Times Square
Times Square
4.5
NeighborhoodsPoints of Interest & LandmarksScenic Walking Areas
About
Central area in NYC that has many shops, restaurants, office buildings and flashing billboards around it.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Times Square
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Theater District
How to get there
- 49th St • 3 min walk
- 50th St • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,515 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- GuiWongAurora, Canada4,515 contributionsFeel the Energy!It’s exactly what I expected! Lots of people, sights and sounds. You can feel the energy and lots of great photo opportunities. It’s easy to imagine the iconic New Year’s eve ball drop among the crowds.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 30, 2023
- Mic OAuckland Central, New Zealand107 contributionsA must see but is it really worth it???When we arrived in New York our shuttle driver took us past Times Square a few times as he dropped people off. It looks impressive and it is. We went back during the day time and its still packed with people, but it was raining and the stair/seats were closed for safety reasons, which meant (If we wanted that photo) we had to go back again. It was exactly the same the next day we back and that leads me to say its amazing but is it worth it? hmm for me not really. I suppose if you were there (I personally wouldn't want to be) on New Years eve waiting for the time ball to drop it might be different. I cant say I would rush back but I am glad we went.Visited April 2023Written May 12, 2023
- reviewunboxinges37 contributionsNot what I expectedA bit short from what I expect. This is one of the few good place in the area. I’m really surprised about the train system. Lots of people, lovely shops, a bit expensive price of food compared to European citiesVisited July 2022Traveled with friendsWritten May 20, 2023
- Connector19276158837Bethesda, Maryland2 contributionsNew York, New York - What a Wonderful TownWe had a great time. We saw "Good Night, Oscar," which was fabulous. I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't speak after for about 10 minutes. Highly recommend. Also recommend Gallagher's Steak House - fantastic. Pricey, but worth it. We stayed at the Courtyard Times Square (on 40th Street) - very comfortable, and a couple hundred dollars less than the Marriott Marquis, but still within easy walking distance of Broadway plays.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 2, 2023
- David SMiddlesbrough, United Kingdom1,751 contributionsNON STOP ACTIONMy wife and I visited New York for two days as part of a larger cruise and really enjoyed the experience. Times Square is located Midtown and is truly the heart of the city that never sleeps. It's frantic during the day and absolutely manic at night. A relatively easy 20 minute walk from the cruise ship terminal and well worth the effort to get there. Just be warned that it's almost impossible to find a free to enter restroom in the area so, if you need to go, you'll have to go into a bar or eatery and buy a product before being permitted to use the sites facilities.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 9, 2023
- Taylor MorrisBoise, Idaho81 contributionsMust See - Day and NightThis is obviously a must if you're visiting New York. We came here during the day and at night. Night is so cool with all the lights. Make sure you look at it from the top of the stairs above the TKTS, and then you look at it from the other way too (at the other end). There's lots of people, so just keep an eye on your group + kids if you bring them here.Visited December 2022Written June 25, 2023
- Shu KSan Jose, California393 contributionsWhat A Huge CrowdSo many people and cars, it’s crazy! Yet this is where it all takes place. And surprisingly, I felt safe all along. I think everyone has to go there once, if only to see the lights and giant screens, and give us a feel for where all the TV stations are, where NASDAQ is, and where the Ball drops on New Year’s Eve. I was actually surprised by how condensed and small this general area was, but it’s all there. I will admit, I only walked through here because all of the activities were away from the square. I could only take so much of a crowd. It sure made me appreciate suburbia.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 28, 2023
- Rachael GFlint, United Kingdom112 contributionsA crystallised NYC experience. But keep your wits about you.My 3rd time in NYC and Times Square. Still a feast for the senses and a must-see in the big apple. I don’t know if it’s my age(!) but it was a bit too bustling to stay in for any amount of time. We did McD’s & had a great view of the whole square. A great cheap & very American lunch! I visited Sephora & took the obligatory photos & then I was outta there. As others have no doubt mentioned, if you see Elmo et al, run. They’ll push themselves into your photos & then get angry if you refuse to pay them. They normally ask for $20. I only had $1 on me (who carries cash nowadays?!) & it was not gratefully received. A bit intimidating actually. Keep your wits about you & enjoy the experience.Visited January 2023Traveled with friendsWritten June 29, 2023
- Ruby WGrimsby, Canada199 contributionsNever a Dull MomentThis place is always busy. There are celebrities like the Naked Cowboy, The Staue of Liberty, Mickey and Minie Mouse, and more. These are working people so you can pay to get your picture taken with them. The Ball is at the south end and changes colour. The Red stairs are at the North end, where you can line up and get Broadway tickets at a discounted price.Visited July 2023Written July 11, 2023
- RschagrinDelray Beach, Florida18,157 contributionsHappening PlaceOne of the busiest area in New York. Also probably the most crowded tourist spot. Home to major restaurants, hotels, stores, and the best theater district in the world. Definitely a happening place which is great for people watching.Visited July 2023Written July 23, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
56,822 reviews
Excellent
33,596
Very good
13,495
Average
6,656
Poor
1,934
Terrible
1,143
tippykarp
New York City, NY86 contributions
Dec 2019
Times Sqare is a must see, especially at night. But be prepared for huge crowds and very little room to walk. You may want to check out the Broadway half price ticket outlet at West 45th St. There are usually long lines but they move fairly rapidly. There is a very nice and remarkably clean movie complex on West 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Aves called the Regal Cinema Times Square, which has about 10 theaters, always showing first run movies. If barbeque is your thing there is a suprisingly good barbeque restaurant right next to the Regal Cinemas called Dallas Barbeque where you can dine fairly inexpensive and good. This place is especially good for families.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alysonh90
United Kingdom56 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Stayed in a hotel just off Times Square and we were quite disappointed with the location. Times Square is busy with tourists and touters alike and you can’t walk from one shop to the other without getting accosted to but something or take a photo with Minnie Mouse or some scantily dressed burlesque dancers. They don’t seem to have the ability to leave tourists in peace and after our first day in the city we actively avoided the area and took a long route around to avoid this rip off hot spot. Such a shame because it is the bright lights of Times Square should be what NYC is all about. Spoiled by overcrowded areas and touters
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Swiss Nomad
Lugano, Switzerland3,144 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
If I was asked to described in a few words times Square, I could only say it's the center of Manhattan; several subway lines meet at times Square, or at least pass through, so there are day and night lots of people stopping here either to see a Broadway show, just to take pictures, to visit one of the many shops selling everything from souvenirs, to sports apparels and who knows what else.
I would strongly suggest to come to times Square at sunset or at night, when all the neon lights shine bright and you really wonder at the gigantic size of this square (and city).
True, there are homeless people, people dressed up in costumes, hustlers "selling" cds, but if you want to see a representation of America in a square, this is the place you wanna visit.
Plus, who goes to NY without passing at least by time Square?!
I would strongly suggest to come to times Square at sunset or at night, when all the neon lights shine bright and you really wonder at the gigantic size of this square (and city).
True, there are homeless people, people dressed up in costumes, hustlers "selling" cds, but if you want to see a representation of America in a square, this is the place you wanna visit.
Plus, who goes to NY without passing at least by time Square?!
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pinoks
Taguig City, Philippines226 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We came here in the late afternoon of Dec. 27 so daughter could see the billboards and the crowds. But oh boy! It was just so crowded that it was quite difficult to move. We got scared for our daughter as we felt she could get squeezed by the throng of people. And we felt that the risk of a stampede was so real.
I don’t understand some people who even brought their young children in strollers.
Other than the fact that it’s Times Square and its glittering billboards, this place lacks cultural significance as it is commonly understood.
This place should be avoided if at all possible. If one were to visit, it’s probably good to do that very late in the evening or very early in the morning. Trust me.
I don’t understand some people who even brought their young children in strollers.
Other than the fact that it’s Times Square and its glittering billboards, this place lacks cultural significance as it is commonly understood.
This place should be avoided if at all possible. If one were to visit, it’s probably good to do that very late in the evening or very early in the morning. Trust me.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sal
Hawthorne, NJ38 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
If you are going to NYC than it is a no brainer that you have to spend a day in times square. It is a blend of all different characters where tourist, business people and super heroes congregate in a daily basis. If you are not prepared to pay the super heroes than don't take a pic with them, the naked cowboy also takes pics for money. The minimum you should give is about 5.00 if you don't want to argue with them. Trust they will argue with you also don't ask them to take your picture if you want you phone back you would have to pay, this is NYC not Disney land.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
walshgolfmw
Burlington, MA70 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
If you want to attend a play or show, just across from Madison Square Garden at 10 a.m. they sell half price tickets to Off-Broadway and Broadway shows for that days performances. They also sell matinee performances. Times Square is a different place in the day time than it is at night. Probably the busiest place in all of mid Manhattan.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
millsy123
Newcastle, Australia264 contributions
Dec 2019
Loud, super bright and full of interesting characters. At Xmas time the whole of new york is magical...especially when it snows! Look out for the entertainers in times square and getting your photo taken with a super hero could be expensive!!!
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Desiree S
Los Angeles, CA70 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I love NYC it’s one of my favorite towns and Time Square it one of it staple attractions. There’s restaurant, shops, places to buy tickets for broadway and off-broadway plays at discounted prices. They have a bleacher area for tourists to sit in and view the area and the American flag for the greatest country in the world.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HappyWhen
Kajaani, Finland572 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Sellers try to vend tickets to Broadway or sightseeing busses, photo opportunities with Disney and Marvel characters or just asking for money for some reasons.
Bright billboards are all over the square, which seems smaller than in the movies/pictures. We went there once in purpose and couple of times just passing and there were always people.
We stood there for a good while to feel the square and for some photos, which are nice to take in sort of podiums there are along the street.
Bright billboards are all over the square, which seems smaller than in the movies/pictures. We went there once in purpose and couple of times just passing and there were always people.
We stood there for a good while to feel the square and for some photos, which are nice to take in sort of podiums there are along the street.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rea S
Arlington, TX27 contributions
Mar 2021
A cold Sunday evening around 6 pm, I made my way down to Tiime Square. Shops were open and street vendors were at every corner. The bleachers were nice although I did not go to sit down.. I enjoyed the artistic displays of lights and visuals on the super large screen. There were dancers in the middle of the square entertaining all who wanted to see and various skateboarders riding about. So many places to eat and drink were available, along with the food vendors with their parked trucks selling cheap eats. There were artist available to sketch details portraits or caricatures lined up and down the streets. From knock-off designer goods to cheap souvenirs, it was all there. If one is tired, it is easy to get a carriage rider to give you a lift, but it is not cheap. Coming out of the store, I saw a heavy presence of NYPD, this was because a social issue parade was being led. New York is always awake, popping, full of culture and diversity.. You have to see it for yourself. It you like a fast past place with lots of bright lights, places to shop, street eats, drink and like to see a unique set of human-beings, visit time square. You won't be disappointed.
Written March 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoveTravel812513
North Las Vegas, NV15 contributions
We are a family group with 8 adults and 10 kids ranging from 15-8 mo's.
We will be in NYC on Mar 16 (St. Patrick parade day) and I have two questions:
1) We have other plans in lower Manhattan until at least 4:00 pm.
Should we avoid Times Square/Empire State Building etc. because it's going to be a mad house around that area in the evening as well? Say 5-10 pm?
2) If we drive up to that area the next day, Sunday, on our way out of the city; can we park anywhere (like a parking garage) and walk around TS/ESB/the Rock etc. or is that not feasible?
Juan Pa
Queretaro, Mexico4 contributions
Hey! I experienced the same dilemma (well, kind of) and you should know that is really a madness!
Times Square’s better during the night because you can admire the glance of all the screens in there, so it gets even crazier!
If you really are interested in seeing Times Square’s screens the better, I’d recommend going, even with all the people, it’s part of the experience after all!
Finding a parking lot is also difficult, you’ll find a lot of them in the area, but they’re normally full, or not allowed for visitors unless you’ll make use of the establishment the parking lot is for.
Go in Taxi or Uber instead, you won’t have to worry about the parking.
Jo177
Norman, OK12 contributions
Six of us will be seeing a show at The Gershwin Theater on a Sunday in October, and wondering where would be a good place to have dinner afterwards? It would be nice to have a NYC experience…but I know NYC can be expensive, so just not TOO expensive. Thanks!
29syl
Quebec City, Canada86 contributions
Carmine's Italian restaurant 😋
Lily🎀
Los Angeles, CA
刚来美国 还不到一个月呢 有没有大哥知道汽车驾照是去哪里办理的呀?
Jeroen Lezer
Jakarta, Indonesia288 contributions
She wrote in Chinese alphabet so I cannot read that. If she wants her question answered then she should write in normal alphabet.
pab053
Dorset, UK60 contributions
What are the travel requirements to visit USA (New York) from the UK. What’s the cost of a visa, looking at going for Xmas.
Nerissa Golden
Montserrat286 contributions
If you hold a British or EU passport you do not require a visa. You would need to apply for an ESTA which will give you pre-approval to visit. It cost $21 US.
WalterDoocey
Cork, Ireland21 contributions
Hello. What are your face coverings requirements for broadway shows?
Patricia L
14 contributions
They were required when I was there in April, but the Web says they are optional on Broadway beginning July 1, 2022. I would still check the theatre(s) where you are planning to go.
Sabury
Whitefield, UK41 contributions
Will be in NY for Xmas Day saying in Times Square. Any recommendations for a restaurant ???? Thanks
Sylvia DrSoul Fernandez
San Juan, Puerto Rico9,580 contributions
There are so many options!!! Sorry, I would prefer you picked yourself 🙏🏼🥳🙏🏼 Enjoy!!
Daray L
Philadelphia, PA3 contributions
Cual es el mejor hotel plen times square para ver el espectaculo de la bola el dia 31 de diciembre.
El que mejor vista tenga?
seetheWow
Irvine, CA186 contributions
Not sure why Tripadvisor claims that you need tickets to visit Times Square. You don’t. There may be private tours available but visiting the region itself is free. Does anyone know which times sq they are talking about that needs tickets starting $41 per person?
P F B
Edison, NJ1,671 contributions
It does not cost anything to visit Times Square. The $41 per person cost that they are referring to is if you click on the SEE TICKETS button just below where it says Admission Tickets for a couple of those attractions that require an admission cost.
Roger B
Glastonbury, UK1 contribution
How did it get it's name?
NicoleSydney
Sydney, Australia38 contributions
Times Square was renamed in 1904 to Times Square after The New York Times moved its headquarters to the then newly erected Times Building, now One Times Square.
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Claim your listingTimes Square - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Times Square
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Times Square:
- Hard Rock Cafe New York Times Square (From $38.50)
- New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (From $99.00)
- NYC Must-See Highlights of Manhattan Bus Tour (From $89.00)
- Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Tour (From $54.00)
- Full-Day New York "Must See" Small-Group Tour plus One World Observatory Ticket (From $129.00)
- Hotels near Times Square:
- (0.03 mi) Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square
- (0.04 mi) W New York - Times Square
- (0.10 mi) Kimpton Muse Hotel
- (0.10 mi) Sanctuary Hotel New York
- (0.07 mi) Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
- Restaurants near Times Square:
- (0.01 mi) Snack Box Times Square
- (0.01 mi) McDonald's
- (0.01 mi) Wafels & Dinges
- (0.02 mi) Cousins Maine Lobster
- (0.03 mi) Crossroads American Kitchen & Bar
- Attractions near Times Square:
- (0.01 mi) New York Broadway Tours
- (0.02 mi) Grand Slam New York
- (0.02 mi) 47th Digital
- (0.02 mi) Pelé Soccer
- (0.03 mi) Tootsie