NYC's Theatre District: 14 Activities Beyond Broadway

If you're making a trip to New York City, odds are, seeing a Broadway show is already on your agenda. Need something to do before or after your show? NYC's theatre district is full of amazing places for eating, drinking, and shopping, but if you are looking to see all you can in a short window of time, there are plenty of sights within walking distance of all 41 Broadway theatres- some of them are even free!

From outdoor pitstops to guided tours and museum visits, check out 14 activities to add to you midtown sight-seeing itinerary.

1. Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a great Midtown hangout any time of year. In the spring and summer, you can lounge on the lawn, catch a movie night, or grab a snack from one of the food stands. Fall brings cozy vibes with changing leaves and plenty of spots to sit and relax. In the winter, the park turns into a mini holiday village with a skating rink and a festive market. No matter when you visit, there's always something fun going on. 

5th Ave-6th Ave, 40th-42nd St.
Price: FREE

2. The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is one of those iconic spots in Midtown that’s totally worth a quick visit. Even if you’re not there to check out a book, the building itself is stunning—those grand staircases, high ceilings, and famous stone lions (which you'll recognize from many famous films) out front are all super photogenic. It’s a great place to take a break from the city buzz and soak in a little history and quiet. Plus, it's right next to Bryant Park, so it’s an easy add to your day.

476 5th Ave, btw 40th & 42nd St.
Price: FREE

3. The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

Along the same lines, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, located at Lincoln Center, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in theater, music, dance, or film. It houses one of the world's most extensive collections of performing arts materials, including rare manuscripts, recordings, photographs, and set designs. Visitors can enjoy free exhibitions, performances, film screenings, and lectures in the 202-seat Bruno Walter Auditorium. The library also offers educational programs, such as guided tours and interactive activities for students. It's also the home of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT) which has preserved live theatrical productions and documented the creative contributions of distinguished artists and legendary figures of the theatre. 

40 Lincoln Center Plaza, btw 64th & 65th St.
Price: FREE

4. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

If you're into art and don't want to trek all the way uptown to the Met, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a perfect stop to see some really cool, famous pieces up close. From Van Gogh’s Starry Night to Warhol’s soup cans, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a serious art lover or just curious. The layout is modern and easy to explore, and there's a great sculpture garden if you want a breather. It’s the kind of place you can spend an hour or an entire afternoon, depending on your vibe.

11 W. 53rd St, btw 5th & 6th Ave
Price: varies based on ticket type, $17-$30

5. Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is one of those classic NYC spots that always has something going on. In the winter, it’s all about the giant Christmas tree and ice skating under the lights—total holiday movie moment but beware of the insane crowds. The rest of the year, you can check out the shops, grab a bite, or head up to Top of the Rock for some of the best city views around. There’s also plenty of cool art and architecture to take in as you wander. It’s a fun mix of touristy and iconic that’s worth the stop.

45 Rockefeller Plaza, btw 5th & 6th Ave
Price: FREE entry; Top of the Rock: varies based on ticket type, $34-$105

6. Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall is pure NYC glam and definitely worth a visit, even if you’re not seeing a show. The Art Deco design inside is gorgeous, and the whole place feels like a step back in time. You can also take advantage of the Radio City Music Hall Tour Experience, which gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the theater and its history—including a chance to meet a Rockette if you're lucky. During the holidays, the Christmas Spectacular is a total must-see. Even just snapping a photo under the famous marquee is a classic New York moment.

1260 6th Ave, btw 50th & 51st St.
Price: $42 for guided tour

7. St. Patrick's Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of those NYC spots that’s just as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside. Designed by James Renwick Jr., it is the largest Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral in North America. The towering ceilings, stained glass windows, and peaceful vibe make it a cool place to step into—especially when you need a break from the Midtown chaos. You can explore on your own or check out the audio tour if you want to learn a bit more as you go. There’s even a VIP tour that takes you behind the scenes if you're really curious.  Whether you're into architecture or just want to see something beautiful, it's worth a stop.

631 5th Ave, btw 50th & 51st St.
Price: FREE entry; $19.99 audio tour

8. Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station is way more than just a place to catch a train—it’s a total New York City gem. The main concourse is stunning, with its iconic ceiling painted like the night sky and that big, gold clock everyone takes photos of. There are tons of little spots to explore, from food stalls and sit-down restaurants to quirky shops and hidden bars. If you’re into history or architecture, there are guided tours that dive into all the cool details you might miss. It’s one of those places that feels both busy and magical at the same time.

89 E. 42nd St., btw Lexington & Madison Ave
Price: FREE

9. The Intrepid Museum

The Intrepid Museum is a floating treasure trove of history, docked right on Manhattan's west side. Housed aboard a real aircraft carrier (the USS Intrepid), this museum showcases an impressive collection, including the space shuttle Enterprise, a British Airways Concorde, and the submarine USS Growler. You can book a guided tour for deeper insight or just experience it on your own. And while your're there, be sure to stroll on or around its nearby piers for a beautiful view of the Hudson River.

Pier 86, W. 46th Street
Price: $28-$38 (FREE for veterans/Military)

10. The Edge

The Edge at Hudson Yards is one of the coolest spots to take in the city views—like, seriously high-up views. It’s the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, and standing on the glass floor or leaning against those angled glass walls is a total thrill. If you’re feeling extra bold, you can even do the City Climb and scale the outside of the building (yep, really). It’s perfect for snapping some wild photos or just soaking up the skyline. Whether you're a first-timer or a local, it’s an unforgettable way to see NYC.

30 Hudson Yards, btw 10th & 11th Ave
Price: $40-$88+ (for special experience tickets)

11. The Vessel

The Vessel at Hudson Yards is one of NYC's most eye-catching landmarks. This honeycomb-like structure stands 150 feet tall and features 154 interconnected staircases, offering unique views of the city and the Hudson River. After being closed for safety enhancements, it reopened in October 2024 with new floor-to-ceiling steel mesh barriers and restricted access to the top levels. It's a great spot for photos and to experience innovative architecture in the heart of Manhattan.

20 Hudson Yards, btw 10th & 11th Ave
Price: $10-$20

12. The Highline

Up for a walk? The northern-most point of this iconic elevated strip is such a fun and unique way to see the city, It’s an old elevated train track turned into a park, and the views are awesome. You can stroll above the streets, check out cool art installations, and take in everything from the Hudson River to the surrounding architecture. It’s lined with plants, benches, and even some food vendors, so it’s great for a chill walk or a quick snack break. Enter at 34th Street and enjoy a traffic-free stroll all the way to Chelsea.

34th St. - Gansevoort St.
Price: FREE

13. The Empire State Building

What's a visit to NYC without a stop at its most iconic building, right? The views from the top are unreal—you can see the whole city, and even parts of a few other states on a clear day. The building itself has that old-school Art Deco charm, and the museum inside gives you a fun look at its history. Whether you go during the day or at night (both are amazing), it’s one of those bucket-list spots that really lives up to the hype. 

20 W. 34th St., btw 5th & 6th Ave
Price: varies based on ticket type, $33-$79

14. The Museum of Broadway

If you are a Broadway fan, there is no better place to feed your inner theater nerd than The Museum of Broadway. This interactive spot dives into Broadway's rich history, showcasing everything from iconic costumes and props to behind-the-scenes insights on how shows come to life. It's packed with cool photo ops and immersive exhibits that make you feel part of the action. Whether you're a casual viewer or a die-hard theatergoer, it's a fun and informative way to celebrate the magic of Broadway.

145 W. 45th St. btw 6th & 7th Ave
Price: Varies based on day/ticket type. $33-$53