9 Best Broadway Musicals in New York City (+ Theater Tips)
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Planning a trip to New York City and wondering which Broadway shows are really worth booking?
In this guide, you’ll find some of the most popular and consistently well-rated Broadway musicals in NYC, from long-running classics to newer productions. For each show, we share what to expect, who it’s best for, and which seating areas usually give the best value.
We’ve seen several of these musicals and shows ourselves over multiple trips to New York and regularly update this guide based on what still performs well with first-time visitors and families.
At the end of the article, you’ll also find practical tips for seeing a Broadway show in NYC – what to wear, whether a show is suitable for kids, and how to choose seats without overpaying.
TIP: If you’re in town for a few days, see more than one show – you won’t regret it! On our recent trip to NYC with teens, we saw two Broadway shows (&Juliet and Harry Potter), a concert, and an NBA game – some of the best memories of the trip!
Good to know: If you already have your travel dates, check ticket availability before choosing which show to see. Popular performances (especially weekends and school-holiday weeks) can sell out early, so you may have to adjust your itinerary or pick another show. You can check current availability here.
Good to know: There are lots of websites selling Broadway tickets. We personally like GetYourGuide and used them as a one-stop shop for most tickets during our recent visits to NYC. They offer a good selection of the most popular shows, competitive pricing, and an easy, hassle-free booking process. Simply choose your preferred price category, and the best available seats within that section will be assigned after booking. You’ll always be seated together.
Here are some of the most popular Broadway musicals at the moment:
1. The Lion King
📍 Minskoff Theatre.
👨👩👧👦 Best for: First-timers, families, multigenerational trips, or anyone who wants to experience a true Broadway classic that’s stood the test of time.
🎭 Matinees: Yes (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday).
🎟️ Tickets.
The Lion King is one of Broadway’s most iconic and universally loved musicals. It has been running since 1997, making it the longest-running Disney production on Broadway. This show appeals to a wide audience, from first-time Broadway visitors to longtime theatergoers, and continues to sell out night after night.
We saw The Lion King as a group of adults, and everyone enjoyed it. One of my friends even got emotional at how special the show felt.
The opening scene alone is unforgettable, with life-sized animal puppets and performers moving through the aisles during “Circle of Life”, a moment that will give you goosebumps. The music blends Elton John’s timeless hits with powerful African rhythms. And yes, there’s a good chance that you’ll leave the theater singing “Hakuna Matata.”
TIP: Front mezzanine center/side gives you a perfect view of the elaborate staging and puppetry, often for less than orchestra seats. The Minskoff Theatre is spacious, but the orchestra has a slight slope, so if you’re shorter or bringing kids, the mezzanine may actually offer a better view.
Check the availability and reserve your tickets for The Lion King.
2. Aladdin
📍 New Amsterdam Theatre.
👨👩👧👦 Best for: Families, Disney lovers, and anyone looking for a fun, feel-good night.
🎭 Matinees: Yes (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday).
🎟️ Tickets.
Aladdin brings the magic of the beloved story to life on stage with colorful costumes, incredible sets, and all your favorite songs from the Disney movie. Plus, a few original songs were added just for Broadway. The Genie is a crowd favorite and often gets the loudest applause of the night.
This Broadway musical is fast-paced, visually impressive, and packed with humor, making it a great choice for families. That said, even this family-friendly show is not recommended for kids under 6.
TIP: Front mezzanine rows provide an excellent view of the flying carpet scenes and big ensemble numbers, and cost less than orchestra seats. The New Amsterdam Theatre is one of the larger and more comfortable venues, so even mid-mezzanine feels surprisingly close. On a lower budget, opt for front balcony seats.
Check the availability and reserve your tickets for Aladdin.
3. MJ – The Life Story of Michael Jackson
📍 Neil Simon Theatre.
🕺 Best for: Music and dance fans, adults, older teens.
🎭 Matinees: Yes (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday).
🎟️ Tickets.
MJ focuses on Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour and shows how some of his best-known performances were created. With over 25 hits and stunning choreography, it feels more like a concert than a traditional Broadway musical.
The lead performer nails MJ’s signature style, and the show is high energy from start to finish.
TIP: Front mezzanine gives you a fantastic angle for the dance-heavy numbers and visuals, at a slightly better price than mid-orchestra. The Neil Simon Theatre has a relatively low mezzanine, so you won’t feel too far from the action.
Check the availability and reserve your tickets for MJ.
4. Chicago
📍 Ambassador Theatre.
🖤 Best for: Adults, date nights, jazz and classic Broadway style fans.
🎭 Matinees: Yes (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday).
🎟️ Tickets.
Chicago is Broadway’s longest-running American musical (since 1996), and it remains popular. With minimal sets, this show keeps the spotlight on the performers, a live onstage band, and a storyline full of satire.
The choreography is classic Bob Fosse, and the songs (“Cell Block Tango,” “All That Jazz”) remain as powerful as ever. It’s a great option for theater lovers looking for a timeless Broadway musical.
TIP: Center orchestra or front mezzanine offer the best views. The Ambassador is a relatively small theater, so even mezzanine seats feel close to the stage compared to larger Broadway venues. That said, rear mezzanine can be less comfortable, especially if you’re not tall, as sightlines may be partially blocked.
Check the availability for Chicago tickets.
5. Moulin Rouge! The Musical
📍 Al Hirschfeld Theatre.
🎉 Best for: Couples, groups of friends, pop music fans.
🎭 Matinees: Yes (Saturday, Sunday).
🎟️ Tickets.
A visual and musical spectacle, Moulin Rouge! blends over 70 pop hits – from Adele, Lady Gaga, to Elton John and Queen – into a glittery, high-energy performance. The immersive set and vibrant costumes make it one of Broadway’s most extravagant shows, with 10 Tony Awards®.
It’s loud, dramatic, and doesn’t hold back – perfect if you’re looking for a fun and over-the-top night out.
Good to know: This musical is not ideal for young kids due to mature themes. Kids under 4 are not allowed and the recommended minimum age is 12.
TIP: Front mezzanine is ideal to appreciate the elaborate, immersive set design. You get the full visual impact at a more affordable price than front orchestra. You may want to avoid far sides or rear mezzanine as they miss some of the visual details.
Check the availability and reserve your tickets for Moulin Rouge!.
6. & Juliet
📍 Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
🕺 Best for: Adults and teens who like pop music, strong vocals, and a fun, modern take on a classic story.
🎭 Matinees: Yes (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday).
🎟️ Tickets.
& Juliet reimagines Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet as a fast-paced pop musical where Juliet gets a second chance at life and love – without Romeo. The story is playful, very modern, and openly inclusive, and the humor leans heavily into today’s culture and references.
The soundtrack is built around well-known pop hits (from artists like Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, and more), and the singing and energy on stage are genuinely impressive. It’s very different from traditional Broadway classics, but that’s exactly what makes it stand out.
Good to know: This show is more “woke” and tongue-in-cheek than most mainstream Broadway musicals. It won’t be for everyone, but if you’re open-minded and enjoy strong pop vocals, upbeat choreography, and a good laugh, it’s a great pick. We saw it with our teens and while the opinions were mixed at first, we all ended up loving it.
TIP: Front mezzanine and center orchestra are both good options. Front-row seats can have a slightly limited view and are in the confetti zone.
Check availability and reserve your tickets for & Juliet.
7. The Great Gatsby – The Musical
📍 Broadway Theatre.
🎩 Best for: Adults, literature fans, and anyone into 1920s glam.
🎭 Matinees: Yes (select Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays).
🎟️ Tickets.
One of Broadway’s newest hits, The Great Gatsby brings the Roaring Twenties to life with jazz-influenced music, bold choreography, and high-society drama. If you love the novel or the film adaptations, you’ll enjoy this stage version as well.
The show balances spectacle with emotion, offering a deeper look into Gatsby’s tragic world. It’s not recommended for kids under 10, and young children under 4 are not admitted.
Good to know: You don’t need to know the novel, but it helps. Alternatively, watch the movie before you go.
TIP: Center mezzanine offers good value with clear views of large party scenes, choreography, and stage transitions. The Broadway Theatre is quite deep, so rear orchestra and upper mezzanine can feel too far back.
Check the availability and reserve your tickets for The Great Gatsby.
8. Wicked
📍 Gershwin Theatre.
🧙♀️ Best for: Families with teens, fans of The Wizard of Oz, first-time Broadway visitors.
🎭 Matinees: Yes (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday).
🎟️ Tickets.
Wicked is the blockbuster Broadway hit that tells the story of Oz before Dorothy dropped in. It follows Elphaba and Glinda, two very different girls who grow up to become the witches of Oz. One is smart, misunderstood, and born with green skin. The other is popular, ambitious, and loves the spotlight.
The show combines powerful vocals, impressive set design, and unforgettable songs like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular.” It’s a story about friendship, identity, and what it really means to be good or wicked.
Good to know: The show contains some intense and scary elements, plus, it’s quite long. It’s recommended from the age of 8, and kids under 5 are not allowed. It’s also helpful if kids know the story, so you may want to watch the movie in advance.
TIP: Front mezzanine offers a great view of the flying scenes and big effects, but it’s usually just as expensive as the orchestra. The theater is large, so avoid rear mezzanine unless you’re on a very tight budget.
Check the availability for Wicked tickets.
9. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
This isn’t a typical Broadway musical – it’s a stage play, with no big singing or dance numbers. We still think it deserves a place on this list of the best Broadway shows.
📍 Lyric Theatre.
⚡ Best for: Families with teens, Harry Potter fans, fantasy lovers.
🎭 Matinees: Yes (most weekends and select weekdays).
🎟️ Tickets.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth official story in the Harry Potter series, and the first one told on stage. It picks up years after the books, with Harry working at the Ministry of Magic and raising three children. The story focuses on Harry’s youngest son, Albus, who struggles with his father’s legacy and the weight of expectations.
We saw this show with our teens, and they actually followed the story better than we did. Even though it’s long, it never felt slow – the time flew by thanks to the constant action and stage effects. Expect people flying across the stage, fast scene changes, and some of the most impressive special effects you’ll see in a Broadway theater.
Good to know: The play lasts a whoping 3.5 hours, with an intermission. It’s not suitable for young children (recommended age is 10+). You’ll enjoy it more if you already know the world of Harry Potter.
TIP: Orchestra seats are best for the immersive special effects, but front dress circle is a also a good option if you want to save money without sacrificing the view. The Lyric Theatre is one of the biggest on Broadway, so rear balcony can feel too far from the action.
Check showtimes and availability here.
Practical Tips for Seeing a Broadway Show in NYC
🎟️ Book your tickets in advance
Popular shows often sell out, particularly for weekend and evening performances. If you already know your travel dates, it’s best to book your tickets early to get the best availability and prices. If the show isn’t sold out, last-minute tickets remain available until the performance, but you can’t count on this or risk missing the show waiting in line. Plus, the best seats are always gone first.
⏱️ Arrive early & check the duration of the show
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime. Lines for security checks and restrooms can get long, especially at larger theaters. Also, keep in mind that most Broadway musicals are around 2.5 hours long and include one 15-minute intermission. Some productions, like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, are even longer.
🥤 Food and drinks
Most Broadway theaters sell snacks and drinks, but they can be pricey. We highly recommend having an early dinner before the show.
👗 What to wear
There’s no dress code for Broadway shows, so you can wear whatever you’re comfortable in. Most people opt for casual or smart-casual outfits, but you also see tourists in jeans and sneakers. Avoid anything too bulky, as theater seats can be tight. Keep in mind that theaters are air-conditioned throughout the year.
👶 Bringing kids?
Each theater has its own policy, but most don’t allow children under 4. Shows like Aladdin and The Lion King are good for kids aged 6 and up, while others, such as Wicked and Harry Potter, are better suited for teens or adults. Always check the show’s age recommendation before booking, and be realistic about your child’s ability to sit through a full performance. Also, keep in mind that everybody, regardless of age, needs their own ticket.
🪑 Seat selection tips
Mezzanine seats are often a great value – offering a clear view of the stage for less than front orchestra pricing.
📸 No photos or video during the show
You can take photos before the performance and during intermission, but recording or photographing during the show is not allowed and strictly enforced.
🏨 Where to stay
For easy access to the theaters, stay near Times Square or in Midtown Manhattan. You’ll be able to walk to most Broadway venues in just a few minutes. A popular option is Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square, located right in the theater district but just far enough from the noise and bright lights of Times Square itself.
LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in NYC: Best Area & Hotels
More Travel Inspiration for New York:
- Best Observation Decks in NYC
- How to Visit the Statue of Liberty
- Central Park’s Most Iconic Locations
- Travel tips & practical guides:
- Itineraries:
- Overview: New York Travel Guides
TIP: Did you find this guide helpful? Bookmark it for later, share it with friends, and save it to Pinterest so you can easily find it again when planning your New York trip.
Photos: personal collection and courtesy GetYourGuide.com.
