One of the first things that come up to mind when thinking about New York is the famous Times Square with flashing neon lights and exciting Broadway shows. But someone who has never visited New York before might ask, how can one experience these famous shows?
That is a great question to which we have the answer! In this article I will take you through the most important step on how to see Broadway shows in New York, how and where can you purchase tickets, why you should hire a private tour guide for your visit, and the latest COVID-19 information in the USA and New York.
Where and when can you see Broadway shows in NYC?
There are 41 theatres scattered around the Theatre District in New York showcasing Broadway shows, for the full list click here or here. The shows in the evening usually start at 8.00 PM, but there are some exceptions. There are also afternoon "matinees" which usually take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Keep in mind that it is usual not to have a show on Sunday or Monday evenings and many shows also take one day off during the week.
The holiday weeks can be a very popular time to see Broadway shows and many places have their own special schedules. So, when you are purchasing your ticket check the performance date and starting time carefully. You can also check the official Times Square New York website for more information about Broadway shows.
How and where can you get tickets?
There are several ways to get tickets to Broadway shows. You can purchase them online from Broadway.org or Broadway.com, and several other service providers such as Ticketmaster, Telecharge, TheaterMania, or PlayBill.
Or you can buy them in person from the theatre’s box office located in Times Square. To buy discounted tickets, check TKTS booths located around Times Square, which offer same-day discounted tickets to Broadway shows. Be very cautious when buying tickets from the streets. There is a high chance that they are illegally obtained or a fraud. Only buy tickets from the official ways.
You can also call several numbers for information or tickets, Ticketmaster (212-307-4100 or 800-755-4000) or Tele-charge (212-239-6200 or 800-432-7250).
There is a chance that the show goes "Dark", meaning that the show does not have a performance that day. In this case, you should contact the service in which you purchased the ticket/s for information about exchanges and refunds.
How much do they cost?
Tickets have many different price points; Regular Price tickets range from 20 dollars to 145 dollars. The tickets are at the most expensive during the weekend nights when it is a popular time to go see the shows. Some shows do offer Premium seatings for a higher budget and if you want to save money, then you should choose less popular seats and time to see the show. Or you can buy discount tickets if available.
How can you get more out from experiencing Broadway shows?
Why should you leave the experience to just Broadway Performances? By hiring a private guide or joining a private tour, you can get a deeper understanding of the Broadway world! Or if you are unsure how to purchase and go to these shows, a private guide can help you with the tickets and join you to experience these amazing experiences!
Also, with our guides, you can explore Times Square and its neon lights, other neighbourhoods in the area and their history, learn about Broadway culture, and see New York through locals' eyes. A private tour guide means that you do not have to share them with anyone else! Our tours are private which allows them to be more flexible and focused on you and your travel companions. You can also enjoy interacting one-on-one with your tour guide as they provide you with detailed and interesting information about each location you visit.
Our guides are happy to custom tours to your own needs and interests, hassle-free. Since the guides are locals, they are more passionate to offer you the best of the best their city has to offer and give you once-in-a-lifetime experiences! Our tours are customizable and more flexible compared to other choices; you do not need to worry about inconveniences in case something needs to be changed at the last minute. Finally, you may save a lot of money compared to bus tours or group tours. Our pricing is often per-tour, not per person!
Book your private tour here!
I hope this article got you interested in hiring a private tour guide for your next visit to New York. Below you can find more recommendations of the tours offered by our local guides in New York and information about the current COVID-19 measures in the United States.
Recommended private tours
Best of New York Highlights Tour - with private car & driver
Central Park on Foot - nature & culture walking tour
Wall Street and 9/11 Memorial Tour
Best of New York Highlights Tour - on foot & subway
Recommended Blogs:
The Beasts of New York Harbor - Whales, Seals, Dolphins, Oysters...even a carousel of delights
Information about COVID-19 measures in the United States
Restrictions on entry to the United States have been limited and suspended. For a full list of exceptions, countries and other useful information click here.
When arriving in the USA:
- Every state has its own restrictions and recommendations, but here are some general guidelines for arriving in the USA
- All air passengers ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days
- Airlines must deny boarding of passengers who do not provide documentation
- Get tested 3-5 days after travel and stay in self-quarantine for 7 days after travel
- Even if the test is negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days
- If your test is positive, isolate yourself
- If you don’t get tested, stay in self-quarantine for 10 days after travel
- Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not
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Follow state and local recommendations or requirements, for more information click here
When arriving in New York:
- All travellers must complete the NYS traveller form
- All travellers staying outside New York for more than 24 hours and arrive from a state that is not a contiguous state must:
- Complete the Traveler Health Form
- Obtain a COVID-19 test within three days of departure, prior to arrival in New York
- Quarantine for three days
- Do another COVID-19 test on day 4 of their quarantine
- If both tests come back negative, the traveller may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test
- A traveller who does not do a test prior to arrival in New York and/or on the 4th day must quarantine for 10 days in total
- Travellers who were out of New York for less than 24 hours:
- Do not need a test prior to their departure from the other state, and do not need to quarantine upon arrival
- Must complete the Traveler Health Form upon entry
- Obtain a COVID-19 test 4 days after their arrival
- Further, domestic travellers to New York may be exempt from quarantine if they satisfy the following criteria, click here
The whole nationwide recommendations:
- Wear a mask in public
- Stay 2 meters apart from other people
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces
- Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitiser when soap and water are not available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue and discard it in a closed container
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects
Regional recommendations and restrictions for New York:
- Avoid public spaces if possible, including while travelling
- Wear a mask if:
- You are within 2 meters of distance from other people
- In situations or place where it is not possible to be 2 meters apart
- In public or private transportation
- All non-essential businesses state-wide are closed
- Non-essential gatherings of any size for any reason are cancelled or postponed
- Any individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services
- Social distancing should be practised
- Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people
- Individuals should limit the use of public transportation and should limit potential exposure by staying at least 2 meters from other people
- Sick individuals should not leave their home unless to receive medical care
- People should practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations
- Use precautionary sanitiser practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes
Other useful websites for COVID-19 information in the USA & New York:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (New York)
For current information about the COVID-19 in the USA, click here and for New York click here.