Tours/New York City/NYC Broadway Tour: Backstage Stories & Theater Secrets
Viator · group up to 12 pax

NYC Broadway Tour: Backstage Stories & Theater Secrets

4.9(134)New York City1 hour
VIATOR4.9(31)TRIPADVISOR4.9(103)

Description

Explore Broadway’s legendary past and its hidden backstage world. Walk through iconic theatres and learn how Broadway rose from vaudeville to global fame. Step inside a real rehearsal studio and discover the performers, crew, and creatives who bring the magic to life. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a tribute to the soul of Broadway.

Tour Options

Small Group Tour
Private Tour

Itinerary

5 min

Your tour begins outside the historic Winter Garden Theatre, directly beneath its iconic marquee. From here, you’ll make your way into Times Square, an area once known as Longacre Square—a lively, rough‑around‑the‑edges district that was transformed in the early 20th century into the dazzling heart of American theatre.

10 min

Just a stone's throw away from Times Square lies the lesser-known Duffy Square. This is where the TKTS Booth is located, and where hundreds of people enter daily ticket lotteries, making it an essential part of the Broadway experience for the public!

50 min

Broadway is everything you could imagine - bright lights, colorful posters, marquees adorned with your favorite performers' names, and historic, iconic theaters. This is where fame is made, hits are born, and creativity thrives! On this tour, we'll walk down Broadway, while your guide provides you with the historical background of the theaters you pass by and the productions that have graced the avenue over the years.

Pass by

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Richard Rodgers Theatre, named after the famous composer of musicals, such as ‘Oklahoma!’, ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘The King and I’, and ‘South Pacific’. Since 2015, it has been the home of Lin Manuel Miranda's critically acclaimed musical ‘Hamilton’.

Pass by

Listen out for the music of the night as you stroll by one of the largest theatres on the strip. The Majestic Theatre has a rich history, hosting productions like ‘The Music Man,’ ‘Camelot,’ and ‘The Wiz.’

Pass by

This theatre, open since 1913, has been a staple on Broadway and has hosted the Tony Awards over the years. It boasts a history of productions, plays, and famous performers.

Pass by

This theatre company specialises in developing writer-focused plays and productions. With a history of captivating audiences with engaging characters, the theatre is known for the Tony Award-winning musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’.

Pass by

This collection of theatres operates as a hub for up-and-coming theatre companies, offering everything from rehearsal space to tech support.

Pass by

This venue plays host to more plays than musicals, and has showcased Pulitzer Prize winners Driving Miss Daisy and The Flick.

50 min

Visit a working rehearsal studio and gain insight into the performers, choreographers, and crew who bring Broadway to life—often unseen, but essential to every show.

Highlights

Visit a working rehearsal studio and catch a glimpse of live classes or rehearsals (when available)
Discover the history and hidden stories of iconic Broadway theaters
Guided walking tour of Times Square and the Broadway Theater District
Experience the buzz and bright lights of Times Square
Explore Off-Broadway venues in a vibrant NYC neighborhood
Hear insider tales, theater traditions, and Broadway legends from a local expert

What's included

Included
Visit a working rehearsal studio and catch a glimpse of live classes or rehearsals (when available)
Discover the history and hidden stories of iconic Broadway theaters
Guided walking tour of Times Square and the Broadway Theater District
Experience the buzz and bright lights of Times Square
Explore Off-Broadway venues in a vibrant NYC neighborhood
Hear insider tales, theater traditions, and Broadway legends from a local expert
Not included
Gratuities
Food and drinks

Traveller Ratings

4.9
134 reviews
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124
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Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Does this tour run in all weather conditions? The tour operates year-round and will proceed rain or shine, unless weather conditions are deemed unsafe.
  • Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Accessibility may vary depending on the route and studio availability. Please reach out ahead of time to confirm specific needs.
  • What should I wear for the tour? Please dress comfortably and casually in weather-appropriate attire. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes suitable for walking.
  • Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels? The tour involves moderate walking and is suitable for most fitness levels. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us in advance.
  • Will we go inside any theaters or rehearsal spaces? When available, the tour includes a visit to a working rehearsal studio where you may observe live classes or rehearsals.
  • Is this tour child-friendly? This is a child-friendly experience. Children under the age of 6 may join free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.

Reviews(134)

M
Mindy_D
August 17, 2026
Insider Broadway Tour

Even if you are a seasoned NY Broadway aficionado, you will learn something on this tour. Buildings that I have passed many times didn't hold any meaning to me until I took the tour. My friends and I really enjoyed it (we did a private tour) and thought it was great fun. The time passed quickly.

A
Amanda_S
August 2, 2026
Less of a Broadway tour,...

Less of a Broadway tour, but still fun. There were cool things we got to see and learn we would’ve missed in our own, but know it’s not “Broadway”, as much as a neighborhoods tour.

W
williammR1332RZ
July 27, 2026
Exclusive and Fulfilling Broadway Tour!

What a joy and fun occasion to be matched up with Lucy! We were wowed by her passion and knowledge about the NYC theatre world. Lucy was so engaging and had many entertaining stories to share with us. We loved her spirit and wish her continued success and reward!

A
anitasE4801MS
July 7, 2026
Very informative

Our tour guide was very bubbly and quite knowledgeable for being so young. She was a joy to listen to and took us to many areas where she would talk in depth about the locations history.

E
Elisa_R
June 28, 2026
Broadway with Greg

Greg was terrific. His knowledge of Broadway is amazing. Was surprised all the little stops we made making the tour so interesting and entertaining. He was very interactive and welcomed our questions . Would definitely recommend

S
shamusc2018
June 14, 2026
Take this tour

Excellent tour that will take you into many different aspects of Broadway you didn't know existed. Excellent for any Broadway fan or somebody (like me) who's just interested in NYC history and wanting to learn more about the Broadway area

C
Charley_D
June 13, 2026
Informative and unique

We enjoyed this tour as it was one we hadn’t yet done. Different focus that was interesting and our guide was great.

L
levys483
June 6, 2026
Very Fun!

Lucy is literally the best tour guide out there! She is very fun and talkative which was very enjoyable and she knew a lot about all of the places we went to.

G
GOverholser
June 2, 2026
Lucy terrific. Tour description inaccurate.

Lucy is terrific. We had a great time.she took good care of our 11-year-old. The tour should be more accurately described. No rehearsal. No backstage views. Not her fault.

N
NeilMarshall
May 29, 2026
Hidden background to Broadway

Had a great tour with Lucy. Was meant to be a group tour, but just the 2 of us so perfect! Very personable, knowledge, and helpful. She introduced us to lots of information we didn't even know to ask. She was so starstruck when we bumped into one of her Broadway idols which just showed her passion for the shows, making her the perfect host.

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