The National Theatre

Standing on Pennsylvania Avenue since 1835, this is the country's oldest venue still presenting touring Broadway productions. Managed by Nederlander, the 1,672-seat space balances a luxurious atmosphere of chandeliers and balconies with the character of an older building that occasionally shows its age. While the venue is celebrated for its consistently clear sightlines—even from the upper reaches—the historic floor plan does lead to crowding, particularly during busy intermissions and at the end of performances. Whether you find yourself in the orchestra or the balcony, the experience is defined by a sense of heritage that remains central to the city’s live performance circuit.