Top 10 NYC Broadway Shows 2026

Whenever you visit New York, one of the must-do activities is to see a musical on Broadway, the famous boulevard lined with theatres that runs through the heart of Manhattan. With hundreds of performances each year, it is the mecca of New York theatre. Many Hollywood actors have graced its stages to delight us with their talent, and it is a place where great actors work hard at every performance to make a name for themselves.

I remember the first time I went to see a Broadway musical in New York – it was one of the most exciting moments of the trip. The magic of Broadway is something truly unique. Its musical numbers and majestic stage productions transport you to a fantasy world – even if you’re not a theatre enthusiast. Here’s a list of what I consider to be the best.

The crown of Broadway musicals belongs to Simba; anyone buying tickets for The Lion King will be treated to the stage adaptation of the famous Disney animated film, which has been widely recognised as the greatest musical of all time. With stunning set design and music by Elton John, it has won six Tony Awards and an Evening Standard Award.

Since 1997, it has been New York’s top-grossing musical because it is one of Broadway’s most spectacular productions. There’s nothing quite like it!

If you’ve seen the film, you’ll know the story of little Simba, the lion prince whose evil uncle Scar wants to steal the throne from him. To do so, he sets a trap in which Simba’s father Mufasa, the king of the savannah, dies.

Scar deceives him into believing that his father’s death was his fault, so Simba flees the kingdom. Years later, the young prince learns that, under his uncle’s rule, the savannah has fallen into ruin, and that’s when he decides to confront the usurper and reclaim his place in ‘the circle of life’.

Why you shouldn’t miss it

The soundtrack to The Lion King is magnificent, as are the actors’ performances and the staging. What’s more, the story conveys values that never go out of fashion. Without a doubt, it’s an amazing show that manages to transport you away from the real world for over two hours.

Ideal for...

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

How to buy tickets

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

Useful information

• Where?: Minskoff Theatre (200 W 45th St, New York, 10036)
• How long does it last?: 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an interval.
• Want to find out more? Take a look at this article about The Lion King musical

The word that best sums up the experience you’ll have if you buy tickets for Aladdin on Broadway is ‘magic’. In this stage adaptation of the popular 90s animated film, everything is surprising, astonishing and extraordinary. Another Disney classic that deserves its own musical adaptation!

Thanks to brilliant staging, carefully crafted characterisation, some fresh new songs and the Genie’s ever-hilarious humour, this is one of the Broadway musicals currently causing the biggest sensation amongst audiences. In fact, everyone who goes to the New Amsterdam Theatre to see Aladdin for the first time would definitely go again!

The story begins when Aladdin, a young pickpocket from Agrabah, finds a magic lamp with which he can make three wishes to turn his life around and escape poverty. With one of his wishes, he wants to become a prince to win the heart of Yasmine, the sultan’s beautiful daughter with whom he has fallen in love, but the evil royal vizier has other plans for the Genie of the lamp that will put all the city’s inhabitants in danger.

Why you shouldn’t miss it

The Aladdin musical is one of New York’s absolute must-see musicals. Anyone who knows the songs from the film will be able to hum along to the music, and it’s so much fun that the two-and-a-half-hour run will fly by.

Speaking of flying, the scene from the number ‘A Whole New World’, where the protagonists soar over the city on a magic carpet, is simply magnificent. It’ll leave you speechless!

Ideal for...

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

How to buy tickets

You can buy 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, including an interval.
• Want to find out more? Take a look at this article about the Aladdin musical on Broadway

Another of Broadway’s major musical productions for which you can buy tickets: Chicago on Broadway. A classic that transports us back to the Roaring Twenties every season. Set against a backdrop of jazz music and Prohibition – which fuelled underground activities, corruption and murder – this show is aimed at a more adult audience, but it ranks high in the top 10 because it is one of Broadway’s all-time 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 star Velma Kelly. However, a series of unfortunate events leads to both of them ending up in prison, accused of murder.

Under the shrewd guidance of prison warden Morton, Roxie manages to secure the services of the legendary and cunning 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 star has an ace up her sleeve for the second act...

Why you shouldn’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 watching these spectacular choreographed routines live, with exquisite 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 or under.

How to buy tickets

You can buy 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, including an interval.
• Want to find out more? Take a look at 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 simply must buy tickets for the Moulin Rouge musical on Broadway. A sensational experience brimming with colour, lights and emotion that will transport you to the bohemian Paris of 1900.

In fact, the theatre where it’s staged has a design and décor that perfectly match the musical’s theme, making you feel as though you’re part of the story. It’s the ideal opportunity to relive the magic of Moulin Rouge’s spectacular soundtrack, featuring the ‘Can-can’ and ‘Lady Marmalade’, 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 shouldn’t miss it

Although it isn’t a carbon copy of the film, the musical retains all the essence of the film, as the set design even features the iconic red windmill, the giant elephant and all the flavour of the cabaret, whilst also being modernised by adding recent songs to its repertoire, which helps you connect more deeply with the story. The result is daring, dazzling and thrilling. Are you ready to dance?

Ideal for...

Adults. It is recommended that children be aged 12 or over.

How to buy tickets

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

Useful information

• Where?: Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues).
• How long does it last?: 2 hours and 35 minutes, including an interval.
• Want to find out more? Take a look at this article about the Moulin Rouge musical on Broadway

Everyone knows his music and almost everyone knows his life story; 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 I’m sure you have), you’ll already have an idea of what to expect.

Director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon is at the helm of this production that is taking Broadway by storm and which, unsurprisingly, features songs such as ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Thriller’, ‘Bad’, ‘Black or White’ and ‘I’ll Be There’. A total of 30 of his songs, taking the rehearsals for his 1992 ‘Dangerous’ tour as a starting point and looking back through his past, covering his childhood with the Jackson 5 and his teenage years.

Why you shouldn’t miss it

Because it’s not just another tribute to Michael Jackson; 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’re Michael Jackson fans, as both the story and the staging entertain all kinds of audiences.

How to buy tickets

You can buy 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 30 minutes, including an interval

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 great feeling.

The scrapes the two missionaries – who couldn’t be more different – get themselves into in a troubled part of the African country will keep you laughing non-stop throughout the show. The controversial humour in this musical from the creators of the South Park series is, without a doubt, its main attraction.

Why you shouldn’t miss it

As heavily criticised in its early days as it was later praised and awarded, this musical leaves no one indifferent, thanks to its respectful message regarding religion and social justice. What’s more, its visual effects, meticulous set design and cast of performers will make you realise why it ranks among the best musicals on Broadway.

Ideal for

Adults with a good sense of humour who are keen to see a show with positive values that’s recognised worldwide.

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, including an interval.
• Want to find out more? Take a look at this article on 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 told by one of its founding fathers, set to rap? All you need to do is buy tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway – a real phenomenon in recent years!

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

Although I loved it, Hamilton is one of the few Broadway musicals for which you’ll need a good grasp of English, as it features lots of wordplay and the singing is fast-paced, so it can sometimes be easy to lose track of what’s going on.

Why you shouldn’t miss it

What makes this musical so captivating is that the story is told in an unconventional way through an interactive production featuring spectacular sound and lighting effects. What’s more, it’s a show in which there’s hardly any dialogue that isn’t delivered through songs. Each and every one of them is unique to this musical.

Truly, Hamilton is a mind-blowing experience that immerses you in one of the most thrilling episodes of American history. It’s no surprise that this Broadway musical is one of the most sought-after by 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 command of English.

How to buy tickets

You can buy 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, including an interval.
• Want to find out more? Take a look at this article about the Broadway musical, Hamilton

The musical based on 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 blockbuster production comes straight from London and has received fantastic reviews. Although it has only been running at New York’s Lyric Theatre since 2018, it is already undoubtedly one of the most popular shows with audiences.

The plot does not follow any of the films, but is a story you’ll only be able to experience 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 at the Ministry of Magic, married and the father of three children. This premise marks the start of a show that has won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and holds the record for the highest number of tickets sold in a single week in the history of Broadway.

Why you shouldn’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 managed to do. It is a true sequel written by the author herself, and no fan of the series should miss it.

Perfect 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?: The Lyric Theatre, very close to Times Square (214 W 43rd St, New York, 10036).
• How long does it last?: 2 hours and 40 minutes, including an interval.
• Want to find out more? Take a look at this article about the Harry Potter musical on Broadway

With tickets to Wicked, you’ll have access to the most spellbinding Broadway musical! It’s the prequel to the famous story of The Wizard of Oz, a show full of suspense and emotion that explores 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, form a great friendship. On the one hand, Elphaba is an intelligent but somewhat reserved 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 for some very funny moments, but something happens that drives them apart, eventually transforming them into the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch.

Why you shouldn’t miss it

Since its premiere in 2003, Wicked has been one of Broadway’s biggest hits. As a fresh and entertaining production, full of intrigue, humour and stunning staging, it has won three Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Original Score for a Musical. What’s more, it remains among the highest-grossing Broadway musicals alongside The Lion King.

Get ready to spot the flying monkeys! You’ll never watch 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 buy 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 45 minutes, including a 15-minute interval.
• Want to find out more? Take a look at this article about the musical Wicked on Broadway

When you visit New York, you’re bound to have a packed schedule visiting museums and going on all sorts of city tours, but if you fancy an evening of pure glamour and jazz, you can’t miss the musical The Great Gatsby, inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary novel.

It’s a story of dazzling parties, secrets and impossible loves in 1920s New York, with a truly ‘grand’ production: powerful dance numbers, spectacular costumes and an atmosphere that transports you straight to West Egg.

If you’re in the mood for Broadway at its very best (one of those musicals that feel like a blockbuster), this is a brilliant choice, whether you’ve read the book or are going in ‘blind’.

Why you shouldn’t miss it

Because it’s a visually stunning musical that’s easy to enjoy: it combines romantic drama, plenty of on-stage energy and an elegant ‘Art Deco’ touch that looks incredible on stage. What’s more, the story features iconic moments (yes, the famous green light) that really come into their own in musical form.

Ideal for...

A first Broadway musical, lovers of intense stories and fans of 1920s aesthetics. It’s also a great choice if you’re going as a couple or with someone who wants a ‘classic Broadway’ show with a big production.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for The Great Gatsby on the official Hellotickets website: The Great Gatsby tickets

Useful information

• Where?: Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway, New York, 10019)
• How long does it last?: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (including an interval).
• Recommended age: Recommended for ages 10 and over. Children under 5 are not permitted

As well as the big Broadway musicals, there are other shows in 2026 that are generating a great deal of interest amongst travellers. One of the top-selling shows is Radio City Rockettes: Christmas Spectacular, a New York Christmas classic held at Radio City Music Hall, combining precision choreography, music, spectacular sets and a wonderfully festive atmosphere. It isn’t a Broadway musical as such, but if you’re travelling to New York at Christmas, it’s one of the most iconic experiences you can add to your itinerary.

Among the plays and theatre productions currently causing the biggest stir is Stranger Things: The First Shadow, an ideal choice for those looking for a familiar story, powerful visual effects and a highly immersive theatrical experience. It’s also worth considering Oh, Mary!, an irreverent comedy that has become one of Broadway’s recent phenomena and works particularly well for those who want to see something for adults, biting and different from the big family-friendly musicals.

If you prefer to stick with musicals, there are several recent titles that are doing very well at the box office and could be a great alternative to the all-time classics. The Outsiders, Ragtime and Schmigadoon! are good options if you’re looking for something with real substance in the current season, whilst productions such as Death Becomes Her, Buena Vista Social Club and Hadestown broaden the range with very different styles: from black comedy and Latin musicals to a modern reinterpretation of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.

The second half of 2026 brings several interesting premieres for those keen to see something new on Broadway. One of the most eagerly awaited is Paranormal Activity, which opens in August and brings the world of the famous horror franchise to the stage. September also sees the arrival of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, a comedy set in a boarding school in Ghana that was already the talk of the town during its Off-Broadway run.

Autumn will bring productions featuring some very recognisable names. Other Desert Cities will star Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ed Harris, Alison Janney, Lily Rabe and Joe Keery, whilst 860 marks Billy Crystal’s return to Broadway with an autobiographical show. In late October, Much Ado About Nothing will arrive, starring Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell in a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy.

Musicals to watch out for include Wanted, inspired by the story of twin sisters turned outlaws; The Fantasticks, a new production of one of the longest-running shows in American musical theatre; and Galileo, starring Raúl Esparza. In addition, a new production of Dreamgirls has been announced for the autumn, though no official dates have yet been confirmed.

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

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

Another major question that might arise when you’re buying tickets for a Broadway musical is how to get the best seats in the theatre to watch the show. My advice is to try to strike a balance between the types of tickets the theatre offers and your budget.

Generally speaking, the most expensive seats are in the centre of the Orchestra section, and from there you’ll have a perfect view of the entire show. The Mezzanine and Balcony sections 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.

Bear this in mind!

When buying tickets for a Broadway musical, it’s worth bearing a few basic points in mind:

Absolutely! Some people are put off going to the theatre in the US because they don’t speak English, but this isn’t a problem on Broadway. Bear in mind that musicals aren’t films with long dialogue; instead, the storyline is interwoven 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’s been adapted for the big screen, such as Chicago, The Lion King or Aladdin. If you watch the film before you travel, you’ll find it much easier to follow the show as they usually follow the same script.

An option for those who don’t speak English: hire a headset

However, New York’s theatres are aware that they attract international audiences, so they’re well prepared for this. The biggest box-office hits usually offer the option to hire headphones that summarise each scene in Spanish, so you’ll be able to follow everything that’s happening on stage.

They cost around 10 dollars and you have to leave your passport as a deposit at the ticket desk, which you’ll get back at the end of the show when you return the headphone.

The musicals that currently offer this service are: The Lion King, Aladdin, Wicked and The Book of Mormon. However, if you’d like to hire one of these hearing aids, I’d recommend asking at the theatre box office whether they’re available for a specific show.

New York is a city of long distances and heavy traffic, so to avoid arriving too close to the show’s start time, I recommend you go 30 or 45 minutes early to enter the theatre at your leisure, buy a tub of popcorn or some merchandise, and find your seats.

It’s important to arrive at the theatre early because if you’re late, once the musical has started, the venue staff won’t let you in. It would be a shame to miss the show because of traffic!

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

Knowing the running time of the show you’ve chosen is essential so you can plan the rest of your day’s activities.

Seeing a Broadway musical is one of the must-do activities on any trip to New York with children. It’s an amazing spectacle of lights, colour, music and dance that children will love! There are many shows whose themes and staging make them perfect for a family audience.

Children’s admission

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

How to choose a musical?

When choosing a Broadway musical, it’s a good idea for parents to know a little about the plot of the show in question, but other aspects to bear in mind include the running time, the special effects and the language used in the dialogue. This way, you’ll be able to choose the musical that’s most suitable 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, perhaps because they are tired, hungry or sleepy. If this happens, the usher may politely ask the child and one of their parents to leave the auditorium until the child has calmed down, after which they can return to continue watching the show.

Although there’s no specific dress code for attending a musical, people don’t usually dress up too much; comfortable and appropriate clothing is the norm. So you can spend the day sightseeing and round it off by enjoying a fascinating Broadway musical. Your legs are sure to thank you for it after all that walking around New York!

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

• The Phantom of the Opera premiered on Broadway in 1988 and ran for over 35 years until its final performance in 2023. Its production, characterised by its gothic atmosphere, combined a plot of love and obsession.
• First staged 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 place in the history of musical theatre.

The Tony Awards are the highest honour in American theatre and are presented 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 have won numerous awards:

• Premiered in 2015 and created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton marked a turning point in musical theatre with an innovative blend 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 tackles 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 hailed as 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 productions 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 novel by Victor Hugo and is set in 19th-century France. One of the most outstanding works in musical theatre.
• Hamilton: Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, it premiered in 2015 and tells 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 honoured with multiple Tony Awards, a Grammy and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

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 production stood out for its aerial acrobatics, special effects and a large cast. Its high budget was partly due to several incidents during production: accidents, delays and script changes. Critical reception was not unanimous, despite initial expectations.

It ran for three years, but the high costs and lack of box-office takings prevented it from being extended further. Nevertheless, it marked a milestone in Broadway’s history in terms of budget.

It’s quite common for the most popular times for audiences to attend a Broadway musical to be in the late afternoon, that is, around 7 or 8 pm. This is mainly because it allows you to spend the whole day on sightseeing trips and arrive at the musical just when you need a break. Once the show’s over, you’re bound to work up an appetite. What to have for dinner that day? Here’s a list of the best places to eat in New York

Broadway is right in the heart of Times Square and everything’s always open, so you’ll easily find somewhere to eat and enjoy delicious burgers at Shake Shack (691 8th Ave) or tasty tacos at Los Tacos No. 1 (75 9th Ave).

New York is a city with endless culinary 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 brimming with opportunities for fun, where there’s plenty to see and do. If you’d like to attend another event during your holiday and you’re a sports fan, I’d recommend other options such as: