Radio City Vs MSG Tour: Backstage In NYC

Peek Behind the Curtain at Two of NYC’s Most Legendary Venues.

Radio City Vs MSG Tour: Backstage In NYC

New York is the city that never sleeps—and when it comes to entertainment, it never disappoints either. If you're keen to sneak a peek behind the scenes of the Big Apple’s most beloved stages, the Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour and Madison Square Garden’s All Access Tour both offer a dazzling backstage pass. These aren’t your average museum walks. Think insider access, fun stories, and a deep dive into NYC’s vibrant live entertainment history. But how do you choose between the grandeur of Radio City and the multi-sport, megastar energy of MSG? We’ve broken it down to help you plan the perfect day out. 

The Lowdown 

Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour 

  • Guided tour of the legendary Art Deco theater 

  • Meet a real-life Rockette 

  • Explore the Grand Foyer, auditorium, and Roxy Suite 

  • Discover the history behind the Christmas Spectacular 

  • Snap photos in glamorous backstage spots 

Madison Square Garden All Access Tour 

  • Explore one of the world’s most famous arenas 

  • Go behind the scenes of concerts, sports, and special events 

  • See exclusive areas like the Knicks and Rangers locker rooms 

  • Watch a short documentary in the Garden 360° theater 

  • Learn about MSG’s transformation over the years 

 

Sounds Good, Tell Me More... 

Radio City Music Hall 

If elegance had an address, it would probably be 1260 Avenue of the Americas. Step through Radio City’s golden doors and you’re instantly transported to the golden age of showbiz. This one-hour guided tour takes you through the history of the “Showplace of the Nation,” with stops in the soaring Grand Foyer, the plush auditorium, and the VIP-worthy Roxy Suite. One of the true highlights? Meeting a Rockette. You’ll get the chance to ask questions and learn just how much training it takes to pull off that world-famous high kick. The interiors are stunning—think red velvet, chandeliers, and acres of Art Deco detailing. If you love theater, architecture, or just a bit of old-school glam, this tour is a delight. 

Madison Square Garden 

It’s not just an arena—it’s a legend. The Madison Square Garden All Access Tour gives you a front-row seat to the inner workings of the world's most famous venue. You’ll explore locker rooms used by the Knicks and Rangers, get up close with exhibits celebrating unforgettable concerts and sporting events, and even sit courtside (or rink-side) where history has been made. A short film in the immersive Garden 360° theater pulls back the curtain on MSG’s evolution, from its early beginnings to its high-tech transformation. Whether you’re a sports fan, music buff, or curious traveler, this tour serves up NYC energy on a grand scale. 

Okay, So Which One Is Most Impressive? 

madison non ed

Honestly? Both will leave you wowed—but in totally different ways. Radio City dazzles with elegance and performance history, while MSG impresses with its sheer scale and event diversity. One's about sequins and stage lights; the other is about slam dunks, slap shots, and rock 'n' roll. 

Which One Is More Fun? 

This depends on what you’re into. If you’re enchanted by glamour, showbiz, and the thought of dancing Rockettes, Radio City has that theatrical magic. But if you get a thrill from big-league sports, mega concerts, and behind-the-scenes energy, MSG brings a different kind of excitement. Both tours are entertaining, but in very different flavors. 

Which Is More Beautiful? 

Radio City wins this category hands down. It’s a masterpiece of Art Deco design, with sweeping staircases, intricate murals, and golden accents around every corner. MSG is cool and modern, but it doesn’t quite compete with the visual drama of Radio City’s interiors. If you’re a fan of architecture or dramatic design, this one’s a no-brainer. 

Which Has the Better View? 

Madison Square Garden offers glimpses of the arena from various levels, and if you’re lucky, you might catch the crew setting up for a game or concert. It’s an insider view of something big. Radio City’s views are more intimate—less about the grand scope, more about the beauty of the performance space itself. MSG wins for spectacle, but Radio City wins for elegance. 

How Do I Get There? 

radio city

Radio City Music Hall 

  • Subway: Take the B, D, F, or M train to 47–50 Sts – Rockefeller Center. 

  • Location: 1260 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), between 50th and 51st Streets. 

Madison Square Garden 

  • Subway: Take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E train to 34th Street – Penn Station. 

  • Location: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, right above Penn Station. 

Both venues are centrally located and easy to reach via public transport. 

 

Best Choice for Families, Couples, or Friends 

Families might enjoy MSG more for its sports appeal and interactive elements. Friends traveling together—especially if they’re into pop culture—will love both, but Radio City feels a bit more photo-ready for a group day out. Couples? Hard to beat the old-school romance of Radio City’s golden glow. 

I’ve Got Fidgety Kids to Entertain – Which Has More ‘Hands On’ Activities? 

MSG wins this one. There’s more tech, more variety, and a chance to sit in real locker rooms and courtside seats. The short film adds a bit of dazzle too. Radio City’s a little more hands-off, but meeting a Rockette is a pretty cool brag for kids who love dance or performance. 

What’s the Accessibility Like? 

Both venues offer wheelchair-accessible tours. Radio City includes accessible entrances and elevators, and the MSG tour is designed to accommodate all guests, with staff on hand to assist if needed. It’s always best to call ahead if you have specific requirements, but both tours are thoughtful in their approach to accessibility. 

Best Lunch Spots Nearby? 

Best Lunch Spots Nearby? 

Near Radio City Music Hall 

  • Le Pain Quotidien – Casual and quick with healthy salads, soups, and tartines in a relaxed setting. 

  • Magnolia Bakery – Not lunch, exactly, but their banana pudding is a must if you’ve got a sweet tooth. 

Near Madison Square Garden 

  • Friedman’s – Farm-to-table, kid-friendly, and gluten-free-friendly too. Great Reuben sandwiches and brunch-style fare. 

Where Are the Best Photo Opportunities? 

Radio City is the clear winner here. Snap the glittering marquee outside, the sweeping staircases inside, or pose beside the Rockette costume displays. Midday light in the Grand Foyer is great for dramatic shots. MSG’s photo ops are more subtle—if you catch the arena empty or get a good view from the suite level, it’s pretty epic. But you’ll probably take more selfies at Radio City. 

We’re Finished and Thirsty – Is There a Decent Bar in the Area? 

Near Radio City Music Hall 

  • Valerie – Elegant, art-deco-inspired cocktail bar with great small plates and a gorgeous gin selection. 

  • The Rum House – Live jazz and low lighting make this a perfect post-tour cocktail stop. Try the Old Cuban. 

  • Connolly’s Pub – A classic Irish bar just around the corner. Lively, unfussy, and great for a Guinness. 

Near Madison Square Garden 

  • Mustang Harry’s – A sports bar with class. Great beer list and spicy buffalo wings. 

  • Oscar Wilde NYC – Over-the-top Victorian décor and killer cocktails. Go for the Wilde 75. 

Any Other Good Stuff Nearby? 

Any Other Good Stuff Nearby? 

Radio City Music Hall 

  • Bryant Park – A lovely spot for lunch or lounging, especially in spring and summer. 

Madison Square Garden 

  • The High Line – A short walk away, this elevated park offers greenery, public art, and views galore. 

  • Moynihan Train Hall – Surprisingly photogenic and full of places to grab coffee. 

  • Herald Square – Shopping, people-watching, and that big Macy’s flagship store. 

  • Koreatown – A quick walk for amazing food, karaoke, and late-night snacks. 

 

Both tours are well worth your time. Whether you're drawn to the golden glamour of Radio City Music Hall or the pulse-pounding energy of Madison Square Garden, you’re in for a treat. With Go City, you can visit both—and more—while saving money and skipping lines. It’s the easiest way to squeeze the most out of your NYC adventure. Book your pass today and get ready to explore New York’s show-stopping side, from front row to backstage. 

Ready to ramp up your New York experience? Discover Free Experiences Just Steps From The Statue Of Liberty  and Things to do Near Top of the Rock

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New York City Explorer Pass Review
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New York City Explorer Pass Review - My Exciting 3-Day New York City Sightseeing Itinerary

This New York City Explorer Pass review was submitted by Ryan C, as part of our Blog Ambassador Program – a fun way to visit top New York City attractions for free, share your experience and be featured on our blog. [clear-line] This year, I was really excited to be able to try out the New York City Explorer Pass for myself. I’ve been reading reviews and product comparisons for a while, and finally decided to go for it. I chose a 5-attraction New York City Explorer Pass because I was going to be in the Big Apple for a three-day weekend. The pass allows you to visit your choice of the 70+ attractions included in their program, which encompasses an amazing selection of top attractions like museums, observation decks, and fun tours. The best part? I saved a ton on admission to the best attractions in New York. It was easy to use, convenient, and even eco-friendly if you choose to go digital (which is something that also matters a lot to me when I travel). Read on to find out why I highly recommend the New York City Explorer Pass. My 3-Day Itinerary DAY 1 Top of the Rock NFL Experience, Times Square As a major football fan (go Pats!), this recently opened attraction in Times Square (just a short walk from Top of the Rock) was at the top of my list of things to do in New York City. I ended up spending about 2.5 hours doing all of the activities, like measuring the speed and accuracy of my long throw up against some of the best players in the NFL and practicing some of the major combine events, in addition to checking out all of the authentic memorabilia (my favorite was the collection of every Super Bowl ring to date). My New York Explorer Pass' NFL Experience ticket included the 4D theater/thrill ride experience, which I felt made it worth a visit to the NFL Experience alone--highly recommend, it was one of the coolest experiences if you've ever wondered what it's like to be a pro NFL athlete. Afterwards, I headed back towards Rockefeller Center to enjoy the sights and take in some people watching. It’s also by plenty of shopping, so there was ample opportunity to indulge in some sartorial fun. DAY 2 Metropolitan Museum of Art Madame Tussauds New York After lunch, I decided to re-visit Times Square and experience the hype of Madame Tussauds New York. I had even more fun than I expected checking out the fun and interactive exhibits on display, particularly the ones themed around Film & TV because I got to pose with my favorite late-night host Jimmy Fallon and other icons, including Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games, Jennifer Anniston from Friends, and more--but my favorite pic was definitely a posing with all the members of the Spice Girls, such a fun throwback. If you're in Times Square, a visit to Madame Tussauds is definitely worth it! DAY 3 9/11 Memorial & Museum My Tips for Planning with Your New York City Explorer Pass I would absolutely recommend downloading the Go City Card app – it makes it a lot easier to enter attractions and you don’t need to keep track of any bits of paper. While none of the attractions I visited require reservations, some of them do (especially cruises), so be sure to check on what you want to do to see if you need them. The guidebook is super helpful, and the New York City Explorer Pass even more so. Check it out before your trip to help you decide which attractions you want to see. I would also recommend checking out the websites of the museums, etc., you want to visit, so you can see what kind of special exhibits or events are going on during your visit. To get the most out of your New York City Explorer Pass in terms of budget, I highly recommend planning in advance. If you choose pricier attractions, for example, you’ll save more overall. I would also be sure to budget a lot of time for attractions like museums – you never know how long it will actually take you to see what interests you, and many NYC museums are top-notch. Although you can find food at most museums, etc., in New York, it’s pretty expensive and often doesn’t have much variety. I recommend eating before or after your attraction visits to be sure you’ll find something tasty. And obviously, you don’t have to choose the attractions that I chose for my vacation! There are many cruises and tours, for example, which are great introductions to the city and are exciting to boot. With nearly 75 attractions to choose from, you’re sure to find plenty to love. With my itinerary, I would have saved over $40 with the 5-Choice New York Explorer Pass when you compare the cost of purchasing tickets at each of the attractions I visited in this itinerary. I hope this New York Pass review is useful to those of you who want to see NYC without busting the bank. I saved money, time, and energy with the New York City Explorer Pass, and I’m sure you will, too.
Katie Sagal
People in front of the Macy's store, New York
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How to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - and other New York attractions to see

The annual world-famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York starts at 9am EST and ends at noon EST. It's one of America’s favorite holiday events and a New York City tradition since 1924. Past years have seen around 3.5 million people in attendance to see more than 1,500 dancers, thousands of clowns, and 30-plus floats in the parade, featuring big-name characters from movies and cartoons. Every year brings traditional favorites and fresh new performers to the lineup. Now you’re probably thinking, 'Okay, do I need tickets to see the Macy's parade?' The answer is no  - but you might be able to get tickets! Read our guide to find out more, and discover the best ways for you to watch the Macy's parade. 💰 >>  See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions  🗓️ >>  Check out our example New York itineraries  Secure a spot on the street It's easy - and free! If you're an early bird, then get down to join the other spectators, who'd typically be lining the streets around 6 am or even earlier. Dress for the weather (and wear comfortable shoes), bring food and drink, charge your phones, use the restroom before you arrive – there are no public facilities on the parade route –and stay put. Macy’s recommends between 61st and 72nd on Central Park West as the best place to watch Tom Turkey leading his way through Manhattan. A lot of the performances happen around 34th Street, so know that location will have the most coveted spots and be the most difficult to get - along with spots at the beginning of the parade, 77th Street and Central Park West and where it ends at Macy's Herald Square in Midtown, on 34th. If you're in or around NYC beforehand and want a chance to see the balloons for the floats being inflated, head to 77th and 81st streets (between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue) from 3-10 pm on Wednesday, before the parade. Get Macy's Parade grandstand tickets This one is for those with friends and family in the know - or even in the parade itself. Technically, Macy’s doesn’t sell grandstand tickets to the general public. But if you know any parade participants, or Macy’s employees and volunteers, you might be able to score a free ticket. Book a hotel room with a view Grandstand seating and street spots may be harder to come by, but if you act quickly, you can get VIP access to the parade through one of the hotels along the route. Hotel rooms with a view and VIP packages both come at a premium - but once you see what’s in these exclusive packages, you just may find it’s worth it. Previously, some package options included the Mandarin Oriental, the New York Hilton Midtown’s Thanksgiving Packages, the JW Marriott’s Buffet Brunch Package or Parade-View Room Package, and the Residence Inn Prime View Package. Check out each hotel's official website for specifics on this year's packages. Top tips for staying safe during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 👉Make sure you know this year's parade route (as it has changed in the past). Check out the official Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade site for the complete lineup, parade route, and much more info. 👉 Follow @Macys on X (Twitter) and check out all social media with the #macysparade hashtag to get the latest Parade updates, photos, and to join the conversation. 👉 Make sure your phones and cameras are fully charged before you arrive – you won't find a place to charge your tech during the parade and you won't want to miss out on photos! 👉 Use the restroom before you arrive – there are no public facilities on the parade route. 👉 Expect massive crowds, and be cautious with your children. Keep the family together at all times! 👉 Be aware that this parade will cause a lot of attraction closures along the parade route. Save exploring with your New York Pass for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 💸 Bonus: If you happen to want to do a little shopping while you're in the city after the parade, be sure to stop by the mezzanine level of Macy's Herald Square for a 10% off Visitor's Savings Pass. Plus, if you want more options of what to do when visiting New York, check out our Things to do in New York for inspiration! Save up to 50% on New York attractions Of course, we know the Macy's Day Parade in NYC is the main event on Thanksgiving, but you have a long weekend to see other top attractions in the city. Discover our full line-up, including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more.  🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.  Grab whichever New York pass suits you best and save while you sightsee!
Go City Expert
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New York in September   

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Whether you’re looking to visit the zoo, see the conservatory garden, or just take a relaxing stroll, there’s plenty to do here.   The light autumnal weather also provides ample opportunity for some great outdoor events. Taking place every Wednesday of the month, Jazz at Pier 84 combines stunning live performances with beautiful evenings. Totally free and set along the waterfront of the Hudson River, we couldn’t think of a much cooler way to relax on vacation. So, pack some blankets and snacks and get ready to watch the sunset over the skyline! Is there any better way to enjoy the outdoors than by watching a movie under the stars? All throughout the month, you can catch free outdoor screenings right in the center of Bryant Park. Showing on Monday and Tuesday evenings, the festival features everything from critically acclaimed dramas and black and white classics to laugh-out-loud comedies and cult indie flicks. While the park provides food and wine concessions, it’s up to you to bring a blanket, since there is no seating area. In addition, there are also music, dance and theater events produced in partnership with a varied lineup of the city’s performing arts institutions. Find Fun Activities   Whilst you might be thinking that summertime is peak festival season, we’re here to tell you that you're wrong. A total treat for music lovers, Governor’s Ball is one of New York’s most respected, hyped and talked about cultural events. A total musical extravaganza, the affair features an impressive and exciting lineup with a mixed bag of genres, including hip-hop, rock, pop and electronic. With previous performances from Miley Cyrus, Drake and Stevie Nicks, this one is a sure winner! New York City has never failed to impress us with its delicious culinary offerings. To grab a slice of the action head down to Smorgasburg fest, where you can try out different specialities from dozens of local vendors. 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Soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine in the city, and definitely don’t miss the world-famous cannoli eating contest!   New York is well-recognized as the art capital of the United States. Those who are interested in exploring the city’s creative side should definitely look into booking a street art tour. Along the route, you’ll be guided through the vibrant works of many big contemporary street artists, as well as some interesting lesser-known names. In addition, you’ll get to learn more about the different styles and techniques which have been developed throughout the history of street art. Extremely Instagram-worthy and incredibly fascinating, too, you won’t want to miss this one! Those who are visiting during the anniversary of 9/11 should consider checking out the Tribute in Light installation. 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To make the most of this fleeting season, be sure to check out our New York attraction pass options as you can use an All-Inclusive pass or an Explorer pass to see more for less with Go City.
Sarah Harris

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