Neil Simon Theatre

The Basics

Opened in 1927 as the Alvin Theatre, today the Neil Simon Theatre boasts the coveted New York City Landmark designation. As with many Broadway theaters, it’s not much to look at from the outside, but inside, theatergoers can expect an unparalleled experience, regardless of the show.

Purchase tickets in advance: online, at the box office, or at a TKTS booth. Even if you don’t plan to see a show, neighborhood walking tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours are a good way to explore the Theater District.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Attending a show at the Neil Simon Theatre is a must-do for theater lovers.

• Be sure to arrive on time—seats are held for only 22 minutes.

• No outside food or drink is allowed in the theater.

• Accessible seating is available, although there’s no elevator to the mezzanine level.

• The theater doesn't have an official dress code, but err on the side of dressing up. Think business casual.

How to Get There

The best way to get to the theater is by subway. Take the C or E train to the 50th Street station, or the B or D train to the 7th Avenue station. The theater is located on 52nd Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue, a short walk from either subway stop.

When to Get There

The Neil Simon Theatre stages shows several times a week, throughout the year, with matinee and evening performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The theater is dark on Mondays. Shows are busiest on weekends and around the holidays. For fewer crowds, attend a midweek performance.

What to See in Midtown

The Theater District is nestled into Midtown Manhattan, which is packed with must-see attractions within blocks of the Neil Simon Theatre. Don’t miss Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and the heart of Times Square. And while you’re there, be sure to stop by the TKTS booth, where you can snag discounted same-day tickets to numerous Broadway shows.

Ways to explore

Guided tours aren’t offered of the Neil Simon Theatre, so your only chance of getting a peek inside this iconic venue is by booking tickets to a show. Book your spots well in advance, as MJ the Musical is one of Broadway’s most popular musicals. Otherwise, last-minute tickets can be booked in person or online, with options including rush tickets, standing room, and a digital lottery. Arrive at the theater at least 30 minutes in advance, as you won’t be able to take your seats if you’re late. No food is allowed inside the theater, but you can get a discount at Azalea, a nearby Italian restaurant, with same-day tickets.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available, and infrared headsets are offered on loan.

Age limits

Kids 5 and under aren’t allowed in the theater. For MJ the Musical, the age recommendation is 8 and up.

What to pack

Take as little as you can, since the Neil Simon Theatre doesn’t have a cloakroom, and shopping bags or luggage that you can’t fit under your seat won’t be allowed inside.

What to wear

Dress comfortably in whatever you prefer, as there is no dress code.

Not allowed

Smoking or vaping inside the theater, talking during shows, using your cell phone (turn it off before performances), consuming outside food or drink

Amenities

Two small bars with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages before shows and during intermissions

Address

New York City’s Theater District is centrally located in Midtown Manhattan. Options for reaching the Neil Simon Theatre include driving (not recommended) and public transportation (recommended):

Driving

While it’s possible to reach the theater by car, driving in Manhattan isn’t recommended. It’s better to take a rideshare or taxi and get dropped off out front on West 52nd Street. If you do decide to drive, you’ll find several paid parking garages nearby.

Public transportation

Take the C, E, or 1 to the 50th Street stations. Alternatively, ride the N, R, or W and walk from 49th Street. Several bus lines also stop nearby, the closest being the M20 and M104 at West 52nd Street and Eighth Avenue.

Best times to visit

Aim for a matinee show, where you’ll often find fewer crowds. Tickets are sometimes discounted for daytime shows on a weekday.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are generally the least crowded, especially if you’re catching a matinee. Try to see a midweek show, as weekend matinees are sometimes just as popular as evening performances.

Best months to visit

Broadway season begins in September, and October and November are big months for show openings. Plan way ahead to see a show around Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s, as it is harder to snag a seat then.

Special events

Late August, right before the school year starts, is when many tourists head home from their New York City vacations and New Yorkers head out of town. Some theaters offer discounts on Broadway shows at the end of summer, as attendance typically decreases at this time.