Boston's Theater District, south of Boston Common around Tremont and Washington Streets, has been the city's entertainment center for well over a century. In the early twentieth century, Boston was a key tryout city where Broadway shows were tested before opening in New York, and grand theaters were built to host them. Several survive, beautifully restored, and still host touring musicals, plays, ballet, comedy and concerts.
The historic theaters
- The Emerson Colonial Theatre, opened in 1900, the oldest continuously operating theater in Boston, with an ornate gilded interior.
- The Wang Theatre, opened in 1925 as a movie palace, one of the largest and most lavish theaters in the country, now home to large productions and part of a performing arts center.
- The Shubert Theatre, smaller, from 1910, across the street from the Wang.
- The Citizens Bank Opera House, a restored 1920s vaudeville and movie palace, home of the Boston Ballet, whose holiday Nutcracker is a city tradition.
- The Wilbur, a smaller theater now known for comedy.
Seeing a show
The big theaters host touring productions of Broadway musicals, often for runs of a few weeks, plus pre-Broadway tryouts from time to time. Buy tickets from the theaters' official box offices or websites to avoid resale markups. Matinees are often cheaper and easier to book. Check the bag policy and arrive half an hour early: the lobbies are worth seeing.
Chinatown
Immediately east of the theaters is Boston's Chinatown, one of the largest in the country. Its ornamental gate stands at the end of Beach Street, facing a small park on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The neighborhood is packed with restaurants: dim sum, noodle shops, hot pot, bakeries, Vietnamese and Malaysian food. It is the best place in the city for a quick, inexpensive dinner before a show, and some places stay open late for after-show meals.
Where to stay
The district is central, between the Common, Downtown Crossing and the South End, and several hotels sit within a few minutes' walk of the theaters, including boutique options such as the Godfrey Hotel at Downtown Crossing. Staying here puts the Common, the Freedom Trail and much of downtown within walking distance.
Nearby
- Boston Common and the Public Garden, a few minutes north.
- Downtown Crossing, the pedestrian shopping area along Washington Street.
- The South End, to the south-west, with Victorian row houses and some of the city's best restaurants.
Practical tips
- The area is busy and lively on show nights; after the crowds leave, stay on main streets.
- The Green Line stops at Boylston, and the Orange Line at Chinatown and Tufts Medical Center.
- Parking garages nearby fill on show nights; transit is easier.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out what is playing?
Check the theaters' own websites and the performing arts centers' calendars.
Is there a dress code?
No. Smart casual is typical; some people dress up for the ballet and opening nights.
Where should I eat before a show?
Chinatown for speed and value, or the South End for a longer dinner. See what to eat in Boston.