Madison Square Garden

The basics

The indoor arena is a popular stop on hop-on, hop-off bus tours or private driving tours of New York City, while cycling and walking tours also pause outside the landmark. You can spy it above on helicopter tours of Manhattan, or get a behind-the-scenes tour with a New York Sightseeing or FreeStyle Pass.

The legendary venue hosts games, concerts, and other performances all year long, so you can also get a ticket for a dose of competition or entertainment. Book event tickets on Ticketmaster—Madison Square Garden’s official online ticket platform—or at the box office, typically open 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.

Things to know before you go

• Madison Square Garden is ideal for sports fans.

• Tours are held daily from 9:30am to 3pm.

• Check MSG’s website for a list of banned items, including outside food and drink, video cameras, selfie sticks, and oversized bags.

• In addition to the main arena, Madison Square Garden also hosts the more intimate Hulu Theater, plus restaurants, bars, and shops.

• Collapsible strollers are welcome at events, so long as they fit under your seat.

• The venue is accessible to visitors with mobility, sight, or hearing issues.

How to get there

Located in Midtown Manhattan, Madison Square Garden is steps from Penn Station, serviced by the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E subway lines, and New Jersey Transit or Long Island Railroad trains. You can also walk from the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W subway at 34th Street/Herald Square, which is just minutes away; if arriving from New Jersey, get off the PATH Train at 33rd Street. Madison Square Garden is also easily accessible via bus or taxi, or on foot.

When to get there

Madison Square Garden hosts roughly 320 events per year, so there’s no bad time to visit to take in games, concerts, and other performances. The New York Knicks (basketball) and the New York Rangers (ice hockey) both typically play between October and April.

Madison Square Garden’s most famous visitors

Since its opening in 1968, Madison Square Garden has hosted some of the world’s biggest artists and celebrities. All genres of musicians—including John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Elton John, Billy Joel, Madonna, U2, Taylor Swift, and Andrea Bocelli—have taken to the stage. The venue has even hosted Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. And every February, the Garden hosts two Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show competitions.

Is Madison Square Garden worth visiting?

Whether or not Madison Square Garden is worth visiting depends on your tastes and interests. But for anyone who can appreciate “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” would like to experience a piece of American history, or simply wants to witness a New York icon, Madison Square Garden is hard to beat.

How long does the Madison Square Garden tour take?

The Madison Square Garden All Access Tour takes 60 minutes. The arena offers public tours year-round, Monday through Friday, which take visitors behind the scenes of “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” Bonus: Every tour is different—it all depends on what’s happening on the stage, the ice, or the court that night.

What do you see on the Madison Square Garden tour?

On the Madison Square Gardens Tour, visitors get access to certain backstage areas of the arena, walk the Chase Bridge, visit a luxury suite, and follow a local guide through the arena’s 150-year history. That being said, what the arena looks like will highly depend on who—or what—is taking over the facility that night.

What events take place at Madison Square Garden?

The events at Madison Square Garden span the gamut—you’ll find everything from professional hockey and basketball games to the circus, musical acts like Carrie Underwood and Billy Joel, college sports games, martial arts demonstrations, and more. The facility also runs regular venue tours for those looking to explore MSG’s past in addition to its present.

Is it possible to visit Madison Square Garden without an event taking place?

Yes, you can visit Madison Square Garden without an event taking place via a public tour. They’re offered Monday–Friday year-round, run for roughly 60 minutes, and can be booked online. Visitors get guided access to the arena’s backstage and the Chase Bridge, and learn all about the facility’s 150-year history.

How far in advance do I have to get tickets for Madison Square Garden?

How far in advance you need to get tickets to Madison Square Garden depends on the event you’re attending. Some events sell out far, far in advance; for other events, you can get tickets the day of. Booking online is best, though you can buy tickets in-person up to 1 hour before the start of the tour.

Ways to explore

Madison Square Garden is a popular stop on hop-on, hop-off bus tours and private driving tours of New York City, while cycling and walking tours also pause outside the landmark indoor arena. You can spy it from above on a helicopter tour of Manhattan, or get a behind-the-scenes tour, available on its own or as part of a New York Sightseeing or FreeStyle Pass.

The legendary venue hosts games, concerts, and other performances all year long. If a show isn’t sold out, tickets can be purchased at the box office (typically open from noon to 6pm Monday to Saturday), but your best bet is booking through Ticketmaster well in advance.

Accessibility

The venue is accessible to visitors with mobility, sight, or hearing issues and includes free use of wheelchairs.

Age limits

Most events don’t have any age restrictions and allow free entry for children under 2 years old; note that the venue can be quite loud, so consider bringing ear protection. It’s strongly suggested that guests under 18 are accompanied by an adult.

What to pack

Credit and debit cards for cashless payment, collapsible strollers that fit under your seat, empty water bottle

What to wear

Dress according to your event—think sweaters for ice hockey, team swag for basketball games, or comfortable shoes for concerts.

Not allowed

Check the official website for the full list of banned items, including outside food and drink, video cameras, selfie sticks, and oversized bags.

Amenities

Wi-Fi, family/all-gender restrooms, nursing area, phone chargers for rent

Address

In Midtown Manhattan, Madison Square Garden is easy to reach from across New York City and New Jersey. While options abound for subway and train travel, it’s also easily accessible via bus or taxi, or on foot.

Driving

Driving to Madison Square Garden isn’t recommended due to heavy traffic and limited parking. If you must drive, pay attention to parking restrictions and reserve a spot in advance with SpotHero.

Public transportation

Madison Square Garden is right above Penn Station, a hub for the 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E subway lines, NJ Transit, and the Long Island Railroad. It’s also one block west of 34th Street–Herald Square, on the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W lines.

Best times to visit

Behind-the-scenes tours of Madison Square Garden are generally offered daily between 10:30am and 3pm. If you’re visiting for an event, arrive early to give yourself enough time to get through security and find your seat.

Best days to visit

There are hundreds of events per year, so check the calendar to see what’s coming up.

Best months to visit

If you’re into sports, visit between October and April to watch the Knicks (basketball) and the Rangers (hockey).

Special events

Every February, the Garden hosts the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show competition.