Madison Square Garden
4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Manhattan, New York City, NY, 10001
Billed as “the world’s most famous arena,” Madison Square Garden—also known as “the Garden”—has been a mecca of sports and entertainment for over half a century. Home to the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, the Midtown Manhattan venue also regularly hosts boxing matches and other sporting events, as well as concerts by world-renowned artists.
The basics
The indoor arena is a popular stop on hop-on, hop-off bus tours or private driving tours of New York City, while cycling and walking tours also pause outside the landmark. You can spy it above on helicopter tours of Manhattan, or get a behind-the-scenes tour with a New York Sightseeing or FreeStyle Pass.
The legendary venue hosts games, concerts, and other performances all year long, so you can also get a ticket for a dose of competition or entertainment. Book event tickets on Ticketmaster—Madison Square Garden’s official online ticket platform—or at the box office, typically open 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.
Things to know before you go
Madison Square Garden is ideal for sports fans.
Tours are held daily from 9:30am to 3pm.
Check MSG’s website for a list of banned items, including outside food and drink, video cameras, selfie sticks, and oversized bags.
In addition to the main arena, Madison Square Garden also hosts the more intimate Hulu Theater, plus restaurants, bars, and shops.
Collapsible strollers are welcome at events, so long as they fit under your seat.
The venue is accessible to visitors with mobility, sight, or hearing issues.
How to get there
Located in Midtown Manhattan, Madison Square Garden is steps from Penn Station, serviced by the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E subway lines, and New Jersey Transit or Long Island Railroad trains. You can also walk from the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W subway at 34th Street/Herald Square, which is just minutes away; if arriving from New Jersey, get off the PATH Train at 33rd Street. Madison Square Garden is also easily accessible via bus or taxi, or on foot.
When to get there
Madison Square Garden hosts roughly 320 events per year, so there’s no bad time to visit to take in games, concerts, and other performances. The New York Knicks (basketball) and the New York Rangers (ice hockey) both typically play between October and April.
Madison Square Garden’s most famous visitors
Since its opening in 1968, Madison Square Garden has hosted some of the world’s biggest artists and celebrities. All genres of musicians—including John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Elton John, Billy Joel, Madonna, U2, Taylor Swift, and Andrea Bocelli—have taken to the stage. The venue has even hosted Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. And every February, the Garden hosts two Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show competitions.
Ways to explore
Madison Square Garden is a popular stop on hop-on, hop-off bus tours and private driving tours of New York City, while cycling and walking tours also pause outside the landmark indoor arena. You can spy it from above on a helicopter tour of Manhattan, or get a behind-the-scenes tour, available on its own or as part of a New York Sightseeing or FreeStyle Pass.
The legendary venue hosts games, concerts, and other performances all year long. If a show isn’t sold out, tickets can be purchased at the box office (typically open from noon to 6pm Monday to Saturday), but your best bet is booking through Ticketmaster well in advance.
Accessibility
The venue is accessible to visitors with mobility, sight, or hearing issues and includes free use of wheelchairs.
Age limits
Most events don’t have any age restrictions and allow free entry for children under 2 years old; note that the venue can be quite loud, so consider bringing ear protection. It’s strongly suggested that guests under 18 are accompanied by an adult.
What to pack
Credit and debit cards for cashless payment, collapsible strollers that fit under your seat, empty water bottle
What to wear
Dress according to your event—think sweaters for ice hockey, team swag for basketball games, or comfortable shoes for concerts.
Not allowed
Check the official website for the full list of banned items, including outside food and drink, video cameras, selfie sticks, and oversized bags.
Amenities
Wi-Fi, family/all-gender restrooms, nursing area, phone chargers for rent
Address
In Midtown Manhattan, Madison Square Garden is easy to reach from across New York City and New Jersey. While options abound for subway and train travel, it’s also easily accessible via bus or taxi, or on foot.
Driving
Driving to Madison Square Garden isn’t recommended due to heavy traffic and limited parking. If you must drive, pay attention to parking restrictions and reserve a spot in advance with SpotHero.
Public transportation
Madison Square Garden is right above Penn Station, a hub for the 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E subway lines, NJ Transit, and the Long Island Railroad. It’s also one block west of 34th Street–Herald Square, on the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W lines.
Best times to visit
Behind-the-scenes tours of Madison Square Garden are generally offered daily between 10:30am and 3pm. If you’re visiting for an event, arrive early to give yourself enough time to get through security and find your seat.
Best days to visit
There are hundreds of events per year, so check the calendar to see what’s coming up.
Best months to visit
If you’re into sports, visit between October and April to watch the Knicks (basketball) and the Rangers (hockey).
Special events
Every February, the Garden hosts the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show competition.
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