Planning a Broadway trip? Each year, thousands of people visit New York City with the sole aim of seeing one or more Broadway, Off-Broadway, or Off-Off-Broadway shows. And with some of the best talent in the world, hitting the stages and a selection of shows to capture everyone’s attention, it’s not hard to see the attraction.
But your theatre break in NYC isn’t just about the show you’re planning on seeing or shows if that’s the aim. It’s about how you use your stay to make your trip more enjoyable, so that one small aspect doesn’t ruin the whole experience for you.
Let’s take a look at a few tips you can use to help you create the most perfect Broadway trip ever.
Book Tickets Early
This is for the shows you really want to see or anything else you want to do during your trip. The reason is that tickets can sell out early, and leaving things until the last minute might mean you’re left disappointed. So, as soon as you can, book the ticket for your planned dates, and then build everything else around these times and dates.
While you can get last-minute tickets, it’s not always guaranteed to get tickets to the shows you want to see, and you’re taking a gamble. This is good if you want to see something different to fill in the time, but for those must-see shows, book in advance.
Choose Hotels Wisely
There are dozens of hotels in the theatre district, and the key is knowing where each one is in relation to your planned shows and activities. You want one that’s going to give you a comfortable base that’s easy to get to, and you don’t waste too much time commuting. For example, the Belvedere Hotel in Hell’s Kitchen Manhattan, is a short walk away from both Times Square and Broadway and makes a perfect base for visitors.
Mondays Are Dark Days
While there are a few exceptions to this rule, generally there will be no Broadway shows on a Monday as this is a “dark day,” ie, a day of rest for performers. But if you’ve booked your ticket in advance, you will know this. However, it’s worth pointing out that if your trip includes a stay on a Monday, use this time to explore other parts of the city or attend theatre-related activities. Understanding it’s rare for shows to be held on a Monday will avoid any disappointments and allow you to plan your trip more effectively.
Plan Travel Accordingly
Ideally, you would want to be staying as close to Broadway as possible, as timing is everything, and the last thing you want to do is arrive late and miss the show entirely. Aim to get to your venue at least 30 minutes prior to the show’s start time to get through security and to your seat. If you’re planning on eating at one of the many restaurants in the area, be aware that it can get extremely busy pre-show, so always arrive earlier than you think you need to. Even more so if you have not prebooked anything, as you might have to wait or have to find alternative eating arrangements. The trick is to allow yourself more time than you think you need, so you’re not rushing anywhere, and you can see the show relaxed and calm, not stressed.
