ExperienceFirst’s Broadway and Times Square Insider Tour is perfect for theater fans, lovers of musicals, and anyone who want to learn more about this iconic slice of Midtown Manhattan. Your Broadway and Times Square Insider Tour will be led by a professional director and actor, and during your time together you’ll hear all about the history of New York City theater while strolling past some of the industry’s most legendary sites. Highlights include Duffy Square, Broadway, Barrymore Theater, and Times Square. In all, the Broadway and Times Square Insider Tour covers about one mile of New York City’s most electrifying neighborhood, and is considered accessible for both strollers and wheelchairs.
Broadway and Times Square Insider Tour Background Information
Times Square’s history as a major transportation hub dates to the late nineteenth century, when the area (at that time known as Long Acre Square) served as a staging area for horses and carriages when they weren’t being utilized by local residents. In 1904, the New York Times moved their headquarters here, the square changed its name to honor this estimable new tenant and, as they say, the rest is history.
Times Square has become one of the symbols of New York City, a place recognized the world over for its massive light installations, flashy billboards, and gaudy advertisements that blink, glow, and scroll twenty-four hours a day. For many first-time visitors, no trip to Manhattan can truly be complete without first diving straight into this heady mix of major-brand stores, famous restaurants, and renowned street performers. Likewise, Broadway remains a beloved destination for theater afficionados from all across the globe.
What to See on the Broadway and Times Square Insider Tour
The Broadway and Times Square Insider Tour begins at 46th Street and Broadway in Times Square, directly in front of the statue of George M. Cohan, an influential figure in the development of American musical theater. Your guide will be the individual wearing an orange hat and/or blue jacket or shirt.
As you stroll through Duffy Square, your expert tour guide—again, always someone with extensive experience in the industry—will share stories about some of Broadway’s greatest successes, its biggest flops and failures, and a number of the scene’s most colorful characters. As you stroll along Broadway itself, you’ll have the chance to bask in the sights and sounds of this world-famous stretch that’s been graced by some of the finest performers who’ve ever lived.
For many participants, the biggest highlights of their Broadway and Times Square Insider Tour experience are when they come face to face with legendary venues like Barrymore Theater, Shubert Theater, and the Majestic Theater. This particular guided walking tour doesn’t take you in any of these historic structures, but you’ll feel like a true insider all the same listening to your knowledgeable guide share insights about each site’s rich past. The tour concludes in the one-and-only Times Square.
ExperienceFirst’s Broadway and Times Square Insider Tour runs daily, typically departing at 4:00pm. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 are entitled to a discounted ticket, and all those little ones under the age of three years old may accompany the tour free of charge. The tour lasts approximately 1.75 hours, and is available as a private group outing. For those so interested, visit ExperienceFirst’s official website for more details.
Tips for Taking the Broadway and Times Square Insider Tour
- Broadway and Times Square Insider Tour is included on several money saving tourist passes including the New York Pass, Go NY All-Inclusive Pass and NY Explorer Pass
- ExperienceFirst Tours requests that you arrive for your Broadway and Times Square Insider Tour at least 15 minutes prior to its scheduled departure time. The tour leaves promptly on time, and if you’re late it may not be possible to catch up with your tour group.
- If for any reason you must cancel your Broadway and Times Square Insider Tour reservation, make sure to do so at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. This way, you’ll still be entitled to a full refund from ExperienceFirst Tours. If you must alter your reservation less than 24 hours before your scheduled departure time, you’ll incur a financial penalty.
- The Broadway and Times Square Insider Tour runs regardless of the weather, so make sure to check the forecast in advance of your excursion. There’s nothing worse than a great tour being spoiled for want of an umbrella, light jacket, or bottled water.