10 of the Top Things To Do on Broadway Without Show Tickets

If you’re looking for dinner and a non-Broadway show, then make your way to Ellen's Stardust Diner or Gayle's Broadway Rose. At these casual eateries, the servers are also performers, and they sing show tunes all day long. Both are located in New York's Theater District, making lunch or dinner an easy add-on to a day of exploring the neighborhood.

Insider tip: Ellen's doesn't take reservations, so you'll have to join a sometimes hours-long queue to get a table. Gayle's does take reservations, though walk-ins are welcome, too.

Whether you have a ticket to a Broadway show or not, you can still take a walking tour of the Theater District to dive deep into the history of Broadway. Some tours even bring you behind the scenes into a studio. With the help of a local guide—who might even be an actor themselves—this is one of the best ways to explore Broadway without a show, giving you expert insight into the inner workings of theater in New York.

If you love Broadway, you'll love 54 Below. This is a Broadway-themed cabaret supper club, where theater professionals perform nightly. The shows change every day—and there are also multiple shows per day—so you can return time and time again and see something new. Some events are even live-streamed for viewers at home. And if you do have a ticket to a Broadway show, you can attend the 5.30pm pre-theater seating.

Opened in 2022, the Museum of Broadway walks you through the history of Broadway, teaches you what goes into the making of a Broadway show, and hosts special thematic exhibits, such as one dedicated to Disney® on Broadway. Throughout the museum, you can see recognizable props and costumes from shows throughout the years.

Don't miss: Patti LuPone's wig from Evita is on display here, with more than 100,000 strands of hair.

So you can sing and you can act—but can you dance? Try your hand at theater-style dance classes at studios such as Broadway Dance Center or Steps on Broadway—drop-ins are welcome. You can also try other styles of dance, from hip-hop to ballet to tap, too.

Insider tip: Beginner classes aren't for true beginners. Look for intro, basic, or "absolute beginner" levels if you don't have any dance experience.

Most Broadway theaters don't offer backstage tours, but Radio City Music Hall does. On a behind-the-scenes tour you'll be able to access areas that aren't open to the public, learning all about the history and secrets of this iconic theater. Bonus: You'll have a chance to meet and take a photo with a Radio City Rockette. Better yet, Radio City tours are free for children ages five and under.

When it comes to non-theater attractions on Broadway, the Drama Book Shop is a must-stop for serious theater lovers. In operation since 1917, this specialty bookshop is the go-to place for both theatrical works and books about the performing arts. Peruse its many shelves, enjoy interior design by scenic designer David Korins (who's perhaps best known for his work on Hamilton), or pop into the café for a coffee and a pastry.

Get a taste of Broadway with free Broadway performances just outside of the Theater District. Broadway in Bryant Park is a beloved annual program that brings Broadway casts to the park to perform songs from their shows—and it's completely free. The shows occur at lunchtime and are about one hour long. Get there early! Locals and visitors alike love free things to do near Broadway, so it gets crowded fast. There are a limited number of chairs set up in the audience, but you can bring a blanket and sit on the lawn.

Most Broadway shows are filmed, and while these recordings are not necessarily a "pro-shot" or a professional live capture, they still allow you to watch historic productions. These live at the New York Public Library's Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT), and with a New York Public Library card—you need to be a state resident or student to get one—you can watch them at your leisure. But there's a catch: Access is limited to students, theater professionals, or researchers who also possess a Special Collections account.

Alternatively, cozy up in your hotel and watch a show via BroadwayHD, a streaming service with dozens of Broadway pro-shots available.

You might be visiting Broadway without tickets, but that doesn't mean you can't get tickets! If you're intent on seeing a show at a discount, visit the TKTS booth in Times Square. Operated by the Theater Development Fund, the TKTS booth sells same-day Broadway tickets at discounts up to 50 percent off. The key is you have to be flexible, as not every show will have TKTS tickets available on any given day.