Discover New York City’s Times Square!

Updated on August 11, 2026

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Times Square in New York City is perhaps the most famous square in the whole world. It’s certainly been estimated Times Square is the world’s most visited tourist attraction. When you visit Times Square in Midtown Manhattan it’s easy to see why: tourists from all over the globe come to marvel at the neon billboards, see a famous musical, go shopping in the area and soak up the unique Times Square vibe.

In this article, we’ll tell you a little bit about the history of Times Square, and give you tips on what to see and do to make the most of your trip to the iconic New York City square!

Times Square Through History

In 1904 the square was renamed as The New York Times moved into the new Times Building, which is now known as One Times Square. This was also the building where the tradition of the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop was started.

Not long after The New York Times moved to Times Square, the first electrified advertisement popped up in the square. In the roaring 1920s, Times Square became the new cultural center of New York City, as it filled with theaters, hotels and music halls. This is also when famous performers such as Charlie Chaplin and Fred Astaire regularly paid a visit to the gorgeous stages in Times Square.

Nowadays, Times Square refers to both the famous intersection and the surrounding neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan. The official Times Square area stretches from approximately West 42nd Street to West 47th Street, between Broadway and 7th Avenue. The northern triangular section of the square is known as Duffy Square, which was named in honor of Chaplain Francis P. Duffy, a celebrated World War I chaplain of the “Fighting 69th” Infantry Regiment. Today, Duffy Square is one of the most recognizable parts of Times Square, home to the iconic red steps above the TKTS booth, where visitors can purchase discounted Broadway tickets.

What to See and Do in Times Square

When you’re in New York City and want to visit the square, you can easily catch a subway to the massive Times Square subway station. The 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q and R trains all stop at Times Square. If you visit the square during the day, first take some time to soak up the bustling vibe. Sit on the red stairs to get a great view of the hustle and bustle in the square, or take a seat at one of the public chairs at the pedestrian plaza to be right in the middle of it all. Visiting Times Square at nighttime is also worth it, as you’ll see all the billboards light up even more brightly than during the day. Do prepare yourself for the crowds, as no matter if it’s nighttime or day, it will be crowded in the square.

It’s perfectly fine to take photos and embrace your inner tourist, after all, almost everyone does! Just be sure to keep an eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

To get a real sense of what it’s like to experience Times Square, check out our video tour of Broadway and Times Square!

• Go Shopping in Times Square

All around Times Square you’ll find huge flagship stores and amazing shops for gift shopping. When it comes to fashion and beauty, Times Square has a lot to offer.

• For make up and beauty products, visit the MAC Cosmetics or Sephora stores on the east side of the square.
• For retail shopping, you’ll find stores such as H&M, Zara, Uniqlo, Foot Locker, Alo, and the Levi’s Store, all within a short walk of Times Square.
• For the kids, there’s also plenty to see and do when it comes to shopping in Times Square. The Disney Store and the Toys R Us store, complete with a Ferris wheel, are both big hits with the kids, as are the Hersheys Store and the M&Ms store to the north of the square.

• Eating in Times Square

If you’re looking for a nice place to have a proper lunch or dinner, Times Square again has plenty to offer! There are some famous restaurants in the square that are great for a night out on the town. Do be prepared to pay a little more than you would in less-touristy districts of Manhattan.

• You’ll find New York City’s Hard Rock Cafe on the corner of 43rd street & 7th Avenue.
• If you’re looking for a real American Diner experience, try Junior’s on 44th Street & 7th Avenue. Be sure to save some room for desert, as their cheesecake is absolutely delicious!
• If you’re a seafood lover, don’t miss Mermaid Oyster Bar – Times Square on West 43rd Street, just steps from Times Square. This popular restaurant is known for its fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and sustainably sourced seafood, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors looking for a delicious meal in the Theater District.
• For something with a little more spice, Bubba Gump offers seafood and southern cuisine with an amazing view of the square.
• If you’re looking for a truly special experience, pay a visit to The View on 45th Street & 7th Avenue. The restaurant has a buffet and a rotating floor, which means you’ll get a different view of Times Square without having to walk around! Book well in advance to ensure you get a table by the window.

When the weather is nice, it’s worth grabbing a coffee from 787 Coffee, one of the highest-rated cafés in the Times Square area, and finding a seat in the pedestrian plaza to soak up the sunshine while people-watching. There are also plenty of delis, pizza shops, food carts, and hot dog stands around the square if you’re looking for a quick bite.

• Times Square, Broadway & Entertainment

Some of the biggest attractions in Times Square are of course the musicals. The selection of the Broadway musicals changes through the years, but the beautiful theaters and great quality of the shows always remains. Today, hit Broadway shows such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Wicked, Hamilton, Aladdin, and The Great Gatsby are just a small selection of what the Theater District around Times Square has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a beloved long-running production or one of Broadway’s newest hits, there’s a show for every taste.

If you’re sure you want to see a Broadway show but haven’t decided which one, it’s worth stopping by the TKTS booth beneath the iconic red steps in Duffy Square. TKTS sells same-day tickets and next-day matinee tickets to a wide selection of Broadway and Off-Broadway productions at discounts of up to 50% off. Availability varies daily, so being flexible with your choice of show can help you score a great deal on a first-class Broadway performance.

If you’re looking to save money, consider seeing a comedy show instead of a Broadway production. The Times Square area is home to several renowned comedy clubs featuring everything from rising comedians to well-known headliners. Be sure to book your tickets through the venue’s official website or another trusted ticket provider, and check recent reviews before purchasing to find the show that’s right for you.

There are also a number of movie theaters collected around Times Square. Along West 42nd Street between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue you’ll find two massive movie theaters: The Regal and AMC Empire 25. Both show the latest blockbusters and also boast IMAX 3D screens.

Lastly, don’t miss Madame Tussauds New York, a fun attraction in the heart of Times Square where you can pose with incredibly lifelike wax figures of celebrities, athletes, musicians, and historical icons.

• Year-round Events in Times Square

Throughout the year, many events are held in Times Square. If there’s a national holiday, you can be pretty sure there’s something happening in or around the square.

For example, on Valentine’s Day, couples from all over the world come to renew their vows in Times Square or just to share their love story. During the summer, visitors can also enjoy outdoor events such as yoga sessions and live performances. In autumn, the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade often passes through Times Square, which is a great place to watch the floats and balloons pass by. And of course, there’s the most famous event of the year at New Year’s Eve. Every year, a million people gather in Times Square on December 31st, as even more millions watch the celebrations live on TV across the globe. The people in the square all count down to midnight, when the ball is dropped from the One Times Square building.

Explore Midtown Manhattan around Times Square

Once you’re finished exploring Times Square, take some time to discover Midtown Manhattan!

If you are on 7th Avenue in Times Square and look north, you can already see the treetops of Central Park rise above the tarmac and yellow cabs. For some peace and tranquility after square’s hustle and bustle, walk north to Central Park after your visit to Times Square. On 59th Street and 8th Avenue you’ll also find Columbus Circle and the Time Warner Center.

To the east of Times Square lies a park that’s even closer: Bryant Park. In the summer this is a great place to relax among the skyscrapers, and in the winter Bryant Park is Citipond, where you can ice-skate! Next to Bryant Park, you’ll find the NY Public Library, and even further to the east, Grand Central Station and the Chrysler Building.

To the south of Times Square, you’ll find another famous Midtown Manhattan landmark: the Empire State Building. The area around Herald Square offers plenty of shopping opportunities, including Macy’s flagship store, one of the largest department stores in the world. Just a short walk away is Madison Square Garden, the iconic arena known for hosting major concerts, sporting events, and entertainment shows.

Finally, to the west of Times Square you’ll find the trendy Midtown West neighborhood Hell’s Kitchen, which is also called Clinton. Hell’s Kitchen boasts some great off-Broadway theaters, small boutiques and a fantastic selection of restaurants and cafes. Hell’s Kitchen is also home to one of the city’s newest skyscrapers: the New York Times Building, as well as the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The PABT, as it is called by New Yorkers, offers many connections to a variety of bus lines, making it easy to plan a day or two outside of the city.

If you’re looking for affordable accommodation close to Times Square, Hell’s Kitchen in Midtown West is a great option. Have a look at our vacation rental apartments in Hell’s Kitchen & Midtown West to get an idea of the top location and attractive price ranges!

We hope you enjoyed our guide to Manhattan’s Times Square and discovered a few new places to add to your itinerary. From Broadway shows and world-famous attractions to shopping and people-watching, Times Square truly has something for everyone. What’s your favorite spot to visit in Times Square?

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