Broadway

There's a show for everyone in the world's premier theatre district.

TravelCurious Tip

Even if you're desperate for a show, never, ever buy from 'scalpers' who hang out outside the theatres - your tickets might be forged or stolen, and it's not worth the risk.

A name in lights

Broadway is actually a road that is 15 miles in length, running through Manhattan and the Bronx. The portion it's famous for is a stretch near Times Square, sometimes called the Theater District or the Great White Way - a nickname born from the millions of lights that illuminate its billboards and theatre marquees.

There are a lot of theatres here. 39 of them - many of which are on 42nd Street - are generally regarded as the Broadway theatres, for which distinction they must have 500 seats or more; hundreds of other smaller venues host dance or music. The shows are of the very highest quality, and the vast majority are musicals. The Broadway Musical has been a vastly influential form in theatrical production and in Western culture at large, and here in Manhattan is where it all happens.


The greatest show on earth

Theatre began in New York in the 1750s, with the establishment of a company on Nassau Street; others followed, showing popular Shakespeare plays and ballad operas. Edwin Booth - brother of Abraham Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth - famously played Hamlet for 100 consecutive performances at the Winter Garden Theatre in 1865 (not to be confused with the current venue that bears the name, which opened in 1911 and remains a prestigious spot to this day). During the latter half of the 19th century, musicals as we know them began to take shape; The Black Crook is considered to be the first, premiering in 1866. Its five-and-a-half hour length didn't stop it running for 474 performances.

As transportation in the city improved and poverty was reduced, plays became more popular; over the following decades Broadway theatre grew and grew, weathered the invention of cinema, and entered a 1950s golden age following Oklahoma! in 1943. Even today, the core repertoire of musicals dates from this era. More recently conceived successes include The Lion King, Wicked, and the wildly popular The Book of Mormon.

If you want to catch a show, avoid scalpers: booking in advance online is often the best bet (though seats for popular shows can sell out fast!), and on the day you might get lucky at the TKTS Booth in Times Square, which sells tickets at 20% to 50% off full price. Prices vary widely according to seating and demand, but it'll be worth it.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in New York
Fifth Avenue
The world's most prestigious (and expensive) shopping street.
Times Square
Neon-lit and monumentally busy, this most famous of intersections is a mecca for tourists, shoppers and protesters.
Bryant Park
A green oasis amongst skyscrapers and the hubbub of city life, popular with city workers taking a break.
Rockefeller Center
An iconic complex of Art Deco buildings and public art, commissioned by the Rockefeller family.
Radio City Music Hall
A beloved entertainment venue that has earned the moniker of 'Showplace of the Nation.'
Rockefeller Center Observation Deck
This high vantage point gives an incredible vista of the Big Apple.

Related Tours

Welcome to New York City: Private Half-Day Highlights Walking Tour
Welcome to New York City, The Big Apple, The City that never sleeps! This fabulous private tour of the highlights of NYC in midtown Manhattan will ensure you see all the very best this vibrant city has to offer, from the famous department store Saks with its dazzling window displays on 5th Avenue, to the bright lights of Broadway and Times Square, and everything in between. Your expert private guide will ensure you see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and skyscrapers such as the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, as well as more historic places like St Patrick’s Cathedral. 

On your private tour, you will: 

  • Begin your tour on the iconic Lexington Avenue - known locally as ‘Lex’ and walk to your first stop the Chrysler building;
  • Hear all about the history and formation, architecture and culture of New York City and the borough of Midtown Manhattan;
  • Walk through the romantic Grand Central Terminal and stop outside the magnificent Empire State Building;
  • Pass by the lions by New York Public Library and tranquil Bryant Park;
  • Enjoy the vibrant ambience and glittering lights of Times Square and explore Broadway: the world-famous musical theatre district;
  • Walk up the iconic Fifth Avenue and pass by Saks one of the world’s most spectacular department stores;
  • Admire the impressive Neo-Gothic St Patrick’s Cathedral (from the outside) - the city’s beacon of Catholicism since 1878 - a historic contrast to the modernity of NYC; 
  • Stop by Radio City Music Hall, still the country's leading venue for popular concerts and media events;
  • Wander into Rockefeller Plaza and admire some of NYC’s best architectural and art deco masterpieces including the Rockefeller Centre known as ‘The Rock’ and Lawrie’s statue of Atlas;
  • End your tour at the Rockefeller Center where you can continue to explore this iconic neighbourhood at your own pace.

Your tour begins on Lexington Avenue - known to locals as simply Lex - and you’ll walk towards some of the most iconic architectural masterpieces of New York City. Your first stop is the Chrysler Building, considered by many to be New York’s finest art deco skyscraper. It was the tallest building in the world for just one year from 1930-31. Its antenna spire reaches 319 m.

Next, you’ll walk through NYC’s transport hub - Grand Central Terminal - made famous in countless romantic movies, and emerge in front of the Empire State Building - which remains the top attraction in the USA today. From starring in movies like King Kong to its incredible design, the Empire State remains one of the city’s most beloved features. It is the 4th tallest skyscraper in NYC, the 6th tallest in the whole USA and the 43rd tallest in the world! 

Not far away, you’ll meet the giant stone lions outside New York’s beautiful public library. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, you’ll be able to enjoy a moment of tranquillity as you walk through Bryant Park, a green oasis in the heart of Midtown, before entering the one and only Times Square. With its flashy billboards, you’ll see the news ticker on the One Times Square Building, the NASDAQ board, and a myriad of other flashing neon signs that have made this place so recognisable the world over. 

Soaking up the bright lights, learn about the evolution of Broadway and how theatre transformed Times Square into one of the most famous destinations in the world. Hear many stories of famous shows and actors that have made their home on Broadway. 

As your tour continues, you will see the impressive St Patrick's Cathedral a neo-gothic church built in 1878 and the seat of the Archdiocese of New York. Heading north toward Central Park, you will have the chance to experience the shopping mecca that is Fifth Avenue, abounding in old-world style and glamour.

You’ll see many of the historic buildings in the area dating back to 1900, as you head towards the recently restored art deco masterpiece— Radio City Music Hall. 

And lastly, a short walk will lead you to the Rockefeller Center on Rockefeller Plaza, a magnificent complex of towering skyscrapers, where your guide will show you one of the great remaining art deco structures. Your guide will happily give you plenty of suggestions for how to spend the rest of your day to delve into Midtown or direct you to the nearest metro, so you can explore other parts of Manhattan. 

The Best of New York City: Private Tour including Top of the Rock
Beginning with views of the Statue of Liberty, you will learn about the history of perhaps the most iconic city in the world as you absorb the truly vibrant atmosphere of the city that never sleeps, from Wall Street to the bustling streets of Downtown Manhattan, the sparkling brilliance of Times Square and end with tickets to see the glorious views from the Top of the Rock - the sky-high observatory at the Rockefeller Centre. 

On your private full-day tour of New York City, you will: 

  • Start your tour at Battery Park and learn about the origins of New Amsterdam, how it became New York, and admire the views of the iconic Statue of Liberty;
  • Pass by Wall Street's famous bronze statues of the Charging Bull and the Fearless Girl;
  • See the areas main sites of Trinity Church, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Federal Reserve Bank as you learn about the financial system designed by Alexander Hamilton;
  • Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero where the twin towers of the World Trade Center stood, an incredibly moving tribute to the horrendous events of that terrible day in 2001; 
  • Discover the bustling district of Midtown Manhattan - famous for its skyscrapers, shopping on 5th Avenue and Broadway;
  • Tour the interior of Grand Central Terminal - New York's train station famous for its Beaux-Arts architecture, celestial mural ceiling, and for its starring role in films like Men in Black and Armageddon, it is visited by over 20 million people a year;
  • Walk through the tranquil Bryant Park, and admire the lions in front of the New York Public Library;
  • Enjoy the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of Times Square with its flashy billboards and explore the theatre district of Broadway;
  • Take a stroll down the iconic 5th Avenue and admire the stunning window displays of the Saks department store, 
  • See the historic St. Patricks Cathedral from the outside - its neo-gothic splendour is a stark contrast to the surrounding modernity;
  • Admire some of New York's jaw-dropping Art Deco skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building
  • Pass by Radio City Hall - a historic theatre venue, and home to the Rockettes;
  • Finish your tour with tickets to the 'Top of the Rock' the observatory at the top of the Rockefeller Centre with incredible views over New York City - a perfect way to end the day! 

Your tour begins in the heart of Wall Street, where you'll discover the most famous financial district in the world. Begin with an introduction to the history of New Amsterdam - that became New York in Battery Park - with glorious views out towards the Statue of Liberty, before exploring the highlights of Wall Street, including the statues of the Fearless Girl and Charging Bull, the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Bank - where you'll hear all about the history and formation of the modern financial institutions and systems invented by Alexander Hamilton. 

Your tour continues to the National 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero— the original site of the World Trade Center. Here, your guide will share the history of the World Trade Center and discuss the tragic events of 9/11 when the two terrorist planes crashed into the twin towers, forever changing the modern world.

Next, it's time to take a New York metro ride - the most popular - and fastest - way of travelling around the city to Midtown Manhattan! First, you'll explore Grand Central Terminal, the most iconic transportation hub in the United States, with beautiful celestial ceiling murals and stunning Beaux-Arts architecture. 

It is the setting of many movies and novels and is also famous for its shopping, bars, and restaurants - it is the second most visited landmark in New York after Times Square. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the area - your guide will be happy to make recommendations. 

After lunch, explore the iconic area of Midtown Manhattan - famous for its skyscrapers, high-end shopping and of course Broadway theatre scene! 

Enjoy a tranquil stroll through Bryant Park, a lovely green oasis in the heart of busy Midtown. See the New York Public Library - flanked by two giant lions, and admire the art deco skyscrapers the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, that made up New York's world-famous skyline. 

Walk along the iconic 5th Avenue famous for its department stores - admire the stunning window displays at Saks, and the historical contrast of St Patrick's Cathedral, an impressive neo-gothic construction that was opened in 1879. Famous for its spires, stained glass windows, and titanic bronze doors - the cathedral has hosted many famous funerals including Babe Ruth and Bobby Kennedy. 

Head to the amazing Times Square, known as the 'crossroads of the world to see the news ticker on the One Times Square Building, the NASDAQ board, and the myriad of flashing neon signs that lead you onto the bright lights of Broadway! 

Finally, passing by the iconic Radio City Hall, your guide will give you your tickets to 'The Top of the Rock', the Rockefeller Observation deck at the top of the Rockefeller Centre. 

Your guide will show you the entrance and leave you to enjoy a perfect end to a perfect day - with a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Manhattan and the rest of the Big Apple. 
Midtown Manhattan & Empire State Observatory: Private Walking Tour
South of Central Park lies one of the world's most important cultural and business centres. With many of the city’s most famous sights, Midtown Manhattan is one of the best places to experience the spirit of New York. Soak up its unique ambience, breathe in its frenetic pace, and seek out its unforgettable highlights. 

On your private tour, you will: 

  • Meet your private guide beside the greenest heart of New York City, Central Park;
  • Stroll glamorous, affluent Fifth Avenue to gaze at the world-famous window displays such as Saks Fifth Avenue;
  • Marvel at Neo-Gothic St Patrick’s Cathedral - the city’s beacon of Catholicism since 1878;
  • Admire some of Manhattan’s most beautiful Art Deco structures, like the Rockefeller building, and Lawrie’s statue of Atlas;
  • Step into the bright neon lights of Times Square, NYC’s most famous intersection, a monumentally busy mecca for tourists, shoppers and protesters;
  • Learn about the city’s rich architectural history, seeing the classics including the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal; 
  • Finish your experience with jaw-dropping views from the Empire State Building observation deck, arguably one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. 
Conjure up images of New York City, and it will be Manhattan: the ritzy, glitzy heart of the Big Apple jam-packed with big-name attractions. If there is a per-place limit on iconic landmarks, Manhattan flouts the rules - squeezing Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Met and MoMA, Times Square’s 3,685-square-foot flashing LED screens and Broadway’s bright lights into 22.7 small square miles. 

Well known by actors and stage junkies, New York’s dazzling Theatre District has been part of Manhattan since the late 19th century and its rich history provides a glorious mix of greasepaint, star-spotting and backstage gossip. While in the bustle of Times Square, learn how it earned its name when the New York Times opened an office there and erected an electronic news ticker - “The Zipper'' - in 1928. 

Though the newspaper office has relocated, the area remains a media hotspot, serving as host and home to the likes of MTV and Condé Nast. Times Square is an icon, a Hollywood backdrop, and the heart of the Big Apple, and where there is proof - should you need it - that New York is the city that never sleeps. 

After a long stroll past New York’s Public Library, depart from your guide in front of the Empire State Building, where you will enjoy tickets to the top of the Observation Deck on the 86th floor to retrace your steps and gaze out upon the city that never sleeps. 

Please note: your tour guide will finish the tour at the base of the Empire State Building, and will guide you to the correct line with your tickets for the observation deck, where you are free to explore the views at your leisure. 
The Magic of Christmas in New York: Private Walking Tour
New York City is fantastic year-round, but during the holidays, the city is even more spectacular and magical as the Christmas lights come on and the holiday cheer is in full swing. 

On your private tour of New York City, you will:

  • Enjoy the iconic city at its best with a private tour guide;
  • Explore Midtown Manhattan, as it lit up for the holidays;
  • Visit Christmas markets in several iconic sites, including Bryant Park and Grand Central Terminal;
  • Refill energy with a hot drink included at one of the Christmas Markets;
  • Stroll Fifth Avenue’s world-famous window displays;
  • Take a stroll down the Rockefeller Center, and see its spectacular tree, ice-skating rink, and its wonderful music.
The magic of New York City at Christmas is best experienced in Midtown, where the major department stores each adorn their window displays with unique themes each year, and where the parks turn into ice-skating rinks and Christmas markets. 

On your private walking tour, your guide will be sure you see all of the highlights of Midtown – from Bryant Park and Grand Central Terminal—through Saks Fifth Avenue, Times Square, and Saks Fifth Avenue. (if you book the afternoon tour, you may even see the Saks Fifth Avenue light show. )

Enjoy the masterful works of art on display throughout the city, which are only available to be seen for one month a year! Delight in the wonder of these window decorations, the music and lights throughout the city, and the yuletide cheer that captures everyone. Enjoy the best of the Big Apple, dressed up for the holidays. 

Note: This tour runs after Thanksgiving through the new year.
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