Broadway and Times Square Private Tour: Theater Stories

Stand where the legends stood, told by someone who chased the same dream.

A private guided walking tour of Broadway and Times Square led by a guide with real theater experience. You meet at the George M. Cohan statue and walk through the Theater District for two hours, hearing stories of the greats who performed on these stages and learning the history behind the bright lights. The guide weaves their own Broadway journey into the narrative, and you'll see the theaters from outside, the Actors' Chapel, secret star alleys, and Sardi's caricatures. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Roosevelt Island30m
2. Broadway Theatre30m
3. Times Square15m

Broadway and Times Square tour

• Meet guide at George M. Cohan statue
• Hear stories of Broadway legends
• Listen to guide's Broadway experiences
• See Broadway Theaters from outside
• Explore history of Times Square

The experience

You'll meet your guide at the feet of the George M. Cohan statue, the legendary pioneer of New York theater. From there, the walk lifts the curtain on auditions and opening nights, the huge disappointments and massive successes that shaped Broadway. Your guide isn't a theater historian reading from a script. They're someone who chased Broadway dreams themselves, and they weave their own experiences into the stories of Ethel Barrymore, Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart, Julie Andrews and the other greats who played these stages. You'll hear the sordid secrets that happened backstage and learn which theaters are said to be haunted.

The walk takes you through the Theater District and into Times Square, where you see the Broadway theaters from outside and stand where the legends stood. You'll find the Actors' Chapel, explore secret star alleys, and see Sardi's iconic caricatures: the places that matter to anyone who knows the industry. A moderate amount of walking is involved, so wear comfortable shoes. The guide keeps the group small and intimate, which means you can actually hear the stories and ask anything about life in the business instead of straining to catch words over a crowd.

The whole tour runs two hours and operates in all weather, so dress for the conditions. The route is wheelchair accessible, and infants and small children can ride in a stroller. Public transportation is nearby if you need it.

What’s included

• Private local guide fluent in English.
• two-hour walking tour of the Theater District and Times Square.
• stories of Broadway legends and the guide's own theater experience.
• visits to the Actors' Chapel, secret star alleys, and Sardi's caricatures.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day, 8 start times, from US$ 180 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate2 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by ExperienceFirst

Is this one for you?The two-hour walk involves a moderate amount of walking at a conversational pace, so it suits anyone comfortable on their feet for that length of time. If you want the stories and context that make Broadway meaningful without the noise and crowds of a large group tour, the private guide and small group size let you actually hear and ask questions.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What stories will the guide tell about the Broadway legends?

The guide shares the lives and careers of Ethel Barrymore, Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart, Julie Andrews and many others who performed on Broadway stages. You'll hear about their triumphs, the sordid backstage secrets, and the ghosts said to still walk the theaters. The guide also weaves in their own tale of chasing Broadway dreams, giving you the perspective of someone who lived in that world.

Will we go inside the Broadway theaters?

You'll see the Broadway theaters from outside and stand at the stage doors where today's stars emerge. Union rules keep the interiors private, but the guide positions you where the legends stood and shares the stories tied to each venue.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

A moderate amount of walking is involved over the two-hour tour through the Theater District and Times Square. Comfortable shoes are essential. The route is wheelchair accessible, and strollers are welcome for infants and small children.

What is the Actors' Chapel, and will we see it?

The Actors' Chapel is a secret spot in the Theater District with deep meaning for Broadway performers. Yes, you'll visit it as part of the walk, along with other hidden places like the star alleys and Sardi's, where the caricatures of famous performers line the walls.

What makes this tour different from walking Broadway on your own?

Your guide is a Broadway professional with real experience in the industry, so they share insider knowledge and personal stories you won't find in a guidebook. They also know which theaters have the richest histories and take you to the places that matter (the Actors' Chapel, the secret alleys, Sardi's) instead of just the marquees everyone sees.