Ed Sullivan Theater Tours and Activities

Ed Sullivan Theater featuring signage and a city as well as a large group of people
Ed Sullivan Theater showing 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 theatre 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 St. James

Hotel St. James

2.5 out of 5
109 W. 45TH ST., New York, NY
Hotel St. James
The Manhattan at Times Square

The Manhattan at Times Square

4 out of 5
790 7th Ave, New York, NY
The Manhattan at Times Square
Hyatt Grand Central New York

Hyatt Grand Central New York

4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street, at Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY
Hyatt Grand Central New York
Hard Rock Hotel New York

Hard Rock Hotel New York

4.5 out of 5
159 W 48th St, New York, NY
Hard Rock Hotel New York
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
Empire Hotel

Empire Hotel

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

Paramount Times Square

4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street, New York, NY
Paramount Times Square
Hotel Edison Times Square

Hotel Edison Times Square

4 out of 5
228 W 47th St, New York, NY
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Things to do near Ed Sullivan Theater

At the Ed Sullivan Theater, immerse yourself in a world of live performances and iconic entertainment. Enjoy a variety of shows, from circus acts to music history events, all within this historic venue. Don't forget to book a tour to explore the rich legacy of this famous theatre, where many legendary performances have taken place. Experience the vibrant atmosphere that makes this location a must-visit in New York City.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Ed Sullivan Theater, visit Macy's, just 1.6km away, and Tiffany & Co., only 805m away. You can also explore Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, located 1.3km away, offering a unique vibe for souvenirs and gifts.

Recreation

Carnegie Hall, a renowned music concert venue, offers an exhilarating atmosphere just 322m from the Ed Sullivan Theater. For a fun-filled adventure, enjoy ice skating at the Rink at Rockefeller Center, located 644m away. Alternatively, unwind in luxury at the University Club, also 644m from the theatre.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at ExtraVertical Climbing Center, only 805m from Ed Sullivan Theater, with its outdoor climbing challenges. For water fun, visit DreamWorks Water Park, located 8.0km away, offering a splash-filled adventure. Enjoy nature at the Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, 4.8km away, perfect for relaxation.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Ed Sullivan Theater buzzes with excitement. Catch a film at the nearby Broadway Theatre, just steps away, or immerse yourself in the culture at Gershwin Theater. For a fun twist, head to Bowlmor Lanes for some arcade adventures, perfect for family bonding.

Find the best attractions near Ed Sullivan Theater

When visiting the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture and family experiences. Explore urban parks, art museums, and iconic skyscrapers nearby. Don't miss the chance to see the Ed Sullivan Theater itself, renowned for its rich entertainment history, and discover the legacy of Ed Sullivan, a pivotal figure in rock music. Whether you're an art lover or a city explorer, there's something for everyone in this vibrant area.

  • Times Square: A bustling hub of neon lights and energy, Times Square is just 805m from the Ed Sullivan Theater. Experience the vibrant city vibes, street performers, and a diverse array of shops and eateries, making it a must-see for any visitor.
  • Central Park: Located 1.6km away, Central Park offers a serene escape from the urban hustle. This expansive urban park is perfect for families, featuring lush greenery, walking trails, and recreational activities, providing a refreshing outdoor experience in the heart of the city.
  • Broadway: Just 483m from the theater, Broadway is renowned for its iconic theatre district. Immerse yourself in the city vibes while catching a world-class musical or play, making it an unforgettable part of your New York adventure.

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 during your visit to Ed Sullivan Theater, consider travelling between January and March for lower hotel rates. Booking a month in advance often yields the best prices. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Mondays, which are typically the least expensive days to stay. Enjoy free nearby attractions like Times Square, Central Park, and Broadway to enhance your experience without added costs. Additionally, using Expedia’s search tool can help you find budget-friendly accommodations and potential savings by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities.

  • 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 Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Ed Sullivan Theater is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Take advantage of Expedia's search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Ed Sullivan Theater with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.