NYC Broadway Tour: Backstage Stories & Theater Secrets
At a glance
NYC Broadway Tour: Backstage Stories & Theater Secrets is a 2h small-group experience in New York City, United States, operated by Intrepid Urban Adventures - New York City. Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 138 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $50 per person, and free cancellation is available. 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.
Highlights
- Rated 4.9/5 by 138 travellers
- Small group of up to 12 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 10 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 2h
- Group
- Small group, up to 12 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
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.
What's included
What's 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
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 5m
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.
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Stop 2 · 10m
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!
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Stop 3 · 50m
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.
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Stop 4
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’.
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Stop 5
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.’
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Stop 6
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.
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Stop 7
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’.
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Stop 8
This collection of theatres operates as a hub for up-and-coming theatre companies, offering everything from rehearsal space to tech support.
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Stop 9
This venue plays host to more plays than musicals, and has showcased Pulitzer Prize winners Driving Miss Daisy and The Flick.
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Stop 10 · 50m
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.
Meeting point
Meet your guide outside the Winter Garden Theatre, directly under the theatre’s marquee (the large canopy with the theatre name) along Broadway. Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Good to know
- 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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the NYC Broadway Tour: Backstage Stories & Theater Secrets take?
The experience lasts about 2h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's 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.
Where does it start?
Meet your guide outside the Winter Garden Theatre, directly under the theatre’s marquee (the large canopy with the theatre name) along Broadway. Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 138 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in New York City.
