Top 10 NYC Broadway Shows 2025

Whatever time of year you visit New York, one of the essential things to do is see a musical on Broadway, the famous boulevard lined with theatres that runs through the centre of Manhattan. With hundreds of performances every year, it is the Mecca of New York theatre. Many Hollywood actors have graced its stages, delighting us with their talent, and great actors work hard every performance to make a name for themselves.

I remember the first time I attended a Broadway musical in New York, and it was one of the most exciting moments of my trip. The magic of Broadway is unique. Its musical numbers and majestic staging transport you to a fantasy world, even if you are not passionate about theatre. Here is a list of what I consider to be the best.

The throne of Broadway musicals belongs to Simba. Those who buy tickets for The Lion King will see an adaptation of the famous Disney animated film, which has been recognised as the best musical of all time on numerous occasions. With sensational scenery and music by Elton John, it has won six Tony Awards and an Evening Standard Award.

Since 1997, it has been the best-selling musical in New York because it is one of Broadway's most impressive productions. There is nothing else like it!

If you have seen the film, you will know the story of little Simba, the prince of lions whose evil uncle Scar wants to take his throne. To do this, he sets a trap in which his father Mufasa, the king of the savannah, dies.

Scar deceives him and makes him believe that his father has died because of him, so Simba flees the kingdom. Years later, the young prince learns that under his uncle's rule, the savannah has deteriorated, and he decides to confront the usurper and reclaim his place in "the circle of life".

Why you can't miss it

The soundtrack of The Lion King is magnificent, as are the actors' performances and the staging. In addition, the story teaches timeless values. Without a doubt, it is an amazing show that manages to transport you away from the real world for more than two hours.

Ideal for...

All audiences, children and adults alike will enjoy it equally.

How to buy tickets

You can purchase tickets for The Lion King on Broadway on the official Hellotickets website: The Lion King Broadway tickets

Useful information

• Where? Minskoff Theatre (200 W 45th St, New York, 10036)
• How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about The Lion King musical.

The word that best describes the feeling you'll experience if you buy tickets for Aladdin on Broadway is magic. In this stage adaptation of the popular 1990s animated film, everything is surprising, amazing and extraordinary. Another Disney classic that deserves its musical version!

Thanks to brilliant staging, careful characterisation, some innovative songs and the Genie's always hilarious humour, this is one of the Broadway musicals that is causing the most excitement among audiences. In fact, everyone who goes to the New Amsterdam Theatre to see Aladdin for the first time wants to go back for more!

The story begins when Aladdin, a young thief from Agrabah, finds a magic lamp that grants him three wishes to fix his life and escape poverty. With one of them, he wants to become a prince to win the heart of Yasmine, the beautiful daughter of the sultan with whom he has fallen in love, but the evil royal vizier has other plans for the Genie of the Lamp that will endanger all the inhabitants of the city.

Why you can't miss it

The musical Aladdin is one of the most essential musicals to see in New York. Anyone who knows the songs from the film will be able to sing along to the music, and it's so much fun that the two and a half hours will fly by.

Speaking of flying, the scene in the number "A Whole New World", where the protagonists fly over the city on a magic carpet, is simply magnificent. It will leave you speechless!

Ideal for...

All audiences, children and adults alike will enjoy it.

How to buy tickets

You can purchase tickets for Aladdin on the official Hellotickets website: Aladdin Broadway tickets

Useful information

• Where? New Amsterdam Theatre (214 W 42nd St)
• How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Aladdin musical on Broadway.

Another of Broadway's great musical productions for which you can buy tickets: Chicago Broadway. A classic that transports us every season to the Roaring Twenties. With jazz music as a backdrop and Prohibition encouraging clandestine activities, corruption and murder, this show is aimed at a more adult audience, but it sneaks into the top 10 because it is one of Broadway's greats. Such is its success that it has won six Tony Awards and the recording of the musical's songs also won a Grammy Award.

Chicago tells the story of Roxie Hart, an innocent debutante actress who dreams of following in the footsteps of the famous vaudeville artist Velma Kelly. However, a series of unfortunate events leads to both of them ending up in prison accused of murder.

Under the cunning care of prison guard Morton, Roxie manages to get the legendary and astute lawyer Billy Flynn to take on her case for a hefty sum. In prison, Roxie's career takes off, much to the chagrin of her mentor and Velma Kelly, but the artist has an ace up her sleeve for the second act...

Why you can't miss it

If you've seen the 2002 film starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger and Richard Gere, you'll have an idea of the fantastic musical numbers you'll see on stage, although seeing these spectacular choreographies live, with their delicate staging and feeling the music from your seat, is a unique and highly recommended experience.

Ideal for...

Adults. This show may not be suitable for children aged 12 and under.

How to buy tickets

You can purchase tickets for Chicago on the official Hellotickets website: Chicago Broadway Tickets

Useful information

• Where? Ambassador Theatre (219 West 49th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue).
• How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Broadway musical, Chicago.

If you're a true fan of Baz Luhrmann's award-winning 2001 film starring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, you can't miss out on tickets to the Moulin Rouge musical on Broadway. A sensational experience full of colour, lights and emotions that will immerse you in bohemian Paris in 1900.

In fact, the theatre where it is performed has a structure and finishes that perfectly match the theme of the musical and make you feel part of the story. It is the ideal opportunity to relive the magic conveyed by the spectacular Moulin Rouge soundtrack with "Can-can" or "Lady Marmelade" and the romantic love story between the young writer Christian and Satine, the cabaret star. A true celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and, above all, love!

Why you can't miss it

Although it is not a carbon copy of the film, the musical retains all the essence of the film, as the set design even includes the symbolic red windmill, the giant elephant and all the flavour of the cabaret, but it is also modernised by adding recent songs to its repertoire, which makes you identify more with the story. The result is daring, dazzling and exciting. Are you ready to dance?

Ideal for...

Adults. Tickets are recommended for children over 12 years of age.

How to buy tickets

You can purchase tickets for Moulin Rouge on the official Hellotickets website: Moulin Rouge Broadway tickets

Useful information

• Where? At the Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues).
• How long does it last? 2 hours and 35 minutes with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Moulin Rouge musical on Broadway.

Everyone knows his music and almost everyone knows his life; that's precisely why tickets for the Michael Jackson musical are in such high demand. Few fans of the King of Pop will be able to resist the show taking place at the Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway. If you've seen any of his music videos (and you surely have), you already have an idea of what to expect.

Director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon is in charge of the production that is taking Broadway by storm and, unsurprisingly, includes songs such as "Billie Jean", "Thriller", "Bad", "Black or White" and "I'll Be There". A total of 30 of his songs, taking as their starting point the rehearsals for his 1992 Dangerous tour and going back to his past, covering his childhood in the Jackson 5 and his adolescence.

Why you can't miss it

Because it is not just another tribute to Michael Jackson, as the show has been produced in collaboration with his children and prioritises the King of Pop's musical legacy over the controversies surrounding him.

Ideal for...

Music lovers in general, whether or not they are Michael Jackson fans, as both the story and the staging entertain all types of audiences.

How to buy tickets

You can purchase tickets for the Michael Jackson musical on the official Hellotickets website: Michael Jackson Broadway Tickets

Useful information

• Where? Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues).
• How long does it last? 2 hours

If you want to laugh yourself silly at a Broadway musical, you have to see The Book of Mormon. This satire about a pair of Mormons trying to preach their religion in Uganda will leave you with a very good taste in your mouth.

The messes that the two missionaries, who are so different from each other, get themselves into in a conflict-ridden area of the African country will keep you laughing throughout the show. The controversial humour of this musical by the creators of the South Park series is undoubtedly its strong point.

Why you can't miss it

As criticised in its early days as it was later praised and awarded, this musical leaves no one indifferent, thanks to its respectful message towards religion and social justice. In addition, its visual effects, careful set design and cast of artists will make you understand why it is among the best musicals on Broadway.

Ideal for

Adults with a good sense of humour who are willing to see a play with beautiful values that is recognised around the world.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for The Book of Mormon in New York on the official Hellotickets website: Tickets for The Book of Mormon

Useful information

• Where? Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue, New York)
• How long does it last? 2 hours and 30 minutes with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about The Book of Mormon on Broadway; everything you need to know about this musical.

Can you imagine hearing the story of the birth of the United States from one of its founding fathers, set to rap music? All you have to do is buy tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway , which has been a phenomenon in recent years!

The show tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, an orphan from the Caribbean who, after a series of events, ends up in the United States and becomes a very important figure in both the American War of Independence and the nation's first government.

Although I loved it, Hamilton is one of the few Broadway musicals for which you will need a good foundation in English, as they use a lot of wordplay and sing fast, so it can sometimes be easy to get lost.

Why you can't miss it

What makes this musical so captivating is that the story is told in an unconventional way through an interactive staging with spectacular sound and lighting effects. In addition, it is a play in which there is hardly any dialogue other than through songs. Each and every one of them is unique to this musical.

Hamilton is truly an amazing experience that immerses you in one of the most exciting episodes in American history. It is no surprise that this Broadway musical is one of the most popular with audiences and has won 11 Tony Awards, despite being nominated for 16. That's more than any other show has ever achieved!

Ideal for...

Adults and children aged 10 and over, with a good level of English.

How to buy tickets

You can purchase tickets for Hamilton on the official Hellotickets website: Hamilton Broadway Tickets

Useful information

• Where? Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue).
• How long does it last? 2 hours and 40 minutes with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Broadway musical Hamilton

The musical about one of the most famous characters of all time has finally arrived in New York; you can now buy tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. This super-production comes straight from London and has received fantastic reviews. Although it has only been running at the Lyric Theatre in New York since 2018, it is already undoubtedly one of the most popular shows with audiences.

The plot does not replicate any of the films, but is a story that you can only see in the musical. The script was written by J.K. Rowling and is set 17 years after Harry defeated Voldemort. Harry is now an employee of the Ministry of Magic, married and the father of three children. This starting point marks the beginning of a play that has won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and holds the record for ticket sales in a week in the history of Broadway.

Why you can't miss it

The musical's set design, special effects and soundtrack are magnificent. But above all, because it completes the Harry Potter story in a way that no other film, spin-off or novel has done. It is a true sequel written by the author and no fan of the saga should miss it.

Ideal for...

Muggles, of course!

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for Harry Potter on the official Hellotickets website: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Broadway tickets

Useful information

• Where? Lyric Theatre, very close to Times Square (214 W 43rd St, New York, 10036).
• How long does it last? 2 hours and 40 minutes with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Harry Potter musical on Broadway.

With tickets to Wicked, you'll have access to the most enchanting Broadway musical! It's the prequel to the famous story of The Wizard of Oz, a play full of suspense and excitement that deals with friendship, a theme suitable for all audiences.

It tells the story of Elphaba and Glinda, two young students of witchcraft who meet in the land of Oz and, despite their differences, strike up a great friendship. On the one hand, Elphaba is an intelligent but somewhat withdrawn sorceress who struggles to find her place in the world. On the other, Glinda is outgoing and very popular at university. Life's circumstances bring them together to experience some very fun moments, but something happens that causes them to drift apart, transforming them into the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch.

Why you can't miss it

Since its premiere in 2003, Wicked has been one of Broadway's biggest hits. With its fresh and entertaining approach, full of intrigue, humour and impressive staging, it has won three Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Musical Soundtrack. It also remains one of the highest-grossing Broadway musicals, alongside The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King.

Get ready to see flying monkeys! You'll never see The Wizard of Oz in the same way again.

Ideal for...

All audiences, children and adults alike will enjoy it equally.

How to buy tickets

You can purchase tickets for Wicked on the official Hellotickets website: Wicked Broadway Tickets

Useful information

• Where? Gershwin Theatre (222 W 51st St, New York, 10019).
• How long does it last? 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute interval.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the musical Wicked on Broadway.

When you travel to New York, you're sure to have a busy schedule visiting lots of museums and taking all kinds of tours around the city, but if your trip coincides with Christmas, you can't miss the legendary Radio City Christmas Spectacular, only available during the Christmas season.

It is a magical Christmas story that premiered in 1933 and has become a true tradition at this time of year.

It really is as spectacular as its name suggests! An old-fashioned show with music, humour, dance and lighting effects starring the fantastic Rockettes, which will make you relive Christmas with the excitement of a child.

Why you can't miss it

The interesting thing about Radio City Christmas Spectacular is that the show changes every year and is always a surprise. If you're going to New York with your family, I highly recommend it because Radio City Christmas Spectacular is suitable for all ages and the little ones will have a great time.

Ideal for...

A trip to New York at Christmas. Equally incredible for children and adults, who will enjoy it just as much.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for Radio City Christmas Spectacular on the official Hellotickets website: Radio City Christmas Spectacular tickets

Useful information

• Where? Radio City Music Hall theatre in the heart of Rockefeller Centre (1260 6th Ave, New York, 10020)
• How long does it last? 1 hour and 30 minutes without intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article on the Radio City Christmas musical and find out everything you need to know about the show.

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Some Broadway shows have been running for decades. For example, The Phantom of the Opera and Chicago are the longest-running shows and have won over audiences with their extraordinary musical numbers:

• The Phantom of the Opera premiered on Broadway in 1988 and ran for more than 35 years until its closing in 2023. Its staging, characterised by its gothic atmosphere, combined a plot of love and obsession.
• Premiered in 1975, Chicago is the longest-running American musical on Broadway. Set in 1920s Chicago, it is a theatrical phenomenon with a legendary soundtrack that has secured it a key position in the history of musical theatre.

The Tony Awards are the highest honour in American theatre and are awarded to the best Broadway productions. Throughout history, various musicals have stood out for their quality and success. This is the case with Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen, which have been critically acclaimed and won numerous awards:

• Premiered in 2015 and created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton marked a turning point in musical theatre with an innovative mix of hip hop, rap and traditional music. It tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States. It won 11 Tony Awards in 2016.
• Premiered in 2016, Dear Evan Hansen addresses themes such as anxiety, identity and human connection through the story of a teenager struggling to find his place in the world. It won six Tony Awards in 2017 and has been considered one of the most influential musicals of its generation.

Choosing the best Broadway musical of all time is almost an impossible task. There are many titles that have left their mark. Even so, there are some that have stood out notably for their box office success and critical acclaim.

• Les Misérables: Premiered in 1985, it is based on the work of Victor Hugo and is set in 19th-century France. One of the most outstanding works of musical theatre.
• Hamilton: Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, it premiered in 2015 and told the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States. It stands out for its fusion of different styles such as hip-hop, rap, R&B and traditional music. It has been recognised with multiple Tony Awards, a Grammy and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, "Hamilton".

In addition, there are other legendary productions such as The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story and The Lion King.

The most expensive Broadway show in history is Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. It is a musical inspired by the Marvel superhero that premiered in 2011 after years of production. Its budget amounted to no less than $75 million, a figure never before seen in the history of theatre.

The soundtrack was composed by Bono and The Edge (U2) and the show was notable for its aerial acrobatics, special effects and large cast. Its high budget was partly due to several incidents during development: accidents, delays and script changes. Critical opinion was not unanimous, despite initial expectations.

It ran for three years, but high costs and lack of box office revenue prevented it from continuing. However, it marked a milestone in Broadway history in terms of budget.

Among the most anticipated Broadway premieres for 2025 is Boop! The Betty Boop Musical, directed by Jerry Mitchell, with music by David Foster and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead.

Another premiere is Good Night, and Good Luck, a stage adaptation of the film of the same name, starring George Clooney, who co-wrote the play with Grant Heslov. It will be directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer. In addition, one of the most anticipated plays is Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which will explore the origins of some of the characters from the series, such as Joyce and Hopper, in Hawkins in 1959.

For its part, 2024 has been a season marked by innovative productions. Among them, Sunset Boulevard, the musical Hell's Kitchen and the play Our Town have stood out.

Among the best Broadway actors are:

• Hugh Jackman, known for his performances in The Music Man and Les Misérables.
• Audra McDonald, the actress with the most Tony Awards for her performances in Carousel, Ragtime and Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill.
• Patti LuPone, who has won multiple Tony Awards for her unforgettable performances in Evita and Gypsy.
• Kristin Chenoweth, a theatre legend for her role as Glinda in Wicked.
• Ben Platt, more recently, has stood out for his performance in Dear Evan Hansen.

All of them have been recognised for their talent and versatility on stage.

If you want to see a Broadway musical during your trip to New York, my advice is to buy tickets online before you travel because some shows are in high demand, theatres fill up quickly and the box office soon puts up the Sold Out sign.

In my experience, I don't think this is the best option. There are several reasons for this, which I will explain below:

Another big question that may arise when buying tickets for a Broadway musical is how to get the best seats in the theatre to see the show. My advice is to try to find a balance between the type of tickets offered by the theatre and your budget.

Generally, the most expensive seats are in the centre of the Orchestra section, from where you will have a perfect view of the entire show. The Mezzanine and Balcony areas are the second and third tiers, respectively. Depending on the size of the theatre, these sections will be more or less distant from the stage.

Keep this in mind!

When purchasing tickets for a Broadway musical, it is advisable to keep a few basic questions in mind:

Absolutely! Some people are reluctant to go to the theatre in the United States because they don't speak English, but this is not a problem on Broadway. Remember that musicals are not films with long dialogues, but rather the storyline is filled with musical numbers, choreography and songs that will help you follow the plot with ease.

In any case, if you're still unsure, my advice is to choose a musical that has been made into a film, such as Chicago, The Lion King or Aladdin. If you watch the film before you travel, it will be much easier to follow because they usually have the same script.

The option for those who do not speak English: rent headphones

However, New York theatres are aware that they attract foreign audiences to their venues, so they are prepared in this regard. The most popular shows usually offer the option of renting headphones that summarise each scene in Spanish, so you'll be able to follow everything that happens on stage.

They cost approximately £10 and you have to leave your passport as a deposit at the ticket office, which you get back at the end of the show when you return the headphones.

The musicals that currently offer this service are: The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin, Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, Book of Mormon and Come From Away. However, if you want to rent one of these headphones, I recommend asking at the theatre box office if they are available for a specific show.

New York is a city of long distances and heavy traffic, so to avoid arriving too close to the start of the show , I recommend arriving 30 to 45 minutes early to enter the theatre calmly, buy a bowl of popcorn or some merchandise, and find your seats.

Arriving early at the theatre is important because if you arrive late, once the musical has started, the theatre staff will not allow you to enter. It would be a shame to miss the show because of traffic!

A Broadway musical usually lasts between 2 and 2½ hours. It is divided into acts with an interval between them, so you can go to the loo and stretch your legs without missing a minute of the show.

Knowing the duration of the show you have chosen is essential so that you can organise your activities for the day.

Attending a Broadway musical is one of the essential things to do during a trip to New York with children. It is an amazing display of lights, colour, music and dance that children will love! There are many shows that are perfect for a family audience due to their themes and staging.

Admission for children

However, you should be aware that most Broadway theatres do not admit children under the age of 4. These policies are set by the individual theatres. Furthermore, unfortunately, none of the Broadway musicals sell special tickets for children, so all spectators must pay the same price for tickets.

How to choose a musical?

When choosing a Broadway musical, it is a good idea for parents to know a little about the plot of the show in question, but other aspects to consider are its length, special effects and the language used in the dialogue. This will help you choose the musical that is most appropriate for your family.

What happens if a child has a tantrum during the performance?

Sometimes a child may have a tantrum in the middle of the performance because they are tired, hungry or sleepy. If this happens, the usher may kindly ask the child and one of their parents to leave the theatre until the child calms down and can return later to continue watching the performance.

Although there is no specific dress code for going to a musical, people don't usually dress up too much and it is customary to wear comfortable and appropriate clothing. So you can spend the day sightseeing and end the day enjoying a fascinating Broadway musical. Your legs will surely thank you after all that walking around New York!

It is quite common for the most popular times for the public to go to a Broadway musical to be in the late afternoon, around 7 or 8 pm. This is mainly because it allows you to spend the whole day sightseeing and arrive at the musical just when you need a break. When the show is over, you're sure to be hungry. What to have for dinner that day? Here's a list of the best places to eat in New York

Broadway is located in the heart of Times Square and everything is always open, so it will be easy to find a place to eat and enjoy delicious burgers like Shake Shack (691 8th Ave), delicious arepas like Empanada Mama (763 9th Ave) or tasty tacos like Los Tacos No. 1 (75 9th Ave).

New York is a city with endless gastronomic possibilities. If you want to avoid tourist traps and eat well without breaking the bank, I recommend you take a look at my article The 10 best places to eat in New York.

New York is a city full of possibilities for fun, where there is so much to see and do. If you want to attend another event during your holiday and you are passionate about sport, I recommend other options such as: