What Every Musical Theater Fan Must Do in New York City
New York City is known as the cultural capital of the world, and for good reason. Its vibrant and diverse arts scene offers something for everyone, and the city’s musical theater scene is no exception. From Broadway shows to off-Broadway productions, New York is home to some of the most talented actors, singers, and dancers in the world.
In addition to watching some fabulous shows, musical theater fans can enjoy museums, restaurants, and backstage tours – all Broadway-themed. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just a fan of musical theater, there’s something for everyone.
My teenage daughter is very involved in musical theater and we recently took a trip to NYC. Here are some of our favorite (Musical Theater themed) things that we did:
See a Show
The most obvious activity for musical theater fans is to see a Broadway show. New York City is home to some of the most iconic productions, such as “Hamilton,” “The Lion King,” “Wicked,” and “Chicago.” Broadway shows are known for their impressive sets, talented performers, and catchy songs. We recently visited New York City and saw 8 shows in 6 days – the best week ever!
Make sure to book your tickets in advance to secure the best seats and avoid disappointment. If your travel plans are flexible and/or you are not particular about what shows you see, you can get discounted tickets but it will probably be at the last minute (see list under discounted tickets below).
Here are a Few Places You can Find Tickets to Broadway Shows:
Using Hilton Honor Points for FREE or Discounted Tickets through Ticketmaster
- How? Simply connect your Hilton Honors account to your Ticketmaster.com account in a few clicks. Then, you can begin to redeem your available Points for tickets any time you purchase on Ticketmaster. With your Hilton Honors account connected to your Ticketmaster.com account, view your Points total and use your available balance for ticket purchases at checkout. You can pay for the entire cost of show tickets with Hilton Honor Points. If you don’t have enough points to pay for the entire cost of show tickets, you can use Hilton Honors Points as part of your purchase. Any remaining balance is charged to an eligible Credit Card or Gift Card on Ticketmaster.
Discount Broadway Show Tickets
- Broadway for Broke People
- Lucky Seat – Discount Theatre Ticket (lottery). Must be VERY flexible with dates/times.
- Today Tix – Download APP
- Broadway Box – Discount Broadway tickets on this website
Visit the Theater District
The Theater District is a vibrant area located in Midtown Manhattan, where you can immerse yourself in the world of theater. The district is home to many theaters, including the famous Shubert Theatre, where “Hamilton” premiered. Take a stroll around the area to see the marquees, street performers, and other entertainment.
Tour the Broadway Museum
The Museum of Broadway, located in the heart of Times Square, celebrates the rich history and legacy of Broadway theater. It is a relatively new addition to New York’s cultural scene, having opened its doors in 2020. Despite its young age, the museum has quickly become a must-visit destination for theater lovers from around the world. The museum’s exhibits showcase the history of Broadway theater. We learned about its earliest days from the late 19th century to the present day.
We also enjoyed the interactive areas in the museum. Many of the exhibits include interactive elements, allowing visitors to explore the world of Broadway theater in a hands-on way. Everyone in our group enjoyed all of the areas that are perfect for photos and videos for Instagram or TikTok. Pictures and videos are allowed and encouraged.
See more from our trip to the Museum of Broadway HERE.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Ellen’s Starlight Diner is a retro-style restaurant located in the heart of New York City’s Theater District. The restaurant is known for its classic American diner fare, including burgers, fries, milkshakes, and other comfort foods. The waiters/waitresses are aspiring Broadway singers who perform while they serve you. We recently ate here and enjoyed the performances and the crowd and atmosphere were very lively. It was a lot of fun!
Ellen’s Starlight Diner is open from 7 a.m. to Midnight, seven days a week, making it a go-to spot for a late-night snack or meal. You can stop by after watching a Broadway Show (it’s right down the street from Wicked). Just know that there can be a long line just to get into this restaurant. We try to eat at “odd” hours (like 3:30). We still might wait 30 minutes to get in but some have waited 3 hours during peak meal times!
Ellen’s Starlight Diner // 1650 Broadway – New York, NY 10019 // 212.956.5151
Gayle’s Broadway Rose
Photo courtesy of Gayles.
Similar to Ellen’s Stardust Diner, here you can enjoy food, drinks, and a wait staff that performs Broadway songs. But, Gayle’s takes reservations so you can avoid standing in a line on the street for 30+ minutes.
In addition to fabulous singing, Gayle’s offers some tasty food and drinks. For dinner, order a burger, sandwich, salad, soup, or entree (Brick Chicken, Roasted Salmon, or Fried Chicken with a Cheddar Waffle). The drink menu includes Craft Cocktails, “Mocktails”, Beer, Ice Cream Drinks, and Milkshakes.
Gayle’s Broadway Rose is located at Friedman’s at the Edison Hotel – right in the heart of the Theater District and Times Square.
Gayle’s Broadway Rose // 228 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036 // 347-933-2673
Drama Bookstore
The Drama Book Shop is a beloved independent bookstore located in New York City, specifically in the Theater District. It has been a go-to destination for theater enthusiasts, actors, and playwrights since it first opened its doors in 1917.
The shop offers a vast selection of plays, scripts, and theater-related books, as well as an extensive collection of sheet music and acting guides. The Drama Book Shop is not only a place to purchase books, but it’s also a community hub for the performing arts, hosting regular events, readings, and workshops. It is partly owned by Lin-Manuel Miranda and where he wrote In the Heights.
Despite temporarily closing in 2019 due to rising rent costs, the shop was able to relocate and reopen its doors to the public in 2020 with the help of the theater community’s support. Stop by, grab a coffee, a book, and a comfy chair…
Drama Book Shop // 266 W. 39th Street – New York, NY 10018 // 212.914.0595
Tour Radio City Music Hall
We recently did the Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour (got the tickets on Ticketmaster). As we walked through the theater, we learned a lot about the history of this theater and the Rockettes. We got to sit in Orchestra seats inside the theater and we sat on the very top row- there’s not a bad seat in the house!
During the tour, we also stood on the stage, visited the Roxy Suite, and saw the lobby and restrooms (it’s cooler than it sounds- everything looks the same as it did in the 1930s). We met one of the Rockettes- Maddie – and she answered everyone’s questions and took pictures with the group.
Radio City Music Hall // 1260 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) – Between W. 50th and W. 51st Streets – New York, NY 10020
WEBSITE Radio City Music Hall
WEBSITE Stage Door Tour
Triton Gallery
Triton Gallery first opened in the 1960s. This gallery is located in the theater district of New York City and showcases theatrical art and show posters. Since it is located just a short distance from the venues themselves, it is a great place to stop before or after seeing a show. They have window cards from rare and popular productions. The gallery also has vintage and modern collectibles from many different Broadway shows. You can also order these posters online – click the website link below!
Triton Gallery // 690 8th Avenue (6th floor) – New York, NY 10036
Shakespeare in the Park
Shakespeare in the Park is held at Central Park’s open-air Delacorte Theater. The performances are always free, but you may have to wait in line or enter a lottery to win tickets. These performances feature performances of some of Shakespeare’s famous plays like Hamlet, Othello, and Macbeth. Sometimes famous actors play a part in these shows. In the past, Natalie Portman, Meryl Streep, Liev Schreiber and John Lithgow.
Shakespeare in the Park (Public Theater) // 425 Lafayette Street (at Astor Place) – New York, NY 10003
Joe Allen Restaurant
This American restaurant is just a few minutes walk from the Broadway theaters. It can be found on West 46th Street. The walls of this restaurant are lined with the biggest flops on Broadway. Sometimes, Broadway actors and actresses make an appearance. You might see them dining, socializing, and (if you’re really lucky) even singing.
Joe Allen’s Restaurant // 326 W 46th Street – New York, NY 10036 // (212) 581-6464
Broadway-Themed Tours & Back Stage Tours
- Free Tours by Foot
- Hamilton Musical Walking Tour
- Take Walks
- If you’re curious about how Broadway shows come to life, taking a backstage tour is a must. The tours give you a behind-the-scenes look at the theater, where you can learn about the history, and production process, and see the sets and costumes up close. Some of the popular tours include the Disney on Broadway Tour (read more below) and the Broadway Up Close Walking Tour.
- The Disney on Broadway Tour takes visitors behind the scenes at the New Amsterdam Theatre, the former site of “The Lion King” and the current home of “Aladdin.” In addition to touring the theater, guests will see sets, costumes, and props up close, adding another element to the experience.
Theater Circle Gifts
They sell a variety of Broadway-related swag and memorabilia:
- A full line of PLAYBILL® Merchandise
- T-shirts
- Books
- Programs (for specific shows – past and present)
- Sheet Music
- CDS
- Posters
- Broadway Show Scripts
- Jewelry,
- Tote Bags
- Lunch Boxes
- Keychains
- Picture Frames
- See a full list of merchandise HERE
Theater Circle Gifts // 268 W 44th St – New York, NY 10036 // (212) 391-7075
Attend a Cabaret Show
Cabaret shows are intimate performances that showcase a mix of musical numbers and comedic acts. The shows typically take place in small, cozy venues, making them a perfect choice for a date night or a night out with friends. Some of the most popular cabaret venues in New York City include Feinstein’s/54 Below and the Metropolitan Room.
Explore the Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is a great place to learn about the history of film, television, and digital media. The museum has a permanent exhibition dedicated to the art of filmmaking, as well as rotating exhibitions and special events. For musical theater fans, the museum’s Jim Henson Exhibition is a must-see, which includes Muppet characters and puppets from “Sesame Street.” After seeing “Lion King” and “Life of Pi”, I’ve understood the beauty of puppetry in the theater!
Museum of the Moving Image // 36-01 35 Ave, Astoria, NY 11106 // 718.777.6800
Attend a BroadwayCon
BroadwayCon is a three-day convention that brings together fans, performers, and industry professionals to celebrate all things Broadway related. The convention includes panels, workshops, autograph sessions, and performances. If you’re a die-hard musical theater fan, attending a BroadwayCon is an unforgettable experience.
WEBSITE (2023 BroadwayCon)
New York City is a dream destination for musical theater fans, with plenty of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re watching a Broadway show, exploring the Theater District, or attending a cabaret show, there’s no shortage of entertainment options. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of musical theater in the city that never sleeps.
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KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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Yes, Im a musical fan and I have done some of these. I would go back to NY and do them again. Shakespeare in the Park was sooo fun!
A tour of the Broadway Museum would be great! It’s been on my list for a long time now. Time to tick it off the list.
We have been to NYC so many times and have yet to see a play!!! Ahh I need to do all of these things!
I was the same way! I’ve been to NYC over 20 times since 1995 and had never seen a Broadway Show. But on this trip with my daughter, we saw 8 shows and now I’m addicted. Seeing a show is a MUST-DO while in New York!
Wow, your article about the must-do experiences for musical theater fans in NYC is absolutely fantastic! Your passion for the subject really shines through, and I appreciate the specific tips and recommendations you provided. It’s clear you put a lot of effort into creating a valuable resource for fellow theater enthusiasts.
Thank you! My daughter is heavily involved in musical theater and we love watching Broadway shows.
All of these options sound like a lot of fun! This would be great girls trip with my best friends.
It would!
We saw The Lion King in New York City on Broadway and it was amazing! I would love to go back again, see more shows, and do more of the things on this list!
I saw the touring show The Lion King and I was AMAZED. I can only imagine how good it was on Broadway! I hope you do visit again – so many shows and activities for musical theater lovers.
Very insightful article, especially for someone who has never been to NY. I know where to take my friend when we visit NY. She is a big fan of Broadway and she would love it.
Yes, I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Broadway shows and theater. There is a lot of memorabilia and treasures here!
Wow…the Star Dust dinner looks like a lot of fun. I am definitely visiting it as well as the theatre district on my next trip.
It was a lot of fun!
Watching a musical in NYC is in my bucket list. I hope to be able to cross it off my list soon. I would love to do a back stage tour! Thanks for your guide. I am bookmarking it for reference.
We really enjoyed the backstage tour at Radio City Music Hall. Now, we want to see the Rockettes!
Wow, as a musical theater lover, this post has got me pumped to plan a trip to NYC! Thanks for the great tips and recommendations.
It’s the perfect city for people who love theater for sure!
Eight Broadway shows in six days! Now that is impressive and sounds like fun. I am sure this trip was really special for you and your daughter – and it looks like you had plenty of time to enjoy other aspects of NYC.
Yes, we made a lot of great memories!