Times Square

Times Square is is a mecca for entertainment, dining, and shopping

New York's Iconic Times Square at the break of dawn
New York's Iconic Times Square at the break of dawn cc licensed photo by Jorge Láscar

With its electrified atmosphere and lighting and bustling activities, Times Square, located along both Broadway and 7th Avenue between 42nd Street and 47th Street, is an epitome for New York. Famous for the annual dropping of the ball from the New York Times building to celebrate the New Years, Times Square is a major gathering place in New York for tourists and locals alike.

Formerly called Longacre Square, Times Square adopted its current name in 1904 when the New York Times headquarters building was opened there. Now restricted to pedestrians only along Broadway, it is even more people friendly. From dusk to dawn it is noted for its brilliant neon signs and lighting, setting the standard for 'bright lights - big city'. According to some sources, Times Square is the most visited tourist attraction in the world!

One of the mainstays of Times Square is the theatre district. With 40 Broadway Theatres in the area hosting productions every evening from Tuesday through Saturday, it keeps the area busy. In addition to the many theatres you will find great places to eat and shop while you get immersed in the sights, sounds and culture of this vibrant area. Any trip to New York would be incomplete without a visit.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: No

Address: Manhattan, NY 10036, USA

Official Website: Times Square

Times Square Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Love it or hate it, you have to see it at least once… I absolutely love this place.. Bright lights, giant screens, crowds, street performers and so much energy all around… Times Square is exactly what you imagine New York to be. Yes, it’s busy and crowded, but that’s part of the experience. The atmosphere, especially at night, is incredible and there’s always something happening. The huge billboards, towering skyscrapers and bright lights make it feel like nowhere else in the world. No matter what time of day you visit, it's always buzzing with people and there’s always something happening. One of those iconic places that makes you feel like you are truly in New York. What’s not to like? I have been here many times and can happily come back again and again. It never gets old…
Highway Video - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Visiting Times Square is an absolute sensory overload in the best way possible! It is the true heartbeat of New York City and a place everyone has to experience at least once. Walking into the area, you are immediately surrounded by towering, ultra-bright LED billboards, towering skyscrapers, and an incredible, buzzing energy that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world. It genuinely feels like the center of the universe. Here are a few tips and highlights for your visit: When to go: While it is bustling during the day, you absolutely must see it at night. The way the neon lights illuminate the streets is breathtaking and makes for the best photos. The Red Steps: Make sure to climb the famous red glass steps above the TKTS booth in Father Duffy Square. It is the perfect vantage point to sit down, take in the panoramic views of the glowing billboards, and just people-watch. The Crowds & Chaos: Be prepared for massive crowds! It is always packed with tourists, commuters, and street performers. A quick warning: Keep an eye out for the costumed characters and CD sellers scattered around the pedestrian plazas. If you take a picture with them, they will aggressively demand a tip, so it is best to politely keep walking if you aren't interested. While locals might avoid it, as a visitor, the sheer scale and electricity of Times Square completely live up to the hype. It is the perfect starting point before catching a Broadway show or grabbing a bite in Midtown!
Sriram Vasudevan - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Times Square is honestly one of the most chaotic places I’ve ever been to, in the best possible way. The first thing that hits you is just how much is going on at once, bright screens everywhere, huge ads flashing above your head, people moving in every direction, music, noise, taxis, everything. It feels a bit overwhelming when you first arrive, like your brain doesn’t really know where to look. There’s something happening in every direction, and it never really stops. You’ve got street performers doing their thing, tourists stopping every two seconds to take photos, and people dressed up trying to get your attention. But after a while, you kind of get used to the chaos, and it becomes really fun to just stand there and take it all in. It actually feels like you’re in the middle of something huge and alive. At night especially, when all the screens are glowing, it’s crazy how bright it is, almost like daylight. It’s not a place where you go to relax. It’s more of a place where you just experience it, soak it in, and maybe laugh a bit at how intense it all is. It’s loud, it’s crowded, it’s a bit much, but that’s exactly the point. Overall, it’s a crazy experience, but definitely something you should see at least once. You leave with a lot of impressions, and it kind of sticks in your memory because there’s nothing else quite like it.
Yosef Zizov - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Times Square is the absolute definition of New York's high-intensity, non-stop energy. The sheer scale of the massive digital billboards, the towering architecture, and the constant movement of people create an atmosphere that feels entirely unique and overwhelming in the best way possible. It is a place that feels completely alive, day or night. The visual impact is the main draw here, with the brilliant lights illuminating the entire corridor and making it feel like daylight even late into the evening. Walking through the main plazas, the sensory experience is unmatched, offering endless opportunities for city photography and people-watching. It is a well-maintained, iconic destination that perfectly captures the fast-paced, vibrant heartbeat of Manhattan. For anyone looking to experience the true, classic hustle of the city, standing in the middle of the bright lights is an absolute must.
V - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Very fun place. We got there before dark and it felt safe and easy to walk around. As it got dark it got more packed but still not to crazy. It was a weekday so I’m sure that’s why. Felt safe at all times and plenty of cool little shops and food to shop at. Night time is definitely more exciting and fun but day is also nice maybe especially with kids. Love All the high buildings. Would not want to drive a car though.
Henry Valencia - 2 months ago

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Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, or RTimes Square / 42 Street0 minutes
B, D, F, or M42 Street / Bryant Park3 minutes
A, C or E42 Street / Port Authority Bus Terminal3 minutes

How to get to Times Square by Subway

Take the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, or R train to Times Square / 42 Street Station or take the B, D, F, or M train to 42 Street / Bryant Park and walk west on 42 street to Broadway or take the A, C, or E Train to 42 Street / Port Authority Bus Terminal and walk east to Broadway.

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