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Since opening in December 1932, this world-renowned entertainment temple has attracted more than 300 million visitors. One of the definitive New York landmarks, Radio City Music Hall was born out of a bold gamble by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and the Radio Corporation of America (owners of NBC radio and RKO studios) who believed that a building complex of spectacular proportions would energize a struggling area of the city. More than 75 years later, Radio City’s annual eight-week Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes—which has sold out every year since it began in 1933—draws over one million people. Additional headliners have included Madonna, Elton John, the Dave Matthews Band, Aretha Franklin, Gipsy Kings and Bette Midler, to name but a few. The theater has also premiered some of the most lauded movies of all time, such as the original King Kong, To Kill a Mockingbird (starring a former Radio City Usher, Gregory Peck), Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and The Lion King. Even for those who don’t make it to a show, the theater’s sweeping external Art Deco design (restored in 1999) is still a sight to behold. — Mike Sanfilippo

If it isn’t possible to get a ticket to a concert, Radio City Music Hall offers an hour-long tour, which highlights the renovations that the theater recently underwent. Some highlights are the eight original lounges designed by Donald Desky that have been restored to their former splendor, and the Grand Foyer. $18.50, $15 for senior citizens 62 and over, $10 for kids 12 and under