{"id":12914,"date":"2013-01-14T11:48:18","date_gmt":"2013-01-14T15:48:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/?p=12914"},"modified":"2013-01-30T10:54:10","modified_gmt":"2013-01-30T14:54:10","slug":"visit-times-square-new-york","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2013\/01\/14\/visit-times-square-new-york\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover New York City\u2019s Times Square!"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"img aligncenter size-full wp-image-12915\" style='width:585px;'>\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Times-square-manhattan-new-york-nyc-crossroads-world.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of Times Square at dusk in New York City\" width=\"585\" height=\"386\" \/>\n\t<div>New York City\u2019s Times Square at dusk<\/div>\n<\/div>Times Square in New York City is perhaps the most famous square in the whole world. It\u2019s certainly been estimated Times Square is the world\u2019s most visited tourist attraction. When you visit Times Square in Midtown Manhattan it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/maps\/ms?msa=0&amp;msid=208857790003288562267.0004d2f588f8ceca8de02&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=h&amp;ll=40.756912,-73.985538&amp;spn=0.013003,0.025063&amp;z=15&amp;output=embed\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"585\" height=\"400\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll tell you a little bit about the history of Times Square, and give you tips on <strong>what to see and do to make the most of your trip to the iconic New York City square<\/strong>!<!--more--><\/p>\n<p><strong>Times Square Through History<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"img alignright size-full wp-image-12918\" style='width:300px;'>\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Times-square-manhattan-new-york-nyc-old-black-white.jpg\" alt=\"Old black-and-white picture of Times Square\" width=\"300\" height=\"370\" \/>\n\t<div>Times Square and the former New York Times building<\/div>\n<\/div>Before the 20th Century, Times Square was named Longacre Square, which was a reference to the square\u2019s blooming carriage industry.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s Eve ball drop was started.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Nowadays, Times Square has become the name of the entire district surrounding the square. Times Square itself constitutes of the crossing of Broadway and 7th Avenue between West 42nd Street &amp; West 47th Street. The northern triangle of the square is actually called Duffy Square, dedicated to Chaplain Duffy of the \u201cFighting 69th\u201d Infantry Regiment. At Duffy Square you\u2019ll find the TKTS booth under the famous red steps.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What to See and Do in Times Square<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter size-full wp-image-12919\" style='width:585px;'>\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Times-square-manhattan-new-york-nyc-public-plazza.jpg\" alt=\"Image of Times Square and its pedestrian plaza\" width=\"585\" height=\"387\" \/>\n\t<div>The pedestrian plaza in Times Square, Manhattan<\/div>\n<\/div>When you\u2019re 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\u2019ll see all the billboards light up even more brightly than during the day. Do prepare yourself for the crowds, as no matter if it\u2019s nighttime or day, it will be crowded in the square. It\u2019s fine to take pictures and act like a tourist, as almost everyone will do, but do beware of pickpockets!<\/p>\n<p>To get a real sense of what it\u2019s like to be in Times Square, check out our <a title=\"Times Square, New York Video Tour \u201cAll Along Broadway\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2010\/08\/11\/times-square-new-york-video-tour-broadway\/\">video tour of Broadway and Times Square<\/a>!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Go Shopping in Times Square<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter size-full wp-image-12916\" style='width:585px;'>\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Times-square-manhattan-new-york-nyc-mms-world-store-candy-chocolate.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of the Times Square M&amp;Ms store\" width=\"585\" height=\"407\" \/>\n\t<div>The M&amp;Ms wall in the M&amp;Ms store in Times Square<\/div>\n<\/div>All around Times Square you\u2019ll find huge flagship stores and amazing shops for gift shopping. When it comes to fashion and beauty, Times Square has a lot to offer.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For <strong>make up and beauty products<\/strong>, visit the MAC Cosmetics or Sephora stores on the east side of the square.<\/li>\n<li>For <strong>fashion<\/strong>, visit The Levi\u2019s Store, Aeropostale Store, American Eagle Outfitters or the gigantic Forever 21 store, both also on the east side of Times Square.<\/li>\n<li>For the <strong>kids<\/strong>, there\u2019s 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&amp;Ms store to the north of the square.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Eating in Times Square<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter size-full wp-image-12920\" style='width:585px;'>\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Times-square-manhattan-new-york-nyc-view-restaurant-lounge.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of The View restaurant and its panoramic view of New York\" width=\"585\" height=\"380\" \/>\n\t<div>The New York City skyline seen from The View restaurant in Times Square<\/div>\n<\/div>If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You\u2019ll find New York City\u2019s <strong>Hard Rock Cafe<\/strong> on the corner of 43rd street &amp; 7th Avenue.<\/li>\n<li>If you\u2019re looking for a real <strong>American Diner<\/strong> experience, try <strong>Junior\u2019s<\/strong> on 44th Street &amp; 7th Avenue. Be sure to save some room for desert, as their cheesecake is absolutely delicious!<\/li>\n<li>If you\u2019re a lover of seafood, <strong>Red Lobster<\/strong> is a great place to try out. You\u2019ll find it along 41st street &amp; 7th Avenue.<\/li>\n<li>For something with a little more spice, <strong>Bubba Gump<\/strong> offers seafood and southern cuisine with an amazing view of the square.<\/li>\n<li>If you\u2019re looking for a truly special experience, pay a visit to<strong> The View<\/strong> on 45th Street &amp; 7th Avenue. The restaurant has a buffet and a rotating floor, which means you\u2019ll 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When the weather is good, it\u2019s lovely to order a coffee from the 24-hour <strong>Starbucks<\/strong> and sit outside at the pedestrian plaza to soak up some sun and enjoy people watching at the square. You\u2019ll never know what colorful character you\u2019ll see next, be it a life-size Mickey Mouse or a half-naked cowboy! There\u2019re also many delis and hotdog stands around the square if you want to grab a quick bite.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Times Square, Broadway &amp; Entertainment<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter size-full wp-image-12917\" style='width:585px;'>\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Times-square-manhattan-new-york-nyc-musicals-broadway.jpg\" alt=\"Image of billboards in Times Square\" width=\"585\" height=\"393\" \/>\n\t<div>The famous Times Square billboards<\/div>\n<\/div>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. <strong>The Lion King, Billy Elliot, Les Mis\u00e9rables, Spider-Man<\/strong> and <strong>Mary Poppins<\/strong> are only a small selection of what Times Square has to offer at the moment.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re sure you want to see a musical in Times Square, but you haven\u2019t decided on a particular show, then it\u2019s always a good idea to stop by the <strong>TKTS boot<\/strong>h under the red stairs. TKTS offers discounted tickets on the day of the performance, which means you might be able to watch a first-class musical for 50% off!<\/p>\n<p>Another budget tip is to go see a comedy show instead. <strong>Comedy shows<\/strong> are held all around Times Square, and you can buy tickets from sale people in the square itself! Do check on the Internet before buying a ticket to see if a show\u2019s worth the money.<\/p>\n<p>There are also a number of <strong>movie theaters<\/strong> collected around Times Square. Along West 42nd Street between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue you\u2019ll find two massive movie theaters: The Regal and AMC Empire 25. Both show the latest blockbusters and also boast IMAX 3D screens.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, <strong>Madame Tussauds<\/strong> is year-round attraction in Times Square that\u2019s always fun to visit!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Year-round Events in Times Square<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter size-full wp-image-12921\" style='width:585px;'>\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Times-square-manhattan-new-york-nyc-yoga-events.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of people practicing yoga in Times Square\" width=\"585\" height=\"417\" \/>\n\t<div>A crowd practices yoga in Times Square during the summer solstice. Photo by Greg Kessler<\/div>\n<\/div>Throughout the year, <strong>many events are held in Times Square<\/strong>. If there\u2019s a national holiday, you can be pretty sure there\u2019s something happening in or around the square.<\/p>\n<p>For example, on Valentine\u2019s 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 solstice in 2012, thousands of people came together in Times Square to participate in an all-day yoga class. In autumn, the famous Macy\u2019s Thanksgiving Parade often passes through Times Square, which is a great place to watch the floats and balloons pass by. And of course, there\u2019s the most famous event of the year at New Year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Explore Midtown Manhattan around Times Square<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Once you\u2019re finished exploring Times Square, take some time to discover Midtown Manhattan!<\/p>\n<p>If you are on 7th Avenue in Times Square and look <strong>north<\/strong>, you can already see the treetops of Central Park rise above the tarmac and yellow cabs. For some peace and tranquility after square\u2019s hustle and bustle, walk north to Central Park after your visit to Times Square. On 59th Street and 8th Avenue you\u2019ll also find <strong>Columbus Circle and the Time Warner Center<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><div class=\"img size-full wp-image-12922 aligncenter\" style='width:585px;'>\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Bryant-park-midtown-manhattan-new-york-nyc.jpg\" alt=\"Image of Bryant Park, the NY Public Library &amp; the Empire State Building  \" width=\"585\" height=\"407\" \/>\n\t<div>Bryant Park, the Public Library and the Empire State Building at night<\/div>\n<\/div>To the <strong>east<\/strong> of Times Square lies a park that\u2019s even closer: <strong>Bryant Park<\/strong>. In the summer this is a great place to relax among the skyscrapers, and in the winter Bryant Park is Citipond, where you can\u00a0ice-skate!\u00a0 Next to Bryant Park you\u2019ll find the NY Public Library, and even further to the east Grand Central Station and the Chrysler Building.<\/p>\n<p>To the <strong>south<\/strong> of Times Square you\u2019ll find the other famous skyscraper of Midtown Manhattan: the <strong>Empire State Building<\/strong>. There\u2019re also more shopping spots around <strong>Herald Square and in Macy\u2019s flagship store<\/strong>. Close to Macy\u2019s is <strong>Madison Square Garden<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, to the <strong>west<\/strong> of Times Square you\u2019ll find the trendy Midtown West neighborhood <strong>Hell\u2019s Kitchen<\/strong>, which is also called Clinton. Hell\u2019s Kitchen boasts some great off-Broadway theaters, small boutiques and a fantastic selection of restaurants and cafes. Hell\u2019s Kitchen is also home to one of the city\u2019s newest skyscrapers: the <strong>New York Times Building<\/strong>, as well as the <strong>Port Authority Bus Terminal<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for affordable accommodation close to Times Square, Hell\u2019s Kitchen in Midtown West is a great option. Have a look at our <a title=\"Midtown West, Hell's Kitchen, New York Vacation Rentals\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/vacation\/manhattan\/midtown-west\">vacation rental apartments in Hell\u2019s Kitchen &amp; Midtown West<\/a> to get an idea of the top location and attractive price ranges!<\/p>\n<p>We hope you\u2019ve enjoyed our little tour of Manhattan\u2019s Times Square. What\u2019s your favorite thing to visit in Times Square?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Times Square in New York City is perhaps the most famous square in the whole world. It\u2019s certainly been estimated Times Square is the world\u2019s&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[57],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12914"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12914"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12914\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12928,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12914\/revisions\/12928"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}