Guide to premium Broadway tickets

If you're seeing a show for a special occasion, you might opt to splurge on the best seats in the house — learn more about location and pricing to help you plan.

Officially, there is no "best" place to sit at a Broadway show, as everyone's preferences differ. However, there are good seats, and then there are great seats. If you’re buying Broadway tickets, particularly for a special occasion, premium tickets are generally considered the crème de la crème. They’re often situated at the center of the orchestra or mezzanine, and they offer some of the least obstructed views in the theatre.

Unsurprisingly, premium seats for Broadway shows come at a premium price; they’re typically the most expensive tickets available. Thinking about making the splurge? Read on for information on premium Broadway tickets, how to buy them, and more.

Get Broadway show tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

What are premium Broadway tickets?

Premium Broadway tickets are considered the best seats in the house — and they cost the most, too. These seats are typically located in the center orchestra and/or front mezzanine, where theatregoers have the best view of the stage without being too close or far away. They offer a clear vision of all the action, even that which occurs on raised platforms or off to one side of the stage.

Where are premium Broadway seats located?

Premium seats are usually located in the center orchestra, which can range from the first few rows back to roughly the middle of the orchestra, depending on the setup of the theatre and stage. The first few rows of the front mezzanine may also be considered premium depending on the theatre, as these seats often offer just as much of a clear, close, and unrestricted view of the stage as the orchestra seats.

Front-row seats in the orchestra are not considered premium seats at every venue because they are extremely close to the stage, but they often go for a similarly expensive price point.

How much do premium Broadway tickets cost?

Because premium Broadway tickets are usually the most expensive ones available at any show, they are typically $200 or more. They will cost more than other orchestra seats, especially those that are on the side or in the back under the mezzanine overhang. Some popular shows, like Hamilton, can see premium seats at $500 or more at select performance dates and times when demand is high.

How do I get premium Broadway tickets?

Premium Broadway tickets are sold alongside standard offerings, so you can buy them in the same place as any other ticket. New York Theatre Guide has premium Broadway tickets available; simply head to the show you want to see, pick the date and time, and then take a look at the seats available in the front to middle orchestra or the front mezzanine. You can also find the most expensive seats in the house by dragging the price slider all the way to the right to see only tickets available for the highest prices.

Is it better to sit in the orchestra or mezzanine at Broadway?

Because you can usually buy premium seats in the orchestra or mezzanine, you might wonder which option is better. This decision comes down to personal preference: Some people like sitting in the orchestra to be as close to the action as possible, while others would rather have the wider vantage point the mezzanine offers.

You may get a clearer view of the stage if you opt for the first or second row of the mezzanine, rather than an orchestra seat set a bit further back with more people in front of you. However, any premium seat is guaranteed to be a good one, with a full, unobstructed view of the stage and actors.

Read our full guide to Broadway theatre seating sections.

Is it worth it to buy premium Broadway tickets?

Buying premium Broadway tickets isn’t always an accessible option to all patrons. If you can afford it, are celebrating a special occasion, or are making a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Broadway, premium tickets may be worth the cost because of the unrivaled view they offer. Some shows, like Moulin Rouge! The Musical, even offer special premium seating at tables right up against the stage, making the experience feel immersive for the price.

However, if premium tickets are too expensive for your budget, New York Theatre Guide sells tickets for great seats throughout the venue at various price points, so you can find a seat that will work for you.

Learn more about how to buy Broadway tickets on New York Theatre Guide.