What better way to enjoy a night out in New York City than a turn at one of Broadway’s famous theatres? Whether you’ve just met your match or you’re celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary, a night at the theatre is a staple date night, one that can be repeated time and time again. We’ll help you plan the perfect Broadway date night with that special someone.
Here are the best Broadway shows to see on a date night.
The Perfect Broadway Show for a First Date
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Longacre Theatre
This show is the perfect balance of fluffy rom-com and casual laughs. Want to see something cute but not too romantic? This is the show for you! Bonus points if you’re new to the city—this is a great show that celebrates the concrete jungle and all of its glory.
The Perfect Broadway Show for Hopeless Romantics
If you and your date are a couple of hopeless romantics who both appreciate some good old-fashioned yearning, look no further. I hope you brought some tissues, because this show is guaranteed to make you squeeze your date’s hand a little bit harder. Hadestown is a great option for people who are in a long-term relationship and are not afraid to explore emotions.
The Perfect Broadway Musical for Dinner and a Show
Maybe Happy Ending
Belasco Theatre
Trying to plan the perfect dinner-and-a-show date night? This 90-minute, no-intermission musical is the perfect pre- or post-dinner activity. The rom-com explores the topics of human connection, laying the groundwork for perfect dinner conversation. This six-time Tony Award–winning musical is a great way to set the tone of a date night.
The Perfect Broadway Show for Couples Who Enjoy the Classics
The Great Gatsby
Broadway Theatre
Whether you’re fans of classic American literature or perhaps just a pair of old souls in general, this modern retelling of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby will throw you into a world of extravagant parties, long-lost love, and 1920s New York.
The Perfect Broadway Show for First-Time Theatergoers
Hamilton
Richard Rodgers Theatre
Want to try something new? Whether you’re set on converting your date to the world of Broadway or you’ve both been meaning to see what all of the fuss has been about, Hamilton is a great introduction to musical theater for everybody. With a wide variety of music, quick wit, and a love story for the ages, this show is the perfect crowd pleaser. Hamilton practically swept the Tonys, and is likely to sweep your date off their feet as well.
The Perfect Broadway Show for Movie Lovers
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Al Hirschfeld Theatre
Wanting to shake things up from your typical Friday date nights? If you and your partner are fans of the classic 2001 movie musical Moulin Rouge!, then you’ll love this screen-to-stage Broadway adaptation. Based on Baz Luhrmann’s hit film, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is always a crowd pleaser. With an outstanding 10 Tony Award wins, this visually stunning show is getting ready for it’s final bow on July 26, 2026, so be sure to see it before it’s too late. Gather your things, Chickens, we’re headed to the Moulin Rouge!
Broadway Date-Night Dinner Options
Looking to do dinner and a show? There are plenty of great date-night restaurant options in the Theatre District. Click here for our full list of top restaurant recommendations in the Theatre District. Head’s up, though: Midtown is the heart of New York City’s hustle and bustle. We recommend calling ahead and making a reservation, especially if you plan on eating before your show!
Postshow Activities for a Broadway Date Night
Not quite ready for the evening to end after the curtain drops? There are plenty of ways to keep the date going while maintaining the vibe of the evening. Here are our top postshow Broadway date-night activities that give you the opportunity to discuss the show you just saw.
Jazz Bar
Soak in some more of the iconic NYC music scene while still being able to have a conversation. A jazz bar is the perfect place to wind down, debrief your Broadway experience, and bring the night to a close. Some nearby options that are conversation-friendly and don’t require a ticket or reservation include The Rum House, Backstage Tavern, and Russian Samovar.
Dessert and Coffee
Looking for a postshow sit-down that doesn’t involve drinks? Consider grabbing a sweet treat or a cup of coffee instead. Lucky for us, Manhattan is filled with tons of late-night sweet-treat options. Whether you’re craving a slice of famous New York cheesecake or a seasonally appropriate cup of hot chocolate, this is another great option to close out the night. Some nearby options that are open late include Junior’s (famous for their cheesecake), Mia’s Brooklyn Bakery on 7th Avenue, and several walk-in options all around the Theatre District.
Bryant Park After Dark
Looking to wander for a bit after the show? Consider taking a quick stroll through Bryant Park, especially during the holiday season. Bryant Park Winter Village is full of festive decor, delicious sweet treats, and even an ice rink. It’s the perfect couples’ night out for not only your Broadway date night, but any night during the holidays, and it’s only a few short blocks away from most Broadway theatres.
While you’re near the park, you should also take a walk across the New York Public Library steps, which sit along the east side of Bryant Park. If you’re there during the day, consider taking a peek inside. The Rose Reading Room in particular is one of the most notable floors of the library, and open to all (during business hours).
Rooftop Lounges
One of the best ways to take in the skyline of the city is from above. Take your date to share a quiet moment and enjoy the view from one of the many rooftop lounges in Midtown, no dinner commitment necessary. The Press Lounge is one of the most popular rooftop bars in the city, and for good reason: Just a few blocks away from the theatres, this quick drink spot with a view is a perfect spot for a preshow cocktail or nightcap with a view.
Broadway Date Night FAQs
What should my date and I wear to a Broadway show?
Sometimes when we think about a night at the theatre, we might imagine tuxes, ball gowns, and opera gloves. Well, good news, Broadway dress codes might be more casual than you think. For a date night, we’d recommend anything from a nice pair of jeans or slacks with a button-up or blouse to a suit and dress. The vibe is really up to you and your date! You should also take into consideration things like weather (and note that some theatres might be a bit chilly) and your dinner plans, if you have any.
Is a matinee or evening show better for a date?
Matinees and evening shows are both great options, though they offer different experiences. An evening show is probably more in line with that signature “night at the theatre” vibe that you may be envisioning when you think of Broadway. You could grab an early dinner before, or perhaps a cocktail or two afterward, extending things into the evening if you’re not quite ready for the night to end. A matinee, however, allows time for brunch before, or perhaps a nice walking tour once the show is over. Overall, an evening show is likely to provide a more romantic experience, while a matinee allows a bit more mealtime flexibility, and a chance to make it home earlier, for those of us who are early birds.
Is a Broadway show a “special occasion only” date, or can it be a casual date?
The experience of a Broadway show is largely what you make it. Broadway theatres are filled with a wide variety of people — people who have been planning their trip for months, people who are coming straight from work, even people who got a last-minute rush ticket that morning and are just walking in from their afternoon plans. Your Broadway date night can be as formal or as casual as you would like it to be. Maintain the vibe with factors such as your outfits, your lunch or dinner plans, or choosing an evening show over a matinee. Think of a Broadway show as a more elevated version of a movie date.
How early should we arrive at the theatre?
We recommend arriving between 15 to 30 minutes early for the show. All Broadway performances will start promptly on time, and once the show begins, late entry may not be permitted. You’ll also want to arrive a few minutes early if you plan on grabbing any drinks or snacks beforehand, as lines at the snack bars may sometimes be a bit longer than expected. Arriving early will also give you and your date a chance to chat a bit, as there won’t be an opportunity to speak until intermission or the end of the performance!
Are rush and lottery tickets a good idea for date night?
While lottery and rush tickets are a popular option for many theatergoers, they may not be the most ideal option for date night. Lottery and rush orders of two tickets or more are not guaranteed to be sat together. Instead, we recommend standard purchase tickets, which can be found here. With standard purchase tickets, you may choose your own seats, ensuring that you and your date are seated together at a price rate of your choosing. Remember: Broadway theatres are fairly small! Almost every seat is a good seat.
