When NBC relocated their Today Show studios to the ground floor of Rockefeller Center in 1994, it began drawing scores of people curious to see for themselves what the rest of us were watching on our television sets at home.

Soon the other morning shows on the major networks – The Early Show (CBS) and Good Morning America (ABC) – followed suit.

Watching how these three windows have been shaped by individuals’ interactions with them have been interesting. People bring signs, celebrate major milestones or just show up for a chance to be noticed on national television. They are the cheering section, the studio audience that producers don’t even have to worry about booking.

Showing up and watching the shows have become a major draw for visitors to New York. On days when there are free concerts, people gather from 4 and 5 in the morning just to get a good spot. But usually, getting there any time before they start broadcasting at 7:00 a.m. is fine.

If you’re planning a trip to New York City and are interested in watching one of the morning shows, here’s where to find them. The good thing is, they’re all free and it looks like a lot of fun.

• ABC – Good Morning America, 44th Street & Broadway, Times Square, New York.
• CBS – The Early Show, 524 W 57th Street, New York
• NBC – Today Show, 30 Rockefeller Center, New York

All three shows start broadcasting at 7:00 a.m. Get there early to ensure a good spot. Have fun and enjoy!

Other Places to See in New York City:

You can combine a trip to watch Good Morning America with a visit to Toys “R” Us, the world’s biggest toy store at 47th & Broadway and Madame Tussauds wax museum, which is located a couple blocks away at 234 W 42nd Street. Tickets start at $36.

From the CBS studios, you can visit any number of stores around 57th Street – from well known toy store, FAO Schwarz (founded in 1862) to high end stores like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Bergdorf Goodman, Chanel, Hermes and Bulgari.

If you’re at NBC, don’t leave without checking out Top of the Rock (tickets required) for a sweeping view of New York City, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Saks Fifth Avenue on Fifth Avenue. While at Rockefeller Center, take a photo of the Prometheus sculpture and when you leave St. Patrick’s, take a look at the statue of Atlas, which is right across the street.

New York is a walking city, so bring comfortable shoes and wander around. Because the streets are numbered, it’s an easy city to figure out — take it from me, my friends say I’m directionally challenged. The only times I get lost in the city is when I venture down to Lower Manhattan, which is all named streets.

Getting around New York City:

Public transportation’s pretty inexpensive — $2.25 will get you on the bus or subway. It also gets you a transfer so you go from one to the other. My suggestion: buy a 7-day unlimited pass for $29. Up to three children who are no taller than 44 inches ride free when accompanied by a paying adult. There are also reduced rates for seniors.

Getting to the airport:

New York Airport Service operates buses from Grand Central, Penn Station and Port Authority to the major airports – JFK, LaGuardia and Newark starting at $12. There are also several shuttle buses as well as AirTrain service which connects via subway to JFK for $7.50.

Enjoy New York City!