Performing Arts Tour of Broadway, Manhattan & Beyond

There’s nothing quite like a night on New York City’s Broadway, where world-class performers bring stories to life on stages that have shaped American theater for centuries. Centered in Manhattan’s famed Theater District, Broadway grew from a modest 18th-century playhouse into the dazzling “Great White Way,” now home to more than 40 professional venues showcasing everything from classic musicals to cutting-edge productions.

But the story doesn’t end when the curtain falls. In New York City, the performing arts experience extends beyond Manhattan, then unfolds across the Northeast through historic theaters, cultural institutions and creative hubs in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Use Broadway as your starting point, then take to the road to discover how the USA continues to shape the stage – past, present and future.

The Broadway Theater District in New York City

At the heart of Manhattan, the Broadway Theater District is where the magic happens. Centered around Times Square, the professional theaters tucked along this compact stretch of Midtown each offers its own take on storytelling. Between shows, the energy spills out onto the streets, where marquee lights, ticket lines and pre-theater buzz create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Start your visit with these must-see experiences, from iconic theaters and backstage stories to nearby cultural attractions that bring Broadway’s legacy to life.

Walking Tour of Broadway

Get your bearings with an expert-led walking tour, a convenient way to dive into the Theater District’s history and behind-the-scenes stories. Many tours are led by industry professionals who bring insider knowledge to life as you explore Times Square, 42nd Street and beyond. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic spots like Shubert Alley and Sardi’s, longtime gathering places for actors, directors and theater insiders.

Sardi’s

This storied restaurant has been serving steaks and pasta to theatergoers and stars alike since 1927, earning it the nickname “Broadway’s longest-running show.” Slide into a signature red booth beneath walls lined with more than 1,000 celebrity caricatures, from Lucille Ball to Cynthia Erivo, to dig into a pre- or post-show supper.

Times Square

You can’t miss the neon-lit heart of New York City’s performing arts scene. Browse scripts and souvenirs at the Drama Book Shop, a beloved gathering place for actors, playwrights and theater fans since 1917. Then settle in for a pre-show meal at Sardi’s, the legendary restaurant where American and Italian comfort classics are served beneath walls lined with more than 1,000 caricatures of Broadway stars.

Museum of Broadway

Just steps from Times Square, the Museum of Broadway offers an immersive look at the evolution of New York’s theater scene. Interactive exhibits trace Broadway’s journey from its earliest days to today’s blockbuster productions, highlighting how shows like “Hairspray” and “Rent” have shaped culture and storytelling on stage.

Shubert Theatre

Step inside one of Broadway’s most storied venues, the Shubert Theatre, a 1,500-seat landmark known for its elegant early 20th-century architecture and prime location beside Shubert Alley. The theater has hosted legendary productions like “A Chorus Line” and now features “Hell’s Kitchen,” inspired by Alicia Keys’ life and music. For an extra-memorable experience, opt for mezzanine seats, known for their excellent views.

Ambassador Theatre

Designed in 1921 by famed American theater architect Herbert Krapp, this gem stands out for its unique diagonal layout and intimate, hexagonal auditorium. Today, it’s home to the record-breaking revival of “Chicago,” Broadway’s longest-running musical, delivering timeless choreography and jazz-infused energy night after night.

Complete Your Itinerary: Arts Destinations Across the Northeast

Culture & Creativity in New Haven, Connecticut

From New York City, head to New Haven, Connecticut, a lively college town anchored by Yale University and a thriving arts scene. Explore world-class institutions like the Yale Center for British Art and Yale University Art Gallery, then discover contemporary creativity at NXTHVN, a modern arts incubator. Literature lovers won’t want to miss the striking Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, home to priceless works and eye-catching architecture. As evening falls, catch a performance at the historic Shubert Theatre, innovative Long Wharf Theatre or live-music venue College Street Music Hall. In between shows, savor a slice of thin-crust, coal-fired New Haven-style pizza, and unwind with a stroll along the shoreline at Lighthouse Point Park, where coastal views offer a peaceful counterpoint to the city’s creative energy.

Music & Museums in the Berkshires, Massachusetts

Venture into the Berkshires, a scenic mountain retreat in western Massachusetts where culture and nature go hand in hand. Spend a summer evening at Tanglewood, the seasonal home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, or explore contemporary works at MASS MoCA, one of the largest centers for modern art in the country. For a dose of Americana, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, then catch a live performance at Barrington Stage Company. Art lovers will also appreciate the Clark Art Institute, where galleries open onto rolling hills and walking trails. On your way to Boston, step back in time at Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum that brings early New England to life.

Boston, Massachusetts: History & Culture Capital 

In Boston, American history and performance share the spotlight. The city’s renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops set the tone for a vibrant music scene, while the Boston Ballet and Broadway in Boston bring celebrated touring productions to local stages. In warmer months, catch a free concert at the Hatch Memorial Shell along the Charles River, where the skyline and waterfront create a memorable backdrop. Between shows, walk the Freedom Trail to trace the city’s revolutionary past, then unwind in the leafy paths of Boston Common and the neighboring Boston Public Garden, home to swan boats and picture-perfect views.