Theater District Travel Guide

New York

Times Square featuring a statue or sculpture, a city and cbd
Times Square featuring signage, a city and cbd
Times Square featuring a skyscraper, city views and a city
Richard Rodgers Theatre showing heritage elements
Times Square featuring signage, a city and city views

From Times Square to Broadway theaters, experience New York at the height of its showmanship in this revitalized Midtown area.

Manhattan’s Theater District in Midtown is known around the world. As dynamic as it is iconic, this historic zone is filled with performance venues, cultural attractions and numerous restaurants and bars. Visit the Theater District to steep yourself in the enlivening atmosphere before watching a Broadway show.

The Theater District has been part of New York’s cityscape since the early 1900s. By the 1920s, roughly 70 theaters were advertising 250 shows in the electric neon signs that still dominate the area. Explore fine landmarked buildings and squares and think about the community groups that have fought to preserve the district’s character during its revitalization since the 1980s.

The surviving atmosphere has successfully combined tradition with novelty. Head to the Broadway Theatre to admire its opulent auditorium, nostalgically equipped with red velvet seats and crystal chandeliers. Book far in advance for the more popular shows at this and other Broadway institutions, including the grand Richard Rodgers Theatre. For an alternative theatrical experience, visit one of many local off-Broadway venues.

Explore music history at the Brill Building, once home to the offices and studios that produced some of American pop’s biggest hits. The nearby Ed Sullivan Theater has a serious entertainment heritage as well, from Elvis Presley and James Brown to David Letterman and Stephen Colbert. Imagine the thrill in 1964 when the Beatles made their U.S. debut at this venue.

Soak up the glitzy, pulsing energy of Times Square. Here public art installations vie for attention with big-brand billboards and local fixtures, such as nearby M&M’s World. Watch street performers as you relax on the large red staircase above the TKTS booth, which sells discounted last-minute tickets to local shows.

Find the Theater District in Midtown West travel here easily by many subway lines. Penn Station and Grand Central are each about a 15-minute walk away. Driving and parking is not advisable due to heavy traffic, although many taxis are available. Snap a photo of the spectacular New York Times Building before leaving the area.


Popular places to visit



Other neighbourhoods around Theater District

New York showing signage, street scenes and cbd

Central New York City

Known for its soaring skyscrapers and eye-catching views, there's plenty to explore in Central New York City. Check out top attractions like Broadway and Times Square, and jump on the metro at 49th St. Station or 50 St. Station (Broadway) to see more of the city.

Central New York City
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Midtown

4.5/5(437 area reviews)

Times Square and Broadway are a few top attractions in Midtown. Hop around the city on the metro at 42 St. - Bryant Pk. Station or Times Sq. - 42 St. Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, soaring skyscrapers and acclaimed art galleries.

Midtown
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Garment District

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Macy's to Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre – discover Garment District, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Garment District
Hell\'s Kitchen featuring a bar, dining out and interior views

Hell's Kitchen

Known for its soaring skyscrapers, popular shops and eye-catching views, there's plenty to explore in Hell's Kitchen. Top attractions like Manhattan Cruise Terminal and New World Stages are major draws. Catch the metro at 50 St. Station (8th Av.) or 42 St. - Port Authority Bus Terminal Station to see more of the city.

Hell's Kitchen
Chrysler Building showing landscape views, a city and a skyscraper

Midtown East

4.5/5(577 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Grand Central Terminal to 5th Avenue – discover Midtown East, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Midtown East
New York showing signage, street scenes and cbd

Central Park South

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Central Park South, check out sights like Rockefeller Center or Broadway and hop on the metro to see more of the city at 57 St. - 7 Av Station or 57 St. Station.

Central Park South


Theater District Travel Guide