Broadway Trips to New York
The Theater District, how Broadway tickets work, and how to plan a few nights of shows in Manhattan.
Plan a Show TripPlanning a Broadway Trip
Nothing quite matches walking into a Broadway theater for the first time. New York’s Theater District packs dozens of stages into a few blocks around Times Square, so a few nights in Midtown can mean a different show every evening, with matinees on some days as well.
Choose your shows
Mix a long-running hit with something newer or a play. The Broadway League’s official site lists what is running and links to each show’s official ticket source; see the Broadway League’s ticket-buying guide.
Plan your days
Matinees are typically on certain weekdays and weekends, and many shows have one dark day a week. Check each show’s schedule before fixing your dates, especially for short trips.
Getting Tickets
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Official source or box office | Buy through the show’s official ticket link or in person at the theater | Specific shows, dates and seats |
| TKTS by TDF | Discounted tickets at the Times Square and Lincoln Center booths for same-day and next-day matinee performances | Flexible travelers |
| TodayTix | Advance tickets plus rush and lottery offers in its app | Planning ahead or trying your luck |
| Show lotteries and rush | Many productions run their own digital lotteries or day-of rush | Solo travelers and couples with flexibility |
Whatever you choose, check the seat location and view before you pay, and be wary of resale listings. Our ticket safety guide has the details.
Where to Stay and Eat
- Stay in Midtown West to walk to the theater and back. Hotels around Times Square are convenient but lively late at night; a few blocks away can be quieter. Compare on Rooms Cheap.
- Eat early or late. Restaurants near the theaters are used to pre-theater diners, but book ahead and tell your server you have a curtain to make.
- Explore the neighborhood by day. The Times Square Alliance publishes events and visitor information for the area.
- Fly in the day before an evening show; compare flights into the New York airports on Airfares for Less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Broadway theaters?
Most are in Manhattan’s Theater District, on and around the side streets west of Broadway between roughly 41st and 54th Streets, close to Times Square. Many are a short walk from each other.
What is the difference between Broadway and Off-Broadway?
The terms describe theater size and contracts rather than quality. Broadway theaters are the larger houses in the Theater District; Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway venues are smaller and found across the city, often with lower prices and more experimental work.
Are there discount Broadway tickets?
Yes. TKTS by TDF sells same-day and next-day matinee tickets at discounted prices from booths in Times Square and at Lincoln Center, and many shows offer rush or lottery tickets through apps such as TodayTix.
Plan Your Broadway Getaway
Tell us the shows you want to see and your dates. A specialist will book a hotel close to the theaters and plan the trip around your tickets.
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