NYC Broadway Tips for Cheaper Tickets & the Best Experience
Experiencing a Broadway show should be on everyone’s NYC bucket list. The talent is top-notch, the theaters are phenomenal, and the experience is unparalleled.
One of the best parts about Broadway is that there are genres and shows for all types of interests and ages.
In this episode, we’ll break down some NYC Broadway tips that will make your experience more enjoyable and cheaper!
We’ll cover:
- Best ways to get cheap Broadway tickets
- TKTS Booth
- Today Tix
- Rush & Lottery
- Things to know before going to Broadway
- Broadway etiquette
- How to meet Broadway cast members
Let’s look at each below. 👇
Note: This article was written by a real live human being who lives in NYC, not artificial intelligence. 🥸
NYC Broadway Tips Podcast
Want to hear more podcasts like this? Head here.
Best & Cheapest Ways to Get Broadway Tickets
While you can always go to each individual theater’s box office for decent ticket prices (and usually zero fees), there are often cheaper ways to get Broadway tickets in New York.
Our go-to options for cheap Broadway tickets are:
- TKTS Booths
- TodayTix
- Rush & Lottery
TKTS Booth NYC
The TKTS booths sell Broadway tickets at discounted rates, usually for day-of shows.
If you wanna do the Times Square TKTS booth (Broadway & 47th), you get the fast pass if you have a ticket from within the previous seven days.
Or…
The Lincoln Center booth always has a shorter line (Columbus & 62nd)!
And sometimes, a different inventory than at Times Square.
TKTS booth doesn’t have every show, so if you’re deadset on Wicked, for example, then buy tickets beforehand.
You’ll pay the same price as apps or ticket sites the day of, but you’ll have much better seats, often in the orchestra (closer) section.
The TKTS app shows an inventory of each location, but it’s not always exact. You can also check out the shows available daily here on their website.
TodayTix – Cheapest Broadway Tickets in Advance
TodayTix is great if you plan up to a month ahead or longer. Once you get within 3-5 days, you’ll likely find better prices at the TKTS Booths.
Again, if you plan ahead, you can sometimes get tickets for as cheap as about $30!
Rush & Lottery Tickets
Two other popular ways to get cheap Broadway tickets are through the Rush or Lottery.
Rush Tickets for Broadway
Certain shows will set aside “Rush” tickets. This means there are a limited number of tickets, often but not always with partial views, that are “released” early in the day at the specific show’s box office.
Playbill has a full breakdown of which shows have Rush and/or Lottery tickets.
These types of tickets often involve standing in line, arriving at the box office early in the day, or both. 🙂
Lottery Tickets for Broadway
Lottery tickets are a bit more straightforward. Certain shows will set aside a set number of tickets for the lottery drawing.
Even if you are chosen in a show’s lottery, you still must pay for the tickets. The “lottery” side is that tickets are usually 20-70% cheaper than the normal price.
Playbill has a full breakdown of which shows have Rush and/or Lottery tickets.
Some Broadway lotteries can be accessed through TodayTix, some through the show’s website, and many through Broadway Direct. Here is an example of what today’s lottery looks like (it changes frequently):
- Aladdin – $35
- Beetlejuice – $49
- Death Becomes Her – $45
- MJ – $49
- Six – $45
- Stranger Things – $45
- The Lion King – $60
- Wicked – $55
While it’s never a guarantee, we’ve successfully secured lottery tickets for multiple shows over the years. 👍
Other Ticket Providers
You can also use broadway.com, Viator, or ticket providers like Vivid Seats or Ticketmaster.
There have been a few instances where it’s been the cheaper option, especially if you plan ahead.
This Episode’s You’ll Have to Check It Out Segment – Tasty Hand Pulled Noodles II
We can put our “we’ve been here at least five times” stamp of approval on Tasty Hand Pulled Noodles.
We’ve never waited for a table; the staff is friendly and attentive, and the food comes out quickly!
And oh my, the food is delicious, and the portions are plentiful. Any noodle options, dumplings, or soup dishes are a great choice.
Plus, prices are extremely fair! We LOVE this place.
Check out Tasty Hand Pulled Noodles II in Hell’s Kitchen, near Broadway shows, here.
Things to Know Before Going to Broadway
Here are a few things to know before heading to a Broadway show.
You always go through security, so don’t bring weapons or things like pepper spray… If you accidentally bring it, they’ll sometimes hold it for you, but don’t bank on it.
You can usually bring snacks in; just be respectful about it and open them before the show starts.
Bring a jacket; the theaters are usually colder than you’d expect, even in the summer.
Related Reading: Cheap or Free Alternatives to NYC Tourist Spots
Broadway Etiquette
Don’t use your phone at all; it ruins shows. Please!
It’s extremely distracting to the people around you, and everyone paid good money to watch the show, not to watch you check text messages. 😄
The one caveat is that most shows are fine with you taking pictures during the finale and encores.
Please don’t sing along (unless the show calls for it). Again, it’s a crowded theater, and people deserve to hear the performers.
If you need to use the restroom during intermission, leave as soon as the intermission starts. Lines are long, always!
And don’t forget to snap the classic playbill-in-front-of-the-stage pic. 😉
How to Meet Broadway Cast Members
One fun thing to do after a Broadway show in New York is to go to the cast/crew entrance and meet some of the cast members. It’s usually on the backside of theaters or to the side of main entrances, ask a staff member.
You may wait 15-30 minutes for the cast to exit, but it’s a fun experience to see the stars up close and get your Playbill signed!
Here’s us meeting Cody Strand, who plays Elder Cunningham in The Book of Mormon on Broadway, one of our favorite shows. 👇
And also us saying hello after a show to one of Ashley’s friends from middle school & high school, Morgan Higgins, who played a main role in Bad Cinderella.
NYC Broadway Tips Recap
Broadway in New York City is one of the city’s most unique and enjoyable parts. The talent is exceptional, and production quality is always high!
One final note: Do NOT use the pedicabs when leaving the show. Just don’t do it. You’ll get price-gouged. They’re one of the biggest NYC tourist traps!
Above all, enjoy the experience!
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on new episodes, articles, and guides! 👇
Devin Stagg
As long-time lovers of New York City we made the plunge to move across the country to NYC in early 2021... with our 3 dogs at the time (RIP Buddy). We consider ourself experts in exploring new restaurants, finding the best-rated bars, and activities actually worth doing. Plus, my Google Maps organizational skills are 2nd to none. 😜
More Articles
NYC Safety Tips: 5 Tips from a Local to Stay Safe!
Best Airport to Fly Into New York City: Pros & Cons of LGA, JFK, EWR
