New Broadway tickets available: Here's all you need to know for your trip to New York City

Broadway is making its grand comeback! Well, almost.

As of May 5, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Broadway League have announced that Broadway shows will reopen at full capacity starting September 14. If you've been eager to return to New York City and The Great White Way, TPG has all the information you need—from travel tips to accommodations, dining options, and other attractions while you're in the Big Apple.

Tickets for Hamilton, The Lion King, and Wicked are now available as of today, May 11.

Getting to New York City: A Guide

Many visitors from New York and neighboring states drive into the city for their escapes or arrive via public transport to Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal. If you're flying in, you have three airport choices: New York-JFK, New York-LGA, and New Jersey's Newark-EWR.

For all the essential information on planning your trip, check out these additional TPG articles:

• A guide to reaching and staying in New York City using points and miles
• A newcomer’s guide to New York City: What you need to know for your first visit
• All about navigating New York City
• The quickest route from JFK to Manhattan
• The fastest way to get from Newark Airport to New York City
• An overview of New York City's neighborhoods
• The best free activities in New York City
• Optimal times to visit New York City

Head to TPG's New York City hub for more tips on exploring the Big Apple.

Must-see attractions on Broadway

If you're looking for tickets to popular shows like "Hamilton" or "The Phantom of the Opera," a beloved choice like "The Lion King," or something more dramatic such as "To Kill a Mockingbird," you'll discover them on Broadway in 2021. There are 44 performances available in September. For further details about each production, visit Broadway.com.

However, as of today, tickets for the following performances are currently available:

• Hamilton
• Wicked
• The Lion King
• Ain't Too Proud
• The Phantom of the Opera
• Jagged Little Pill
• Diana
• Company
• Come From Away
• Six
• Mrs. Doubtfire
• Chicago
• Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
• Aladdin

More tickets will be released in the upcoming weeks.

Keep in mind that although New York has announced that Broadway can restart on September 14, this doesn't guarantee that every theater will open its doors that evening. Some shows need additional preparation, so your favorite performance might not return until October or even later.

Recommended hotels for your Broadway vacation

I have an upcoming trip to New York City and was pleasantly surprised by the affordable nightly rates at several top hotels. These offers may not last long as vaccination rates increase and travel resumes, but the city offers plenty of hotel points options, so it's time to use those points and start planning your visit.

If you’re organizing a trip centered around Broadway shows, you’ll likely want to stay close to the excitement. The Theater District is bounded by West 54th Street to the north, West 40th Street to the south, Sixth Avenue to the east, and Eighth Avenue to the west.

Being within walking distance of the theaters isn’t essential. New York City offers fantastic public transit options, along with a multitude of taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts, making it easy to travel around the city. Due to the pandemic, traffic congestion in Times Square is significantly less than it used to be, though this may change as more people return to the city.

Here are some of our top choices for places to rest after your Broadway adventure. The rates mentioned are for mid-September stays.

AC Hotel New York Times Square

• Why choose this hotel? The AC Hotel is conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from the theaters, without being right in the heart of Times Square.
• Location: 260 W. 40th Street (between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, closer to Eighth)
• Rates: Starting at $329 per night or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (Category 6)
• TPG review: AC Hotel New York Times Square

Andaz Fifth Avenue

• Why choose this hotel? This hotel is roughly a 10-minute stroll to Times Square and a 20-minute walk to the Theater District. It boasts a great location directly across from the New York Public Library. If you’re looking for some greenery and open space during your stay, be sure to check out nearby Bryant Park.
• Location: 485 Fifth Avenue at 41st Street (between Madison and Fifth avenues)
• Rates: Starting at $550 per night or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night
• TPG review: Andaz 5th Avenue

Conrad New York Midtown

• Why select this hotel? TPG editor Nick Ewen highlights the Conrad as a fantastic option for families, as standard room awards provide access to a full suite. It’s conveniently located near Central Park and within walking distance of the main theaters. Keep in mind that the Conrad has been closed since the pandemic began but is set to reopen on May 24.
• Location: 151 W. 54th Street (between Sixth and Seventh avenues)
• Rates: Starting at $615 per night or 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night
• TPG review: Conrad Midtown

InterContinental New York Times Square

• Why choose this hotel? The prime location combined with an excellent onsite restaurant gives this hotel a distinct advantage. There’s also a Shake Shack just around the corner on Eighth Avenue to satisfy your burger and fries cravings.
• Location: 300 W. 44th Street (between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, closer to Eighth)
• Rates: Starting at $269 per night or 48,000 IHG points per night
• TPG review: InterContinental New York Times Square

Le Meridien New York, Central Park

• Why select this hotel? Formerly known as the Viceroy, this hotel has been rebranded as Le Meridien, allowing you to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points here. It’s conveniently located near the theaters, Central Park, and shopping along Fifth Avenue.
• Location: 120 W. 57th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues)
• Rates: Starting at $391 per night or 60,000 Marriott points per night (Category 7)

New York Marriott Marquis

• Why choose this hotel? You’ll find yourself right in the heart of Times Square. Additionally, the rooms are spacious compared to other New York City accommodations, and the views from the upper floors are impressive.
• Location: 1535 Broadway (between 7th and 8th Avenues)
• Rates: Starting at $289 per night or 60,000 Marriott points (Category 7)
• TPG Review: New York Marriott Marquis

Park Hyatt New York

• Why choose this hotel? If you seek a World of Hyatt property that excels in elite recognition, the Park Hyatt is an excellent choice. It offers easy access to both the theater district and Central Park, a must-see for any visitor.
• Location: 153 W. 57th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues)
• Rates: Starting at $995 per night or 30,000 Hyatt points per night
• TPG review: Park Hyatt New York

The Chatwal, a Luxury Collection Hotel

• Why select this hotel? Elegant surroundings combined with a short and easy walk to the theaters define The Chatwal.
• Location: 130 W. 44th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues)
• Rates: Starting at $583 per night or 85,000 Marriott points per night (Category 8)

Where to dine

Theater lovers have their favorite spots for a bite before or after a show. When I'm on the hunt for a restaurant to complement a Broadway experience, I consult Melanie Votaw, a travel writer and theater critic based in New York City. Here are her top picks for a delightful meal in and around the Theater District:

"Arriba Arriba at 762 Ninth Avenue and 51st Street is perfect when you're attending a theater in the high 40s or low 50s, like Circle in the Square. I've been visiting this Mexican gem for years, and they still serve the best chicken mole I've tasted in New York City.

My favorite pre- or post-theater spot is Mama Mia 44 SW on Ninth Avenue at 44th Street. They offer some outdoor seating when the weather permits, and their pasta dishes, meal salads, and traditional Italian meat and fish options are reasonably priced for Hell's Kitchen.

The West Bank Cafe is a legendary restaurant with a theater in its basement. It's so cherished by the theater community that a fundraising initiative raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support it during the pandemic. You might even spot actors there before or after their Broadway performances. Located at 407 W. 42nd Street and Ninth Avenue, it has been a staple since 1978.

Another popular spot to gather with theater friends is Cafe Un Deux Trois, located at 123 W. 44th Street. They offer delectable dishes like steamed mussels in a white wine shallot broth or savory chicken, artichoke, and sun-dried tomato crepes.

Brian Kelly, the founder and CEO of TPG, is also a fan of Cafe Un Deux Trois. Please note that it is currently closed but aims to reopen in tandem with Broadway in September.

Kelly also suggests visiting chef Geoffrey Zakarian's The Lambs Club, located inside The Chatwal on 44th Street, for "pre-dinner drinks and snacks." This venue is also temporarily closed but is expected to reopen when Broadway returns this fall.

Another favorite among the staff is Bar Centrale (324 W. 46th Street), situated above Joe Allen restaurant (326 W. 46th Street). Both places are currently closed, but it's known that Broadway agents and actors frequent Bar Centrale, so keep it in mind — we're all hopeful both will reopen alongside Broadway.

Other must-see attractions

If your visit to Broadway allows for some extra exploration, consider these famous landmarks.

Discover Central Park

Wander through the park to enjoy its meadows, lakes, and attractions like the Central Park Zoo, Central Park Carousel, and Wollman Rink. During regular times, you can also find bike tours, concerts, and events such as Shakespeare in the Park. Central Park stretches between the Upper West and Upper East sides of Manhattan, beginning at West 59th Street in the south and concluding at Central Park North, with West 111th Street just beyond.

American Museum of Natural History

Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan close to Central Park, this natural history museum (200 Central Park West) is renowned as one of the finest in the world. Admission fees range from $13 to $23 per person. Be sure to purchase timed tickets online before your visit to explore highlights like the Tyrannosaurus rex, the Willamette Meteorite, and a show at the Hayden Planetarium.

Take the Staten Island Ferry for a glimpse of Lady Liberty

If you wish to see the Statue of Liberty but lack time for a guided tour, hop on the Staten Island Ferry for a complimentary ride. Make sure to stay on the right side of the ferry for the best views.

Top of the Rock

For stunning panoramic views of the city, visit the observation deck known as Top of the Rock (30 Rockefeller Plaza). You'll experience a 360-degree perspective of the city from the 70th floor. Tickets range from $32 to $38, or opt for VIP access (which grants immediate entry upon arrival and priority elevator access) for $75. After capturing your sky-high selfies, consider joining a guided tour of the famous landmarks at Rockefeller Center (45 Rockefeller Plaza) for approximately $25.

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Located at the far west side of Hell's Kitchen, this waterfront museum (Pier 86, W. 46th Street) invites visitors to explore the aircraft carrier Intrepid, tour the Space Shuttle Pavilion, and discover the submarine Growler and British Airways Concorde. Be sure to buy timed tickets in advance (adults $33, seniors $31, children $24, and free for kids aged 4 and under).

Bottom line

Like many other tourist spots, New York City has faced challenges during the pandemic. Broadway has remained closed for over a year, and the theater community is eager to welcome you back in mid-September. If you feel it's the right time, consider planning a trip to New York City this fall to support the hospitality and entertainment sectors.