Best of Broadway Story and Secrets Small Group Experience

Why we recommend this tour

We recommend this tour for anyone curious about Broadway's true story, beyond the marquee lights. Its small group size and expert narrative approach offer a unique, in-depth look at NYC's theater soul.

About this tour

This small-group walking tour uncovers the rich history and hidden secrets of New York City's iconic Broadway theater district with a local expert guide. You'll explore the Great White Way's past and present, gaining an insider's perspective. Forget large, impersonal tours; this experience is capped at 15 people, ensuring you can engage directly with your guide and ask questions. You'll journey through the narrative history of Broadway, from its early 20th-century origins in Midtown to the legends behind today's biggest hits. Your guide will share fascinating stories about theater traditions, including those found in Sardi's and Shubert Alley, and reveal practical tips for being a theater regular, from securing discount tickets to understanding stage door etiquette.

Highlights

• Follow an expert guide through Broadway's theater district
• Learn the narrative history and secrets of the Great White Way
• See theaters currently playing major Broadway hits
• Discover why Broadway settled in midtown in the early 1900s
• Uncover hidden stories behind iconic sites like Sardi's and Shubert Alley
• Hear practical tips for securing discount theater tickets
• Understand proper stage door etiquette for meeting performers
• Get advice on exploring off-Broadway shows

Who is this tour for?

• Theater enthusiasts and Broadway fans
• First-time visitors to New York City seeking unique insights
• Travelers who prefer small, intimate group tours
• Anyone curious about the hidden history and secrets of Broadway
• Visitors looking for practical tips on navigating NYC's theater scene

Insider tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as this is a walking tour.
• Consider booking in advance, especially during peak season, due to the small group size.
• Bring a portable charger for your phone; you'll want to take photos.
• Come prepared with questions for your expert guide – they encourage interaction.
• After the tour, use your newfound knowledge to explore Shubert Alley or grab a bite at Sardi's.

What's included

• View historic Broadway theaters to hear about razzle dazzle past and present
• Option available for a private tour
• Small group capped at fifteen to ensure an intimate personalized experience
• Directions to evening shows provided by your guide
• Receive tips from your guide about the best ways to be a Broadway regular
• Licensed local theater expert guide
• Uncover the secret stories and hidden histories of iconic Broadway sites

What's not included

• Gratuities

Itinerary

1. 1

   Stop 1

   Meet your guide at the Times Square statue of George M. Cohan, the man who invented the idea of Broadway, to hear about the origins of New York's theater district.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   Walk down the Shubert Alley, the most famous alley, in the theater world, and learn about the Shuberts, the brothers and later lawyers who saved Broadway many times.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   Go “backstage” and see Sardi’s Restaurant to hear the traditions of Broadway known only to experts and insiders.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   Explore how Broadway shows evolved from that point forward, starting with a visit to the St. James Theatre where the 1943 premiere of "Oklahoma!" forever redefined what was possible in a musical.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   Visit the iconic New Amsterdam Theater and uncover how Disney's move to Broadway in the 1990s redefined American musicals.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   See where the golden age ended with a visit to the New York Marriott Marquis, the site of the 1982 Great Broadway Massacre.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Enter the modern day and stop by the TKTS booth, learning how to get discounted tickets for present Broadway shows.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   Step off Broadway to the New Worlds Stage and learn the inside story of how one block can make all the difference in a show’s legacy.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   If you have tickets to an evening performance, your guide will direct you to your theater.

Frequently asked questions