Rock this Way

Got an hour to kill before a midtown meeting? Tired of eating at your office cafeteria? Rockefeller Center’s concourse level, which spans from Fifth to Sixth avenues, offers the cure for the common lunch hour. Chow down on quick yet savory eats from the likes of Nanoosh, Tri-Tip Grill and Potbelly. Between meals, recharge with a cold brew from Blue Bottle Coffee, pick up quirky cards and good reads at Posman Books or stop for a shoe shine at Eddie’s Shoe Repair. If you have time to spare, enjoy a meal outdoors at the Summer Garden & Bar or get your retail therapy fix at J. Crew, Tous, Anthropologie and Penhaligon’s.

If you want to appreciate Rockefeller Center’s spectacular views, and aren’t afraid of being 65 floors up as long as you have a cocktail in hand, then this luxurious spot is on the menu. Attached to the Rainbow Room—30 Rock’s gorgeous premier event venue—the recently revamped bar has large windows overlooking the city and beyond. Make sure to dress appropriately: Business casual (no sneakers or hats) is a must if you want to clink glasses among the stars. Mon–Fri 5pm–close

It’s hard to believe what went into creating and decorating this complex. During the Rockefeller Center Tour, you’ll not only learn the history of how John D. Rockefeller Jr. came to finance this massive building project but also how his wife, Abigail Aldrich, used her influence to hire artists for Art Deco sculptures, murals and mosaics in and around all the buildings. The symbolism behind many of the pieces of art and some controversies, including the destruction of a Salvador Dali mural, are revealed by a hilarious and informative tour guide. Daily tours; $20

Rocket on a 43-second elevator to the Top of the Rock for the best view of the city. From 70 stories high, you get 360-degree views of more than 30 miles of land, river and city. See how many iconic landmarks you can spot, and take your time with the staggering image of Central Park’s 843 acres as a small, green rectangle. If you want that Instagram at sunset, reserve the time in advance—it’s a popular one—or up your game with the Sun & Stars ticket, which allows you to visit twice in one day. It might be more difficult to point out your apartment building when the moon is out, but the lights over the bridges are swoonworthy. As you enter for a second time, look closely at the interior Swarovski walls—there’s a few hidden glass animals that only those in the know can spot. And don’t worry about battling the tourist masses: A timed ticket system means you never have to wait long. $26–$32, book in advance at topoftherocknyc.com

Even if you’re just passing by, it’d be hard not to stop and admire Rockefeller Plaza’s new addition: a 30-foot-tall, vertical swimming pool. The summer oasis is actually a temporary sculpture installment, Van Gogh’s Ear, by contemporary art duo Elmgreen & Dragset. The piece, which is sure to make you stop and think about location and the displacement of the ordinary, is part of Public Art Fund’s program—the nonprofit also responsible for placing the orchid statues outside Central Park. On display through June 3