It is located at the junction of Broadway and 7th Avenue and is a vital tourist destination and a commercial center. The most famous part of Times Square is surely its billboards that stretch for 1.5 miles from West 42nd Street to 47th Street. Times Square gets about 50 million visitors every year making it one of the best world’s best pedestrian areas. Other names Times Square is called by are “the Crossroads of the World,” “the Center of the Universe,” the heart of the Great White Way,” and “the Heart of the World.”
Few people know that Times Square was previously known as Longacre Square up until 1904 when New York decided to move its headquarters to the new Times Building. Even though it is referred to as a square, Times Square has a shape closer to a bowtie. There you will find Duffy Square on its northern triangle, which is a resting spot for tourists and a World War I memorial for chaplain Francis P. Duffy.
At the turn of the 20th century, several theatres were set up on 42nd Street, and by the second decade, the Times Square and Broadway area had become one of the most famous entertainment districts in the world. This was in part due to the central location of the square and because there was a large station for the newly constructed subway. However, as the Great Depression began to deepen, many legitimate theatres in Times Square started to close and were converted into motion picture theatres. Times Square had a resurgence in the 1990s, with its newly implemented tourist-friendly stores, theatres, and restaurants.
Things to do at Times Square
There are numerous fun things to do at Times Square. Here are some of them listed below for you: –
Madame Tussauds – Madame Tussauds has 21 locations all over the world and is one of the best attractions in all of Times Square. If you have never been to a wax museum before, it is a must-visit for you. If you have a couple of hours to kill and want to take some terrific pictures with your favorite singers, models, actors, and stars from movies, Broadway, and more. There is also a 4D marvel movie theatre which has been added to the museum with wind-chilling, water-soaking, and face-lifting special effects. You will be able to see Captain Marvel, Black Panther, Thor, Spider-Man, Ant-Man, and the Wasp as they battle Loki to save the world from destruction. It is located at 234W 42nd St between 7th and 8th Ave. The admission fee starts at $36.99 and if you are a student or come in groups of 10 you can get a discount of up to 55%.
Cartoon Characters – While you are walking on the street in Times Square, you will not be able to help but notice the different cartoon characters that are roaming around. You can greet the Statue of Liberty, hug Elmo, and thank the superheroes for saving the world. Remember that these performers are not hired by the city and if you would like to take a picture with them, they would expect a tip to be given to them. There is also a Naked Cowboy across the street. He is known as Robert John Burck as he will be playing some country tunes and posing for pictures.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not – If you are looking for some playful fun, then this is the place for you. The museum has over seven individually themed galleries with over 500 amazing exhibits. It is impossible to see everything at once, therefore you should grab a map and locate the most famous ones and visit them first. At Ripley’s Odditorium gallery, you will be able to see a mask from human skin, a shrunken human head, and a wax figure of the four-eyed man. Other famous exhibits at Ripley’s Museum are Smash Dash, the Black Hole, the Medieval Torture Chamber, and eclectic artworks. Located at 234 West 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. The admission fee is $25.60 for adults and $19.20 for kids.
OMEscape – If you are simply looking for an adrenaline rush or looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the OMEscape at Times Square. It is an alternative reality, and they have three experiences to choose from – the Laboratory of Biohazard, the Penitentiary, and Room X. At the Laboratory you encounter Dr Snake, and you are on a mission to enter his secret lab. He plans to contaminate the city’s water and you need to find a cure to save the city. They have a pretty cool staff and make you feel smart when you ask for clues.
Comedy Show – There are many comedy clubs available at Times Square for you to have a good laugh. Here are a few of them – Carolines (comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld and Rosie O’Donnell got their start here), Broadway Comedy Club (Performances here last for about an hour or 90 minutes), and LOL Times Square (have a variety of options including a family-friendly option).
Hershey’s Chocolate World – Anybody born between 1971-1996 must have heard of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Everyone wished as a child that they could visit such a world. This is now your amazing opportunity to visit such a world in Hershey’s Chocolate World. You will be able to find all their beloved treats over here and a few experimental ones. You can visit the candy machine and mix and match up to 12 different Hershey’s products or personalize a chocolate bar.
Art Pop-Ups – There are many group events and artworks installed at Times Square such as Lunch Atop a Skyscraper, Wake and unmoored, yoga classes, and snow globes that feature classic Broadway shows. Make sure your eyes are peeled open when you are walking down the street as you might catch something unique and eccentric.
Souvenir shopping – Do not forget to visit Times Square and buy a gift or a souvenir for family or a friend. The best of these stores are legitimate ones such as Disney, Line Friends, and M&M’s World. Make sure you avoid the brightly lit souvenir shops unless you desperately want something from them because it can be a total scam.
Empire State Building – Standing tall at 1,454 feet and 102 stories, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of New York. The American Society of Civil Engineers hailed it as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Every year close to four million tourists visit the Empire State Building’s 86th and 102nd floor observatories. Once you can get to the top of the building, you can see up to 80 miles into New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Other than that, you can also see many of the city’s great landmarks such as Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square. You can always come up here at night and look at the various lights that light up the building if you do not wish to pay money to get to the top.
Father Duffy Square – Times Square can be quite a busy place and with over 330,000 people passing by every day, it can be quite hard to catch your breath. You should therefore head over to the Francis P. Duffy World War I memorial site. There is also a statue of composer and entertainer George M. Cohan. This is also one of the most epic sites in Times Square to get a good photograph.
National Geographic Encounter – The National Geographic Encounter has amazingly realistic animations, giant projection screens, and immersive sounds that take you on a ride to see the greatest and mightiest creatures of the ocean and sea right in the heart of Manhattan, and all of this without getting a single drop wet. It is a great family activity as adults can enjoy the exhibit and children can learn about the ocean and interact with technology such as holograms and touch screens. They can also play games for ocean conservation and research. People who love to stay up late will love it too as it is open until 10.30 pm on Sunday-Thursday and up till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The address for National Geographic Encounter is 225 44th Street between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue. The admission fee is $39.50 for adults, $36.5 for seniors, and $32.5 for kids.
New Year Ball Drop – If you have the will and capacity to stand for a long time with no bathrooms around, then you should come to Times Square Ball Drop on December 31st. Every year, over one million visitors come to these giant LED screens for the star-studded New Year’s Eve parties and a chance to be shown on live television. You need to make sure you have many layers of clothing, an empty stomach, and a great attitude to have the maximum amount of fun at the Ball Drop.
Broadway Show – People who are traveling and walking around Times Square are sure to notice Broadway Theatres and what is playing on the billboard advertising. Checking out a Broadway Show on Times Square is a must-have on everybody’s itinerary list. You are sure to enjoy hours of fabulous singing. Go over to the TKTS booth on 4th Street and 7th Avenue for discounted tickets. Some of the favorites of the Broadway Shows include Wicked, The Lion King, Dear Evan Hansen, Mean Girls, and Come from Away.
Gulliver’s Gate – Here you will be able to enter a wonderful world of miniatures from more than 25 cities in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It is an excellent place for kids to enjoy the miniaturized Buckingham Palace, a mini-Taj Mahal, and a small replica of the Grand Central.
Late-night show – Even though New York has plenty of live tapings, the two most popular ones are The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Saturday Night Live in Times Square and Rockefeller Center. Tickets for the show are $59 for the late show and you must be at least 16 years old to attend the show. For fans of Saturday Night Live, tickets are given through a lottery system and the season opens at midnight EST on August 1 and runs until 11:59 EST on August 31.
Billboards at Times Square: Approximately 174 million people enter the Times Square bowtie annually. 47% of these visitors continue to share on social media after their visit to Times Square. The various billboards at Times Square make a large art of their experience.
The Nasdaq Billboard: Standing 7 stories tall, this is one of the most powerful displays in Times Square. NASDAQ Market Site receives worldwide coverage for opening and closing bell ceremonies when US markets are open as well as the New Year’s Eve ball drop ceremony.
Thomson Reuters – Standing at 22 stories tall, the Thomson Reuters sign consists of 11 uniquely sized, high-definition LED screens.
3D Billboards: There is not just one but several 3D billboards in Times Square. Unlike regular billboards, Times Square features distinct and high-quality 3D billboards. The view from these billboards is often very realistic and colorful, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.
Other things – Other crazy and amazing things to see at Times Square include the real-time webcam at Duffy Square, the large digital art exhibition that runs from 11:57 pm to midnight, browsing the Midtown Comics store or just watching people.
Food
here are plenty of good choices available here at Times Square for your dining options to choose from. Some of them are listed here.
Sake Bar Hagi – Located in Times Square, it offers tasty food and a downtown ambiance. It has a great space and some amazing pitchers.
Gallagher’s Steak House – It is one of the best steakhouses in all of New York. It has been at Times Square since 1927 and it is exactly what you would imagine a steakhouse would look from the inside. Steaks max out at $75, and a variety of sides are available too.
Dear Irving on Hudson – It is located between the M&M stores and Elmos, it is a sight for sore-eyed travelers to relax and enjoy a delicious meal. The cocktails here are crafty, snacks such as sliders and it offers such spectacular views of the city that you will want to go back out there.
Danji – Danji is a comforting spot to eat as any available. The menu includes crispy vegetable dumplings, chicken wings, and all varieties of food.
Los Tacos No. 1 – It is a wonderful place to enjoy yourself and have some tacos.
Valerie – It is centrally located between the crossroads of the World and Grand Central station for those commuting who wish to gather for drinks after work in this amazing space. It also offers a wide variety of options and dishes such as salads, burgers, roast chicken, and steak frites to name a few.
Don Antonio by Starita – The chance that you are at New York City Times Square and don’t need a pizza place is very slim. Don Antonio by Starita makes some good pizzas which include Margherita and truffle burrata pizza.
Stay
Here are some of the best hotels to stay at while you are visiting Times Square
Doubletree by Hilton – there are several hotels within a few blocks of Doubletree by Hilton in Times Square. The best one among these is “Times Square West” known for its great rooms and a fantastic view of the city.
Hyatt Centric – It is a hotel right in the heart of Times Square, New York. It has a lounge on the roof and some good rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms on the upper floors are amazing.
Times Square EDITION – Everything is just cool here with a wonderful design, cool atmosphere, rooftop bar, and awesome view over Times Square.
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel – It is perfectly located right on the namesake Times Square. Elegantly decorated with dark furniture and gold and blue accents. You will also have a magnificent view of Times Square and feel right at home at Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel.
Hotel Millenium Broadway – It is right in the pulsating heart of Manhattan. Not a modern hotel but it scores huge points for its amazing location.
Tips
- Some of the most basic crimes and incidents happen when you are in a taxi or get pickpocketed. Keep a good eye on your valuable items or decide to leave them at your hotel before you decide to come to Times Square as there are large crowds and things may get confusing for you.
- The costume characters will often offer you a hug, but this is a way for them to get some money out of your pockets through photographs. Tip is expected if you take a picture with them. Remember these are not officially licensed characters and you may have to report any indecent action you might see while you are at Times Square.
- If you can, do avoid walking on dark streets as they are not 100% safe. Homeless people live in those areas, and they can sometimes get a bit aggressive and creepy. Always be with some company when you decide to go out on a night out.
- If you are looking to shop, try to avoid those brightly lit souvenir shops as they might scam or rip you off. Try going to the more legitimate shops such as Sephora, Levis, and Urban Outfitters. The quality at those souvenir shops often sucks too.
- The red TKTS booth at Duffy Square sells discounted Broadway tickets for performances on the same day. The earlier you get to the booth, the better chance you have of getting a ticket. Although there is a $5-$6 fee, it is still much cheaper to buy from here than those ticketing websites.
- How to get there
The official address for Times Square is 1560 Broadway Ste 1, New York, NY 10036.
It is one of the most convenient and easy places to get to in all of New York mostly thanks to the well-connected subway. You can take the A, C, and E trains to 42nd St./Port Authority, the 7th train to 42nd Street/Times Square, the N, R, and W trains to 42nd St./Times Square, or the 1, 2, 3 trains to the 42nd street/Times Square.
If you want to travel directly, take the yellow cab taxi. Although you will have to pay much more than the usual subway fare. Biking is an excellent idea as well. Grab a bike at Citi Bike and go through Manhattan. Make sure that you follow the traffic and yield to pedestrians. Most New Yorkers have been made famous worldwide for ignoring traffic lights.
Many airport shuttles do pick up and drop off at the Port Authority Bus Station on 42nd St and 8th Ave.
Parking
Whether you live or work in the Times Square area or just visiting to see a show, look at the lights, or dine at the restaurants, Times Square has a lot of parking options available in and around the area. Some of these parking options around Times Square are listed below: –
Advance Parking – 253 W 43 St
Central Parking System – 271 W 47th St, 257-259 W 47th St, 155 W 48th St, 250 W 50th St, 253 W 47th St, 870-888 Eighth Ave
Champion Parking – 251 W 45th St
Garage Management Corp. – 148-154 W 48th St, 225 W 49th St.
Manhattan Parking West 45th Street – 120 W 45th St
Meyers Parking, Inc – 146-150 W 44th St
Times Square Parking – 250 W 43rd St, 333 W 46 St Corp, 333 W 46th St
- Best Times to Visit
Times Square has its charms both during the day and at night, however, the best time to visit would be an hour before sunset. This means 6 pm in the summer and 4 pm in the winter. While you sit on the stairs of Duffy Square and see Times Square come to life, it can be a magical moment. This is also the time to take great pictures as the crowd is at its largest. However, if you are looking to avoid large crowds, aim to go after 11 pm or you can visit the R Lounge in the Renaissance Hotel which offers splendid views of the crossroads.
Yes, that is everything you will need to know about Times Square. Once you reach Manhattan, you might get overwhelmed by seeing all those bright LED screens and swarms of people. But if you follow the above guide, you will feel much better at home and have fun while exploring Times Square. Hope you have an enjoyable time in New York City, Times Square.
