Broadway

If you want to see a live production, it's best to buy tickets in advance. Price points can vary significantly depending on shows and showtimes. Once you’ve sorted out your ticket purchases, consider some of the other ways to experience Broadway. A behind-the-scenes walking tour to learn about NYC landmarks and legends before stepping into a theater for a deeper understanding of its history. Some Broadway tours are even led by current or past performers.

• It's best to plan ahead and purchase tickets well in advance.

• Plan to arrive with a full stomach (or go for a meal right afterward); food is not allowed in the theaters.

• The dress code at theaters is generally smart casual.

• Plan to arrive to your chosen show early to find your seat well before the curtains go up.

• Most theaters are legally required to be wheelchair accessible.

Broadway (the street) runs diagonally from north to south across the length of Manhattan. New York's Theater District runs along Broadway from 42nd to 53rd Street. The handiest New York City subways for the major theaters on Broadway are at Times Square, 49th Street, and Seventh Avenue.

Because the star attractions of Broadway are its (indoor) theater shows, you can visit year-round. A great way to take in the sights is on a walking tour that combines theater history and a show.

Along with the latest new hits, some famously long-running shows are still staged in Broadway theaters, including the Tony Award-winning musical Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre, Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre, The Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre, and The Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theatre. These Broadway musicals are also some of the top-grossing shows of all time. The Book of Mormon is another favorite among audience members.

New York City Broadway tickets can range greatly in price, from US$20 to US$145 or more for the best seats at hit shows. However, there are various ways to get discounted entry, such as purchasing same-day rush tickets from the theater’s box office, using the TKTS booth in Times Square, and the TodayTix app.

There are dozens of exceptional musicals and plays on Broadway at any given time. Some of today’s most popular (and long-running) shows include The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Hamilton, and Chicago. There are always exciting debuts to see as well.

Not always. Booking tickets at least three months in advance is advised to guarantee entry to the most popular Broadway shows. However, some of the best deals are available last-minute, whether it’s same-day rush tickets or at the TKTS booth in Times Square.

While advance tickets for popular Broadway shows can sell out online, most performances aren’t officially considered sold out until 5 minutes before they start, thanks to returned tickets. To try and nab last-minute entry, head to the box office in the morning for rush tickets, or wait in the cancellation line.

The most direct way to purchase Broadway tickets is via the websites of individual theaters or performances, or on hubs like Broadway.org. All tickets, including last-minute rush, are available at theater box offices. Discounted rates are available via the TKTS booth in Times Square and the TodayTix app.

Yes, seeing a Broadway show is considered a quintessential New York experience, and a night (or matinee) out at the theater is a popular cultural outing. There are dozens of musicals and plays available at any given time, so you can choose whichever option appeals to you most.