Secrets to Having the Ultimate Broadway Experience in New York
Broadway in New York is famous all over the world for putting on some of the globe’s best theatre performances. Here you can see everything from The 39 Steps to The Lion King. How can you make sure you have the best Broadway experience if you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York City?
Here’s our advice:
Master the Ticket Game
You want to start by mastering the ticket game. If you’re paying the full price at the box office like a rookie, then you’re probably going wrong. Usually, you can get money off same-day performances by going to various ticket booths in Times Square. These often have 20% to 50% discounts, especially for unpopular showings or less popular times of day.
Eat Early
It might sound like a strange thing to say, but it can pay dividends to eat early if you’re planning the ultimate Broadway experience. The best place to go is Hell’s Kitchen on 9th Avenue for great food without the Times Square markup. Make a reservation before 5:30 p.m. if you need to get to the theatre before 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. This way you have plenty of time to digest your meal, and you can enjoy the full evening performance without being hungry.
Get Smart With Your Seating
You’ll also want to get smart with your seating. The first time you go to a theatre or a Broadway show, you might be tempted to book front-row seats, but these often require you to spend the entire time straining your neck to look up at the stage.
The best option is usually to get the front rows of the centre mezzanine if one is available. These offer unobstructed views of the stage so you can see exactly what’s going on. If those aren’t available, look for seating in boxes around the edge of the theatre. Again, this prevents the performance from being ruined by somebody in the rows standing up in front of you to go to the toilet halfway through.
Look for Nearby Accommodation
Don’t be afraid to look for nearby accommodation. For example, if you’re planning on seeing multiple Broadway shows, look for a high-quality hotel near Ambassador Theater.
The good news is that the market is well served, and there are plenty of high-quality options around. You can also find different types of accommodation depending on the type of stay that you want, whether you’re looking for self-catering or a hotel with high-quality room service.
Strategize During the Intermission
Strategizing during the intermission is a critical skill if you want to make the most of your Broadway trip. Bathroom lines usually snake up the stairs during the break, so you’ll want to go to the restroom as soon as the curtain falls.
Time Your Arrival
Finally, you’ll want to time your arrival just before the show starts. Give at least 30 to 45 minutes before the curtain rises so you can find your seat and grab a drink. Try not to rush, otherwise you’ll be stepping over people and the whole experience will be annoying.
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