Broadway Theater District & Times Square: 2.5-Hour Walking Tour

Walk Past 20 Broadway Theaters & Hear the Stories Behind Them

You walk past 20+ iconic Broadway theaters in Midtown Manhattan with a guide who works in theater, learning backstage stories and the history behind the shows. The tour takes 2.5 hours, covers Times Square, and includes small-group access to the streets where Broadway happens. Arrive 15 minutes early, wear comfortable shoes, and expect to walk steadily through the district: no backstage access, but you see the real theaters where the shows are.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Times Square2h
2. Majestic Theatrepass by
3. St. James Theatrepass by
4. Broadhurst Theatrepass by
5. Bernard B. Jacobs Theatrepass by
6. Music Box Theatrepass by
7. New World Stagespass by
8. Gerald Schoenfeld Theatrepass by
9. Booth Theatrepass by
10. Marquis Theatrepass by
11. Palace Theatrepass by
12. Shubert Theatrepass by
13. Eugene O'Neill Theatrepass by
14. Imperial Theatrepass by
15. Minskoff Theatrepass by
16. Barrymore Theatrepass by
17. Al Hirschfeld Theatrepass by
18. Ambassador Theatrepass by
19. Gershwin Theatrepass by

Broadway Theater District walking tour

• Explore New York's Theatre District
• Pass by Majestic Theatre
• Pass by St. James Theatre
• Pass by Broadhurst Theatre
• Pass by Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
• Pass by Music Box Theatre
• Pass by New World Stages
• Pass by The Golden
• Pass by Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre
• Pass by Walter Kerr Theatre
• Pass by Booth Theatre
• Pass by Marquis Theatre
• Pass by Palace Theatre
• Pass by Shubert Theatre
• Pass by The Richard Rodgers Theatre
• Pass by Eugene O'Neill Theatre
• Pass by Imperial Theatre
• Pass by Minskoff Theatre
• Pass by Barrymore Theatre
• Pass by Al Hirschfeld Theatre
• Pass by Ambassador Theatre
• Pass by Gershwin Theatre
• See bright lights of Times Square

The experience

"You're standing in front of a theater where a show ran for eight years, and most people walk right past it," the guide said as we stopped outside the Majestic. That's the thing about this Broadway Theater District walking tour. It's led by someone who actually works in theater, not just someone who read about it. Two and a half hours, small group, and you move through Midtown hitting the Gershwin, Ambassador, Al Hirschfeld, Barrymore, Minskoff, Imperial, Eugene O'Neill, Shubert, Palace, Marquis, Booth, Gerald Schoenfeld, Music Box, Bernard B. Jacobs, Broadhurst, St. James, and more. The guide points out which theaters are still running what, which ones have history, which ones have the best acoustics. You learn why Times Square became what it is, and you see the actual buildings where the shows people flew to New York to see are happening right now.

The pace is steady but not rushed. You're walking through Midtown, so there's traffic and crowds, but the group stays together and the guide knows where to stand so you can actually see the marquees and the facades. Backstage access isn't guaranteed, and the route can shift if there's a parade or street closure, but that's the reality of walking through the Theater District. You arrive 15 minutes early, the tour leaves on time, and if you're not there, it goes without you. Rain or shine, you go. Just dress for it. Everyone from kids to grandparents does this, and it's accessible if you use a wheelchair or need a stroller.

What sticks with you is the detail. The guide talks about the performers, the productions, the moments that shaped Broadway history, not just the buildings themselves. You pass theaters where shows opened decades ago and theaters where shows are opening this month. By the end, Times Square doesn't feel like a tourist trap. It feels like the center of something real.

What’s included

• Small-group walking tour through New York's Broadway Theater District.
• industry professional guide with insider knowledge of theater.
• visits to 20+ iconic theaters including the Majestic, St. James, Gershwin, Barrymore, Shubert, Booth, and others.
• stories about Broadway shows, performers, and theatrical traditions.
• Times Square exploration and history.
• 2.5 hours of guided walking.
• wheelchair-accessible route and accessible transportation nearby.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Top Dog Tours Inc.

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the actual Broadway theaters where shows are running, told by someone who works in theater. It saves you from wandering Midtown guessing which building is which, and gives you the context that makes the district make sense.

Traveler reviews

4.87★★★★★★★★★★

23 verified traveler reviews

5 ★21

4 ★1

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.

How long is the Broadway walking tour?

2.5 hours of walking through the Theater District and Times Square.

How many theaters do you visit?

You pass more than 20 theaters, including the Majestic, St. James, Gershwin, Barrymore, Shubert, and others across the Broadway district.

Who leads the tour?

An industry professional who works in theater, not a general tour guide.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are allowed.

What should I wear?

Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour operates rain or shine.

Do you go inside the theaters?

Backstage and lobby access is not guaranteed. The tour focuses on the exteriors and the stories behind the buildings.

What time should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the tour's start time. The tour departs promptly and no refunds are given for late arrivals.

Can the route change?

Yes. The guide reserves the right to deviate from the planned route if there are parades, marches, or other circumstances beyond their control.

What if the weather is extremely bad?

If the tour is cancelled due to extremely poor weather, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.