Times Square
The dazzling heart of NYC's Theater District, famous for its bright lights, billboards, and bustling energy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lights are magical!
Times Square
Best Time
Lights are magical!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The dazzling heart of NYC's Theater District, famous for its bright lights, billboards, and bustling energy.
"It's a sensory overload, but undeniably iconic – a must-see for any first-time visitor to NYC!"
🚶♀️ Avoid Street Performers
Ignore costumed characters asking for money; they're not official and can be persistent. Just say no!
🍽️ Eat Away From the Square
Food prices are inflated. Venture a few blocks away for better quality and value.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Lights
Broadway & 7th Ave
Experience the dazzling billboards and vibrant energy of Times Square at night. A true spectacle!
TKTS Booth
Red Steps
Score same-day Broadway tickets at a discount. A must for theater lovers on a budget.
New Year's Eve Ball Drop
One Times Square
Witness the legendary ball drop on New Year's Eve. An unforgettable, albeit crowded, experience.
Public Art Displays
Various locations
Catch unique public art installations that light up the square after midnight. A surprising artistic treat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Energy, But Don't Get Stuck
Navigate Like a Local: Ditch the Car!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Avoid Street Performers
Ignore costumed characters asking for money; they're not official and can be persistent. Just say no!
🍽️ Eat Away From the Square
Food prices are inflated. Venture a few blocks away for better quality and value.
🚇 Master the Subway
The subway is your best friend. Avoid driving and parking at all costs.
✨ See it at Night
Times Square truly shines after dark with its dazzling lights and energy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Avoid Street Performers
Ignore costumed characters asking for money; they're not official and can be persistent. Just say no!
🍽️ Eat Away From the Square
Food prices are inflated. Venture a few blocks away for better quality and value.
🚇 Master the Subway
The subway is your best friend. Avoid driving and parking at all costs.
✨ See it at Night
Times Square truly shines after dark with its dazzling lights and energy.
🎭 TKTS for Show Deals
Grab discounted Broadway tickets at the TKTS booth for a great show experience.
🖼️ Look for Art After Midnight
Enjoy unique public art displays that appear nightly after the advertisements shut off.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Times Square is a dazzling, high-energy spectacle that's a quintessential NYC experience, especially at night. While many find the lights and atmosphere exhilarating, some visitors and locals find it overwhelming and overly touristy, advising to see it once and then move on to explore other parts of the city.
"Visiting Times Square at night for the first time was absolutely unforgettable! The vibrant lights, bustling energy, and towering digital billboards made it feel like the heartbeat of New York City. The atmosphere was electric, with music, street performers, and people from all around the world creating an exciting and lively vibe.
The dazzling colors and massive screens truly come alive after dark — it’s like stepping into a movie scene. I felt safe, inspired, and amazed by the sheer scale of everything happening around me. It’s a place that captures the true spirit of NYC: bold, bright, and full of life.
Highly recommend visiting at night — it’s magical and a must-see experience!"
Harsha Jayakody
"Times Square is one of those places you have to experience at least once. The lights, energy, and atmosphere are incredible, especially at night. It does get very crowded, particularly on theater nights, but that’s part of the excitement. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options all around. A true New York City landmark!"
Melina Rochi
"Times Square is truly an amazing experience! The lighting, atmosphere, and energy are simply unmatched. It’s incredible to see people from all around the world gathering in one place — the crowd itself is part of the magic.
The best time to visit is definitely at night, when the billboards and lights shine brightest. After 10:00 PM, you’ll really feel the full vibe of Times Square, with live street performers, music, and an unbeatable buzz.
A few tips for visitors:
• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking a lot.
• Keep your phone or camera ready, as every corner is a photo opportunity.
• Be mindful of your belongings since it gets very crowded.
• Don’t miss grabbing a bite from nearby street food vendors or one of the famous restaurants.
• If you want fewer crowds for photos, try visiting early morning as well — it’s a completely different atmosphere."
Md. Shabbirul Islam Sheplu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The best way to reach Times Square is by using the NYC subway system. Numerous lines stop directly in or near Times Square, including the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, 7, and S trains. If coming from New Jersey, the PATH train to 33rd Street is also a convenient option. +1
Times Square is a busy intersection with many streets converging. While it can be overwhelming, the pedestrian plazas and clear signage help. Using a map app on your phone is highly recommended.
From New Jersey, taking the PATH train to 33rd Street is a popular and efficient choice. Alternatively, NJ Transit trains to Penn Station are also viable, followed by a short subway or walk to Times Square.
Yes, there are numerous parking garages around Times Square, but they are notoriously expensive. Driving and parking in this area is strongly discouraged by locals due to heavy traffic and high costs.
Depending on your starting point, walking to Times Square can be feasible. For example, it's a reasonable walk from Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park. However, if you're coming from further downtown or uptown, the subway is much faster.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Times Square itself is a public space and does not require an entrance ticket. You can wander freely and enjoy the atmosphere.
The TKTS booth in Times Square offers same-day Broadway tickets at a discount. Arrive early for the best selection. You can also try the digital lottery for specific shows.
Times Square is open 24/7. The lights and billboards are always on, making it a vibrant destination at any hour.
While the public viewing areas for the Ball Drop are free, the experience is extremely crowded. Many restaurants and hotels offer ticketed parties with guaranteed views, which can be quite expensive.
Times Square itself is a free attraction. You can also enjoy free public art displays that appear after midnight. Visiting the M&M's store or the Disney store offers free browsing.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The dazzling lights and billboards are the main draw. Don't miss the TKTS booth for Broadway tickets, the iconic Red Steps for photos, and the nightly public art displays after midnight. Madame Tussauds is also a popular wax museum. +2
Locals advise avoiding the costumed characters who solicit money, overpriced food vendors directly in Times Square, and driving. It's also recommended to have a plan to move beyond the immediate square to truly experience NYC. +2
Times Square is generally considered safe due to its high visibility and constant police presence. However, like any crowded urban area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.
The Red Steps offer a great vantage point for photos with the billboards in the background. The intersection itself provides dynamic shots of the lights and crowds. Capturing the square at night is highly recommended.
Public restrooms are scarce and often not well-maintained in Times Square. It's best to use facilities in nearby stores, restaurants, or hotels.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Times Square itself has many tourist traps, venturing a few blocks away yields better options. Try Ichiran for ramen, All'Antico Vinaio for Italian sandwiches, or Federoff's for cheesesteaks. +1
Affordable food is challenging directly in Times Square. Consider grabbing a quick bite from a street cart a few blocks away or looking for fast-casual chains. Joe's Pizza is a popular, relatively affordable option nearby.
For a unique experience, consider restaurants like Margon for Cuban food or exploring the diverse culinary scene in the surrounding Hell's Kitchen neighborhood.
Yes, you can find breakfast options. BTS is recommended for bagels and smears, offering a quick and tasty start to your day.
While not as abundant as in other neighborhoods, you can find vegetarian and vegan options by exploring restaurants in Hell's Kitchen or using a food app to search for specific dietary needs. Many restaurants offer vegetarian choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photos are taken at night when the billboards are fully illuminated, creating a vibrant and dazzling spectacle.
Experiment with different angles. The Red Steps offer a classic perspective. For a wider view, try standing back on Broadway or 7th Avenue. Consider elevated viewpoints if available.
Absolutely! Modern smartphone cameras are excellent for capturing the bright lights and energy of Times Square, especially in low-light conditions.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, be mindful of professional shoots or private events that might have restrictions. Avoid using flash photography directly in people's faces.
Night photography capturing the neon lights is very popular. Street photography of the diverse crowds and performers is also common. Drone photography, while visually stunning, may have restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the experience more enjoyable, try to visit during less crowded times if possible, or focus on specific attractions rather than just wandering aimlessly. Eating a meal a few blocks away from the immediate Times Square area can also save money and offer better quality food for the family.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on food, avoid eating directly in Times Square and instead explore nearby neighborhoods for more reasonably priced options.
🎭 Theater Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Crowds and Tourist Traps
Be aware of common tourist traps, such as costumed characters who solicit money aggressively. Redditors emphasize the importance of simply ignoring them and continuing to walk. Similarly, food and souvenir prices directly within Times Square are often inflated. It's a common tip to walk a few blocks away to find more reasonably priced and higher-quality options.
Despite its reputation, Times Square does offer unique experiences. The nightly public art displays after midnight are a hidden gem that many visitors miss.
The Magic of Times Square at Night
Beyond the advertisements, there's a unique artistic element that emerges. Every night at 11:58 PM, the advertisements shut off, making way for public art displays.
For photographers, nighttime in Times Square is a dream. The vibrant colors and dynamic lighting provide endless opportunities for stunning shots. Whether you're using a professional camera or your smartphone, capturing the illuminated cityscape is a quintessential New York experience.
Transportation: The Subway is King
Several subway lines serve Times Square directly, including the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, 7, and S trains. This central location makes it a convenient hub for exploring other parts of the city. If you're arriving from New Jersey, the PATH train is another excellent public transit option that connects directly to Manhattan.
For those considering staying in the Times Square area, its strength lies in its connectivity. While the immediate vicinity might not be everyone's cup of tea, its status as a major transit hub makes it easy to access numerous attractions across the city.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit