Radio City Music Hall is one of New York City’s most famous and spectacular landmarks. Located in midtown Manhattan, the entertainment venue is well-known for hosting the legendary Rockettes dance troupe and the iconic Christmas Spectacular show every holiday season.
In addition to stage shows, Radio City Music Hall offers guided tours of the Art Deco building. Visitors can explore the ornate interior design, learn the history of the venue, and see behind-the-scenes areas like the star dressing rooms.
If you’re visiting New York City, you may be wondering – is the Radio City Music Hall tour worth doing? Here’s what you need to know about the experience to help you decide.
What does the Radio City Music Hall tour include?
The Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour offers a one hour guided walking tour of the building. Knowledgeable guides provide commentary about the venue’s history and architecture as you explore the interior.
Highlights of the Radio City tour include:
- Main Theater – See the iconic auditorium where the Rockettes perform, complete with its massive art deco chandelier and velvet seats.
- Marquee – Pose next to the famous marquee outside that lights up over the entrance.
- Star Dressing Rooms – Get a glimpse into the lounge and dressing areas used by the Rockettes and other performers.
- Stage and Orchestra Pit – Stand on the legendary stage and see the view from center stage looking out into the 6,000-seat theater.
- Mighty Wurlitzer Organ – Admire the historic organ with over 32,000 pipes used during shows.
- Roof Garden – Walk through a rooftop garden that was originally built as an entertainment space with panoramic city views.
The guided tour covers about 1 mile total over the course of an hour. Tour groups are limited to 40 people maximum, allowing for a more intimate experience.
When are Radio City Music Hall tours offered?
Radio City Music Hall tours are offered daily, with multiple time slots each day. Tours generally run every 30 minutes from 11am to 3pm.
The Music Hall is open year-round, with the exception of major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas when it is closed. Tours run daily except on days when there are performances, in which case the tour schedule is shortened.
It’s a good idea to book your Radio City tour tickets in advance online, especially if you are visiting during busy tourist seasons like summer. Tours can sell out weeks in advance since visitor capacity is limited.
How long does the Radio City Music Hall tour take?
The standard guided Radio City tour takes approximately 75 minutes total.
This includes:
- 15 minutes for check-in
- 60 minute walking tour
Keep in mind there is some variation in exact tour length depending on the guide, how busy it is, and tour group questions. However, you should plan on it taking about an hour and 15 minutes total.
How much do Radio City Music Hall tours cost?
Ticket prices for the Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour are:
- Adults (ages 13+): $27 per person
- Children (ages 6-12): $22 per person
- Kids under 5 are free
There are sometimes promotional prices and discounts available:
- AAA members and seniors (65+) receive a $2 discount per ticket
- Special rates are offered during the slower winter season
Tour tickets can be purchased on the Radio City website. Tickets should be booked in advance online since tours do sell out, especially during busy tourist seasons.
Is there an option to add on backstage access?
Yes, for an additional fee you can upgrade your standard Radio City Music Hall tour ticket to include access to additional backstage areas and the Roxy Suite.
The Roxy Suite Tour offers the regular tour highlights plus:
- Roxy Suite – Enter the private rehearsal space where the Rockettes rehearse their iconic routines. You may even see rehearsals in action.
- Wardrobe Room – See costumes up close in the wardrobe department where each Rockette’s outfits are meticulously cared for.
The Roxy Suite Tour upgrade is $37 per adult and $27 per child, added onto the base tour ticket price.
Is the Radio City Music Hall tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Radio City Music Hall tour can accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
The theater has elevators to access all levels. There are ramps and accessible seating in the theater. The tour route has limited stairs, but wheelchair guests take alternate passageways.
Accessible seating can also be arranged for shows at Radio City. Be sure to make accessibility requests when booking tours and show tickets.
Where does the tour meet?
Radio City Music Hall tours meet outside the theater entrance under the marquee at 50th Street and 6th Avenue in midtown Manhattan.
Look for uniformed tour staff with signage for check-in before your tour time. They will let you know when to enter the building to start the tour.
You can also go to the tour desk inside the Radio City lobby if you don’t see staff waiting outside.
What’s the best time of day to take the tour?
The Radio City Music Hall tour is most ideal in the morning or early afternoon if possible.
Afternoon tours between 11am-1pm tend to be less crowded. This allows for smaller tour groups and a more relaxed pace.
Late morning and early afternoon tours also have the best lighting inside the theater. You’ll really notice the art deco details shine.
Avoid taking the last tour slot right before the theater closes for the day. These are often rushed along so that visitors exit on time.
Should you take the self-guided or guided tour?
The guided tour of Radio City Music Hall is highly recommended over just walking through yourself.
Tour guides provide historical insights and you’ll gain access to areas not open on the self-guided walk through like the star dressing rooms and backstage areas.
Guides also manage the flow of the groups and timing so that you can experience the theater at its best without a million other people all trying to take photos.
Without a guide, you’d likely feel quite rushed and not get the full context of what makes Radio City such an icon.
What should you wear and bring for the Radio City tour?
Radio City Music Hall requires all visitors to pass through a security screening upon entry similar to an airport.
To be prepared for the tour, wear simple clothing and shoes that are easy to walk in and go through a detector. Avoid bulky clothing with lots of zippers and metal.
Recommended items to bring on the tour include:
- Valid photo ID
- Printed or mobile tour tickets
- Camera
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket or sweater
Large bags, backpacks, selfie sticks, and tripods are not permitted on the tour.
Can you take pictures on the Radio City Music Hall tour?
Yes, photography is allowed throughout most of the Radio City tour experience!
Feel free to take pictures in the theater, on stage, inside the dressing rooms, and during most of the walking tour.
Flash photography and camera tripods are prohibited. But hand-held still cameras and phones are fine.
Some restricted areas like the rehearsal suites may not allow photos, out of respect for the performers. But guides will advise when to snap away versus areas to avoid.
Should you visit Radio City Music Hall without the tour?
If you don’t have time for the full guided tour, it can be nice just to quickly walk through the Radio City lobby and theater on your own.
The Art Deco architecture is beautiful and it’s free to enter and look around the public spaces.
However, you won’t get the historical insights or access to the exclusive tour areas without doing the formal tour. It’s a very different experience!
Pro tips for visiting Radio City Music Hall:
If you plan on visiting Radio City Music Hall, keep these tips in mind:
- Purchase tour tickets in advance online to ensure availability
- Allow extra time to go through security before your tour time
- Aim for earlier tour times if possible to beat crowds
- Read up on the venue’s history beforehand so you recognize names and facts
- Consider adding on the Roxy Suite upgrade for bonus access
- Dress comfortably for walking and bring a camera
- Grab a bite at Rockefeller Center before or after your tour
Is the Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour worth it?
If you are deciding whether the Radio City Music Hall tour is worth the time and money while visiting NYC, the answer is generally yes!
Reasons the Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour is worth doing:
- Fascinating architecture and interior design details to admire
- Informative guides provide historical context
- Rare chance to get on the iconic Radio City stage
- Exclusive behind the scenes access
- Photo opportunities in unique settings
- Fun way to learn about this legendary NYC venue
The hour-long tour offers a nice balance of history, glamour, and entertainment. You’ll leave with a greater appreciation for Radio City’s place in the city’s culture.
For first-time visitors to New York City, the Radio City Music Hall tour makes for a memorable NYC sightseeing experience.
Conclusion
The Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour provides a wonderful insiders look at this famous venue. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll see areas normally off limits to the public and gain insight into its legacy as an entertainment icon.
Ideal for music, theater, architecture and NYC fans, the tour lets you immerse yourself in the world of Radio City. You get to stand on the legendary stage where the Rockettes and countless celebrities have performed over the decades.
From its art deco design to learning fun backstage stories, the Radio City tour offers great entertainment value. Visitors of all ages appreciate the spectacle of seeing this historic place up close.
The tour makes for a memorable NYC bucket list item. With tickets only around $27, it’s affordable sightseeing, too. Consider adding on the Roxy Suite backstage option for a few extra dollars to make the experience even more special.
In short – yes! The Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour is absolutely worth doing during your trip to New York City.
