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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Hard Rock Hotel New York

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Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square

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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

Near Ed Sullivan Theater, visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant mix of theater, art, and entertainment. Theater enthusiasts will find a variety of performances to enjoy, while shopping venues and art galleries nearby offer unique experiences for those looking to explore the local culture. Whether you're catching a show or browsing through artistic displays, the area promises an exciting atmosphere for all visitors.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Ed Sullivan Theater, visit Macy's, just 1 mile away, offering a wide range of products. Tiffany & Co. is even closer at 0.5 miles. Don't miss Grand Central Market, located 0.9 miles away, for a unique local vibe.

Recreation

Carnegie Hall, a renowned music concert venue 0.2 miles from Ed Sullivan Theater, offers an inspiring atmosphere for music lovers. The Rink at Rockefeller Center, located 0.4 miles away, provides a thrilling ice skating experience. For a touch of luxury, visit the Metropolitan Club, just 0.5 miles away.

Adventure

DreamWorks Water Park, located 5 miles from Ed Sullivan Theater, offers thrilling water slides, wave pools, and family-friendly attractions for a splash-filled adventure. For a more serene escape, visit Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, 3 miles away, where you can enjoy lush greenery and peaceful outdoor vibes. If you're seeking a challenge, the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, only 0.5 mile away, provides an exhilarating climbing experience for all skill levels.

Nightlife

Near Ed Sullivan Theater, you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife at Broadway Theatre, known for its romantic and entertaining cinema atmosphere. Town Hall offers a blend of culture and family-friendly vibes, while Dave & Buster's provides a lively setting for drinks and fun activities.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Ed Sullivan Theater

When visiting the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, explore the vibrant urban parks and nearby art museums that highlight the city's rich culture. Don't miss the iconic skyscrapers that define the skyline. For a family-friendly experience, catch a Broadway show or discover other attractions near the theater, ensuring a memorable trip filled with entertainment and local charm.

  • Times Square: Experience the bustling energy of Times Square, just 0.5 miles from Ed Sullivan Theater. Known for its bright lights and vibrant atmosphere, it's the perfect place to soak in the city's excitement and enjoy street performances.
  • Central Park: Located 1 mile away, Central Park offers a serene escape from the urban hustle. Enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and family-friendly activities amid beautiful landscapes and iconic landmarks.
  • Broadway: A mere 0.3 miles from the theater, Broadway is the heart of American theater. Catch a world-class performance and immerse yourself in the magic of live entertainment in this iconic district.

Best time to go to Ed Sullivan Theater

The best time to visit Ed Sullivan Theater is dependent 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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 trip to Ed Sullivan Theater, consider visiting between January and March when hotel rates are lower. Book your accommodations about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia’s price filters and consider package deals to combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future stays.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Ed Sullivan Theater about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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 customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, be sure to 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 deal.
  • 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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