New York City is a fantastic city worth visiting, with so much to see and do around every corner. New York is also home to world-class arts, culture, and of course, Broadway theatre. With some of the world’s best shows playing across the theatre district, it can be hard to know what to see. That’s where our guide to Broadway in New York comes in.
Broadway offers a wide range of performances, from musicals to plays, comedies to dramas, classics to blockbusters. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it on Broadway.
Broadway has a history that stretches back many years, and its iconic theaters have hosted some of the world’s best actors, singers and dancers. And that continues to be the case today, with many of the latest Broadway shows playing most nights.
That being said, there’s a lot to unravel when it comes to choosing the best Broadway show and getting the best tickets, so to help you make the most of your visit to New York, we’re breaking down all the little details you need to know to have the best time in the Big Apple.
Have a great time visiting New York, it’s such a fun city!
1.) Don’t be fooled by bad seats
Broadway shows are amazing! Plus, the theaters are so beautiful, so intimate, and you get a great view of the stage and the actors. You really feel like you’re up close and personal with the action. That said, seats are always subjective. What’s perfect for you may not be the best seat for someone else.
For example, I like to sit in the orchestra seats, because I love looking up at the performance on stage. That said, some of my friends prefer to sit in the mezzanine area, where they get a better view, and it’s usually cheaper. It’s all a matter of personal preference.
Now, to avoid getting scammed with a terrible seat, make sure you book your tickets with a trusted site or ticket seller. We always go to the official website of the show and book our tickets directly from the preferred seller. This way, not only do you know you are supporting the theater and performers directly, but you can easily choose your seat from the actual ticket inventory. However, I now Broadway CollectionOfficial websites that list the most popular shows and make booking even easier by linking to the official and most trusted booking sites for each show.
As you know, if you book tickets at a corner store or an unofficial site you find online, they may tell you that you’re getting the “best available” tickets. While this sounds great in theory, in reality you don’t get to choose your own seats, and you won’t know until you arrive at the theater. They also often charge you a very high service fee. There are plenty of ways to buy smartly and safely. Broadway Collection You can easily access these sites and you can easily book without having to worry that you are not purchasing a genuine ticket.
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2.) Arrive early
Let’s be honest, you shouldn’t be late for a Broadway show. That’s a given. But sometimes things happen: traffic jams, missed connections, or just taking too long to sightsee… I think that’s just a natural part of being in a city.
We always plan to arrive at the theater about 25 minutes before the show starts, so we have plenty of time to get a drink, go to the bathroom, and get settled before the show starts.
Don’t worry if you’re late: you won’t be allowed in during the show, but theaters will usually help you find your seat quickly during set changes.
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3.) Reserve premium seats at a Broadway show
When booking theater tickets, we all know about the seating chart, right? If you want a special experience, visit the theater’s website to find out about special seating options, such as “premium seats,” which are a little more expensive but offer great locations.
We found this out when we booked tickets to the Broadway musical “Moulin Rouge! We had already decided to book stall seats for the show, but when we went to the theater’s website, we saw that there was also an option to reserve “cancan” seats with a table.
These seats were located right inside the stage area and it was a very special experience. Sure the ticket prices are a little on the higher side but if you are looking for a special seat at a Broadway show it is worth it.
4.) Must-see Broadway Shows
The best Broadway show to book is up to you. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but here are some Broadway shows (insert link) that we recommend. These shows, such as & Juliet, Wicked, and The Book of Mormon, are all great to experience.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out our guide to the best Broadway shows to see right now (insert link) – you’re sure to have a great time.
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5.) Stroll around Broadway
One of the benefits of Broadway being located in the heart of Manhattan is that it’s a great area to explore, especially with the restaurants and attractions around Times Square and the Theater District.
When I book a Broadway show, I usually spend a few hours exploring the surrounding area – on my last theater trip, for example, I also combined a visit to Rockefeller Center and enjoyed the view from Top of the Rock.
Oh, and don’t forget, the Broadway Museum, Times Square, and 5th Avenue are all within easy distance. There are so many things to do in Midtown Manhattan (insert link) that you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Read more: Best things to do in Manhattan
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