A Walking Exploration of Broadway to 5th Avenue in New York City
Places: 18 POIsDistance: 2.27 miDuration: 1h:21m
Tour #2152
About this English self-guided 1h:21m walking tour in New York
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces walking tour of Midtown Manhattan, beginning right here in iconic Times Square, nestled in the heart of where the ball drops on New Years Eve.
Our tour will take us down the legendary Broadway, where you'll experience the dazzling theater district and the vibrant pulse of the city. We will then walk around Rockefeller Center and then spend ample time strolling along the prestigious 5th Avenue, known for its luxury shops, historic architecture, and famous landmarks. Our journey will culminate at the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art, where you'll be immersed in an unparalleled collection of art and history. Lace up your walking shoes and prepare for an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Big Apple!
My name is Dave, and I’m pleased to be your co-pilot today. Our starting point is at 47th street and 8th avenue, just outside Carve Sandwiches. Grab a coffee, snack, or sandwich if you need, and let's get moving. Follow your GPS, and we will begin shortly.
760 8th Avenue SE corner of 47th Street and, 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA
Theatres of 46th and 47th Street
If you can make it here, you’ll make it anywhere! The theaters located on 47th Street in New York City are part of the vibrant Broadway Theatre District. These theatres are renowned for hosting a variety of acclaimed Broadway shows, ranging from classic musicals to contemporary plays, and they contribute significantly to the cultural vibrancy of New York City’s theatre scene. Let’s tell you about them as we walk by.
As we head down 47th Street, you’ll see The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on the left, whose notable productions include "The Height of the Storm," "The Nap," "The Children," and "The Minutes." Opened in 1925 as the Biltmore Theatre, it was renamed in 2008 in honor of the Broadway publicist Samuel J. Friedman.
Right across the street is The Lena Horne Theatre, whose notable productions include, Waitress," "Spring Awakening," "Grease," "Rock of Ages," and "Six." The theatre was recently renamed in 2022 from Mansfield Theatre to its new name. Renaming the theatre to honor Lena Horne marks a significant acknowledgment of her contributions to the arts and civil rights. Lena Horne (1917-2010) was a groundbreaking African American performer who broke many racial barriers in the entertainment industry. She was also a committed civil rights activist who used her platform to fight against racial discrimination.
Across the street on our left is Ethel Barrymore Theatre, whose notable productions include, "A Raisin in the Sun," "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," and "The Band's Visit"
Opened in 1928, it was named after the actress Ethel Barrymore and is the only surviving theatre of the many theatres built for her.
Want to see some more theatres? We will soon be making a left onto where else, Broadway. No shortage of them there. Let’s check it out.
The sounds, the lights, the traffic, the smells. It can all be a bit overwhelming, especially while you’re listening to me talk. But bare with me, I’m just the messenger.
Any history buffs out there? Ok, good. Time for a little lesson. Broadway's history dates back to the early 19th century when theatres began to emerge along the street of Broadway. The first significant theatre on Broadway was the Park Theatre, built in 1798.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the development of the Theatre District solidified Broadway's reputation as the premier location for theatrical productions. The construction of iconic theatres such as the New Amsterdam Theatre in 1903 and the Palace Theatre in 1913 contributed to its fame.
The mid-20th century is often considered the Golden Age of Broadway, with classic productions like "Oklahoma!" (1943), "West Side Story" (1957), and "My Fair Lady" (1956) defining the era.
The thoroughfare itself is a long street that runs the length of Manhattan, but the term "Broadway" commonly refers to the Theatre District, located in Midtown Manhattan.
This area is roughly bounded by 41st Street to the south, 54th Street to the north, 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) to the east, and 8th Avenue to the west. Times Square is often considered the heart of the Theatre District. Broadway is one of the oldest north-south streets in New York City, originally an Algonquin trade route. The name comes from the Dutch "Brede Weg," meaning "Broad Way.
Established in 1947, the Tony Awards are the most prestigious awards in American theatre, celebrating excellence in Broadway productions. Winning a Tony is considered a significant achievement for any show or performer. Time for some did you know.
While "The Phantom of the Opera" is the longest-running show on Broadway, the longest-running American musical is "Chicago," which surpassed "A Chorus Line" in 2011.
Many Broadway theatres are said to be haunted. The Belasco Theatre is one of the most famous, allegedly haunted by its original owner, David Belasco.
Bert Williams was one of the first African-American Broadway stars. He performed in the 1903 musical "In Dahomey," which was the first full-length musical written and performed by African-Americans on Broadway.
The Shubert Organization, which owns and operates many Broadway theatres, maintains an extensive archive documenting the history of its theatres and productions, including original scripts, photographs, and set designs.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Theatres of 46th and 47th Street
Place 2Broadway
Place 3The Brill Building
Place 4Radio City Music Hall
Place 5Rockefeller Center
Place 6Rockefeller Plaza
Place 7St. Patrick's Cathedral
Place 85th Avenue
Place 9St. Thomas Church
Place 10Story Time
Place 11Pulitzer Fountain and Plaza Hotel
Place 12Central Park
Place 13The Arsenal and Temple Emanu-El
Place 14Balto Statue
Place 15Hot Dogs
Place 16Alice in Wonderland
Place 17Urban Legends
Place 18Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).