New York wouldn’t be the same without Broadway. With its abundance of shops, theaters, bars and restaurants stretching across the city from Columbus Circle to Union Square West, you’ll have to cross it at some point. Originally known as Wickquasgeck Trail, Broadway was carved into the brush of Manhattan by Native American inhabitants and the trail soon became the main road through the island. 

In the 18th century, Broadway ended at the town commons, north of Wall Street, where traffic continued to snake up the East side of the island via Eastern Post Road, the West Side via Bloomingdale Road, and the north of the Grand Circle, which is now Columbus Circle. The name ‘Broadway’ was then extended to the entire road, and today it’s just as busy as ever.

When you’re crossing Broadway, keep these New York must-dos in mind.