a crowd of people walking around a city with tall buildings
a busy city street
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All attractions

Times Square

New York, U.S.A.
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a crowd of people walking around a city with tall buildings

Photo by Kayl Photo

Bursting with neon color and roaring with energy day and night, Times Square delivers the high-voltage pulse of New York City like nowhere else. Lights flash, music floats, crowds gather—photographers, travelers, vendors, and costumed characters mingle on wide plazas. At the crossroads of entertainment, commerce, and street spectacle, this public space transforms every visitor into part of the show. Whether exploring for an hour or a day, Times Square offers an experience that swings from iconic to unexpected with every step.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
Free

Contact Information

Location
Address
Manhattan, NY 10036, United States
Website

Planning your visit

Strategic planning makes a Times Square trip more enjoyable, since this landmark never truly sleeps. A little preparation helps save time and energy, especially for those hoping to dodge massive crowds or enjoy the best photo moments. Streets fill fast, especially at meal times or just before Broadway show curtains rise. Scattered seating and wide sidewalks offer rest areas, but the stream of visitors rarely pauses. Most attractions do not require advance tickets, but theatregoers should check show times and availability before arriving.

  • Best time to visit: Early morning (7–10 a.m.) for gentle crowds and crisp light; late evening after 11 p.m. for electric nighttime vibes (but still safe and lively).
  • How to get there: Major subway lines (1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, S) stop at 42nd Street–Times Square; taxis and buses are readily available, though traffic can be slow.
  • Accessibility: Wide, curb-cut sidewalks and elevators at main subway stations serve visitors using wheelchairs or strollers. Family-friendly attractions abound within a short walk.
  • Average visit duration: 1–3 hours to see central sights, with extra time for Broadway shows, museums, or nearby restaurants.

Must see stuff

No trip to Times Square feels complete without taking in the monumental LED billboards and watching the non-stop parade of life on the pedestrian plazas. Yet beyond the famous screens, visitors discover pockets of art, unexpected stories, and cultural surprises. Public steps, unique shops, and side streets hold their own little worlds among the bright lights. Some activities cost nothing, while Broadway theaters and specialty exhibits tempt with ticketed attractions.

  • Key sights or features: The Red Steps above the TKTS booth offer panoramic viewing above the square; Father Duffy Square pays tribute to local history; the Times Tower, former home of the ball drop, rises above Seventh Avenue.
  • Unique experiences: Watch a street performance—musicians, magicians, or dance crews rotate by the minute; step inside Gulliver’s Gate, a miniature world replica; surprise yourself by uncovering the Midnight Moment, a synchronized digital art display at 11:57 p.m. every night on dozens of Times Square screens.
  • Photo-worthy locations: In front of the multi-story electronic billboards; perched on the Red Steps; with costumed characters like Elmo or Minnie Mouse (a tip is expected for photos).
  • Cultural or historical facts: Times Square was once known as Longacre Square before The New York Times moved its headquarters here in 1904. The famous New Year’s Eve ball drop tradition dates back to 1907.

Tips for your visit

A smooth Times Square visit means thinking ahead about both comfort and safety. Some side streets surprise with quiet, shady benches, while other corners get crowded and noisy, especially after dark. Flashy costumes and loud music can overwhelm sensitive travelers, and prices in restaurants or shops often reflect the area's popularity. Local delis and pizza stands on 8th or 9th Avenue, just a block away, cost less and deliver authentic flavors. Little gestures help: smile at street performers but politely decline photos if uninterested, avoid blocking thoroughfares during rush hour, and keep valuables secure at all times.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Early mornings or weekday afternoons; avoid holiday evenings and pre-theater rush (6:30–8:00 p.m.).
  • What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, phone/camera, water bottle (refill at Bryant Park nearby), a small backpack or secure bag.
  • Local etiquette or rules: Tipping is customary for performers or costumed characters if taking photos; public drinking is not allowed; always use crosswalks, as traffic can be unpredictable.
  • Safety or comfort advice: Stay aware of belongings, especially near street performers or crowds; seek quieter corners (like 43rd or 44th Streets); take breaks at local cafés to regroup and people-watch.