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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 01 May, 2023

As one of the globe’s two most prestigious cities for theatre (alongside London’s West End), hosting a wide variety of drama and musicals – many world-class – iconic Broadway needs no introduction.

Taking in a Broadway show is therefore a New York City must, even for those not big on performing arts; with famous names and the highest quality performers, it really doesn’t get much better.

Price from: £35
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 2+ hours

Getting there & doing it

Browse online listings, e.g. New York Magazine or Time Out for shows, reviews, contact numbers and websites for tickets.

Some shows sell out many months in advance, so if you have specific tastes, plan ahead. Others may have good availability or same-day bargains to buy online or at the theatre. Not surprisingly, matinees tend to have more availability than evenings and are a better bet for the popular shows at short notice.

Ticketmaster has tickets for pretty much any event or show going, but beware of hefty bookings fees.

Get discounted & last-minute seats

TKTS booths in Times Square, South Street Seaport and Downtown Brooklyn sell same-day tickets up to 50% off for select Broadway plays and musicals – go early before the queues form.

Stub Hub is a national ticket marketplace that allows ticket holders to resell their tickets. It’s a great source of last-minute tickets to most performances – but you may pay a higher price, especially for top shows.

Get the best seats

Inside Sport & Entertainment is a full-service agency that can score the best prices and VIP packages to any event in town (but you’ll pay for it).

When to do it

Shows run all year round, but there are fewer shows July to mid-September. Most shows don’t perform on Mondays, though do check because a few do.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Broadway Theaters and Times Square with a Theater Professional

Broadway Theaters and Times Square with a Theater Professional

New York City

Learn about Broadway before you see a show with this behind-the-scenes look at New York City’s famous theater district. On this two-hour gui...

$39 | Rating 4.85 / 5 [330 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Small-Group Broadway Theater District and Times Square Walking Tour

Small-Group Broadway Theater District and Times Square Walking Tour

New York City

Experience the “Great White Way” and follow in the footsteps of Broadway's brightest stars on this 2.5-hour New York City tour. Join an indu...

$39 | Rating 4.8 / 5 [15 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Explore the off Broadway Theaters and Check Behind the Scene

Explore the off Broadway Theaters and Check Behind the Scene

New York City

Join a local guide for a look behind the curtain of New York’s theatre scene on Broadway. The tour begins in the bustling heart of New York ...

$44 | Rating 5 / 5 [34 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Moulin Rouge on Broadway Ticket

Moulin Rouge on Broadway Ticket

New York City

Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elb...

$72 | Rating 4.5 / 5 [16 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Mandarin Oriental New York

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[0.5 miles]

A typically luxurious Mandarin hotel with top-notch facilities and faultless service – in an unrivalled location on Central Park. As good as Manhattan five stars get, and in the perfect location – walking distance to New York’s top attractions.

Official star rating:

The Peninsula New York

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[0.8 miles]

Sumptuous luxury hotel with lauded bar, spa, eateries, right next to Manhattan’s best shopping and museums.

Official star rating:

The Plaza

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[0.9 miles]

One of the world’s most famous and luxurious hotels in a prime location overlooking Central Park, for traditionalists seeking an old-school sense of occasion.

Official star rating:

Bryant Park Hotel

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[1.3 miles]

The surrounding clean, light streets in this enclave boast cool, modern skyscrapers.

Bryant Park is an elegant city park, adorned with the beautiful New York Public Library New York, and during the week fills with flocks of office workers eating lunch at scattered tables and chairs.

The Empire State, Rockefeller Centre, Broadway theatres, Central Park, and 5th Avenue shopping are close by.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

New York City

New York, United States of America (USA)

The ‘city that never sleeps’ is a 24/7 thrill of soaring skyscrapers, jaw-dropping architecture, dynamic culture and world-class art, dining and performing arts scenes.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Museum of Modern Art (MoMa)

New York, United States of America (USA)[0.7 miles]

One of the world’s greatest museums of contemporary art, taking you on an artistic journey through Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Impressionism and Pop Art.

Best for ages: 8+ | £22

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American Museum of Natural History

New York, United States of America (USA)[2.1 miles]

A staggering emporium of world-beating nature and science exhibitions and interactive displays, in a majestic building. A world-class attraction and a must-see for anyone remotely interested in nature.

Best for ages: 4+ | £17

Headquarters of the United Nations

New York, United States of America (USA)[2.1 miles]

The iconic building where world leaders and diplomats gather to resolve the world’s greatest challenges – and a bastion of hope that one day the world can live together in peace.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

exterior entrance of Carnegie Hall in new york
Experience

Carnegie Hall

New York, United States of America (USA)[0.4 miles]

One of the world’s most iconic and prestigious concert venues has a storied history dating back to 1891. It’s known for exceptional acoustics and stunning architecture, and countless legendary performances by renowned musicians and orchestras from around the world. Book ahead for an unforgettable evening.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Frick Collection
Experience

Frick Collection

New York, United States of America (USA)[1.6 miles]

One of America’s pre-eminent small art museums with an enviable bequeathed collection of European paintings, sculpture and porcelain, including Bellini, Constable, Gainsborough, Degas, Rembrandt, and Whistler. Housed in the late steel magnate and art collector Henry Frick’s magnificent mansion.

Best for ages: 18+ | £18

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Chelsea’s Art Galleries

New York, United States of America (USA)[2.5 miles]

A feast of hundreds of private art galleries, packed into one enclave on the west of Manhattan, showcasing an eclectic mix of contemporary and modern art.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Chelsea Market
Experience

Chelsea Market

New York, United States of America (USA)[3 miles]

Located where the High Line meets Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, this erstwhile warehouse is one of New York’s great foodie destinations. The rambling hall is crammed by casual restaurants, food kiosks, and speciality food shops.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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