New York has so much entertainment to offer. What’s most unique to the city though are its many unparalleled musicals and shows. During your visit, you should definitely enjoy a special evening (or afternoon) on New York’s famous Broadway.
Find Broadway Shows in New York During Your Stay
We have already been to most broadway shows in New York, as well as countless concerts and events. We hereby promise you: It’s an experience you won’t forget, nor regret. So if want to catch one of the musicals and broadway shows in New York, here’s all you need to know: An overview of shows, history and facts, theater locations, general schedules and the best place to buy your tickets online.
History and Facts
What comes to your mind when thinking of Broadway? For us, it is bright lights, exciting stories, outstanding music, great dancing and a vibrant atmosphere! Thanks to this description that many would agree with, shows on Broadway attract more than 11,5 million spectators every year. Before the street became the famous and glorious theater district we know today, however, it used to be a trade route that received its name during Dutch settlement. In fact, the Dutch words “brede weg” literally translate to Broadway. In 1903, one of the now oldest operating theaters on the famous street was built: the Lyceum Theatre, which is now hosts the Play That Goes Wrong. The longest running show on Broadway is The Phantom of the Opera. This year, it is celebrating its 30 year anniversary – unbelievable, huh?
Theater Locations of Broadway Shows NYC
Did you know that even though the total count of Broadway theaters amounts to 41, only four of those theaters are actually located on the street of Broadway?! That’s because in order to qualify as a Broadway theater, two criteria must be met: 1) It must be located between 40th and 54th St, between 6th to 8th Ave 2) It must have at least 500 seats. Any theater with a capacity below 500 is considered off-broadway.
When talking about Broadway, we refer to an area rather than a single street
General Schedules
With actors performing once, sometimes twice a day for months at a time, there must be a day off, right? Correct, that’s why you won’t find any major Broadway shows in New York taking place on Mondays. Even though it’s a sad day for Broadway enthusiasts, luckily you still find many other events, like sport events and concerts in New York. On the other side, you will generally find additional matinee performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Performances typically last for 2 hours with intermission and you should always be at the theater at least 15 minutes early – ideally 30. You are not allowed into a show if you are late.
Tickets for Broadway Shows in New York
To make sure your New York theater experience is perfect we have shared our secrets on how and where to get great ticket deals for musicals and broadway shows in New York. We basically recommend two ticket marketplaces in particular: Ticket Monster and StubHub.
Popular Broadway Shows NYC
- The Lion King
- Aladdin
- Hamilton
- The Phantom of the Opera
- Wicked
- Les Misérables
- Dear Evan Hansen
- Come From Away
- Book of Mormon
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- Frozen
- Mean Girls
- Waitress
- Chicago
- Anastasia
- Kinky Boots
- School of Rock
- King Kong
- Pretty Woman: The Musical
- The Band’s Visit
- Once on this Island
- My Fair Lady