & Attractions

Approximate distances from 30 Rockefeller Plaza by walking. Times may vary.

5 Featured Stores & Attractions

1. Top of the Rock Observation Deck
2. The Rink at Rockefeller Center
3. The LEGO Store (Flagship)
4. Nintendo NY (Flagship)
5. Radio City Music Hall (Venue/Tour)

25 Relevant Stores and Services

1. Top of the Rock (Attraction)
2. Radio City Music Hall (Attraction)
3. NBC Studio Tour (Attraction)
4. The Rink (Attraction)
5. The LEGO Store
6. Nintendo NY
7. FAO Schwarz
8. Anthropologie
9. J.Crew
10. Banana Republic
11. Kate Spade New York
12. Michael Kors
13. Coach
14. Cole Haan
15. Brooks Brothers
16. McNally Jackson Booksellers
17. The NBC Store
18. Magnolia Bakery
19. Blue Bottle Coffee
20. L’Avenue at Saks (Restaurant)
21. Del Frisco’s Grille (Restaurant)
22. NARO (Restaurant)
23. Jupiter (Restaurant)
24. The Rainbow Room (Event Venue)
25. Free People

This district combines major tourist flagships, dining, and iconic attractions.

Dining Options (Featured Restaurants)

Rockefeller Center has a strong mix of high-end, casual, and grab-and-go dining.

1. L’Avenue at Saks (French)
2. NARO (Modern Korean)
3. Jupiter (Pasta & Wine)
4. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
5. Magnolia Bakery
6. Blue Bottle Coffee
7. Underground Concourse (Various Grab-and-Go)

Pet-Friendly

Yes. The outdoor plazas (Channel Gardens, The Plaza) and the indoor underground Concourse are all pet-friendly for leashed dogs. Individual stores and attractions have their own policies (e.g., LEGO, Nintendo, and Top of the Rock are service-animal only).

Sustainability and Environmental Policy

Rockefeller Center has several key sustainability initiatives.

• • Green Roofs: The complex features seven green roofs, which help cool the building and manage stormwater.
  • Christmas Tree Recycling: The iconic Christmas Tree is milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity every year.

* Energy Efficiency: The Rink uses a high-efficiency coolant, and the complex has installed LED lighting throughout, including on the Christmas Tree.
* Water Conservation: Condensate water from the HVAC systems is captured and reused.

Useful Tips for Visitors

• • Book Attractions in Advance: Tickets for the Top of the Rock, Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, and the NBC Studio Tour sell out weeks or months ahead. Book online.
  • See the Tree: The Christmas Tree is typically lit the week after Thanksgiving and stays up until early January. The lighting ceremony is extremely crowded and best viewed on TV.
  • Use the Concourse: In winter or rain, use the “Underground Concourse” to navigate the entire complex (and connect to the B,D,F,M subway) without going outside.

* Nintendo NY & LEGO: These flagship stores often have long lines to enter, especially on weekends or holidays. Go on a weekday morning.

• Top of the Rock vs. Empire State: Many locals prefer Top of the Rock because its tiered decks offer better, clearer views and include the Empire State Building in the skyline.

Fun Facts

*
• Rockefeller Center is a National Historic Landmark and is considered the greatest urban complex of the 20th century.
• The entire complex features a unified Art Deco design, with over 100 works of public art, including the famous Prometheus statue.
• The Radio City Music Hall was the largest and most opulent theater in the world when it opened in 1932.
• The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition began in 1931, when construction workers put up a small tree in the muddy plaza.
• 30 Rockefeller Plaza (“30 Rock”) is the headquarters of NBC and the setting for the TV show *30 Rock*.

District Rules and Procedures

• • The plazas and concourse are private property open to the public. Private security is on-site 24/7.
  • Drones are strictly prohibited.

* Christmas Tree Crowds: During December, the area is exceptionally crowded. Follow the one-way pedestrian traffic patterns managed by the NYPD.
* Photography: Personal photography is encouraged. Professional/commercial shoots require a permit from Tishman Speyer.

Other Services and Infrastructure

• Top of the Rock: The 3-level observation deck on the 67th-70th floors.
• Radio City Music Hall: A 6,000-seat concert and event venue.
• The Rink: The world-famous ice skating rink (open seasonally, requires tickets).
• Underground Concourse: A network of subterranean walkways connecting all buildings and the subway.
• Tour at NBC Studios: A guided tour of the NBC television studios.