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Rockefeller Center

What to expect on your NBC Studio & SNL tour at Rockefeller Center

Timings

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5+ hours

NBC Studios neon sign at Rockefeller Center during guided tour in New York City.

Get behind the scenes of your favorite shows and programs at NBC Studios. See where and how they get made, and learn more about what goes into creating the magic that you see on screen.

Where is NBC Studios located

Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, United States | Find on Maps

Why the NBC Studios & SNL tour is a must-visit at Rockefeller Center

Broadcast technician operating control panel in a TV studio.
Broadcast television camera setup with lighting capturing a press conference.
Camcorder setup capturing a television broadcast with three people in discussion.
On Air sign at a broadcasting studio
Old television in a retro furnished room with floral wallpaper.
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Behind-the-scenes look at the studios

Get a look at the production process and the stages that make your favorite shows come to life with a behind-the-scenes look around at studios within NBC Studios.

Learn about the process

From the stage production, lighting, to set design, gain valuable insights into what goes into making each sketch, set, and show.

Stories & legends

Saturday Night Live production stories, highlights about famous shows like 30 Rock, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and more, all await as you walk across the stages and grounds of NBC Studios.

Evolution of NBC Studios

From radio to television, learn about NBC’s journey to becoming known as the birthplace of broadcast television.

History of television

Ideal for history and television buffs, you get to learn about the history and development of television over the years on one of the most historically significant grounds in terms of broadcast television.

Interesting facts about NBC Studios & Saturday Night Live

  • NBC, founded in 1926, is the first and oldest commercial broadcasting network in the US.
  • Built in 1933, Studio 8H, part of NBC Studios, used to be the world’s largest radio studio at the time (large enough to house a full orchestra). It was converted for television in 1950 and has been known to host SNL since its first show in 1975.
  • Saturday Night Live used to borrow seats from the Yankees in its early days to fit in its audience members.
  • The Page Program at NBC was first launched in 1933 and is still operational in New York and Los Angeles.
  • Lorne Michaels, the producer of Saturday Night Live, offered $3,000 to the Beatles in 1976 to reunite live on the show during its first season.
  • The writers at SNL craft around 40 to 50 sketches per week, but no more than 8 make it into each live episode. 
  • SNL was partly created because Johnny Carson, the host of The Tonight Show, wanted more time (weekends) off.

NBC Studios highlights

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Know before you go

Camera prohibited sign with a red circle and slash.
  • Timings: Vary, depending on the production schedule.
  • Studios covered: Vary, depending on the production schedule.
  • Age requirements: Children under 8 cannot participate in the NBC Studios tour.
  • Shows access: Not included with the tour ticket.
  • Photography restrictions: Photography is not permitted on the NBC Studios premises because of the behind-the-scenes nature of the tour.
  • Accessibility: NBC Studios is wheelchair accessible. You can bring your service animals with you on the tour. ASL interpreters are also available upon request; however, requests must be made at least five days in advance.

Hear from our guests

Loved by 50 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Costoya R

Argentina
Couple
3 weeks ago

+5 more

It was a wonderful experience. The booking process was quick and easy. Entry to the museum was immediate and hassle-free. I also appreciated how quickly the tickets were emailed to me. I highly recommend this site for visiting one of the world’s most important art museums.

George S

United States
Couple
3 weeks ago
Headout is easy to use, easy to book and always ready with notifications to make sure you make it to your booked destination.

Jayda G

United States
Solo
3 weeks ago
The process was efficient and fast. The view from the top was astonishing and worth the money. The gift shop and the cafe were also a good edition to the experience.

Daniel M

Spain
Family
Apr 2026
When we arrived at the scheduled time, we were told that visibility was poor due to low clouds, and I was offered the option to reschedule the visit. The observation deck is lower than the newer ones in New York, such as The Edge or Summit, but the views of the Empire State Building and Central Park are unbeatable. They offer the option of riding a rotating outdoor elevator, as well as taking photos on a beam that recreates the iconic image of the workers who built the building.

Daniel M

Spain
Family
Apr 2026

+2 more

Both Summit and Edge have pleasantly surprised me. Summit, in addition to offering spectacular views of the Big Apple, provides the incredibly fun experience of floating silver balls, as well as a glass-bottomed observation deck. At Edge, you feel like you’re in the clouds when you lean out over the windows, which are slightly angled toward the void. The sensation of standing on its glass floor is incredible.

Shayanne T

United States
Couple
Apr 2026
Buying tickets is super easy through the app, and the venue has beautiful, immersive rooms. It was totally worth the visit, and the photos turned out amazing!

Marina S

Couple
Apr 2026
Edge is simply a must-see!!! Stunning views of the entire city, an absolutely incredible experience—I managed to take so many great photos. They closed off part of the outdoor deck, but that didn’t stop me from taking excellent photos. Vessel is also great for taking photos from high up with a view. And it’s quite different!

Jennifer W

United States
Family
Jan 2026
The ferry ride and self guided tours of the SOL and Ellis Island were fun. Disappointed that the ticket did not include the pedestal. I thought when I read before booking included the pedestal. The Edge was great yet windy and cold.

Frequently asked questions about NBC Studio tours at Rockefeller Center

No, you cannot sit in on live tapings with your NBC Studios tour. You have to purchase the tickets to live shows separately.

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