The Theater Lover's Guide to NYC

This is stating the obvious—but see a show (or three). There’s never a shortage of live theater in NYC—and don’t let anyone tell you an Off-Broadway show is any less incredible than one on Broadway. I usually plan my trips around the shows I want to see, and buy tickets in advance, but you can also try your luck at a TKTS booth or the theater’s box office on the day of the performance for cheaper seats.

Stage door: While the cast isn’t obligated to come out after the show, many performers do—signing programs, posing for photos, and even chatting with fans. I’ve been lucky enough to meet quite a few major theater stars this way! If you’re not sure where the stage door is, just look for security outside the theater—they’ll happily point you in the right direction. And don’t forget to bring a Sharpie!

Attend a “talk-back”: Some matinee performances include a post-show Talk-Back, which is usually announced after the final curtain. During these sessions, members of the cast and production team return to the stage to share behind-the-scenes stories and answer audience questions. I happened to catch one after a show this spring—and it was such a cool experience hearing directly from the cast. As I sat there listening, I realized I had actually seen one of the actors twice the year before in another production!

Visit The Museum of Broadway: If you’re a theater lover, the Museum of Broadway is a must-visit. It’s packed with memorabilia, costumes, set pieces, and tons of photo-worthy moments. You’ll find iconic items from shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Annie, Hamilton, and many more. Even if you don’t have time for the full museum experience, be sure to stop by the gift shop—it’s full of great books and unique theater souvenirs.

Take a tour of Radio City Music Hall: Whether or not you attend a performance, you can book a guided tour of Radio City Music Hall—and it’s absolutely worth it. The tour dives into the theater’s rich history and showcases its stunning Art Deco design. Standing in the owner’s suite and taking in the view of the entire auditorium was truly breathtaking, and walking past decades of performance photos lining the halls was nothing short of inspiring. Meeting a Rockette at the end and having our photo taken with her? The perfect cherry on top!

The Ride: Climb aboard a 75-minute theatrical bus tour through the heart of the city, led by two energetic guides and packed with surprise performances along the way. It combines the best of NYC—sightseeing, people-watching, and live performance—where the streets of New York are the stage and anything can happen. I’m certain no two rides are alike—and you get to experience it all from inside the A/C!

Hire a professional photographer: There’s no better way to capture your time in NYC than by hiring a professional photographer for a photo session. It’s become a must on most of my trips—and it’s always worth it! You get to choose the location, the length of the shoot, and the style of photos you want. The result? Stunning images and a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Sardi’s: Located in the heart of the Theater District, Sardi's is as much a Broadway landmark as it is a restaurant. With over 1,000 caricatures of actors and actresses lining the walls, half the fun is trying to spot familiar faces while you wait for your meal. The food has been excellent every time I’ve visited, and the service is just as impressive.

Bond 45: Bond 45 is a fantastic Italian restaurant, perfectly located for a pre- or post-show meal. The menu features house-made pastas and classic Italian favorites—and everything I’ve tried has been absolutely delicious!

Orso: I discovered Orso on my most recent trip to NYC while looking for a spot a bit off the beaten path. This upscale, intimate restaurant is a favorite among theater professionals—and for good reason. The menu is small, and changes often, but the food was truly exceptional. The orecchiette with Italian sausage, the roasted pork chop, and the panna cotta have been living rent-free in my head for months!

Street food: Street food vendors are everywhere in NYC, making them perfect for grabbing a quick bite when you’re short on time. You’ll find a little bit of everything—from pretzels to kebabs—but I’m especially partial to the Italian sausage with peppers! Just a heads-up: most carts are cash only, so come prepared.

Mom’s Kitchen and Bar: A super fun 80’s TV mom-themed restaurant with two locations in NYC. The menu is full of comfort food and all-day brunch, fun cocktails, and massive boozy (or not) milkshakes! I love the vibe as much as the food here. They had me at all-day brunch!