Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Broadway Fans
Top Things to Do in New York City for Broadway Fans
1. Times Square
The neon heartbeat of the Theater District, Times Square is where towering marquees, costumed characters, and street performers set the stage for a pre-show adrenaline rush.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the symbolic home of Broadway and the best place to feel the curtain-time buzz and see the latest show billboards lighting up the night.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Twilight through early evening, just before curtain, when the marquees glow and the energy peaks.
✓ Insider Tip:
Climb the red steps at Duffy Square for sweeping marquee views and a perfect photo before you head to your theater.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Electric, chaotic, and quintessentially Broadway—first-timers are awestruck and repeat visitors say the excitement never fades.
2. TKTS Times Square
The glass-and-red-steps pavilion sells same-day Broadway and Off-Broadway tickets at significant discounts right in the center of the action.
✓ Why Go:
Score great seats while discovering new shows you might have otherwise missed—ideal for spontaneous theatergoers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive before opening or mid-afternoon on weekdays to shorten waits and expand your options.
✓ Insider Tip:
Have a shortlist ready and be flexible; check the digital board for availability and seating sections before you queue.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A beloved money-saver and thrill for deal hunters—many call landing a last-minute ticket here a trip highlight.
3. Museum of Broadway
An immersive walk through musical theater history with costumes, props, timelines, and set recreations celebrating Broadway’s past and present.
✓ Why Go:
It deepens your appreciation for what you’ll see onstage—perfect context before or after a show.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings on weekdays for quieter galleries and easier photo ops.
✓ Insider Tip:
Leave time for the gift shop—its show-specific books, posters, and merch make excellent souvenirs for theater buffs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Informative and joyful—fans rave about the details and how it brings backstage stories to life.
4. Sardi's
This caricature-lined dining room is Broadway’s clubhouse, where performers, producers, and fans mingle over pre- and post-show meals.
✓ Why Go:
A piece of living theater lore—dining here feels like stepping into Broadway’s golden-age scrapbook.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early dinner between matinee and evening performances or a late bite after the curtain falls.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book ahead for prime pre-show slots; ask for a table with a view of the walls to play “spot the star.”
✓ What Visitors Say:
Classic, convivial, and nostalgic—visitors love the atmosphere as much as the menu.
5. Drama Book Shop
A beloved bookstore dedicated to plays, musicals, librettos, and theater craft—plus a cozy cafe for script-perusing.
✓ Why Go:
Find everything from audition monologues to cast recordings and niche theater titles you won’t see elsewhere.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for relaxed browsing and easy staff recommendations.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask booksellers for show-specific reading lists or scores; they’re excellent at pairing you with your next favorite musical.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Warm, welcoming, and inspiring—fans call it a pilgrimage site for theater lovers.
6. 54 Below
An intimate, subterranean cabaret where Broadway’s biggest voices step off the stage and into up-close, late-night sets.
✓ Why Go:
Hear showstoppers and deep cuts in a room designed for storytelling—often featuring current and former Broadway stars.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late-night performances after evening curtains for a true insiders’ nightcap.
✓ Insider Tip:
Solo seats at the bar can offer great views and value—arrive early to settle in comfortably.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Atmospheric and unforgettable—audiences love the musicianship and celebrity sightings.
7. New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
A treasure trove of theater archives, rotating exhibitions, and free displays at Lincoln Center dedicated to the performing arts.
✓ Why Go:
Explore playbills, scripts, and costumes that trace the evolution of Broadway—much of it free to the public.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday on weekdays for quieter galleries and reading rooms.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring photo ID to register for on-site access to research collections if you’re diving deep.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Scholarly yet accessible—visitors appreciate the depth and the cost-free exhibits.
8. Gershwin Theatre
One of Broadway’s largest theaters, known for hosting blockbuster musicals in a grand, modern setting.
✓ Why Go:
Experience the scale and spectacle Broadway is famous for—big sets, big sound, big ovations.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday evenings or midweek matinees for a more relaxed lobby and shorter concession lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive early to explore lobby displays and house history before the lights dim.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Polished and awe-inspiring—guests praise sightlines, acoustics, and the sense of occasion.
9. Joe Allen
An iconic theater-district hangout famed for walls of posters from legendary flops and a lively post-show crowd.
✓ Why Go:
It’s where stage doors lead—actors and creatives often unwind here, and the vibe is pure Broadway insider.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late evening after shows let out for maximum theater chatter.
✓ Insider Tip:
Solo diners are welcome at the bar—ideal for a quick bite and people-watching after the curtain call.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Casual, buzzy, and authentic—fans love the memorabilia and chance encounters.
10. New World Stages
A multi-theater Off-Broadway complex presenting long-running favorites and new works a short stroll from Broadway houses.
✓ Why Go:
Discover fresh shows and cult hits in intimate spaces—great value and often easier tickets.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunday evenings and weeknights for a relaxed crowd and smoother entry.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive early to explore the central lounge and check boards for same-day seat releases.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Friendly, modern, and convenient—audiences enjoy the variety and comfortable theaters.
