Theater District in New York
The Theater District in New York is one of the most visited neighborhoods in New York. No wonder, because the highlights include Broadway, Times Square and the many Broadway theaters.
The theatres are the namesake of this district in Midtown Manhattan, because here you will find over 30 theaters that perform world-famous musicals and shows such as Aladdin, Hamilton, Book of Mormons or The Lion King.
My TOP 5 in the Theater District
- See Times Square at night
- Go to a musical on Broadway
- Eating delicious street-style tacos at Los Tacos No. 1
- Enjoying the view from the rooftop bar The Skylark
- Going to our favorite pub Connolly’s
Where is the Theater District located?
The Theater District is bounded by 6th Avenue on the east and 8th Avenue on the west, with Broadway running through the middle. It stretches from 41st Street in the south to 54th Street in the north – so it forms a normal rectangle.
How to Get to the Theater District NYC
- Metro: Subway lines to “47-50 Sts Rockefeller Ctr” or to “Times Square – 42 St
- Hop on Hop Off Bus: Stops 1, 14, 15 and 16 of the red downtown route and stops 18, 19, 27 and 28 of the blue uptown route of BIG BUS (the dark red buses) or stops 1 and 2 of the red downtown route and stops 18 to 21 of the blue uptown route of Gray Line Sightseeing (the ones with the bright red buses).My tip: the tickets for the buses are included in many of the New York City passes – which one is the best for you, you can see in my Pass Comparison for New York!
Attractions in the Theater District in New York
The major New York attractions are all within easy reach from here, as you are right in the center of Manhattan.
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01 Al Hirschfeld Theatre
The Al Hirschfeld Theatre is one of the most beautiful Broadway theaters in New York. It was built in the Byzantine style. Lovingly restored ceilings and ornaments can be discovered everywhere, from the lobby to the opulently designed auditorium. It was ceremoniously opened on November 11, 1924, when it was called the Martin Beck Theatre. The Broadway theater received its current name in 2003 in honor of the cartoonist Albert Hirschfeld.
If you talk to New Yorkers, you will especially feel the enthusiasm for the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. After all, it is one of the oldest and most important theaters in the city. It feels incredibly cozy and familiar, if only because of the way it was built back then with rather narrow rows of seats. You’ll definitely get a feel for 1920s New York here—wonderful!
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02 Ambassador Theatre
The Ambassador Theatre is a very special Broadway theater in Manhattan’s Theater District for several reasons. One of the most successful musicals, Chicago, has been performed here since 2003, and it is an official New York City landmark. However, that’s not all! Along with being a theater, since it opened on February 11, 1921, it has, over the course of time, also become a cinema and a TV studio.
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03 August Wilson Theatre
The August Wilson Theatre opened in 1925 and was renamed very regularly through various changes of ownership. In 1925 it was called Guild Theatre, from 1950 ANTA Theatre and from 1981 Virginia Theatre. It was only in 2005 that it was given its present name in honor of August Wilson, a Pulitzer Prize winner.
It reminds us a little of the Walter Kerr Theatre, which, like the August Wilson Theatre, has retained its old New York charm to this day.
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04 Belasco Theatre
The Belasco Theatre is one of the oldest theaters in New York. It opened back in 1907 under the name Stuyvesant Theatre. The expensive construction was financed by entrepreneur David Belasco, who gave it his own name three years later.
One of the greatest actors of our time, Marlon Brando, was discovered here when he played a leading role in the play Truckline Cafe in 1964. In 2019, the film The Irishman by Martin Scorcese premiered here when the theater became a movie theater, and the film was screened for a month.
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05 Broadhurst Theatre
The Broadhurst Theatre is located right between the Majestic Theatre and the Shubert Theatre on 44th Street not far from Times Square. It was designed by the famous theater architect Herbert Krapp and opened on September 27, 1917. It is one of the official landmarks of New York. It was named in honor of George Howells Broadhurst, one of the most famous playwrights of his time.
The Broadhurst Theatre has hosted several world-famous shows, such as Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, and Anastasia.
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06 Broadway Theatre
The Broadway Theatre is one of the very few theaters in New York that is actually on Broadway. It has had an eventful past, has had four other names, and has been the setting for many famous musicals, such as Evita, Les Misérables, King Kong, and, most recently, West Side Story.
Opened on December 24, 1924, it is recognizable from afar as the “Broadway Theatre,” with letterings that extend from the first to the seventh floor of the building.
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07 Brooks Atkinson Theatre
The Brooks Atkinson Theatre is a truly beautiful theater not far from Broadway. It was built in 1926 and was then called the Mansfield Theatre. It got its current name in 1960; Brooks Atkinson was responsible for rating Broadway shows at The New York Times and was one of the most influential people of his time.
In 2000, it was restored with great attention to detail, including the 1960s chandelier, which is once again an integral part of the interior.
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08 Ethel Barrymore Theatre
The Ethel Barrymore Theatre is steeped in history and stands as a testament to the legacy of the renowned Barrymore acting dynasty. In fact, it holds the distinction of being the sole surviving theater among the many constructed by Lee and J.J. Shubert, exclusively for affiliated performers.
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09 Eugene O’Neill Theatre
Located in the heart of the Theater District, the Eugene O’Neill Theatre is one of the most famous Broadway theaters in New York. It opened in 1925 and was renovated in 1959; it retains this wonderful charm to this day. The atmosphere is very cozy, but no matter where you sit, your view of the stage is excellent.
What you will also like about the Eugene O’Neill Theatre is the comfortable seats. So, you will find everything you need there to have a good time in New York.
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10 Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre
The theater opened in 1918 as the Plymouth Theatre and is one of several buildings on Broadway designed by architect Herbert Krapp (along with the Broadhurst Theatre, the Neil Simon Theatre, the Walter Kerr Theatre, the Richard Rodgers Theatre, and the Imperial Theatre). It is owned by the Shubert Organization, which operates five well-known theater buildings in New York. Its longtime chairman, who served 36 years at the helm, was Gerald Schoenfeld. Posthumously, it was renamed as a token of appreciation.
At the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, you can expect an atmosphere typical of theaters from that era; inside, it’s ornate, very well-mounted, and rather cozy because the chairs and rows were tightly planned.
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11 Gershwin Theatre
The Gershwin Theatre is quite modern compared to other theaters on Broadway, as it was built in the Art Nouveau style and only opened in 1972 (also known as Art Nouveau). Therefore, some things are different here: the seats are similar to those of sports stadiums, there is plenty of space between rows, and it is more openly designed. It was named after brothers George and Ira Gershwin, who wrote many Broadway shows together, one as a composer and the other as a lyricist.
With 1,933 seats, it is the largest Broadway theater in New York, so it is a popular choice for major musical productions. It has been the site of musicals such as Starlight Express, Oklahoma, and, most recently, Wicked.
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12 Hudson Theatre
Located next door to the Belasco Theatre, the Hudson Theatre is the oldest Broadway theater in New York. Opened in 1903, it has even been a night club and a TV and radio studio over the years. Since 2017, it has been used for shows again and has been extensively restored for this purpose.
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The Best Guided Tours
There are tours where New York guides show you the neighborhoods. Times Square and Broadway are topics for example with these tour operators:
Budget Tip
Many of the attractions and tours in th NYC are included in one of the New York City passes. So you can easily and quickly save up to 70% – how does it work?
You can see that in my ultimate New York Pass comparison, here you can see my personal New York Pass Reviews after more than 20 visits to New York and our free New York Pass Advisor answers the question: “Which New York Pass is the best?”
Things to Do in Theater District NYC
Our favorite spots for bars and restaurants around Times Square are revealed here:
Restaurants
Although there is the so-called Restaurant Row in the Theater District with many restaurants in a very small space, most of them are focused on tourists. Which ones we can recommend to you are these:
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01 Brooklyn Diner
Even if the name doesn’t suggest it, the diner is really close to Times Square! The Brooklyn Diner is a diner like it is in a book: both from the outside and the inside. Try the pastrami or the French toast.
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02 Amorino Gelato and Cafe
New York has been home to many Italian immigrants since the 1860s, so of course, a gelato place has to be included on the list of best ice cream shops NYC. Amorino Gelato and Cafe was established by childhood best friends Cristiano Sereni and Paolo Benassi. Their dream was to recreate a piece of their homeland in New York by serving authentic gelatos and sorbets. Amorino is known for its rose-shaped gelato cones, which can include up to 7 flavors in a small cone – one for each petal! These flavors include the traditional stracciatella, pistachio, amarena, hazelnut, and blueberry cheesecake.
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03 Bacall's Family Steakhouse
Bacall’s Family Steakhouse is one of the most highly regarded restaurants in NYC, known for its delicious steaks and romantic ambiance. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Bacall’s is the perfect spot for a special dinner with your loved one.
The restaurant offers a wide selection of succulent steaks, including filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip, all cooked to perfection and served with your choice of sides. In addition to the steaks, Bacall’s also has a selection of seafood dishes, including lobster tail and pan-seared salmon, as well as vegetarian options.
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04 Bocca di Bacco (Theater District)
Perhaps you’ll run into a few celebrities at Bocca di Bacco, but even if not, you’ll love the experience before or after your Broadway play. The creative Italian cuisine you’ll find here indulges with homemade pastas as well as meats and seafood. Wine lovers will absolutely adore the vast selection that includes 500 bottles from the most renowned wineries in Italy. It is most assuredly one of the best Italian restaurants that you won’t want to miss while in New York.
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05 Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get. – Forrest Gump. We all love him and know his story inside and out. So we know what Bubba Gump means, right? A visit to the restaurant of the same name in Times Square is a must for all fans of Forrest Gump or seafood.
Pro tip: Looking for even more amazing restaurants? Check out my article about the best Theater District Restaurants!
Bars, Pubs & Rooftop Bars
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01 Haven Rooftop & Restaurant
In the heart of the Theatre District on Times Square you will find the Haven Rooftop & Restaurant. It is on the 10th floor of the Sanctuary Hotel at 47th Street between 6th and 7th Avenue and offers you a sensational perspective. Although it is in Times Square, it is surprisingly quiet. I love the mix of “being in the middle of the city” and “still having peace and quiet” – and that’s exactly what you can expect there.
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02 The Long Room
The Long Room is a mix of a club atmosphere featuring elements of the classic Irish pub. With a large selection of imported and craft beers on tap, as well as an extensive whisky menu, this bar is perfect for those who want to experience a bit of everything. The food menu includes Irish staples like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, as well as American favorites like burgers and pizza. Plus, they have live music every night. Make sure to try the Bavarian Uber Pretzel and the Skillet Roasted Chicken when you visit!
Shopping
I can not recommend you to go shopping in the Theatre District. The stores are often overpriced and real tourist traps. Only the Disney Store is an exception.
Hotels in the Theater District NYC
If you are looking to stay in this area, look no further. Below are our favorite places to stay:
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01 AKA Times Square
4 stars | AKA Times Square provides luxurious, furnished apartments offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of one of the world’s most iconic cities. With complimentary amenities and services, including a fitness center and morning coffee, your stay promises to be inspiring. The apartments are in the center of Times Square with key locations within a 5-minute walk. Guests love the spacious rooms, laundry service, and the exceptionally kind and helpful staff. Many have felt at home during their stay.
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02 Ameritania at Times Square
4 stars | Located in the heart of the Theater District, Ameritania at Times Square is a wonderful choice when it comes to family friendly hotels NYC. The hotel is just steps away from The Ed Sullivan Theater and 7th Avenue underground station, making it an excellent starting point each day.
Each spacious guest room at Ameritania features cable TV, designer bath amenities, and work desks. The rooms are styled with rich colors, mahogany furnishings, and modern decor, providing a comfortable and stylish retreat for families. While the hotel doesn’t offer a complimentary breakfast, there are plenty of dining options in the area, including family-friendly restaurants like Ellen’s Stardust Diner and Carmine’s.
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03 citizenM New York Times Square
4 Stars | The citizenM New York in Times Square is a stylish hotel with a lounge, bar and rooftop bar. It is one of the most popular hotels in the area – and thanks to its location, you can reach all the important sights on foot in no time.
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04 Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan
4 stars | For families looking for a centrally located hotel in the heart of New York City, the Crowne Plaza Times Square is an excellent choice. The hotel is situated directly on Broadway between 48th and 49th Streets, right at the doorstep of Times Square.
Each room at the Crowne Plaza Times Square features views of the city, as well as a flat-screen cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Families will also appreciate the hotel’s proximity to Central Park, which is just a 10-minute walk away. And it is also conveniently located just steps away from the 49th Street underground station, making it easy to explore the city with your family. So, with Fortune 500 companies, shopping, theater, and historical attractions all within walking distance, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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05 Hampton Inn Manhattan / Times Square Central
3 stars | Families looking for a hotel with a prime location in New York City will love the Hampton Inn Times Square Central. Just steps away from Times Square, this hotel is also within walking distance of Restaurant Row and Macy’s, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.
At the Hampton Inn, you’ll find each room equipped with a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, and ironing facilities. You can freshen up in the private bathrooms that come with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Plus, the rooms have a desk and a laptop safe for your convenience. Other amenities you can expect include a complimentary continental breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, snack bar, shared lounge, ticket service, and tour desk.
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06 Hilton Garden Inn Times Square Central
3 Stars | The Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street made it onto my list of the best hotels in New York, not only because it’s sensationally located – many of the most famous sights like the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Bryant Park and Times Square are all within easy walking distance. But also because its price-performance-ratio is outstanding!
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07 Hotel Millennium Broadway
4 Stars | The Millennium Broadway Hotel was called Millennium Times Square until recently and is located – as the name suggests – right in the pulsating heart of Manhattan. Although it is no longer the most modern hotel, it scores points for its location.
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08 Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square
4 Stars | Towering high above Manhattan, the Riu Plaza is a must-stay destination. Impeccable design throughout plays on the theatrical themes of nearby Broadway and Radio City Music Hall. luxury comes standard, from the well-appointed guest rooms to the wood and marble flooring, making this one of the best cheap hotels in New York. Guests can enjoy the fitness center, lavish lounge areas, luxury bedding, and prime location of this impressive hotel.
Amenities
- Free wifi
- Daily housekeeping
- Disabled guest-friendly
- 24-Hour front desk
- Elevator
- family rooms
- Restaurant
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09 Hyatt Centric Times Square New York
4 Stars | The Hyatt Centric is a hotel right at Times Square New York and has a lounge on the roof and really nice rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. So you have a wonderful view of the city. The rooms on the upper floors are absolutely stunning!
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10 Knickerbocker Hotel
5 stars | The Knickerbocker Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Times Square in the famous Theater District. The rooms are quite large and modern by New York standards. From the hotel’s own rooftop terrace, St. Clouds, you have a stunning view of Times Square – ideal for winding down after a long day in New York!
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11 LUMA Hotel Times Square
4 stars | Located just steps from Times Square, the LUMA Hotel Times Square is a sleek and modern hotel that offers families a stylish and comfortable stay in the heart of Manhattan. The hotel’s spacious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, high-tech amenities like flat-screen TVs and touch-screen tablets, and luxurious bedding to ensure a good night’s sleep.
The LUMA Hotel Times Square also offers a range of amenities for families, including a fitness center, on-site dining options, and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city skyline. And with attractions like the Broadway theaters and Rockefeller Center just a short walk away, this hotel is an excellent choice for families who want to experience the excitement and energy of Times Square.
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12 M Social Hotel Times Square New York
4 stars | Recently renovated, the M Social New York is located in Times Square in the Theatre District. Along with the Hyatt Times Square, it’s another Times Square hotel that’s one of my top 27 New York hotels with a great view. The rooms are very modern and chic and offer views of Broadway, Times Square or the Hudson River. The location makes it very desirable – yet you can sleep quietly here. This is made possible by the soundproof glazing of the floor-to-ceiling windows.
From Rockefeller Center with its viewing platform “Top of the Rock” to the famous Broadway, where you can watch the most popular musicals in New York, everything is in close proximity.
Neighborhoods Nearby
The Theatre District is bordered by the Garment District to the south, Hell’s Kitchen to the west – and Midtown surrounds it to the north and west.
The 29 Best Things to Do in Midtown Manhattan
Things to do in Hell’s Kitchen
Neighborhoods that are Similar to the Theatre District NYC
The Theater District is truly unique in New York and there is no neighborhood quite like it. The only district I can think of is Midtown with its many attractions.
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