New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [56]
Grand Central still functions primarily as a railroad station, and might resemble its artless cross-town counterpart, Penn Station, were it not for Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s public information campaign to save it as a landmark. Underground, more than 60 ingeniously integrated railroad tracks carry trains upstate and to Connecticut via Metro-North Commuter Rail. The subway connects here as well. A massive four-year renovation completed in October 1998 restored the 1913 landmark to its original splendor—and then some.
The Municipal Art Society (212/935–3960 | www.mas.org) leads architectural tours of the terminal that begin here on Wednesday at 12:30. Reservations are not required, and a $10 donation is suggested. Meet at the information booth, Main Concourse. | Main entrance,E. 42nd St. at Park Ave., Midtown East | 10017 | 212/935–3960 | www.grandcentralterminal.com | Subway: 4, 5, 6, 7, S to 42nd St./Grand Central.
See also Eat and Shop Around Grand Central.
Radio City Music Hall.
This icon of New York City was built to enchant everyone who stepped inside its doors. Shortly after the stock market crash of 1929, John D. Rockefeller wanted to create a symbol of hope in what was a sad, broke city. He selected a piece of real estate in an area of Manhattan then known as “the speakeasy belt,” and partnered with the Radio Corporation of America to build a grand theater, a place where everyday people could see the finest entertainment at sensible prices.
Every inch of the interior was designed to be extraordinary. RCA head David Sarnoff named their creation Radio City Music Hall. When it opened, some said it was so grand that there was no need for performances, because people would get more than their money’s worth simply by sitting there and enjoying the space. Early shows included vaudeville acts and film premieres.
Despite being the largest indoor theater in the world with its city-block-long marquee, it feels warm and intimate. One-hour walking tours run year-round, but avoid taking the tour during show times, as access is limited. Day-of tickets are sold at the Radio City Avenue Store on a first-come, first-served basis; advanced tickets are available by phone. | Radio City Music Hall “Stage Door Tour” $17 | 212/247–4777 | Tours Mon.–Sat. 11:30–6.
Although there are concert performances and media events here year-round, most people (more than a million visitors every year, in fact) want to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the iconic Rockettes. Make reservations as early as possible, especially if you want to attend near the Christmas holidays or on weekends. The shows tend to sell out, but you can usually find tickets until mid-October. Happily, there are no bad seats at Radio City Music Hall, so if you are booking late, grab what you can get. Tickets—$45–$105 per person for the 90-minute show—can be purchased at the Radio City Music Hall; on the Web (www.radiocitychristmas.com); by phone on the Christmas Spectacular hot line (866/858–0007); or at Ticketmaster. | 1260 6th Ave., at W. 51st St., Midtown West | 10020 | 800/745–3000 | www.radiocity.com | Subway: B, D, F, M to 47th–50th St./Rockefeller Center; N, R to 49th St.
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Rockefeller Center.
If Times Square is New York’s crossroads, Rockefeller Center is its communal gathering place, where the entire world converges to snap pictures, skate on the ice rink, peek in on a taping of the Today show (or—with luck—NBC’s 30 Rock), shop, eat, and take in the monumental Art Deco structures and public sculptures from the past century.
Totaling more than 75 shops and 40 eateries (1.4 million square feet in all), the complex runs from 47th to 52nd streets between 5th and 7th avenues. Special events and huge pieces of art dominate the central plazas in summer.
In December an enormous twinkling tree towers above the ice-skating rink, causing huge crowds of visitors from across the country and the globe to shuffle through with necks craned and cameras flashing. This holiday tradition