Overview
Broadway. Times Square. Madison Square Garden. The name says it all: the Theater District is the entertainment hub of the city, and possibly the entire nation. The western half of Midtown Manhattan (to be distinguished from Midtown East), this is where you'll find Times Square, the streets packed with people taking in one of the brightest entertainment districts in the world. Despite its gaudy signage and superficial nature, a place where no local would want to be caught dead, it's hard not to be awestruck by it all. This is where the famous musicals of Broadway perform, where many famous TV shows are taped, and where the Knicks and Rangers play to sellout crowds.
It's easy to get distracted by Times Square; even in this city of giant skyscrapers and famed landmarks, the night glow of the Theater District overwhelms everything around it, making the rest of Manhattan look dark in comparison. It draws your attention away from anything else, much like a stage light focused on a theater set. But there is more to this area than bright lights and big-name shows, with revivified neighborhoods surrounding the core entertainment zone. To the south of Times Square lies the Garment District, center of New York's fashion scene, while to the north and west are more residential areas. West of Times Square is Hell's Kitchen, long the site of many smaller theaters and studios, less flashy than their counterparts on Broadway but no less active. There's much to see and do here — just try not to forget about the rest of Manhattan while you're here.
13 sights · 10 things to do · 18 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 27 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Theater District
Times Square
A place filled with video screens, LED signs, and flashing lights; a world wonder or a tourist nightmare depending on your perspective, the "new" Times Square is a family-friendly theme park of themed restaurants, theate…
One Times Square
Originally the second-tallest building in the world when it opened in 1905, One Times Square was constructed to be the headquarters for The New York Times, a function it would serve for less than ten years. The annual Ti…
Rockefeller Center
The Christmas Tree, the Skating Rink, NBC Studios, the shops and hubbub - you can't miss it. The Christmas Tree and the Skating Rink are naturally not year round, but in the summer, the complex is a hub for touristy oper…
Radio City Music Hall
See the Rockettes, another show, or just tour the famous Art Deco masterpiece.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck
On the 70th floor of the Comcast Building (better known by some as "30 Rock") is this narrow observation deck, built to resemble the deck of a cruise ship. The deck affords uninterrupted views over Central Park to the no…
Museum of Modern Art
One of the greatest and most popular collections of modern art, on a par with the Tate Modern in London or Paris's Centre Georges Pompidou. Exceedingly popular so be warned: queues for tickets start early and stretch lon…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby New York City)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LGA LaGuardia Airport, New York — 6 mi away (major hub). Directions
- TEB Teterboro Airport, Teterboro — 8 mi away. Directions
The Times Square–42nd St subway station is one of the major nerve centers of public transit in New York, with the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S (Grand Central Shuttle) lines all stopping there, while a pedestrian tunnel provides a free transfer to the 42nd St–Port Authority station, which serves the A, C, and E lines. Nearby, though not connected to Times Square–42nd St. station, the B, D, F, and M lines stop at 42nd St–Bryant Park station.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $114–$300 a night (typical $199), from 11 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $10 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$250, comfortable ~$420.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Times Square, The Lion King, Miniature World (Temporarily Closed)
- Lunch Dos Caminos
- Afternoon One Times Square, Madame Tussauds New York
- Dinner John's Pizzeria
- Evening The Perfect Pint
Day 2
- Morning Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Radio City Music Hall
- Lunch Bill’s Bar & Burger
- Afternoon The Paley Center for Media, Museum of Modern Art
- Dinner Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
- Evening P. McDaid’s Irish Pub
Day 3
- Morning Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- Lunch Poseidon Bakery
- Afternoon Vessel
- Dinner Westway Diner
- Evening McGee's Restaurant and Pub
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Times Square can seem to be overrun with glorified, tacky, and overpriced versions of chain restaurants like McDonalds, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Red Lobster, and Applebee's that you can find anywhere else in America. These restaurants are more expensive than their suburban counterparts (a Big Mac costs $6). However, there are better food options available in the area, especially if you get away from Times Square proper and explore other areas in the Theater District.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
This district stretches from 31st St, through the heavily commercial West 30s up to 59th St (beyond which is Central Park), and lies west of 6th Ave. The West Side is home not only to the famed "Great White Way" (Broadway), but to the emerging business district centered on the now thoroughly Disneyfied Times Square. The Theater District centers on the outlandishly commercial "New" 42nd Street and heads up Broadway and 7th Avenues, melding to the west with the resurgent neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen and its commercial strip on 9th Avenue, and to the north with the Deutsche Bank Center at Columbus Circle. South of Times Square is the Garment District, where most of the city's showrooms and many well-known designers occupy the area between Times Square and Madison Square Garden, the famous sports arena located atop Pennsylvania Station. The area becomes increasingly residential as you go north or west, and more commercial to the east and south. Many of Manhattan's largest hotels (including the Hilton and the Sheraton) are located on 6th or 7th Avenue in this area.
Broadway is one of the leading venues in the world for musicals, on equal footing with London's West End, with both musical scenes often influencing each other and shows from one side of the pond touring on the other or having sister productions quite often.
Visitor information
Get in
By subway
The Times Square–42nd St subway station is one of the major nerve centers of public transit in New York, with the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S (Grand Central Shuttle) lines all stopping there, while a pedestrian tunnel provides a free transfer to the 42nd St–Port Authority station, which serves the A, C, and E lines. Nearby, though not connected to Times Square–42nd St. station, the B, D, F, and M lines stop at 42nd St–Bryant Park station.
South of Times Square, the 1, 2, and 3 lines run under 7th Avenue, the A, C and E lines run under 8th Avenue, the N, Q, R, and W lines run under Broadway, and the B, D, F and M lines run under 6th Avenue, with all lines stopping at 34th Street, near Penn Station. Additionally, the 7 line runs southwest to 34th Street and 11th Avenue, adjacent to the Javits Convention Center. From outside New York City, Penn Station, located underneath Madison Square Garden, is the east coast hub of Amtrak services and is the regional hub for Long Island Rail Road and New Jersey Transit commuter rail services. See the By train section on the main New York City page for more info. Also serving the neighborhood is PATH subway service to Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey, which runs under 6th Ave., stopping at 33rd St., 23rd St., and 14th St.
North of Times Square, the 1, 2, and 3 lines run under Broadway, with the 1 stopping at 50th St and 59th St–Columbus Circle. The A, C, and E lines run under 8th Avenue, with the C and E stopping at 50th St, before the E branches east to head under 53rd St. to Queens, stopping at 7th Av, while the A and C lines continue north, stopping at 59th St-Columbus Circle. The N, Q, R, and W lines run under 7th Avenue, stopping at 57th St–7th Av (the ideal stop for Carnegie Hall), with the N, R, and W lines also stopping at 49th St. The B, D, F, and M lines continue along 6th Avenue, stopping at 47th–50th Sts.–Rockefeller Center, before the lines branch out in different directions. The F train continues along 6th Avenue, stopping at 57th St, while the B and D trains head northwest, stopping at 7th Av and 59th St–Columbus Circle.
By MTA bus
Quite a number of city bus routes serve the area (see the MTA website for a map), but crosstown routes in particular can be subject to gridlock at peak times.
By long distance bus
Manhattan's main long distance bus station is the Port Authority Bus Terminal, between 8th and 9th Avenues and 40th and 42nd Streets. Connections are available on commuter buses to New Jersey and Rockland County, New York, and on long-distance routes through the country and to Canada.
By taxi
Taxis ply the area day and night but can slow to a standstill during rush hour, lunchtime, and even mid-afternoon. However, if you need a taxi and are unfamiliar with normal taxi fares, do not hail anything but a yellow cab. Drivers of black limos who offer to pick you up may try to cheat you.
On foot
Walking is the way you can see the most, but even walking can be a problem, particularly in Times Square (on Broadway and 7th Av. between 42nd and 48th Sts). Large numbers of tourists are liable to be standing still and looking up every few feet, and of course, you may be one of them. But if you prefer to take a walk at a steadier pace, take a side street and walk on another avenue.
See
See Times Square
A place filled with video screens, LED signs, and flashing lights; a world wonder or a tourist nightmare depending on your perspective, the "new" Times Square is a family-friendly theme park of themed restaurants, theaters and hotels, as well as a developing business district. The lights and signs can be viewed anytime, but the most enchanting experience comes when one visits Times Square at night, as all the signs and screens are ablaze with color. Times Square is also well known for its famous New Year's Eve ball drop. Those looking for the seedy Times Square of years past will find it around the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and on Eighth Avenue to the west.
See TKTS Booth
A ticket booth selling discounted Broadway and off-Broadway shows. However, the cheaper tickets aren't the only attraction, as the back of the booth is a large, red-lit glass staircase facing Times Square, which serves as a set of bleachers and offers an excellent opportunity to get above the street and just watch the crowds and flashing signs. Above the booth is a video screen with a live feed of the top step, giving you a chance to appear (if only briefly) on one of the many signs in Times Square.
See One Times Square
Originally the second-tallest building in the world when it opened in 1905, One Times Square was constructed to be the headquarters for The New York Times, a function it would serve for less than ten years. The annual Times Square ball drop is performed from the roof of this building. And you can't miss the famous Dow Jones news and sports zipper (the first news ticker in the world) attached to its lower facade.
See Rockefeller Center
The Christmas Tree, the Skating Rink, NBC Studios, the shops and hubbub - you can't miss it. The Christmas Tree and the Skating Rink are naturally not year round, but in the summer, the complex is a hub for touristy operations. Within the striking Art Deco buildings of the complex are several dining establishments overlooking the area and many stores.
See Top of the Rock Observation Deck
On the 70th floor of the Comcast Building (better known by some as "30 Rock") is this narrow observation deck, built to resemble the deck of a cruise ship. The deck affords uninterrupted views over Central Park to the north and across Midtown to the south.
See Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
One of the greatest and most popular collections of modern art, on a par with the Tate Modern in London or Paris's Centre Georges Pompidou. Exceedingly popular so be warned: queues for tickets start early and stretch long. To avoid the crowds, turn up at the door at least a half hour before opening, then take the elevator to the top floor and work your way down. The building is as much a draw as the outstanding collection; possessing arguably the best collection of modern masterpieces world-wide, MoMA houses important art works from Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Paul Cézanne, Frida Kahlo, Piet Mondrian, and works by leading American artists such as Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns, Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, and Chuck Close. MoMA also holds renowned art photography and design collections. In addition to being the crown jewel of modern art museums, MoMA puts on a terrific repertory program in a nicely renovated theater below the museum.
See Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The aircraft carrier Intrepid is docked here and loaded with spacecraft and aircraft, including the very cool Blackbird spy plane and the prototype Space Shuttle Enterprise. On the other side of the dock is a guided-missile submarine and a Concorde, both of which you can tour also, and some tanks.
See The Paley Center for Media (formerly the Museum of Television & Radio)
Dedicated to preserving and collecting television programs as a service to the public, the museum consists of two museum branches in Los Angeles and New York City; combined they hold over 100,000 television programs that are available to the public, providing a historical, artistic and cultural perspective to television and radio. You may use their library here for the price of admission. They have lots of old shows and a database so you can see if they have what you want.
See Museum of Broadway
Opened on November 15, 2022, this interactive museum utilizes technology to convey the history of Broadway, complete with props from past shows, costumes, and other artifacts. You can learn about how a Broadway show is made, and there is a gift shop selling not only their own merch, but also products from current Broadway shows and Broadway in general.
Do
Do Carnegie Hall
If you ask a New Yorker how to get to Carnegie Hall, you may get the answer "Practice, practice!" This elegant 19th-century hall is New York's premier venue for famous recitalists and visiting symphony orchestras. The complex also includes the more intimate Weill Recital Hall slightly further east and Zankel Hall, in the basement of the side of the building facing 7th Av. near 56th St, a medium-sized venue used by jazz groups and classical concert pianists, alike.
Do Kramer's Reality Tour
For Seinfeld fans. Kenny Kramer, said to be the inspiration for the character Kramer, tells about the show, in a fun way. And guides on a tour to places seen in the show. Stop for photo outside the restaurant seen in the show.
Do Wicked the Musical
An incredibly popular show which has been on Broadway for over twenty years, Wicked is one of the highest rated shows that has ever hit Broadway. It's based on the Wizard of Oz, but told from the witch's point of view instead of Dorothy's. The show runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Do Broadway Comedy Club
This is one of the most respected comedy clubs in all of New York City, one that has played host to the likes of Joe Devito, Scott McFadden, Jimmy Fallon, David Letterman, and many others who have gone on to make it big in television. Tickets generally run for about $20 a night, and include a free pitcher of beer. Shows run up until as late as 11PM and are a great way for you to end your evening.
Do
Do Vessel (Hudson Yards Staircase)
This photogenic 16-story vase-shaped structure on Manhattan's West Side allows intrepid visitors to climb 154 flights of stairs. In return, you get great views of the surrounding area, the Hudson River, and the structure itself. It re-opened in October 2024 with steel-mesh safety nets and the unusual rule that solo visitors are not allowed. There is one elevator, stopping at only three floors, usually with a long wait. Wheelchair users are given priority for the elevator. Baby strollers, bicycles, skateboards, food, pets, and emotional support animals are prohibited. Most admission tickets are for a specific date and time; same-day and walk-up tickets are not always available.
Buy
Shop Hershey's Chocolate World
You are able to purchase all types of chocolate goodies and Hershey-themed products at this store. A few dollars can also get you a personalized message scrolled across their zipper outside on the store's facade. Hershey stores are all over the country but this particular store is the largest Hershey's store in the world. It has three floors of pure chocolate, and Hershey's products.
Shop Macy's (Macy's Herald Square)
Billing itself as "The World's Largest Store" on the large signs outside, this is the flagship store of the national chain and covers an entire city block. Its holiday window displays are so popular that they usually have a corporate sponsor. One useful tip for visitors is to go to the Macy's guest center on floor 1 1/2 and they will give you a guest card that discounts virtually everything in the store by 11%. This store features wooden escalators, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus during the Christmas season. But, be prepared to wait in long lines for the elevators, as the store is always busy no matter what day it is.
Shop Kinokuniya Bookstore
A Japanese book dealer, carrying a huge selection of Japanese reading material. It also sells a number of books by Japanese authors in English translation. It is also known as a source of excellent Japanese anime and manga, much of which is difficult or impossible to find anywhere else in the United States.
Shop Midtown Comics
An absolutely gigantic comic book store, one of the largest and most well-known in the country, with two full floors of comics, collectibles, manga, and back issues, as well as a very knowledgeable staff. Signings by giants in the comic book industry are a regular occurrence here and the store also sponsors the annual New York Comic Con held every October. Smaller locations can be found in Midtown East and the Financial District.
Shop Nintendo World Store (more commonly just referred to as the Nintendo Store)
A two-story specialty store that sells a wide variety of Nintendo merchandise, including videogames, t-shirts, and plushies of your favorite Nintendo characters. The most popular aspect of the store is their Pokecenter which has a wall dedicated to Pokemon videogames, DVDs, action figures and plush dolls. The plush dolls and action figures that are on sale change every week or so, so you need to be quick to find and buy your favorite pokemon’s plush counterpart. The store has a large section devoted to Wiis and 3DS/DS’s that are opened for customers to play and preview videogames before they purchase them. The store also sometimes holds tournaments and video viewings to promote upcoming releases of games.
Eat
Times Square can seem to be overrun with glorified, tacky, and overpriced versions of chain restaurants like McDonalds, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Red Lobster, and Applebee's that you can find anywhere else in America. These restaurants are more expensive than their suburban counterparts (a Big Mac costs $6). However, there are better food options available in the area, especially if you get away from Times Square proper and explore other areas in the Theater District.
Budget
Eat Poseidon Bakery
Serves wonderful Greek pastries, savory and sweet alike. There is no place to sit, but the staff are very friendly and helpful, and you can have a delicious, cheap meal for takeout.
Eat The Halal Guys
An extremely popular and affordable food stand that is probably the only Mediterranean stand in Manhattan that was given a name. This is the original location and since it started in 2008, it has begun a chain and opened 5 more throughout Manhattan and Bergen County, New Jersey. Delicious gyros, wraps, and falafel, and each dish comes with rice and pita bread. There's also an incredible white sauce that's worth trying. If you want some on a weekend, you're going to have to get there early because there is guaranteed to be a long wait.
Eat Empanada Mama
Popular 24-hour joint with an extensive selection of empanadas ranging from classic to creative, as well as other Latin American dishes. The focus is on Colombian flavors but there's quite a bit of fusion. Excellent vegan options. A second location at 200 W 40th St near Times Square is mainly for takeout, with a smaller menu and slightly more limited hours.
Mid-range
Eat Ariana Afghan Kabob
Very good food, which of course includes kebabs, but also peppery Aush (a type of beany noodle soup), Badinjan Burani (a fried eggplant appetizer garlic and yogurt, served with bread), etc. Salads, which come with main dishes, have a dressing which includes mayonnaise. Ask for no dressing and put the green hot sauce on them yourself.
Eat Bill’s Bar & Burger
Burger spot also known for disco fries (with gravy & cheese), beer & alcoholic shakes.
Eat Dos Caminos
Dos Caminos' fifth New York City location. Designed by Brooklyn-based company, hOmE, spanning two floors, and featuring a 40-seat mezcal and margarita bar on the street level and a guacamole bar on the subterranean level. Expanded menu of Chef Ivy Stark’s healthy Mexican dishes as well as a selection of 120 premium tequilas.
Eat Joe's Shanghai
Try their famous "soup dumplings", listed on the menu as "steamed buns", and their other delicious Shanghai specialties. Pricier than the Chinatown location.
Eat John's Pizzeria
A popular pizza option with a lovely and spacious atmosphere and brick oven, coal fired, thin crust pizzas. Whole pizzas, no slices. Many fans, however, consider that the pizza at this location is not nearly as good as at their original Greenwich Village location. Also, pre-theater, it can be absolutely mobbed, with wait times of an hour or more.
Eat Vice Versa
Simple, but tasty Italian fare.
Eat Westway Diner
Real New York diner, excellent place for good value breakfast. Very good service.
Eat Wondee Siam
Small restaurant, so expect to wait on line at peak hours (e.g., Friday and Saturday nights); generally considered to be one of the best Thai restaurants in Manhattan. Food ranges in spiciness from mild to very spicy, not always consistent with what you ask for, but staff are happy to provide extra dried red pepper flakes on the side. Consistently tasty food, especially if you stick with the items on the "secret Thai" menu card on the table and ask for everything to be "very spicy and Thai style, not sweet."
Eat Yakitori Totto
This is a great and very popular place for yakitori, which is Japanese food on sticks. If you're ordering drinks, be careful: their tea is very good but charged by the cup and the sakes are very expensive. However, the food is a very fair value.
Splurge
Eat Blue Fin
Sushi bar, bar and lounge area, communal table and expanded private dining room options.
Eat Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
This Brazilian steakhouse is renowned for its churrasco/rodízio experience, wherein servers bring various fire-roasted meats to your table. It's all-you-can-eat and includes an extensive salad bar and feijoada—a black bean and pork stew—as well as various sides such as pão de queijo (cheese bread).
Eat Strip House
Steakhouse with a raw bar boasts walls covered with photos of old-Hollywood stars. Part of a small chain with another location on E. 12th St. and one in Las Vegas.
Drink
Drink P. McDaid’s Irish Pub
Great place to drink after a long day at work.
Drink McGee's Restaurant and Pub
This is an unpretentious pub in the middle of a pricey neighborhood. The pub also provides downright good food. Their dining room is upstairs. Service is pleasant and helpful.
Drink The Perfect Pint
Two-story pub off of Times Square with good Irish beers on tap and pricey main courses. Definitely not typical pub-grub, but the price matches.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Stay Plaza Hotel
Perhaps the most famous of New York's luxury hotels, the Plaza is an attraction in and of itself, having been used as a backdrop in numerous movies and TV shows and serving as the meeting place for many celebrities and politicians. The Plaza is also famous as the place to go for afternoon tea or cocktails, and of course you will pay dearly for that.
Go next
Too many travelers spend all or most of their time in the Theater District and other largely non-residential areas of Midtown Manhattan. From the viewpoint of many New Yorkers, the "real New York" is elsewhere, in the residential neighborhoods uptown, downtown, and even a couple of blocks west of Times Square and the bright lights of the Great White Way. If you want to find out how New Yorkers live, work, and party and feel the pace of the city, go to neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, the East Village, Chinatown, Harlem, the Upper West and Upper East Sides, or just walk to 9th or 10th Avenues.
Nearby
Weehawken
City / town · 10 listings · 2 mi away
Hoboken
City / town · 22 listings · 2 mi away
Union City
City / town · 19 listings · 3 mi away
Secaucus
City / town · 10 listings · 5 mi away
Queens
City / town · 3 listings · 5 mi away
Jersey City
City / town · 71 listings · 5 mi away
Fort Lee
City / town · 24 listings · 7 mi away
Bronx
City / town · 76 listings · 8 mi away
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