Times Square

Times Square showing signage, a high-rise building and central business district
The dazzlingly illuminated centrepiece of New York is a must-visit spot for all tourists.

Situated between West 42nd and West 47th Streets on Seventh Avenue, Times Square is one of the world's most popular and indeed most instantly-recognisable hotspots. With its news tickers, big screens and flashing neon advertisements, it is a glittering and garish hub which is always bustling whether you visit by day or by night. The spot was named after the New York Times newspaper, which arrived on this square back in 1904 – the paper has since moved to Eighth Avenue, but Times Square remains an extraordinary hive of activity.

As well as the flashing lights high above ground, when you visit Times Square you'll find all sorts of other colourful characters. Dancers, jugglers, even African drummers, and so many more can be found here you might even meet Mickey Mouse. You may well also spot the notorious Naked Cowboy – a tourist attraction in his own right – a street performer known for playing the guitar dressed only in his underwear. From musical performances to public speeches, all sorts goes on here.

This is also the site of Madame Tussauds, a waxwork extravaganza where you can get impossibly close to the celebrities you love. This is ideal for show-goers who have come to Broadway's theatre district which lies just off Times Square. Indeed, you'll see many visitors queuing at the TIX outdoor booth where you can find cheap tickets to performances at one of the 40 theatres in the area.

For confectionery treats, make sure you check out the huge M&M's and Hershey's shops. If you want to settle down for a couple of hours, go and see a film at one of the multiplex cinemas you'll find in the area. Or, of course, there is nothing stopping you from taking a seat and watching the world go by in the pedestrianised centre of the square.

On Times Square, you'll also find an array of shops offering memorabilia, which is ideal if you want to find that “I Heart NY” t-shirt or a New York Yankees cap to take back home with you. If you're looking for a bite to eat, you'll find fast-food restaurants as well as delis serving delicious sandwiches and bowls of Matzo ball soup.

Situated right in the middle of New York City on the west side, Times Square is easy to reach by subway and bus. Grand Central Terminal is also close by.

Reviews of Times Square

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
703
" "5 - Excellent 41.207502930832355%
4 - Good
714
" "4 - Good 41.85228604923798%
3 - Okay
222
" "3 - Okay 13.012895662368113%
2 - Disappointing
49
" "2 - Disappointing 2.87221570926143%
1 - Terrible
18
" "1 - Terrible 1.0550996483001172%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Feb 2020

Very crowded at times. But worth being there. Watch out for people dressed in Character outfits. They approach you and ask for a photo, then ask for at least $5 for the privilege.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
13 Dec 2019

Go at midnight or early early morning

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller
21 Nov 2019

Freak show avoid .

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Nov 2019

This is a love or hate type place. You need to go to experience it but we passed through rather than hanging around. Was fun for us this time though as Netflix were promoting the new Klaus movie so we got a free present and took part in a promo shoot - hilarious!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
27 Oct 2019

Avoid in the evenings, capitalise on waking early and go first thing in the morning. 6am at times sq was a highlight for us. 12hrs earlier was absolute mayhem and travelling with someone with mobility issue was a little scary, I was worried about him getting knocked.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Oct 2019

Been to a broadway show and all the sights on previous visits so just shopped till we dropped. The shops are amazing.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
4 out of 5
790 7th Ave, New York, NY
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
Hyatt Grand Central New York
Hyatt Grand Central New York
4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street, at Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY
Hyatt Grand Central New York
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
4 out of 5
481 Eighth Ave., New York, NY
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
Paramount Times Square
Paramount Times Square
4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street, New York, NY
Paramount Times Square
Hotel Edison Times Square
Hotel Edison Times Square
4 out of 5
228 W 47th St, New York, NY
Hotel Edison Times Square
Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square
Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square
4 out of 5
145 W 44th St, New York, NY
Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square
Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1605 Broadway, New York, NY
Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, an IHG Hotel
Park Central Hotel New York
Park Central Hotel New York
4 out of 5
870 7th Ave, New York, NY
Park Central Hotel New York
The Westin New York at Times Square
The Westin New York at Times Square
4.5 out of 5
270 W 43rd Street, New York, NY
The Westin New York at Times Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Times Square, located in the heart of New York City, is a vibrant and exciting destination that offers a range of experiences for every traveler.

  • Theater District: Immerse yourself in the world of theater and entertainment in this urban area. With its iconic skyscrapers, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere, the Theater District is the perfect place to catch a Broadway show and explore the vibrant arts scene. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the renowned Public Theater.
  • Midtown West: Located just a short distance from Times Square, Midtown West offers a mix of entertainment, art, and natural parks. Explore the numerous museums and galleries, enjoy the stunning scenery of the urban landscape, and mingle with friendly locals. This area is a great choice for those looking for a cultural experience.
  • Midtown: As the bustling center of New York City, Midtown is a must-visit destination. With its impressive skyscrapers, diverse entertainment options, and beautiful natural parks, there is something for everyone here. From iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building to world-class museums, Midtown offers endless opportunities for exploration.

Whether you're interested in theater, art, architecture, or simply immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city, Times Square and its surrounding areas have it all.

Times Square is a vibrant and bustling area in New York City, known for its iconic theater district, towering skyscrapers, and lively entertainment scene. Immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere as you explore the numerous theaters, museums, and architectural wonders. Take in the stunning scenery and vibrant energy of the city as you stroll through the bustling streets, surrounded by friendly people from all walks of life. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the natural parks nearby, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban landscape. Whether you're a fan of art, culture, or simply love the excitement of a big city, Times Square has something for everyone.

  • CineRide: Experience the magic of theater in the heart of Times Square. Immerse yourself in captivating performances and be transported to different worlds through the power of storytelling.
  • Nederlander Theater: Step into this historic theater and be mesmerized by world-class performances. From Broadway shows to musicals, the Nederlander Theater offers an unforgettable theater experience.
  • Dave & Buster's: Indulge in a night of fun and entertainment at Dave & Buster's. Enjoy a wide range of games, delicious food, and refreshing drinks, all in a lively and energetic atmosphere.

Manhattan boasts a year-around average temperature of 12.7°C, peaking at 24.7°C in July, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 0.3°C in January, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 105.7mm annually, with July seeing the heaviest showers and February being the driest month.

Monthcalendar iconTemperature (Celcius)temperature iconRainfall (mm)rain icon
January0.392.7
February1.878.5
March5.8110.7
April11.7114.3
May16.9106.4
June21.9112.0
July24.7116.8
August24.0112.8
September20.0108.7
October13.8111.8
November8.7102.1
December3.1101.6

✅ Top reasons to visit Times Square

  • Iconic Theater District: Immerse yourself in the world of theater and entertainment in this urban area. With its towering skyscrapers and stunning architecture, the Theater District is the perfect place to catch a Broadway show and explore the vibrant arts scene.
  • Mesmerizing Urban Landscape: Times Square offers a captivating urban landscape with its impressive skyscrapers that create a mesmerizing backdrop. The bustling streets and vibrant energy of the city make it an exciting destination for tourists.
  • Diverse Entertainment Options: From world-class performances at theaters like CineRide and Nederlander Theater to a night of fun and games at Dave & Buster's, Times Square offers a wide range of entertainment options to suit every taste.
  • Cultural and Artistic Atmosphere: Explore the various museums, galleries, and architectural wonders that dot the area, immersing yourself in the artistic atmosphere of Times Square. The friendly locals and diverse cultural experiences add to the charm of this iconic destination.
  • Natural Parks Nearby: Take a break from the city buzz by visiting the nearby natural parks, offering a serene escape from the urban landscape. Enjoy the peaceful retreat and recharge before diving back into the excitement of Times Square.

The Times Square info point: What you need to know

Category
Details
LocationManhattan, New York City
LandmarksTimes Square Ball Drop, Broadway Theaters, TKTS Booth, NASDAQ Billboard
ShoppingTimes Square Market, M&M's World, Toys "R" Us, Hershey's Chocolate World
EntertainmentBroadway Shows, Madame Tussauds, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Discovery Times Square
DiningRestaurant Row, Shake Shack, Carmine's, Junior's Cheesecake
TransportationSubway Stations (Times Square-42nd Street, 49th Street, 50th Street), Bus Stops
EventsNew Year's Eve Celebration, Broadway Week, Times Square Arts

💰 How to find great deals on package in Times Square

  • Check the Expedia website for same-day tickets to Broadway shows in Times Square.
  • Find out the prices for New Year's Eve (NYE) tickets on Expedia for Times Square events.
  • Look for ticket deals on specific days on Expedia to save money on your visit to Times Square.
  • Purchase entry tickets to popular attractions in Times Square through Expedia.
  • Visit the TKTS booth in Times Square for half-price Broadway tickets.
  • Expedia offers discount tickets for shows, attractions, and events in Times Square.
  • Check Expedia for tips on getting discount tickets at TKTS in Times Square.
  • Consider rush tickets for Broadway shows in Times Square, available at discounted prices.
  • Use Givenik to get discount tickets for shows in Times Square and support charitable causes.
  • Look out for reduced-price tickets on Expedia for various experiences in Times Square.