Need bright lights, big energy, and iconic NYC vibes? Head to Times Square! Known as “The Crossroads of the World,” Times Square dazzles with massive digital billboards, Broadway theaters, flagship stores, and around-the-clock buzz. Whether you're seeing a show or just soaking up the excitement, it’s a must-see NYC experience.
Times Square Highlights:
- For Families: Snap photos and people-watch in Duffy Square – Grab a red staircase seat and enjoy the electric atmosphere.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Walk the Broadway Pedestrian Plaza – Take in sights, costumed characters, and street performers along a car-free stretch.
- For Kids: Visit Gulliver’s Gate and Madame Tussauds – Explore a tiny world and take selfies with lifelike celebrity wax figures.
- For an Adventure: See a Broadway show – Choose from family musicals to dramatic performances in historic theaters.
- For Shoppers: Browse the M&M’s and Disney Stores – Fun multi-level experiences perfect for kids and souvenir hunters.
Best Time to Visit Times Square
Times Square is vibrant year-round, but spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for walking. Visit in December for holiday lights and the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, or come late at night to experience its 24/7 glow without the crowds.
How to Get to Times Square
- If you are traveling by subway: Take the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, A, C, or E trains to the Times Sq–42nd Street station.
- By Bus: Multiple MTA buses (including M7, M20, M104) stop throughout Times Square.
- By Foot: Easily walkable from Midtown attractions like Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, or Penn Station.
- By Car: Avoid if possible—traffic is heavy, and parking is expensive. Use nearby garages if driving is necessary.
Where to Stay in Times Square
- The Knickerbocker Hotel – A luxury hotel with a rooftop bar overlooking Times Square.
- Marriott Marquis Times Square – Towering hotel with Broadway views and a revolving rooftop restaurant.
- CitizenM Times Square – Stylish, tech-savvy boutique hotel just steps from the action.
Best Things to Do in Times Square
1. Relax and People-Watch at Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a 9.6-acre public park located in Midtown Manhattan, between 5th and 6th Avenues and 40th and 42nd Streets. The area was established as a park in 1686, when it was still a wilderness, by New York's colonial governor Thomas Dongan. The park is known to the locals as Manhattan's Town Square, and it is famous for its colorful seasonal gardens, lots of free activities, excellent restrooms, a French-style merry-go-round, a free skating rink, a beautiful green lawn with tables and chairs, the outdoor Reading Room with picture books and story times in the summer, and plenty of al fresco dining. Just next to the park is the New York Public Library and all around are iconic Manhattan skyscrapers.
Between 40th and 42nd Streets & 5th and 6th Avenues, New York City, NY 10017
2. Pose With the Stars at Madame Tussauds New York
Located in the heart of Times Square and established in 2000, Madame Tussauds New York is the only place where you can get up close and personal to your favorite stars, or better to say, their wax figures. You can pose for photos with the world’s most famous musicians, movie stars, world leaders, sports legends, and other famous personalities. The museum occupies five stories with more than 85,000 square feet of space with interactive exhibits that include the Ghostbusters: Dimension hyper-reality experience and the Marvel Super Hero 4D Experience. The original Madame Tussauds wax exhibition was established in 1884 in London, and there are now Madame Tussauds museums in over 20 countries.
234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, Phone: 212-512-9600
3. Experience the Heartbeat of the City at One Times Square
Sitting on one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the world, One Times Square is a historic 25-story, 363-foot-high New York City skyscraper, world-renowned as the setting for the annual New Year’s Eve ball ceremony. Designed by Cyrus L. W. Eidlitz in the heart of Times Square, the building was originally constructed to be the headquarters of The New York Times, which moved into the tower in 1905. After the paper moved out eight years later, One Times Square remained mostly empty but continued to be a major focal point of Times Square due to its large number of huge traditional and electronic billboards.
One Times Square, New York, NY 10036
4. Explore Iconic Sights on a Self-Guided Walking Tour
If you would like to explore Times Square at your own pace but do not want to miss any important and/or fun spots, you can download the Free Tours By Foot app on your device and follow their instructions. The app does not have audio but it does have a detailed description of some of Times Square’s most important places, from One Times Square to the Ed Sullivan Theater. You can also print the interactive map and it is up to you if you want to follow the suggested order or make occasional breaks for refreshments. You might not need the map, Times Square is full of wonderful eateries, cafes, and bars.
Self Guided Walking Tour, 112 Suffolk St, New York, New York, Phone: 646-450-6831
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. If You Love Political Comedy, Attend The Daily Show
Participating in the filming of The Daily Show With Trevor Noah is one of the most popular Times Square attractions. Although comedian Jon Stewart is no longer the host of the show, this is still one of the best sources of free entertainment in New York City and visitors are still lining up trying to get the tickets. The studio where the show is taped is in Hell’s Kitchen at 733 Eleventh Avenue between 51st and 52nd Streets. Interested visitors have to reserve their tickets in advance and pick them up on the day of taping at the studio location.
The Daily Show Studios, 513 W. 54th St., between 10th and 11th Sts., New York City, NY 10019
6. Stay in Classic Luxury at The Knickerbocker Hotel
Created in 1906 by John Jacob Astor, The Knickerbocker Hotel is an iconic luxury Times Square hotel with a magnificent Beaux-Arts façade and a completely reimagined modern interior. The hotel is located in the heart of the New York City, close to all the city’s landmarks and attractions. The rooms are spacious and elegant, with high ceilings and modern furniture, luxury linen, designer toiletries, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and luxury bathrooms. Suites also have sofas and magnificent city views. All guests enjoy the use of a gourmet restaurant, a gym, and a fabulous rooftop bar/cigar lounge. Room service and in-room beauty treatment are available upon request.
6 Times Square, New York, NY 10036, Phone: 855-865-6425
7. If You Crave Late-Night Laughs, Catch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is a CBS talk show that is taped every weekday at NBC Studios at the Ed Sullivan Theater. The taping of the show is open to the public and is one of the most popular free entertainment events at Times Square. Stephen Colbert is a popular American comedian who succeeded David Letterman in 2015. Since he took over, the show has become much more political. While the entrance is free, getting the tickets for the show is not easy. Tickets are released about two months in advance and are gone quickly. Taking part in the show taping is so popular that some visitors do not mind being put on the waiting list just in case someone cancels.
The Daily Show Studios, 513 W. 54th St., between 10th and 11th Sts., New York City, NY 10019
Where to Eat in Times Square
- Carmine’s Italian Restaurant – Family-style plates of classic Italian comfort food near the theaters.
- Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery – Beloved for its cheesecake, burgers, and diner-style meals.
- Havana Central – Lively Cuban eatery with mojitos, empanadas, and live music on select nights.
If you are interested in local events:
- New Year’s Eve Ball Drop (December 31) – Ring in the new year at the world-famous midnight celebration.
- Broadway Week (January & September) – Enjoy 2-for-1 tickets to select Broadway shows.
- Times Square Solstice Yoga (June) – Join hundreds of people for free yoga classes held on the plaza during the summer solstice.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Times Square:
- Central Park (15–20 min walk) – Stroll, picnic, or boat in NYC’s iconic green oasis.
- Rockefeller Center (10–15 min walk) – Visit Top of the Rock, NBC Studios, or the ice rink in winter.
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) (10 min walk) – See works by Van Gogh, Warhol, and other art legends.
- The High Line (25–30 min walk) – Walk this elevated park with gardens, views, and art installations.
- Hudson Yards (20–25 min walk) – Explore The Vessel, The Edge observation deck, and luxury shopping.
- Bryant Park and NY Public Library (5–10 min walk) – Relax at the park or tour the historic library’s interior.
- Grand Central Terminal (15 min walk) – Marvel at the celestial ceiling, eat at the market, or catch a train.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What makes Times Square a must-visit destination?
- Times Square is the beating heart of Manhattan’s Midtown West, where costumed characters entertain crowds under the bright lights of massive digital billboards.
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What is a popular gathering spot in Times Square?
- There is always a line of people on the red staircase above the TKTS Discount Booth, a favorite gathering spot.
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Where can visitors find a green space near Times Square?
- Bryant Park offers a verdant oasis surrounded by a jungle of skyscrapers.
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What fun attractions can visitors explore in Times Square?
- Attractions like Gulliver’s Gate and Madame Tussauds Museum provide unique and entertaining experiences.
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Is Times Square a good stop on a road trip?
- Yes! Times Square is one of the best stops to make on a road trip through New York State.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the city.
The Knickerbocker Hotel – A luxury hotel with a rooftop bar overlooking Times Square.
Visit Broadway Theaters – Catch a world-class show just steps from Times Square.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and lively with many outdoor events.
Marriott Marquis – A modern hotel with stunning views of Times Square.
Explore Bryant Park – Enjoy free movie nights, outdoor dining, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and fewer crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing.
CitizenM Times Square – A trendy and affordable boutique hotel in the heart of the city.
Walk along Fifth Avenue – Shop at iconic stores and see famous landmarks like Rockefeller Center.
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