Broadway
The theatre district of New York - the pinnacle of American live theatre, where the biggest musicals and plays light up the Times Square area.
Updated 4 August 2026
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Broadway is the summit of American theatre, some forty grand playhouses clustered around Times Square in Manhattan staging the biggest musicals and plays in the world. From long-running spectacles to new dramas, an evening under the lights of a Broadway house is one of the definitive New York experiences.
What's there
- A Broadway show - a musical or play in one of the historic theatres.
- The Theater District - the cluster of playhouses around Times Square.
- The marquees and lights - the famous neon of the district after dark.
- The TKTS booth - the discount same-day ticket booth in Times Square.
When to go
Year-round; shows run all week except some Mondays. Book big shows well ahead, or try the TKTS booth for same-day discounts on others.
What to expect
Top shows are expensive and sell out far ahead, so plan or gamble on same-day discounts. Times Square around the theatres is dazzling but crowded and touristy. It is an evening experience, a show rather than a sight to wander.
Nearby
Times Square is at its heart; Central Park, the Empire State Building and Fifth Avenue are nearby.
What to pack for Broadway
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if Broadway is going on the list.
Booking links on this page are affiliate links - if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write about a place.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
