10 Favorite Broadway Shows

cabs in NYC

10 Favorite Broadway Shows You Can’t Miss in NYC

If you’re planning a trip to New York City, one thing you absolutely have to do is catch a Broadway show. Whether you’re a theater nerd, a casual fan, or just in it for the dazzling sets and catchy tunes, Broadway has something for everyone. I’ve seen a lot of shows over the years, and narrowing down my favorites wasn’t easy—but here are my top 10 Broadway shows you absolutely have to see. Trust me, these are the ones worth grabbing those good seats for.

Wicked – A Spellbinding Classic

“Wicked” is the Broadway powerhouse that tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, and honestly, it never gets old. From the gravity-defying anthem “Defying Gravity” to the lush green sets of Emerald City, this show is magical in every sense. If you’re searching for Broadway musicals with strong female leads and unforgettable songs, this one tops the list.

Wicked

Photo Credit: Broadway.com

Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Pure Glam and Glitz

If you’re into lavish sets, pop music mashups, and all the drama of Parisian nightlife, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is your jam. This show is so fun with songs by Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Beyoncé. It’s a full-on sensory overload—in the best way possible.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Photo Credit: Broadway.com

 & Juliet – Shakespeare Meets Pop Hits

“& Juliet” is one of the most fun shows on Broadway right now, and it’s a must-see if you love high-energy performances and killer soundtracks. Think: a reimagined Romeo and Juliet story told through the hits of Max Martin (yes, the genius behind Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys). It’s fun, empowering, and totally binge-worthy for pop music lovers.

& Juliet

Photo Credit: Broadway.com

The Great Gatsby – A Jazz Age Revival

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20 Things Tourists Should NEVER Do in NYC

Brooklyn Bridge

20 Things Tourists Should NEVER Do in NYC

Thinking about visiting the Big Apple? New York City is one of the most exciting places in the world, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know the ropes. Avoiding these common tourist mistakes will help you experience the city like a savvy local and make your trip way more enjoyable. Here’s a helpful list of 20 things Tourists Should NEVER Do in NYC.

Don’t Stop in the Middle of the Sidewalk

New York sidewalks are like highways, and stopping suddenly to check your phone or take a selfie is a big no-no. Move to the side so you don’t block the flow of foot traffic.

Don’t Stand on the Left Side of the Subway Escalator

In NYC, standing still belongs on the right side of the escalator. The left side is for people walking up or down. Step to the right side so people have a place to pass you.

Grand Central Station

Don’t Only Go to Times Square

Sure, Times Square is iconic, but it’s also overpriced and crowded. Don’t make it your only stop. Explore different neighborhoods for authentic NYC experiences. Try visiting a rooftop bar for great skyline views or check out local markets like Chelsea Market.

Don’t Skip Walking

You might be tempted to Uber everywhere, but NYC is a walking city. Some of the best sights and hidden gems are discovered on foot. Plus, it’s often faster than driving. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a refillable water bottle. Also, use Google Maps or Citymapper for walking directions.

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Museum of Broadway NYC

Museum of Broadway NYC

Museum of Broadway

New York City

Take a journey into the heart of Broadway without even needing a ticket to a show. Nestled amidst the bustling streets of the Big Apple, the Museum of Broadway stands as a tribute to the glitz, glamour, and sheer magic of the iconic Broadway scene. Whether you have a love of theater or are just looking to dive into the rich history of one of the world’s most celebrated stages, this place has something for everyone.

From the dazzling costumes to the elaborate set designs, every corner oozes with the essence of Broadway. One of the highlights of the museum is its extensive collection of memorabilia spanning decades of Broadway history. Get up close and personal with original scripts, playbills, and even props from some of the most iconic productions to ever grace the stage.

Take a walk with us to see some of our favorite exhibits.

Showboat

Museum of Broadway NYC

Mamma Mia

Museum of Broadway NYC

Les Misérables

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Review of Archer Hotel NYC

Archer Hotel

New York City

Nestled amidst the vibrant energy of Midtown Manhattan, The Archer Hotel stands as a beacon of luxury, offering an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking comfort, style, and convenience. As a home base for both leisure and business travelers, this boutique hotel blends modern sophistication with timeless elegance, providing guests with a relaxing retreat in the heart of the city that never sleeps. Enjoy our full review of Archer Hotel NYC.

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT MY STAY. 

10 Tips for Taking Kids to a Broadway Show

There’s no better place to watch theater than Broadway!  Some people think it is an activity that’s only for adults, but I couldn’t disagree more! There are so many great family shows and kids will never forget their first one.  However, family + Broadway = $$$ so you might want to plan ahead! Here are 10 tips for taking your kids to a Broadway show:

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New York City…Armchair Escape

We continue to believe that in the future the borders will be open, airplanes will cross oceans, people will fill restaurants, and we will all get out our passports.

As for now, take a peek at these pictures to inspire your next big adventure!

Today’s Armchair Escape is NEW YORK CITY…

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Touristy NYC Restaurants You Should Go To

 

There are more restaurants in NYC than one could ever dream of and if you are craving it then there is a restaurant for you.  The hardest part is choosing the right one.  The restaurants listed here could easily be considered tourist traps, but that is exactly what we were…a mom with two little girls looking for a restaurant that is both fun and delicious.  Had joined my husband on a work trip and the girls were ages 3 & 5.  These restaurants are more than just a meal, they are an experience. They were also places we went during the day for breakfast and lunch.  Since my husband would be working all day, for dinner we would meet up with him and go to places that did not involve fairy wings or ice cream as a main dish.

ALICE’S TEA CUP

If you have young kids that love both fairies and tea parties, this is a MUST-DO when in NYC.  When your children walk into the restaurant, they are given a pair of fairy wings and are sprinkled with fairy dust.  Seriously…what kid wouldn’t love that? The breakfast menu consists of pancakes, eggs, scones, omelets, and crepes. We chose to do an early afternoon tea.  Although there is a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches, we opted for the Mad Hatter, which is served on a three-tiered stand and included scones, tea sandwiches, cakes, tarts, and cookies.  For a beverage I had a lovely pot of Indian chai tea and the girls had apple juice in their pots.  We had such a nice lunch and had a ton of food left over. 

Tips:

There are 3 locations: 102 West 73rd Street at Columbus Ave, 156 East 64th Street, and 220 East 81st Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue.

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NYC Itinerary

NYC skyline

As a born and raised New Yorker, NYC holds my heart! It is the perfect destination for families because there is something fun for everyone and you’ll never run out of things to do. I didn’t put any recommendations for dinners because I usually like to eat near whatever hotel we’re staying at so we can walk there with the kids.

Here is our itinerary for 5 full days in paradise:

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly in is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) 12 miles away, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) 5 minutes away, and John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport (JFK) 13 miles away

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

DAY 1

Today is all about Central Park.  In the morning, take a carriage ride to get a feel for the park.  On your trip you are likely to pass the zoo, Wollman Rink, the Dairy, the Carousel, the Pond, and the Dakota.  The drivers are knowledgeable about the park but also entertaining and my kids always liked hearing all the facts.

Location: Central Park between 5th and 6th street.

carriage ride in central park

Have lunch at Alice’s Tea Cup. As soon as your children walk into the restaurant they are given a pair of fairy wings and are sprinkled with fairy dust.  Seriously…what kid wouldn’t love that? Have the Mad Hatter so you get a taste of everything.

There are 3 locations: 102 West 73rd Street at Columbus Ave, 156 East 64th Street, and 220 East 81st Street between 2nd & 3rd Avenue.

Alice’s Tea Cup

Spend the afternoon at the Central Park Zoo.   It is such a quaint zoo that lets you have a fun zoo experience without having to do an entire day of staring at animals.  This is a great place to watch adorable animals such as penguins, snow leopards, grizzly bears, polar bears, monkeys, and sea lions.  There is a beautiful rain forest section that lets you forget you are in the middle of a busy city.  Don’t forget to do a 4-D movie while you’re there. 

Location: 64th Street and 5th Avenue

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Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour NYC

 

NYC is filled with endless possibilities of family attractions.  So many, that it can seem overwhelming to plan how to get to and from all of them.  One solution to consider is a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.  There are many options for passes and you can choose one that best fits your family’s needs.  The tour I took was the Grey Line bus tour and it had four options: downtown, uptown, Brooklyn/Bronx, and a night tour.  With this type of tour you can set your own itinerary at your own pace. 

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Lion King NYC

Lion King NYC mytravelingkids.com

 

OVERVIEW:  Lion King in NYC was by far the best play we have ever taken the girls to.  We’ve seen some local theater with them but nothing compared to Broadway and this Tony award winning show.  As most of you know, Lion King is a play about a young lion, Simba, who is to succeed his father as king.  He is convinced he is to blame for a horrible death and he flees into exile.  He meets some inspiring friends, falls in love, and returns to claim the kingdom that is rightfully his.  Pretty deep stuff huh?  Well, Disney has a way of creating cute, talking animals as characters and adding some catchy music so it suddenly becomes kid-friendly.  The play is actually based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Kids and adults will be singing the soundtrack, containing music by Elton John, for weeks to come. 

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