The most renowned musical theater district in the world, with over 40 operational theaters spread across a few block radius, Broadway is the beating heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Every year, dozens of Broadway shows make their home here in New York City. From classic musicals like The Phantom of the Opera and the Lion King, to more contemporary showcases like Hamilton and The Book of Mormon, there's always something new to discover.

Some of these theaters — the Gershwin Theater, the Shubert Theater and the Lyceum, to name a few — have been around since before World War I, while others are far more modern. Regardless, each theater has its own distinct charm and personality.

And when it comes to what's on stage, whether you're into comedy, drama, magic or something in between, you'll never run out of options for Broadway tickets in New York City.

Here's everything you need to know about what's showing on Broadway, home to some of the most captivating shows in New York City.

What are the most popular shows on Broadway?

The Lion King

A family-favorite that's been captivating audiences of all ages since it opened in 1997, The Lion King is a Broadway classic. Based on the iconic 1994 Disney movie, the show is renowned for its catchy tunes and larger-than-life character costumes.

With tracks like "Circle of Life" and "Hakuna Matata", the story follows young Simba's journey from cub to king as he learns important life lessons along the way.

Ticket prices

The Lion King tickets usually start at US$115 when booked directly through Broadway websites depending on which seats you book.

Show times

The Lion King show times are as follows: 7 PM Tuesday to Thursday, 8 PM on Fridays, 2 PM and 8 PM on Saturdays, and 1 PM and 6.30 PM on Sundays.

All shows last around 2 hours and 30 minutes and take place at the Minskoff Theatre at 200 W 45th Street.

Aladdin

Another reimagined Disney musical, Aladdin tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a princess and goes on an adventure of a lifetime to save her from an evil sorcerer.

The show features elaborate set design, colorful costumes and the iconic music numbers that we all know and love such as “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me”.

Ticket prices

Tickets to Aladdin and slightly more affordable than other Broadway shows in New York City, typically starting at around US$70 per person.

Show times

Aladdin runs at 7 PM Tuesday to Thursday, 8 PM on Fridays, 2 PM and 8 PM on Saturdays, and 1 PM and 6:30 PM on Sundays. The show takes place at the New Amsterdam Theatre, right next to Times Square.

Chicago

A jazz-influenced musical set in the 1920s, Chicago is a classic show following two vaudeville murderesses as they fight for fame and freedom, hiring slick lawyers and defying the media along the way – all based on real-life murders and trials.

The show won six Tony awards when it premiered in 1975 and – after a short closure and relaunch – has been jazzing it up at Broadway’s Ambassador Theatre since 1996, making it one of the longest-running shows of all time.

Ticket prices

Chicago the Musical tickets start from around US$60 for orchestra seating, climbing into the hundreds for more premium seats.

Show times

Chicago has show times of 7 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and 8 PM on Fridays. The two Saturday shows are at 2:30 PM and 8 PM and the two Sunday shows are at 2 PM and 7 PM.

All shows last around 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission, and take place at the Ambassador Theatre on West 49th Street.

Wicked

Transporting visitors to the lesser-known side of Oz, this longstanding musical follows the story of Elphaba, a misunderstood witch, and her friendship with Glinda the Good Witch. Adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked has now run for over 15 years – making it the fourth-longest running show on Broadway.

Ticket prices

Tickets to Wicked start at around US$115 and typically get more expensive when you move towards the front of the house.

Show times

Wicked plays at 7 PM Tuesdays through Thursdays. Friday shows are at 8 PM, Saturday shows are at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sunday shows are at 2 PM and 7 PM. All performances take place at the Gershwin Theatre

All shows last around 2 hours and 45 minutes, with intermission.

Hamilton

With 11 Tony Awards under its belt, as well as Grammys and a Pulitzer Prize, Hamilton is arguably one of the most successful Broadway shows in history.

The musical follows Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the Caribbean island of Nevis who becomes George Washington's right-hand man during the American Revolution, and eventually helped forge the US Constitution. It's all set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, and R&B, which offers a fresh, toe-tapping look at the era of the Founding Fathers.

Ticket prices

Priced similarly to most other Broadway shows in New York City, Hamilton tickets usually start from around US$115 per person.

Show times

7 PM Tuesday to Saturday, with extra shows at 1 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. The show runs for about 2 hours and 55 minutes (including intermission) and takes place at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

A steamy musical showcase, Moulin Rouge! follows struggling writer Christian as he falls in love with cabaret dancer Satine – set in the beautiful Paris Montmartre district in 1899.

The show overflows with eye-catching costumes and some extremely catchy tunes. For fans of glitter, glamour and a lot of dancing, this one should be at the top of your list.

Ticket prices

Tickets for Moulin Rouge! usually start around US$70 per person.

Show times

Moulin Rouge! runs Tuesday at 7 PM, Wednesday 2 PM and 8 PM, and Thursday and Friday at 7 PM. The two Saturday showtimes are at 2 PM and 8 PM. Sunday shows are typically at 5 PM, although these do change occasionally.

All performances take place at the Al Hirschfield Theatre, and last around 2 hours and 45 minutes including intermission.

The Book of Mormon

Crude, creative and often controversial, The Book of Mormon has been one of Broadway’s biggest hits for the last 10 years. Written by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it tells the story of two young Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda to convert locals to their faith – only to be met with skepticism and some unexpected obstacles.

It's undeniably one of the more hilarious Broadway shows in New York City.

Ticket prices

The Book of Mormon tickets can start at just US$70 for the cheapest seats, which is considered great value for a show of this caliber. Typically, expect to pay closer to US$85.

Show times

The Book of Mormon runs Tuesday to Friday at 7 PM. Weekend shows are 8 PM on Saturdays and 7 PM on Sundays, with 2 PM matinees on both days.

It takes place in Eugene O'Neill Theatre; performances last around 2 hours and 30 minutes with intermission.

MJ the Musical

One of the lesser-known Broadway shows in New York City, MJ the Musical celebrates the life and tunes of Michael Jackson, the late King of Pop. It draws on his long career in both solo and group performances while exploring how his artistry shaped not just pop culture, but also the fight for racial justice. Expect to hear more than 25 of his biggest hits as well.

Ticket prices

MJ the Musical tickets usually start around US$95 per person through official websites.

Show times

MJ the Musical takes place at Neil Simon Theatre from Tuesday to Sunday. Showtimes are usually 7 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

On Wednesdays, and Saturdays showtimes are 2 PM and 8 PM, while Sunday showtimes are 3 PM.

The show lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Full of magic, mystery and adventure, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is one of the most spellbinding Broadway shows in New York City. Set 19 years after the Deathly Hallows, this new interpretation of the beloved series features epic special effects, floating dementors and so much more.

Ticket prices

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets start a US$75 per person, one of the more affordable options for Broadway shows in the city. Prices increase based on the quality of the seat.

Show times

Held at the Lyric Theater, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child performances take place at 7 PM from Tuesday to Sunday, with two extra 1 PM matinees on the weekends.

The show is long, lasting around 3 hours and 30 minutes with intermission.

When is the best time to catch a Broadway show in New York City?

The best time for a Broadway show depends on your personal itinerary, but the spring and fall are better seasons than others. New productions often open in the fall (around September) and spring (around April) to coincide with the two main periods when Tony Award-eligible shows premiere. This is a good time if you want to catch the latest shows.

In summer, many shows are running but tickets can sell out quickly. Opt for a weekday show for a better chance of getting good seats.

Travel tips

Hot shows or those with major stars can sell out weeks or even months in advance. Book your tickets as soon as possible.
Some shows offer rush tickets or lotteries. These are significantly discounted tickets available the day of the performance. They are typically limited in number and not guaranteed.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. This allows time for security checks, finding your seat, and settling in.
Dress smart-casual. While Broadway has no strict dress code, dressing up can enhance the experience.
Silence your cell phone and avoid using it during the performance.

Broadway in New York City: Tickets