There’s a very specific feeling that hits when you step into Midtown and see a Broadway marquee glowing above the street. It’s part excitement, part nostalgia (even if you’ve never been before) and part “I cannot believe I’m actually here”. For musical theater lovers, New York City isn’t just a destination – it’s a living, breathing stage where show history, present-day productions and behind-the-scenes magic all collide.
Whether you’re in town for a single show or planning your trip around curtain times and matinees, NYC is packed with Broadway-adjacent experiences that go far beyond the theatre seat itself. From museums and legendary venues to filming locations and fan-favorite spots, this guide rounds up the very best ways to fully lean into your Broadway obsession – no restraint required.
Must-visit Broadway attractions
Museum of Broadway, duh
If you do just one Broadway-adjacent attraction, make it this. The Museum of Broadway is basically a love letter to shows, covering everything from Broadway precursor the Ziegfeld Follies to modern mega-hits, like Hamilton and Six.
You’ll move chronologically through immersive galleries packed with original costumes, set models, rare photos and interactive displays. There are moments where you’ll want to linger (we’re talking phot ops galore) and moments where the squeals may actually be out loud (no judgement here).
It’s fun, genuinely informative and perfectly paced, even for any non-theater friends you’ve dragged along.
Check out our complete guide to the Museum of Broadway to find out more.
Sings "he's here... the Phantom of the Opera"
Radio City Music Hall Tour
Broadway’s glamorous cousin. This guided tour of Radio City Music Hall takes you behind the scenes of one of the most well-known performance venues in the world.
You’ll explore the lavish Art Deco interiors, learn about the Rockettes (the original high-kicking line) and hear backstage stories that make you see live performance in a whole new spotlight. (Spotlight? Get it?)
Even if you’ve seen a show here before, the history will have you desperate to.
RiseNY
RiseNY is a surprisingly great stop for Broadway fans, thanks to its dedicated Broadway-themed exhibit celebrating New York’s theater legacy.
You’ll walk through immersive galleries exploring the cultural moments that shaped the city – including a section packed with original costumes, playbills and video footage from classic Broadway productions.
It’s a brilliant way to place Broadway in the wider story of New York, and the flying theater finale feels like the ultimate curtain call, especially as you spot the theaters we know and love glowing below.
Learn more about this unique NYC experience in our complete guide to RiseNY.
Popcorn provided!
Famous Broadway theaters to spot (and absolutely photograph)
You don’t need a ticket to appreciate Broadway’s most legendary venues – sometimes just standing outside is enough to feel the history humming.
The Majestic Theater
Home to The Phantom of the Opera for over 35 years. Even post-Phantom, it’s impossible not to hear the organ swell in your head while standing outside.
The Gershwin Theater
The largest Broadway theater and longtime home of Wicked, this one feels particularly special.
There’s something surreal about knowing how many Elphabas have defied gravity inside those walls.
The New Amsterdam Theater
Disney royalty. From The Lion King to Aladdin, this theater blends Broadway magic with serious historical weight (and stunning interiors, if you do get the chance to go inside).
Shubert Theater
A Broadway classic, owned by the legendary Shubert Organization. If you’re a theatre history nerd like me, this one hits differently.
Fan-girl tip: walk through the Theater District in daylight and at night, totally different vibes, equally magical.
Make sure to get that Broadway street sign snap!
Real-life locations made famous by shows
Times Square
Obvious? Yes. Still essential? Also yes. This is the beating heart of Broadway – chaotic, neon, overwhelming and weirdly emotional if you love all those flashing lights.
Stand still for a moment. Look up at the billboards. Think about how many performers have stood here after their first Broadway show. Goosebumps. Every time.
Central Park
From Hair to Company to Enchanted, Central Park has starred in countless Broadway-adjacent moments, musical-movies to be specific.
If you’re doing a Central Park walking tour (especially a movie- or TV-themed one), keep an ear out for musical references – they’re everywhere once you start looking.
Lincoln Center
Home to the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Ballet, this area is a must for lovers of the stage. Even if opera isn’t your thing, the sheer scale and prestige of Lincoln Center is worth seeing, especially at golden hour.
West Side Story
While filming locations vary by version, West Side Story is forever tied to the Upper West Side. Lincoln Center, appears in Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation, and just strolling the surrounding streets, it’s easy to picture the Jets and Sharks snapping their fingers just out of view (minus the territorial violence, thankfully).
Alphabet City & the East Village
For Rent and Tick,Tick… Boom! devotees, the East Village is essential. This is Jonathan Larson territory – gritty, creative and historically affordable enough to house struggling artists in the ’90s.
Walk around Alphabet City and Tompkins Square Park and you’ll feel the spirit of the show in the street art, dive bars and community energy. It’s less about exact filming spots here, and more about soaking up the atmosphere that shaped an entire generation of musical theatre.
Dodge the crowds to get that Times Square shot!
Broadway fan must-do experiences
Stage door spotting
There is nothing quite like waiting at a stage door after a show. Some nights you’ll meet cast members, some nights you won’t, but the anticipation alone is part of the magic.
Don’t be disappointed with an understudy or ensemble autograph or photo either, who knows how famous they could be one day?!
Unwritten rule: be respectful, patient and kind. These performers have just given everything onstage.
Drama Book Shop
An absolute pilgrimage site. The Drama Book Shop on West 39th Street has shelves stacked with scripts, scores, biographies and theater merch – plus a café that feels like it exists solely for post-show emotional processing. Plus the shop claims to have been the birthplace of countless theatrical works!
You’ll go in “just to browse” and leave wondering how you’ll fit everything in your luggage.
TKTS Booth (Times Square)
If you love Broadway and a bargain, this is your best friend. Same-day discounted tickets, big red steps and the thrill of not knowing exactly what show you’ll end up seeing.
If you want to be out and about elsewhere during the day, download an app like todaytix to get good prices and on the day rush tickets!
Nothing beats the excitement of seeing who comes through the door!
Curtain call
New York City isn’t just home to Broadway, it lives and breathes it. From world-class museums and legendary venues to subtle nods hidden in plain sight, this city rewards fans who know where to look.
Whether you’re here for your first show or your fiftieth, NYC has a way of making every Broadway fan feel like they’re part of something bigger – even if that just means standing under a glowing sign, humming the score on repeat and grinning like an absolute theater nerd.
And honestly? That’s exactly how it should be.
Enjoyed this little slice of New York?
Take your trip to the next level with our behind-the-scenes chat with Museum of Broadway founder or check out why RiseNY is the NY experience you didn’t know you needed, all filled with visitor hacks and money-saving tips.
With The New York Pass®, you can skip the stress and save big on Empire State, Top of the Rock or Edge tickets plus dozens of other must-see attractions, all with one easy-to-use pass.
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