9 Things to Do in the Theater District in NYC
By Ryan Krane, General Manager at The Times Square EDITION
The Theater District is one of my favorite parts of New York, but not just for the bright lights and star-studded stages. While known for being the heart of Broadway, this neighborhood is also full of history, culture, and personality. We're talking stunning Art Deco architecture, restaurants that industry folks have been eating at for decades, and an electric energy you just can’t find anywhere else in the world.
Whether you’re a Broadway lover or a first-timer to New York, here’s what I would tell a friend to do in Manhattan’s Theater District.
Where is the Theater District in NYC?
The Theater District in Manhattan runs roughly from 40th to 54th Street, stretching from 6th Avenue to 8th Avenue. At the very center lies Times Square at the corner of Broadway and Seventh Avenue. Because of its location, there are plenty of public transit options that make it really easy to get to from anywhere in the city.
No matter where you’re coming from, it’s best to skip driving if you can. If you’re already near Midtown, try walking to experience the life buzzing through New York’s streets. If you’re not within walking distance, the Times Square–42nd Street station is your best friend: the N, Q, R, W, S, 1, 2, and 3 all stop there.
If you're coming from the west side, the A, C, or E to 42nd Street–Port Authority drops you right on the edge of the neighborhood, and you’ll be a short walk away.
A Brief History of the Theater District
The Theater District has been the heart of American theater for more than a century, but most people don't realize that Broadway wasn't always in Midtown Manhattan. Back in the late 1800s, New York’s theater district was located near Union Square and Madison Square. When the city started expanding northward and subway lines were being built, theater owners followed the crowds and started building up along Broadway in Midtown.
By the early 1900s, Times Square had gotten a new nickname: "The Great White Way". At a time when most of the world was still lit by gas lamps, the electric marquee lights lining Broadway were like nothing anyone had ever seen. Then Prohibition hit, and speakeasies started popping up around the theaters to catch theatergoers before and after shows.
Fast forward to the 70s and 80s, and the neighborhood lost its luster. Crime skyrocketed, theaters were shuttered, and the whole area went into decline. The revival effort in the 90s turned Times Square back into a destination for people around the world. If you talk to longtime New Yorkers, many of them still remember the transformation.
Today, NYC’s Theater District is a lively Midtown neighborhood where theater culture shapes everyday life. Historic playhouses sit alongside restaurants, rehearsal studios, costume shops, and late-night spots that have long catered to actors, crews, and audiences alike.
Things to Do in NYC’s Theater District
Broadway is the obvious draw, but it's only just the starting point. The Theater District is so packed with things to see, do, and experience that you could spend a full day here without ever setting foot in a theater.
I’ll skip over most of the more well-known spots like Times Square, Madame Tussauds, and Radio City Music Hall. Here are some of my top-recommended things to do in the Theater District:
1. See a Broadway Show
You can’t talk about the Theater District in New York without talking about Broadway. With dozens of historic Broadway theaters packed into just a few city blocks, this is home to some of the most famous productions in the world. If you don’t have tickets ahead of time, you can often get same-day tickets at the box office, the TKTS booth in Times Square, or by entering lotteries through TodayTix. Plus, TodayTix has a partnership with The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens. Just use code EDITION20 for $20 off your first ticket purchase and sign up for TodayTix to get special perks at the restaurant before the show. If you’re new to Broadway and not sure where to start, check out this guide to Broadway.
2. Eat at The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens
With so many restaurants in the area, it’s hard to know where to eat in the Theater District. The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens is a Theater District restaurant set in a lush indoor-outdoor setting filled with greenery and garden-inspired design, serving elevated American cuisine led by a Michelin-starred chef. They also offer a convenient Broadway Express Menu with three courses for just $68 per person, designed for theater-goers. This place fills up fast though, so I recommend booking a table ahead of time.
3. Catch a Show at Paradise Club
Another great spot for the night owls out there is Paradise Club, a unique nightclub and event venue in Times Square. They blend theater, music, dance, and immersive dinner shows into dazzling productions. They host everything from cabaret to live DJ sets to comedy shows. Just seeing the murals alone is worth a visit. Trust me, this is an iconic New York spot you’ll be talking about for years.
4. Explore the Rockefeller Center
Most people walk through Rockefeller Center without actually experiencing it. The Art Deco details alone are worth stopping for: the stone carvings, the murals, and the sculptures are all incredible. If you want the best view of the city, skip the Empire State Building and go to Top of the Rock instead. You’ll get the view of Central Park to one side and all the iconic NYC skyscrapers to the other, like the Chrysler and Empire State. Go about an hour before sunset so you catch both the day and night panoramic views (just be ready for major crowds).
5. Check Out Bryant Park and Tour the Library
Bryant Park is one of my favorite parks in the whole city—nothing beats sitting in the park surrounded by some of New York’s most famous buildings. Grab a coffee, sit on the lawn, and you'll see more office workers on lunch break than tourists. In winter, it transforms into a stunning holiday market with an ice skating rink. In the summer, they host free movies and live music on the lawn. Don't skip the New York Public Library while you’re there. The Rose Main Reading Room inside is stunning, free, and open to the public.
6. Browse the Shelves at Drama Book Shop
This famous bookstore has been a Theater District institution since 1917, and when it almost shut down for good in 2019, Lin-Manuel Miranda and a group of Broadway heavyweights bought it and moved it to its current home on 39th Street. The space itself is worth the visit (don’t miss the sculptural "bookworm" made of scripts), but what makes it special is who you might find there. Actors, playwrights, and directors often hang out here, and there's a good chance the person reading next to you has a Tony award.
7. Grab a Drink at Lobby Bar
For a stylish pre- or post-show drink, head to one of my favorite bars in Times Square. Lobby Bar is a sleek, modern space with plush seating, warm lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows. They serve great cocktails, wine, and shareable small bites just around the corner from some of the busiest theaters, so it’s an easy stop before or after a show.
8. Explore the Museum of Broadway
The Museum of Broadway only opened in 2022, and it's already become quite a hot spot — theater fan or not. It walks you through the entire history of Broadway, with original costumes, props, and set pieces from iconic Broadway productions. Each of the rooms is inspired by specific shows, and many of them include interactive features (I won’t spoil anything for you). Tickets sell out, so make sure to book in advance.
9. Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
I said I would skip the big names, but this one can’t be skipped over. MoMA is one of those museums that you can visit over and over again (there's too much to take in at once, so don't try). They offer a helpful guide on where to start, and I recommend choosing two or three galleries so you can really soak it in. The permanent collection has some of the most recognized works in art history, but the rotating exhibitions are also great. Friday evenings, the museum stays open until 9 pm and tends to be less crowded than weekend afternoons — that's when I'd go.
Plan Your Perfect Day in the Theater District
The Theater District is a New York City staple that rewards those who slow down long enough to actually experience it. Make sure to see a Broadway show, but don’t miss the chance to duck into Drama Book Shop or grab food at an unforgettable restaurant. The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens makes dining feel like part of the experience — not just something you squeeze in before curtain. Book your table today.
Theater District FAQs
Is the Theatre District close to Times Square?
Yes. Times Square sits right at the center of the Theater District, at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue around 42nd Street.
What is the easiest way to get to the Theater District?
Take the subway. The Times Square–42nd Street station serves the N, Q, R, W, S, 1, 2, and 3 trains and puts you right in the center of the neighborhood. If you’re coming from the west side, the A, C, or E to 42nd Street–Port Authority works just as well.
How long should I spend in the Theater District?
If you're just seeing a show, budget a few hours beforehand to explore the neighborhood and get dinner. I recommend doing a museum during the day, grabbing an early dinner at The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens, and then hitting Broadway afterwards.
Where do I get Broadway tickets?
If you’re looking for where to eat in NYC’s Theater District, The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens is one of the best options in the neighborhood. It offers elevated American cuisine from a Michelin-starred chef and a dedicated Broadway Express Menu with three courses for $68, specifically designed for theatergoers with curtain times to catch. Book a table ahead of time.
Where should I eat before a Broadway show?
If you’re looking for where to eat in NYC’s Theater District, The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens is one of the best options in the neighborhood. It offers elevated American cuisine from a Michelin-starred chef and a dedicated Broadway Express Menu with three courses for $68, specifically designed for theatergoers with curtain times to catch. Book a table ahead of time.
Are there free things to do in the Theater District?
Yes. Bryant Park is free year-round, with summer movie nights and winter skating if you bring your own skates. The New York Public Library's Rose Main Reading Room is also free. If you're up for it, stick around until 11:57 pm for the Times Square Midnight Moment, when the billboards show three minutes of digital art.
Is the Theater District in NYC safe at night?
It's one of the most heavily trafficked areas in the entire city, and there are people on the streets at all hours. Basic safety still applies (and try to watch your belongings in crowds), but typically you don’t need to worry about walking around after a show.