Why 2025 Might Be the Best Year Yet for UK Fans to Experience Broadway in New York City
If you’ve ever dreamed of standing beneath the glittering lights of Times Square before taking your seat at a world-class Broadway performance, now may be the perfect time to make it a reality. With New York City projecting a 17% drop in international tourism in 2025, British theatre lovers could find themselves enjoying the Big Apple’s stages with smaller crowds, shorter queues, and better seats.
For those keen to experience the Broadway buzz without the typical weekend rush, New York-based author and Broadway enthusiast Mike Drake recommends a bold but rewarding plan: arrive on a Tuesday and stay through Friday. “Most people book weekend trips,” says Drake, “but if you come midweek, you’ll enjoy smaller crowds, better access to tickets, and more time to explore.”
Here’s how to make the most of a three-night Broadway getaway, according to the locals who know it best.
Tuesday: Touchdown and Take Centre Stage
After arriving in New York City on Tuesday afternoon, make your way straight to the heart of the Theatre District—Times Square. Here, amid the neon dazzle and towering billboards, you’ll find two must-visit Broadway souvenir shops: One Shubert Alley and Theatre Circle, offering everything from show posters to original cast recordings.
Next, pay a visit to the iconic TKTS booth, located beneath the red steps in Times Square. This is where savvy theatre-goers queue for heavily discounted same-day tickets. With a bit of luck, you’ll snag a prime seat for a top-tier show.
For dinner, head to Ellen’s Stardust Diner, where your servers are also seasoned Broadway performers belting out showtunes between orders. It’s kitschy, loud, and undeniably fun—a perfect start to your trip.
Before heading to bed, plan your next move. Drake recommends targeting rush tickets—day-of tickets sold in very limited quantities for a fraction of the price. Many shows also offer digital lotteries through their official websites, giving you the chance to win affordable seats to even the hottest performances.
Wednesday: Beat the Rush—Literally
Set your alarm early—5 a.m., if you’re keen—and head to the theatre of your choice to wait in line for rush tickets. Bring a coffee (and perhaps a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on a bagel—a true New York breakfast) to sustain you.
With any luck, you’ll score tickets for the afternoon matinee. Head back to the hotel for a nap, then return to TKTS for an evening ticket. That’s right—two Broadway shows in one day.
Between performances, fuel up with a quick bite of dollar pizza, a budget-friendly local staple, or catch a high-tech screening at Regal Cinema’s 4DX in Times Square—an immersive experience with motion seats and effects like wind and water.
After the curtain falls, consider a late dinner at Sticky’s Finger Joint or the Hard Rock Café before resting up for another theatrical day.
Thursday: Museums, Matinees, and Madame Tussauds
If you’ve repeated the 5 a.m. rush ticket mission, enjoy another discounted matinee. If not, take the morning slow and head to the Museum of Broadway, a must-visit for fans of the stage. With immersive exhibits, original set pieces, and Instagram-worthy backdrops, it’s a love letter to Broadway history.
Next, get in line again at TKTS to score evening show tickets. Then pop over to Madame Tussauds New York, which features an extensive Broadway exhibit, allowing you to pose with wax figures of theatre legends and current stars.
For dinner, try Pink Taco for festive Mexican fare, or take the advice of Tim Dolan from Broadway Up Close and dive into the historic glamour of Joe Allen on Restaurant Row (46th Street), a haunt for actors and industry insiders. For something upscale, Keens Steakhouse offers a taste of theatrical history alongside impeccable steaks—it’s the last remnant of the original Herald Square Theatre District and has been in operation since 1895.
Friday: Final Curtain and Farewell Bagels
Your final morning in New York calls for one last bacon, egg and cheese sandwich—and perhaps a few bagels to stash in your luggage. It’s time to pack up, check out, and make your way to the airport, already dreaming of your next Broadway escape.
Insider Tips:
- TKTS Discounts typically range from 30–50% off face value and include both musicals and plays.
- Rush tickets require dedication but can offer top seats for as little as $40.
- Digital lotteries can be entered from anywhere via your phone and often give you a few hours to purchase tickets if selected.
- Dollar slice pizza is plentiful—look for neon “$1 Pizza” signs near the theatre district.
- The Museum of Broadway is located at 145 W 45th Street and is open seven days a week.
- Broadway Up Close-Times Square Shop at 45th St. & Broadway has an insanely photogenic sign that begs to be part of your travel photos. Strike a pose and say HELLO to the friendly staff who are brimming with Broadway tips.
Final Thought
With fewer tourists and more ticket availability forecasted in 2025, there’s no better time for UK theatre fans to cross the Atlantic and dive headfirst into Broadway. Whether you’re catching a show you’ve long dreamed of, discovering a new musical gem, or just soaking in the sights and sounds of Times Square, New York’s Theatre District is ready to roll out the red carpet.
So grab your Oyster Card, your theatre tote bag—and maybe a raincoat—and get ready to make Broadway memories to last a lifetime.
