La piazza
1 / 10

Herald Square New York City

New York, United States

Iconic NYC hub centered around Macy's, famous for holiday magic, historic charm, and bustling city life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better shopping

CrowdLow
Loading map...
La piazza

Herald Square New York City

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better shopping

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic NYC hub centered around Macy's, famous for holiday magic, historic charm, and bustling city life.

"Experience the magic of Macy's holiday windows and historic wooden escalators in this bustling NYC square."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Beat the Holiday Rush

Visit Macy's holiday displays early in the season or on weekdays to avoid peak crowds.

🕰️ Ride a Piece of History

Don't miss the chance to ride the historic wooden escalators inside Macy's!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Type

Town Square

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Macy's Herald Square

Macy's Herald Square

151 W 34th St

Iconic flagship store, famous for its holiday windows and historic wooden escalators.

Wooden Escalators

Wooden Escalators

Macy's Herald Square

Ride one of the last operating wooden escalators in NYC for a unique historical experience.

Greeley Square Park

Greeley Square Park

Between 32nd and 33rd Streets on 6th Avenue

A charming urban oasis perfect for a quick break amidst the city bustle.

Herald Square Monument

Herald Square Monument

Herald Square

Admire the historic monument featuring owls with glowing green eyes, a nod to the old newspaper.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Crowds

Herald Square is a major hub, especially around Macy's. Expect significant crowds, particularly during holiday seasons and sales events. Plan your visit during off-peak hours or weekdays to avoid the busiest times. Consider booking any specific Macy's experiences in advance.

Beyond the Department Store

While Macy's is a focal point, Herald Square offers more. Explore the historic monuments, enjoy street performers, and use it as a gateway to other Midtown attractions. Keep an eye out for unique architectural details and public art installations.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better shopping
Crowd
Low
When
Holiday Season Evenings
Why
Magical decorations
Crowd
High
When
Late Spring/Early Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Six people, including a nine-year-old child, were struck by a taxi that plowed into pedestrians in New York's iconic Herald Square on Christmas Day. The square is home to Macy's flagship department store, where tourists flock over the Christmas period, especially December 25. The incident occurred when the 58-year-old driver reportedly suffered a medical episode and veered off onto the sidewalk ar...
@dailymail
118.7K likes • 4.4M views

⏳ Beat the Holiday Rush

Visit Macy's holiday displays early in the season or on weekdays to avoid peak crowds. TikTokInstagram

🕰️ Ride a Piece of History

Don't miss the chance to ride the historic wooden escalators inside Macy's! TikTokInstagram

#withinourlifetime EID Action RIGHT NOW at Herald Square, NYC 4/12/24 @Nerdeen K
@wolpalestine
99.9K likes • 1M views
With 1.25 million square feet of retail space, the Herald Square @macys is a sight to see. But a trip there is not just about shopping—it’s also about secrets. Next time you visit, see if you can find these rare wooden escalators. By the way, there’s another, more obscure Macy’s secret in my book, “Secret New York City: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure,” but you’ll have to get a copy...
rossilynne
77 likes • 2.2K views

🌳 Relax in Greeley Square

Take a break in Greeley Square Park, a peaceful spot with seating and public art. Instagram

🦉 Discover the Owl Monument

Seek out the unique monument with green-eyed owls, a quirky piece of Herald Square history. TikTok

DECEMBER IN NYC 🗽🎄🎅🪅 If you’re visiting New York this holiday season, here are some places you can’t miss!! 🎄❄️⛸️ ⭐️ Macy’s Herald Square: All Dec ⭐️ Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: All Dec ⭐️ Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting: Dec 4 Until Jan 13 ⭐️ Lotte New York Palace Hotel, Christmas Tree ⭐️ Shine Bright At Hudson Yard: Nov 25 - Jan ⭐️ Bryant Park Winter Village: Oct 27 - Jan 2 ⭐️ Union S...
jalex_r
470.6K likes • 8.2M views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Beat the Holiday Rush

Visit Macy's holiday displays early in the season or on weekdays to avoid peak crowds. TikTokInstagram

🕰️ Ride a Piece of History

Don't miss the chance to ride the historic wooden escalators inside Macy's! TikTokInstagram

🌳 Relax in Greeley Square

Take a break in Greeley Square Park, a peaceful spot with seating and public art. Instagram

🦉 Discover the Owl Monument

Seek out the unique monument with green-eyed owls, a quirky piece of Herald Square history. TikTok

🛍️ Explore Holiday Markets

Check out the festive holiday markets that pop up around Macy's during the season. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy a City Stroll

Herald Square is a great starting point for exploring Midtown Manhattan on foot. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Herald Square is a vibrant and iconic New York City hub, primarily known for the flagship Macy's store and its festive holiday displays. Visitors appreciate the historical elements like the wooden escalators and the lively atmosphere. However, the area can become extremely crowded, especially during peak shopping seasons and holidays, which can detract from the experience for some.

What People Like

Iconic Macy's store
Holiday decorations
Historic wooden escalators

What People Dislike

Extreme crowds
Busy environment

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Herald Square is easily accessible via the NYC Subway. The 34th Street–Herald Square station serves multiple lines, including the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W trains. TikTok It's also a major bus hub, making it convenient to reach from various parts of the city.

Yes, Herald Square is a short walk or one subway stop away from Penn Station. You can easily reach it by walking west on 34th Street or taking a quick subway ride. Reddit

Walking is the best way to explore Herald Square and its immediate surroundings. For longer distances, the subway is efficient. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available but can be subject to traffic delays.

Parking in this area of Manhattan is notoriously difficult and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation rather than driving. If you must drive, look for parking garages, but expect high fees.

While there isn't a direct ferry stop at Herald Square, you can take a ferry to Midtown Manhattan and then transfer to the subway or walk. The closest ferry terminals are typically further downtown or in Brooklyn.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Herald Square itself is a public space and does not require tickets for entry. However, attractions within the square, like Macy's, have their own entry policies. TikTok

Herald Square is always accessible as it's a public square. However, individual businesses and attractions within the square, such as Macy's, have their own operating hours, which vary.

There is no entrance fee to enter Macy's Herald Square. You can browse the store freely, though purchases will naturally incur costs. TikTok

Macy's typically unveils its famous holiday windows in mid-November and they remain on display through early January. TikTokInstagram

The holiday markets themselves are free to enter and browse. You only pay for any items you choose to purchase from the vendors. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Beyond Macy's, you can admire the historic monument with its owl statues,TikTok relax in Greeley Square Park,Instagram enjoy street performers, and experience the unique wooden escalators inside Macy's. TikTok

Yes, there are public restrooms located in Greeley Square Park, offering a clean and accessible option for visitors. TikTok

The green-eyed owls are part of a monument dedicated to the founder of the New York Herald newspaper, reflecting a historical connection to the area. TikTok

Yes, Herald Square and the adjacent Greeley Square Park feature various public art installations and monuments, adding to the area's character. Instagram

Absolutely! Herald Square is a bustling intersection of commerce and transit, making it a prime spot for observing the diverse flow of New Yorkers and tourists. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Herald Square offers a wide range of dining options, from quick bites within Macy's to numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding blocks. You can find various cuisines to suit your taste. TikTok

You'll find everything from fast food and casual eateries to more upscale dining. Many international options are available, reflecting the diverse culinary scene of NYC. TikTok+1

Yes, there are many affordable options, including delis, food carts, and fast-casual restaurants. Exploring the side streets can often lead to hidden gems with reasonable prices.

Absolutely. Numerous coffee shops, bakeries, and snack vendors are located throughout Herald Square and within Macy's, perfect for a quick pick-me-up. TikTok

While not a traditional large food court, Macy's itself has various dining options, and the surrounding blocks host numerous eateries that offer a similar variety of choices.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the grandeur of Macy's facade, especially during the holidays,TikTokInstagram+1 the historic monument with its owls,TikTok and the lively street scenes. The wooden escalators inside Macy's also make for unique shots. TikTok

Yes, Herald Square is a vibrant area with plenty of photo opportunities. Be mindful of crowds, especially during peak times, and respect personal space when taking pictures. Instagram

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. However, the square is also very photogenic at night when illuminated by city lights and holiday decorations. Instagram

Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, professional photography or videography may require permits, especially within Macy's or for commercial purposes.

Macy's offers unique photo ops with its iconic holiday windows,TikTokInstagram the historic wooden escalators,TikTokInstagram and the sheer scale of its flagship store. The Thanksgiving Day Parade finale also provides a spectacular backdrop. Instagram

Herald Square New York City (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide