Times Square
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.