Let’s dive into it! Tips for snagging a great deal on Broadway tickets

If you've been keeping up with the resurgence of live performances in New York City, you might be compiling a ticket wish list for your Broadway experiences this year. Like many, you may have felt a jolt at the sight of $500 premium seats for shows like "The Music Man." (At that price, I expect my seats to come with a complimentary flight!)

But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to enjoy fantastic live theater in NYC while still having cash left for dinner and sightseeing. I've managed to catch live performances—from recent Tony Award winners to brand-new productions—without breaking the bank by leveraging various tips and insider tricks to find Broadway shows at reduced prices or even for free.

From online promotions to the TKTS booth, here are some of my top strategies for enjoying Broadway shows on a budget.

In-person deals and discounts

One of the simplest ways to save money while in New York City is to head straight to the box office. By buying tickets in person, you can dodge the steep Ticketmaster/Telecharge fees that come with online purchases. (Personally, I’d rather spend that extra cash — sometimes over $30 per person — on a nice glass of wine and some snacks during intermission.)

Another advantage of visiting the theater in person is the chance to buy rush seats or same-day discounted tickets, which are often available on a first-come, first-served basis. This is ideal if your schedule is flexible, you're okay with waiting in line, and you're not too disappointed if you miss out on tickets after a long wait.

Rush seats can be found at many of Broadway's top shows, including recent Tony Award winners like "Strange Loop" and "The Music Man." To boost your chances of grabbing these last-minute discounted tickets, which typically cost $49 or less and may be located in the front row or other prime sections of the orchestra, make sure to arrive early.

If you want to enjoy a fantastic performance for free, consider attending Shakespeare in the Park. Tickets for these shows in Central Park are absolutely free of charge.

While the primary ticket distribution point is located in Central Park, residents of the five boroughs can take advantage of special distribution days with more manageable lines. Additionally, TodayTix offers a digital lottery for the free summer performances.

TKTS

Another favored option for purchasing tickets in person is the classic New York City experience of visiting the TKTS booth in the heart of Times Square. Here, you can buy same-day tickets for major Broadway productions as well as smaller off-Broadway shows at discounts ranging from 20% to 50% off the standard prices. (Keep in mind that the most sought-after shows, including those by Disney, are typically not available through this method.)

A great advantage of TKTS is that, although evening performances must be purchased on the same day, you can often secure matinee tickets the day before the show. You can also check real-time ticket availability online or by using the official TKTS app.

For more choices and a broader selection, think about joining the nonprofit Theater Development Fund, which operates TKTS. Membership will grant you access to discounted tickets in advance.

TodayTix, Lucky Seat, and lotteries

Prefer not to stand in line? You don’t always need to wait to score a great deal. The TodayTix app serves as a digital rush, offering discounted tickets for various shows. Prices can vary, but many of the top performances currently running are available on the app and website.

While not every show features significant discounts, TodayTix frequently runs promotions without additional fees. However, keep in mind that for certain performances, you may not be able to select your exact seat; instead, you'll choose a preferred section.

TodayTix also hosts online lotteries for tickets through its app, as does Lucky Seat. These lotteries typically offer access to some of the most coveted and pricey shows currently on stage.

For this option, you simply enter your name for a chance to win significantly discounted tickets. It may take a bit of patience, but I've had success with this service, snagging $25 orchestra tickets to "Mean Girls." An additional benefit is that you usually find out a day or two before your performance if you've secured tickets, giving you ample time to make dinner plans as well.

If you're aiming to see arguably the most popular Broadway show of all time—"Hamilton"—be aware that there is also a lottery for these sought-after tickets. The dedicated lottery for $10 tickets is managed directly by the production for all its North American performances.

Playbill

Yes, Playbill is the booklet you receive when attending a Broadway performance, but this compact magazine offers more than just the essential details about the show. It also features a highly informative website that provides excellent ticket deals for both Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Additionally, the site offers backstage insights and plenty of valuable tips on upcoming openings, allowing you to take advantage of previews (the time before a show officially opens and is reviewed, during which tickets may be available at a reduced price).

By subscribing to the magazine's daily newsletter, I've been informed about numerous previews and deal alerts that led to affordable seats for shows that later became major hits, including the gender-bent rendition of "Company" featuring Patti LuPone (which recently concluded its run). To quote Patti from that show: "Everybody rise!"

Limited-time offers

Another straightforward way to save on theater tickets is to sign up for alerts from NYC & Company, the official tourism organization of New York City. In addition to the group's well-known restaurant weeks, there are special Broadway Weeks held twice a year. During these times in September and early January, theater enthusiasts can buy two-for-one Broadway tickets.

Unlike some of the previously mentioned discounted options, these special theater week deals include popular family-friendly shows like "Wicked" and "The Lion King." (In fact, this limited-time offer is how I first introduced my theater-loving child to Broadway musicals.) Tickets typically go on sale about three weeks in advance, with tickets for the next theater week (scheduled for Sept. 6-25) available for purchase starting Aug. 16.

Bottom line

There are numerous ways to experience live theater in New York City without breaking the bank.

Besides scoring great deals on tickets, explore these fantastic (and budget-friendly) points hotels to help minimize your expenses during your visit to the Big Apple.

Consider some budget-friendly options for pre-theater dining, like the Times Square branch of Hong Kong offshoot Tim Ho Wan, a Michelin-starred dim sum spot just a short walk from "Little Shop of Horrors," where many dishes are priced under $10.

If you're in the mood for something sweet after the show, treat yourself to a luscious gelato at Amorino, where the flower petal cones filled with rich hazelnut, dark chocolate, and blood orange flavors provide a delightful finish to your Broadway experience.