Your Guide to Broadway Theatre

Planning a trip to NYC? Squeeze a Broadway show in between lunch and dinner or make a day of it with our guide to Broadway. Find a place to stay, choose somewhere to eat, and pick the right show to complete the perfect evening, day-trip, or weekend.

Al Hirschfeld Theatre

About: Formerly known as Martin Beck Theatre, this building was renamed in 2003 to honor famed caricaturist Al Hirschfeld.

Contact: (212) 239-6200

Where to Eat: Kodama Sushi, Orso, B. Smith’s

Where to Stay: Paramount Hotel, The Westin, Milford Plaza Hotel

Ambassador Theatre

About: Ambassador Theatre houses an unusual interior. Built diagonally, the design was intended to accommodate as many seats as possible.

Contact: (212) 239-6200

Where to Eat: Serafina, E&E Grill House, Lillie’s

Where to Stay: The Time Hotel, Mayfair Hotel, Amsterdam Court Hotel

American Airlines Theatre

About: Erected in 1918, American Airlines Theatre was first known as Selwyn Theatre. It underwent renovations in 1997.

Contact: (212) 719-1300

Where to Eat: B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, Dave and Buster’s, Above Restaurant

Where to Stay: Hilton, Carter Hotel, Equity Point

August Wilson Theatre

About: This theatre opened under the name Guild Theatre, but was renamed after playwright August Wilson in 2005.

Contact: (212) 719-1300

Where to Eat: Russian Vodka Room, Touch, Victor’s Café

Where to Stay: Novotel, Hampton Inn, The Manhattan

Belasco Theatre

About: Belasco Theatre is known for its lush décor, including its rich woodwork and murals. A penthouse apartment was part of its initial design; it now serves as an office.

Contact: (212) 239-6200

Where to Eat: Bobby Van’s Steakhouse, Cafe Un Deux Trois, The Long Room

Where to Stay: AKA Times Square, Hotel Mela, The Chatwal

Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

About: Former home to CBS Radio, Bernard B. James Theatre was also previously known as Royale Theatre and John Golden Theatre.

Contact: (212) 719-1300

Where to Eat: Frankie & Johnnie’s Steakhouse, Daniela's Trattoria, Playwright Celtic Pub

Where to Stay: The Milford NYC, Paramount Hotel, Carter Hotel

Booth Theatre

About: Not to be confused with Booth's Theatre, this was named after 19th-century actor Edwin Booth, brother of John Wilkes Booth.

Contact: (212) 719-1300

Where to Eat: Jekyll & Hyde Club, Guy's American Kitchen & Bar, Sardi's Restaurant

Where to Stay: Marriott Marquis Hotel, Paramount Hotel, W Hotel

Broadhurst Theatre

About: Named after George Howells Broadhurst, American dramatist, this theatre was meant to resemble the style of the neighboring Shubert and Booth theatres.

Contact: (212) 719-1300

Where to Eat: Sardi's Restaurant, Angus McIndoe Restaurant, John's Pizzeria

Where to Stay: Carter Hotel, The Milford NYC, The Westin

Broadway Theatre

About: One of only five theatres that actually face Broadway, the street, this theatre began by showing films, most notably, "Steamboat Willie."

Contact: (212) 975-6644

Where to Eat: Crumbs Bake Shop, Café Nicole, Mr. Robata Grill and Sushi Bar

Where to Stay: Novotel, Sheraton, The Michelangelo Hotel

Brooks Atkinson Theatre

About: This theatre opened in 1926, and was renovated in 2000 to restore some of its initial décor including its original chandelier that had been removed over 40 years ago.

Contact: (212) 719-4099

Where to Eat: The Mean Fiddler, Glass House Tavern, Scarlatto

Where to Stay: Paramount Hotel, New York Inn, Hotel Edison

Circle in the Square Theatre

About: The original Circle in the Square Theatre was never actually licensed to show theatre shows. Its present location is now within the Paramount Plaza office tower.

Contact: (212) 239-6200

Where to Eat: City Chow, Cosi, Emmett O'Lunney's

Where to Stay: Amsterdam Court Hotel, The Manhattan, The Time Hotel

Cort Theatre

About: A designated New York City landmark, Cort Theatre was modeled after Petit Trianon in Versailles, with its interior designed to mimic the style of the era of Louis XVI.

Contact: (212) 239-2820

Where to Eat: Aspen, Dervish Restaurant, Pig ‘N’ Whistle

Where to Stay: Stay Hotel, Sanctuary Hotel, Renaissance Hotel

Ethel Barrymore Theatre

About: Ethel Barrymore starred in this theatre's 1928 debut play The Kingdom of God. It’s one of the few Broadway theatres that hasn’t been used for other purposes throughout its years.

Contact: (212) 239-6200

Where to Eat: Trattoria Trecolori, Glass House Tavern, Scarlatto

Where to Stay: Paramount Hotel, New York Inn, Hotel Edison

Eugene O’Neill Theatre

About: Built as part of a theatre-hotel complex in 1925, this theatre was named to honor the American playwright. It was built for the Shuberts, and first named for Edwin Forrest.

Contact: (212) 840-8181

Where to Eat: Lillie’s, Saigon 48, La Masseria

Where to Stay: Mayfair Hotel, Amsterdam Court Hotel, Best Western

Foxwoods Theatre

About: Foxwoods Theatre was condemned and demolished in the early 1990s. It was rebuilt with elements from the old theatre incorporated into the new design.

Contact: (212) 556-4750

Where to Eat: Pinnacle Bar, Applebee's, Europa Café

Where to Stay: Hilton Times Square, Equity Point, Casablanca Hotel

Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre

About: Originally leased to Arthur Hopkins, who achieved substantial success in booking it, this theatre returned to its original owners, the Shuberts, in 1948.

Contact: (212) 239-6200

Where to Eat: Crossroads American Kitchen & Bar, The View, Carmine’s

Where to Stay: W Hotel, Marriott Marquis Hotel, Double Tree

Gershwin Theatre

About: With an Art Nouveau style, Gerswin Theatre has the higest capacity of any Broadway theatre with a whopping 1,933 seats.

Contact: (212) 586-6510

Where to Eat: Tom and Toon, Natsumi Restaurant, Toloache

Where to Stay: Amsterdam Court Hotel, The Michelangelo Hotel, Crowne Plaza

Helen Hayes Theatre

About: Once called Little Theatre, this is the smallest of all the Broadway theatres with just 597 seats.

Contact: (212) 944-9457

Where to Eat: Angus McIndoe Restaurant, Sardi’s, John’s Pizzeria

Where to Stay: Carter Hotel, Intercontinental New York, Paramount Hotel

Imperial Theatre

About: Imperial Theatre was constructed to replace the Shubert Organization’s Lyric Theatre, and become the company’s fiftieth venue in NYC.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: Pergola des Artistes, LyBane Wine Bar, Paramount Bar & Grill

Where to Stay: Paramount Hotel, Hotel Edison, The Milford NYC

John Golden Theatre

About: John Golden Theatre opened in 1927 with a play about puppets called Puppets of Passion. Seventy-six years later, Avenue Q, another puppet-based show debuted there.

Contact: (212) 239-6200

Where to Eat: Frankie & Johnnie’s Steakhouse, Daniela's Trattoria, LyBane Wine Bar

Where to Stay: The Milford NYC, Paramount Hotel, Carter Hotel

Longacre Theatre

About: Harry Frazee, owner of the Boston Red Sox, famously sold Babe Ruth’s contract to the New York Yankees in order to make money for his theatrical expenses like Longacre Theatre. It’s now believed a curse haunts the theatre.

Contact: (212) 239-6200

Where to Eat: Hurley's Steak and Seafood, La Masseria, Saigon 48

Where to Stay: Best Western, The Time Hotel, Crowne Plaza

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre

About: Lunt-Fontanne's original design included a ceiling that could roll back to reveal the sky and temperature control for each seat. Alas, there's no record of either ever coming to fruition.

Contact: (212) 575-9200

Where to Eat: Sofia’s, Café Edison, Rum House

Where to Stay: Edison Hotel, Paramount Hotel, Double Tree

Lyceum Theatre

About: The first theatre to be granted landmark status, Lyceum continues to operate under its original name. It's the oldest continuously operating legitimate theatre in New York City.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: Bond 45, O'Lunney's, Le Marais

Where to Stay: The Night Hotel, Room Mate Grace Hotel, The Muse Hotel

Majestic Theatre

About: Majestic Theatre is among the largest, offering more than 1,600 seats. Phantom of the Opera, which recently celebrated 25 years, has called this theatre home since 1988.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: John's Pizzeria, Angus McIndoe Restaurant, Sardi’s

Where to Stay: Carter Hotel, The Milford NYC, The Westin

Marquis Theatre

About: Located on the third floor of the Mariott Marquis Hotel, this theatre pays homage to the five theatres that were demolished in order to make room for the hotel it's nestled in.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: Crossroads, Patzeria Pizza, The Living Room Bar

Where to Stay: Marriott Marquis Hotel, W Hotel, DoubleTree Suites

Minskoff Theatre

About: Home of The Lion King, Minskoff Theatre has previously hosted musicals, concerts, and dance companies.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: The View, Nuchas, Junior's Restaurant

Where to Stay: The Night Hotel, Marriott Marquis Hotel, W Hotel

Music Box Theatre

About: An intimate venue, Music Box Theatre featured the work of playwright William Inge, creator of Picnic, in the 1950s.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: Pergola des Artistes, Jekyll & Hyde Club, Paramount Bar & Grill

Where to Stay: Paramount Hotel, Marriott Marquis Hotel, The Milford NYC

Nederlander Theatre

About: Rent debuted at Nederlander Theatre. The rock opera was so successful that the interior of the theatre was transformed to resemble a nightclub.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: Pinnacle Bar, Dave and Buster’s, Above Restaurant

Where to Stay: Paramount Hotel, Hotel Edison, The Milford NYC

Neil Simon Theatre

About: Once known as the Alvin Theatre, this venue was renamed after the American playwright Neil Simon in 1983. Liza Minnelli famously made her Broadway debut here.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: Russian Vodka Room, Touch, Victor’s Café

Where to Stay: Novotel, Hampton Inn, The Manhattan

New Amsterdam Theatre

About: New Amsterdam Theatre was built in 1902-1903, and briefly used as a movie theatre in the 1930s. It boasts a Beaux-Arts exterior and an Art Nouveau interior.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: Pinnacle Bar, Above Restaurant, Pax Wholesome Foods

Where to Stay: Hilton Times Square, Carter Hotel, Equity Point

Palace Theatre

About: From 1913 until 1929, the Palace was the most desired booking in the U.S. among vaudeville performers. In 1966, it re-launched and became home to Beauty and the Beast.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: Ad Lib, Famous Dave's B-B-Q, Gingers

Where to Stay:W Hotel, Stay Hotel, Double Tree

Richard Rodgers Theatre

About: Richard Rodgers Theatre has housed the most Tony Award-winning shows. It was the first theatre to allow all patrons to enter through the same door; previously, they were separated by ticket price.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: Pergola des Artistes, Paramount Bar & Grill, Sofia’s

Where to Stay: Paramount Hotel, Hotel Edison, Marriott Marquis Hotel

Samuel J. Friedman Theatre

About: Hair first opened at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in 1968. A fire in 1987 destroyed the interior, leaving the building abandoned for 14 years. It was finally revamped in 2001.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: The Mean Fiddler, Glass House Tavern, Scarlatto

Where to Stay: Paramount Hotel, New York Inn, Best Western

Shubert Theatre

About: With a Venetian Renaissance façade, Shubert Theatre opened in 1913 with a series of Shakespeare plays. It has been a returning venue for the Tony Awards.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: Jekyll & Hyde Club, Guy's American Kitchen, Sardi's Restaurant

Where to Stay: Carter Hotel, The Milford NYC, The Westin

Stephen Sondheim Theatre

About: Stephen Sondheim Theatre spent some time as a porn theater and nightclub. The initial venue had 950 seats until a renovation in the mid-2000s added nearly 100 additional more.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: Tony's Di Napoli, Brooklyn Diner, Heartland Brewery & Chophouse

Where to Stay: Casablanca Hotel, Hotel Mela, The Chatwal

St. James Theatre

About: The Astor family named this theatre, which has showed such plays as Oklahoma!, Hello, Dolly!, and The Producers.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: Pergola des Artistes, LyBane Wine Bar, Paramount Bar & Grill

Where to Stay: Paramount Hotel, Hotel Edison, The Milford NYC

Studio 54

About: In the late 1970s, Studio 54 was a world-renowned nightclub. It swapped to a theatre in 1998; 54 Below, a restaurant/nightclub in the basement, pays homage to the venue's original purpose.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: Pergola des Artistes, LyBane Wine Bar, Paramount Bar & Grill

Where to Stay: Paramount Hotel, Hotel Edison, The Milford NYC

Vivian Beaumont Theatre

About: The only Broadway theatre not located near Times Square, Vivian Beaument Theatre had a $6.5 million renovation in the early 1980s.

Contact: (815) 477-5076

Where to Eat: Pergola des Artistes, LyBane Wine Bar, Paramount Bar & Grill

Where to Stay: Paramount Hotel, Hotel Edison, The Milford NYC

Walter Kerr Theatre

About: Walter Kerr Theatre has been everything from a radio studio to completely vacant. On the smaller side, this theatre has hosted seven Tony Award-winning plays including Clybourne Park.

Contact: (212) 239-2974

Where to Eat: Hurley's Steak and Seafood, La Masseria, Aoki

Where to Stay: Best Western, The Time Hotel, Crowne Plaza

Winter Garden Theatre

About: With a stage wider than most, Winter Garden Theatre has its main entrance and marquee located on Broadway and was home to Cats, which ran for nine years.

Contact: (212) 239-6200

Where to Eat: Ellen's Stardust Diner, Nan King Chinese Cuisine, Cosi

Where to Stay: The Manhattan, Novotel, The Michelangelo Hotel

Additional Broadway Resources

Though some Broadway shows run for months and years, others have a limited duration. For a complete list, check out our Broadway shows page. Craving a taste of Broadway elsewhere in the U.S.? Stop by the Broadway on Tour page. Or check out some of our favorite Broadway blog posts, listed below.