Ed Sullivan Theater Tours

Ed Sullivan Theater showing a city and signage as well as a large group of people
Ed Sullivan Theater which includes a city and signage as well as a large group of people


Book a place in the audience for a live taping of a television show at this famous theater and studio, where many well-loved U.S. shows have been filmed.

Broadway is full of iconic theaters, but the Ed Sullivan Theater is one of the most famous. In fact, this historic building is not a theater in the conventional sense, but a studio where television broadcasts take place in front of live audiences. Come here to join the audience for such U.S. television institutions as The Late Show, Good Morning America and many more.

Learn about the theater’s history. The Ed Sullivan Theater opened in 1927 under the name of Hammerstein’s Theater. The 13-floor building was established by songwriter Arthur Hammerstein and designed by architect Herbert Krapp. In its early days, it hosted traditional stage shows. The very first production here featured Cary Grant. In 1935, The Ed Sullivan Show, a popular television variety show, started shooting in the building. The show continued to be filmed here for 23 years, and the building was eventually renamed The Ed Sullivan Theater in the host’s honor.

Come here today and see how the interior has retained much of its early 20th-century charm, particularly in its old-fashioned main auditorium. Look up and see the beautifully ornate domed stained-glass ceiling overhead. Red velvet chairs add a touch of traditional character to the relatively compact and intimate seating area.

Although a wide range of television shows have been filmed here, from sitcoms to chat shows, the most famous is probably The Late Show, which was originally hosted by David Letterman and is now hosted by Stephen Colbert. Book well in advance to secure tickets to this mainstay of U.S. television, a talk show that regularly takes the top ratings spot for late-night programming. The best part is that tickets to the shoot are absolutely free. However, they are in great demand, so planning ahead is essential.

Find the Ed Sullivan Theater in the heart of Broadway, New York City’s buzzing theater district. Filled with bright lights, big crowds and internationally renowned venues showing big-name stage shows, this district guarantees a truly memorable night out.

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Best Lodging Options Near Ed Sullivan Theater

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave, New York, NY
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Hotel Edison Times Square

Hotel Edison Times Square

4 out of 5
228 W 47th St, New York, NY
Hotel Edison Times Square
The Manhattan at Times Square

The Manhattan at Times Square

4 out of 5
790 7th Ave, New York, NY
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Hotel St. James

Hotel St. James

2.5 out of 5
109 W. 45TH ST., New York, NY
Hotel St. James
Warwick New York

Warwick New York

4 out of 5
65 W 54th St, New York, NY
Warwick New York
Empire Hotel

Empire Hotel

4 out of 5
44 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Empire Hotel
Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square

Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square

4 out of 5
145 W 44th St, New York, NY
Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square
Lotte New York Palace

Lotte New York Palace

4.5 out of 5
455 Madison Ave, New York, NY
Lotte New York Palace
Park Central Hotel New York

Park Central Hotel New York

4 out of 5
870 7th Ave, New York, NY
Park Central Hotel New York
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ed Sullivan Theater

When visiting Ed Sullivan Theater, immerse yourself in the vibrant theater scene, including exciting Broadway shows. Don't miss the chance to catch a dress rehearsal or visit the ESPN Zone for a fun sports experience. Be sure to secure your theater tickets in advance to enjoy the best entertainment options the area has to offer.

Shopping

For a fantastic shopping experience near Ed Sullivan Theater, visit Macy's, just 1.0 mile away, offering a variety of family-friendly options. Tiffany & Co. is a short 0.5 mile away for luxury gifts. Don't miss the Grand Central Market, located 0.9 mile away, perfect for unique finds.

Recreation

Experience the magic of live performances at Carnegie Hall, just 0.2 miles from Ed Sullivan Theater. For a fun twist, enjoy ice skating at the Rink at Rockefeller Center, located 0.4 miles away. If you're looking for luxury, unwind at the University Club, also 0.4 miles away.

Adventure

Experience the thrills of DreamWorks Water Park, located 5 miles from Ed Sullivan Theater, where family fun and adventure await. For a serene outdoor escape, visit Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, 3 miles away. For climbing enthusiasts, the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, a half mile away, offers exciting challenges.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Ed Sullivan Theater is vibrant and diverse. Catch a romantic film at the nearby Broadway Theatre, or immerse yourself in culture at the Gershwin Theater. For a fun night out, enjoy drinks and games at Dave & Buster's, just a short walk away.

Find the best attractions near Ed Sullivan Theater

Explore the vibrant area around Ed Sullivan Theater, where you'll find a mix of urban parks, art museums, and iconic skyscrapers. This destination is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences, family activities, and a taste of city life. Don't miss the chance to discover the history of the Ed Sullivan Theater and its famous shows, making it a must-visit for any tourist in New York City.

  • Times Square: Experience the iconic buzz of Times Square, located 0.5 miles from Ed Sullivan Theater. Known for its bright lights and bustling crowds, this vibrant hub is perfect for people-watching, shopping, and enjoying local dining options.
  • Central Park: A serene escape located 1 mile away, Central Park offers a lush urban oasis. Families and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy walking paths, playgrounds, and picturesque landscapes, all while soaking in the city's charm.
  • Broadway: Just 0.3 miles from the theater, Broadway is renowned for its world-class productions. Immerse yourself in the arts with dazzling shows and performances that make this street a must-visit for theater lovers.

Best time to go to Ed Sullivan Theater

Visitor numbers around Ed Sullivan Theater is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Ed Sullivan Theater is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ed Sullivan Theater

To save money on your visit to Ed Sullivan Theater, plan your trip between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance, or check Expedia's last-minute deals for potential savings. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s tools to refine your search by budget and preferences, and consider booking a package deal that includes flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and future cash rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ed Sullivan Theater are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Ed Sullivan Theater is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ed Sullivan Theater is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Ed Sullivan Theater is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Ed Sullivan Theater with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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