Times Square

• Address: Broadway & 7th Ave from W 42nd to W 47th St, New York, NY 10036.
• Operating Hours: 100% Free public pedestrian space open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Billboards remain illuminated around the clock.
• Subway Hub: Times Sq–42nd St is New York City’s busiest subway complex, served by the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S (42nd St Shuttle) trains, connected underground to the A, C, E trains at Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to see Times Square?

Times Square is best experienced at night after 8:00 PM, when the hundreds of towering LED billboards blaze in full illumination, turning night into daylight.

Where can you buy discount Broadway tickets in Times Square?

Discount day-of-show tickets are sold at the official TKTS booth located beneath the red glass stairs at 47th Street and Broadway in Father Duffy Square.

Is Times Square safe for tourists at night?

Yes, Times Square has a heavy, continuous New York Police Department (NYPD) presence 24 hours a day and remains bustling with tourists late into the night. Keep an eye on your pockets in crowded areas.

• Costumed Characters & Street Performers: People dressed as Elmo, Spider-Man, Minnie Mouse, and the Naked Cowboy are independent performers, not city employees. If you pose for a photo with them, they will aggressively demand a cash tip ($5 to $10 per photo). If you do not wish to pay, firmly decline and keep walking.
• The “Free CD” Scam: Individuals handing out “free music CDs” or mixtapes will immediately ask for your name, write it on the disc with a permanent marker, and intimidate you into handing over cash. Politely ignore them and keep your hands in your pockets.
• Dining Recommendation: Avoid the overpriced, mediocre chain restaurants lining Times Square itself. Instead, walk two blocks west to Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen (from 44th to 52nd Streets) to discover dozens of authentic, affordable Thai, Italian, Ethiopian, Mexican, and Latin American bistros.

Subway Transit & Operating Hours

• Address: Broadway & 7th Ave from W 42nd to W 47th St, New York, NY 10036.
• Operating Hours: 100% Free public pedestrian space open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Billboards remain illuminated around the clock.
• Subway Hub: Times Sq–42nd St is New York City’s busiest subway complex, served by the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S (42nd St Shuttle) trains, connected underground to the A, C, E trains at Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to see Times Square?

Times Square is best experienced at night after 8:00 PM, when the hundreds of towering LED billboards blaze in full illumination, turning night into daylight.

Where can you buy discount Broadway tickets in Times Square?

Discount day-of-show tickets are sold at the official TKTS booth located beneath the red glass stairs at 47th Street and Broadway in Father Duffy Square.

Is Times Square safe for tourists at night?

Yes, Times Square has a heavy, continuous New York Police Department (NYPD) presence 24 hours a day and remains bustling with tourists late into the night. Keep an eye on your pockets in crowded areas.

• Costumed Characters & Street Performers: People dressed as Elmo, Spider-Man, Minnie Mouse, and the Naked Cowboy are independent performers, not city employees. If you pose for a photo with them, they will aggressively demand a cash tip ($5 to $10 per photo). If you do not wish to pay, firmly decline and keep walking.
• The “Free CD” Scam: Individuals handing out “free music CDs” or mixtapes will immediately ask for your name, write it on the disc with a permanent marker, and intimidate you into handing over cash. Politely ignore them and keep your hands in your pockets.
• Dining Recommendation: Avoid the overpriced, mediocre chain restaurants lining Times Square itself. Instead, walk two blocks west to Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen (from 44th to 52nd Streets) to discover dozens of authentic, affordable Thai, Italian, Ethiopian, Mexican, and Latin American bistros.

Subway Transit & Operating Hours

• Address: Broadway & 7th Ave from W 42nd to W 47th St, New York, NY 10036.
• Operating Hours: 100% Free public pedestrian space open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Billboards remain illuminated around the clock.
• Subway Hub: Times Sq–42nd St is New York City’s busiest subway complex, served by the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S (42nd St Shuttle) trains, connected underground to the A, C, E trains at Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to see Times Square?

Times Square is best experienced at night after 8:00 PM, when the hundreds of towering LED billboards blaze in full illumination, turning night into daylight.

Where can you buy discount Broadway tickets in Times Square?

Discount day-of-show tickets are sold at the official TKTS booth located beneath the red glass stairs at 47th Street and Broadway in Father Duffy Square.

Is Times Square safe for tourists at night?

Yes, Times Square has a heavy, continuous New York Police Department (NYPD) presence 24 hours a day and remains bustling with tourists late into the night. Keep an eye on your pockets in crowded areas.

M&M’s World New York: A three-story candy wonderland featuring a two-story “Wall of Chocolate” with 21 different colors of M&M’s and personalized candy printing stations.

Hershey’s Chocolate World: A chocolate lover’s destination where guests can order freshly baked oversized warm cookies and customized five-pound Hershey bars.

Disney Store Flagship: A sprawling two-story retail experience complete with a magical fairytale castle, interactive mirrors, and exclusive Broadway-themed Disney merchandise.

Madame Tussauds New York: An interactive wax museum on 42nd Street featuring over 200 lifelike figures of Hollywood actors, musicians, superheroes, and historical legends.

Street Smart Tips: Avoiding Common Tourist Traps

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, keep these practical rules in mind:

• Costumed Characters & Street Performers: People dressed as Elmo, Spider-Man, Minnie Mouse, and the Naked Cowboy are independent performers, not city employees. If you pose for a photo with them, they will aggressively demand a cash tip ($5 to $10 per photo). If you do not wish to pay, firmly decline and keep walking.
• The “Free CD” Scam: Individuals handing out “free music CDs” or mixtapes will immediately ask for your name, write it on the disc with a permanent marker, and intimidate you into handing over cash. Politely ignore them and keep your hands in your pockets.
• Dining Recommendation: Avoid the overpriced, mediocre chain restaurants lining Times Square itself. Instead, walk two blocks west to Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen (from 44th to 52nd Streets) to discover dozens of authentic, affordable Thai, Italian, Ethiopian, Mexican, and Latin American bistros.

Subway Transit & Operating Hours

• Address: Broadway & 7th Ave from W 42nd to W 47th St, New York, NY 10036.
• Operating Hours: 100% Free public pedestrian space open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Billboards remain illuminated around the clock.
• Subway Hub: Times Sq–42nd St is New York City’s busiest subway complex, served by the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S (42nd St Shuttle) trains, connected underground to the A, C, E trains at Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to see Times Square?

Times Square is best experienced at night after 8:00 PM, when the hundreds of towering LED billboards blaze in full illumination, turning night into daylight.

Where can you buy discount Broadway tickets in Times Square?

Discount day-of-show tickets are sold at the official TKTS booth located beneath the red glass stairs at 47th Street and Broadway in Father Duffy Square.

Is Times Square safe for tourists at night?

Yes, Times Square has a heavy, continuous New York Police Department (NYPD) presence 24 hours a day and remains bustling with tourists late into the night. Keep an eye on your pockets in crowded areas.

• M&M’s World New York: A three-story candy wonderland featuring a two-story “Wall of Chocolate” with 21 different colors of M&M’s and personalized candy printing stations.
• Hershey’s Chocolate World: A chocolate lover’s destination where guests can order freshly baked oversized warm cookies and customized five-pound Hershey bars.
• Disney Store Flagship: A sprawling two-story retail experience complete with a magical fairytale castle, interactive mirrors, and exclusive Broadway-themed Disney merchandise.
• Madame Tussauds New York: An interactive wax museum on 42nd Street featuring over 200 lifelike figures of Hollywood actors, musicians, superheroes, and historical legends.

Street Smart Tips: Avoiding Common Tourist Traps

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, keep these practical rules in mind:

• Costumed Characters & Street Performers: People dressed as Elmo, Spider-Man, Minnie Mouse, and the Naked Cowboy are independent performers, not city employees. If you pose for a photo with them, they will aggressively demand a cash tip ($5 to $10 per photo). If you do not wish to pay, firmly decline and keep walking.
• The “Free CD” Scam: Individuals handing out “free music CDs” or mixtapes will immediately ask for your name, write it on the disc with a permanent marker, and intimidate you into handing over cash. Politely ignore them and keep your hands in your pockets.
• Dining Recommendation: Avoid the overpriced, mediocre chain restaurants lining Times Square itself. Instead, walk two blocks west to Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen (from 44th to 52nd Streets) to discover dozens of authentic, affordable Thai, Italian, Ethiopian, Mexican, and Latin American bistros.

Subway Transit & Operating Hours

• Address: Broadway & 7th Ave from W 42nd to W 47th St, New York, NY 10036.
• Operating Hours: 100% Free public pedestrian space open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Billboards remain illuminated around the clock.
• Subway Hub: Times Sq–42nd St is New York City’s busiest subway complex, served by the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S (42nd St Shuttle) trains, connected underground to the A, C, E trains at Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to see Times Square?

Times Square is best experienced at night after 8:00 PM, when the hundreds of towering LED billboards blaze in full illumination, turning night into daylight.

Where can you buy discount Broadway tickets in Times Square?

Discount day-of-show tickets are sold at the official TKTS booth located beneath the red glass stairs at 47th Street and Broadway in Father Duffy Square.

Is Times Square safe for tourists at night?

Yes, Times Square has a heavy, continuous New York Police Department (NYPD) presence 24 hours a day and remains bustling with tourists late into the night. Keep an eye on your pockets in crowded areas.

• M&M’s World New York: A three-story candy wonderland featuring a two-story “Wall of Chocolate” with 21 different colors of M&M’s and personalized candy printing stations.
• Hershey’s Chocolate World: A chocolate lover’s destination where guests can order freshly baked oversized warm cookies and customized five-pound Hershey bars.
• Disney Store Flagship: A sprawling two-story retail experience complete with a magical fairytale castle, interactive mirrors, and exclusive Broadway-themed Disney merchandise.
• Madame Tussauds New York: An interactive wax museum on 42nd Street featuring over 200 lifelike figures of Hollywood actors, musicians, superheroes, and historical legends.

Street Smart Tips: Avoiding Common Tourist Traps

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, keep these practical rules in mind:

• Costumed Characters & Street Performers: People dressed as Elmo, Spider-Man, Minnie Mouse, and the Naked Cowboy are independent performers, not city employees. If you pose for a photo with them, they will aggressively demand a cash tip ($5 to $10 per photo). If you do not wish to pay, firmly decline and keep walking.
• The “Free CD” Scam: Individuals handing out “free music CDs” or mixtapes will immediately ask for your name, write it on the disc with a permanent marker, and intimidate you into handing over cash. Politely ignore them and keep your hands in your pockets.
• Dining Recommendation: Avoid the overpriced, mediocre chain restaurants lining Times Square itself. Instead, walk two blocks west to Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen (from 44th to 52nd Streets) to discover dozens of authentic, affordable Thai, Italian, Ethiopian, Mexican, and Latin American bistros.

Subway Transit & Operating Hours

• Address: Broadway & 7th Ave from W 42nd to W 47th St, New York, NY 10036.
• Operating Hours: 100% Free public pedestrian space open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Billboards remain illuminated around the clock.
• Subway Hub: Times Sq–42nd St is New York City’s busiest subway complex, served by the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S (42nd St Shuttle) trains, connected underground to the A, C, E trains at Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to see Times Square?

Times Square is best experienced at night after 8:00 PM, when the hundreds of towering LED billboards blaze in full illumination, turning night into daylight.

Where can you buy discount Broadway tickets in Times Square?

Discount day-of-show tickets are sold at the official TKTS booth located beneath the red glass stairs at 47th Street and Broadway in Father Duffy Square.

Is Times Square safe for tourists at night?

Yes, Times Square has a heavy, continuous New York Police Department (NYPD) presence 24 hours a day and remains bustling with tourists late into the night. Keep an eye on your pockets in crowded areas.

The Red Glass TKTS Steps (Father Duffy Square): Rising above the TKTS discount theater ticket booth at 47th Street, this glowing red tiered staircase provides the premier bleacher vantage point to sit, rest, and gaze south down the canyon of electronic billboards. The Father Duffy statue honors the beloved WWI chaplain of New York’s “Fighting 69th” regiment.

TKTS Discount Broadway Booth: Operated by the Theatre Development Fund (TDF) beneath the red glass stairs. Offers day-of-show tickets to dozens of Broadway and Off-Broadway plays and musicals at 20% to 50% off standard box office prices.

The Giant Digital Billboards: Times Square features over 238 illuminated commercial advertising signs. The largest screen—above the Marriott Marquis hotel—spans an entire city block (nearly 25,000 square feet) using 24 million pixels. Stand at the center of 45th Street after dark to witness the “Midnight Moment”—the world’s longest-running digital art exhibition, where every billboard synchronizes nightly from 11:57 PM to 12:00 midnight to display digital contemporary art.

The Broadway Theatre District: Forty historic Broadway theaters line the side streets off Times Square (from 41st to 54th Streets), staging world-famous productions including The Lion King (Minskoff Theatre), Wicked (Gershwin Theatre), and Hamilton (Richard Rodgers Theatre).

Flagship Shopping & Entertainment Venues

Times Square hosts colossal multi-level entertainment flagships catering to families and shoppers:

• M&M’s World New York: A three-story candy wonderland featuring a two-story “Wall of Chocolate” with 21 different colors of M&M’s and personalized candy printing stations.
• Hershey’s Chocolate World: A chocolate lover’s destination where guests can order freshly baked oversized warm cookies and customized five-pound Hershey bars.
• Disney Store Flagship: A sprawling two-story retail experience complete with a magical fairytale castle, interactive mirrors, and exclusive Broadway-themed Disney merchandise.
• Madame Tussauds New York: An interactive wax museum on 42nd Street featuring over 200 lifelike figures of Hollywood actors, musicians, superheroes, and historical legends.

Street Smart Tips: Avoiding Common Tourist Traps

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, keep these practical rules in mind:

• Costumed Characters & Street Performers: People dressed as Elmo, Spider-Man, Minnie Mouse, and the Naked Cowboy are independent performers, not city employees. If you pose for a photo with them, they will aggressively demand a cash tip ($5 to $10 per photo). If you do not wish to pay, firmly decline and keep walking.
• The “Free CD” Scam: Individuals handing out “free music CDs” or mixtapes will immediately ask for your name, write it on the disc with a permanent marker, and intimidate you into handing over cash. Politely ignore them and keep your hands in your pockets.
• Dining Recommendation: Avoid the overpriced, mediocre chain restaurants lining Times Square itself. Instead, walk two blocks west to Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen (from 44th to 52nd Streets) to discover dozens of authentic, affordable Thai, Italian, Ethiopian, Mexican, and Latin American bistros.

Subway Transit & Operating Hours

• Address: Broadway & 7th Ave from W 42nd to W 47th St, New York, NY 10036.
• Operating Hours: 100% Free public pedestrian space open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Billboards remain illuminated around the clock.
• Subway Hub: Times Sq–42nd St is New York City’s busiest subway complex, served by the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S (42nd St Shuttle) trains, connected underground to the A, C, E trains at Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to see Times Square?

Times Square is best experienced at night after 8:00 PM, when the hundreds of towering LED billboards blaze in full illumination, turning night into daylight.

Where can you buy discount Broadway tickets in Times Square?

Discount day-of-show tickets are sold at the official TKTS booth located beneath the red glass stairs at 47th Street and Broadway in Father Duffy Square.

Is Times Square safe for tourists at night?

Yes, Times Square has a heavy, continuous New York Police Department (NYPD) presence 24 hours a day and remains bustling with tourists late into the night. Keep an eye on your pockets in crowded areas.

• The Red Glass TKTS Steps (Father Duffy Square): Rising above the TKTS discount theater ticket booth at 47th Street, this glowing red tiered staircase provides the premier bleacher vantage point to sit, rest, and gaze south down the canyon of electronic billboards. The Father Duffy statue honors the beloved WWI chaplain of New York’s “Fighting 69th” regiment.
• TKTS Discount Broadway Booth: Operated by the Theatre Development Fund (TDF) beneath the red glass stairs. Offers day-of-show tickets to dozens of Broadway and Off-Broadway plays and musicals at 20% to 50% off standard box office prices.
• The Giant Digital Billboards: Times Square features over 238 illuminated commercial advertising signs. The largest screen—above the Marriott Marquis hotel—spans an entire city block (nearly 25,000 square feet) using 24 million pixels. Stand at the center of 45th Street after dark to witness the “Midnight Moment”—the world’s longest-running digital art exhibition, where every billboard synchronizes nightly from 11:57 PM to 12:00 midnight to display digital contemporary art.
• The Broadway Theatre District: Forty historic Broadway theaters line the side streets off Times Square (from 41st to 54th Streets), staging world-famous productions including The Lion King (Minskoff Theatre), Wicked (Gershwin Theatre), and Hamilton (Richard Rodgers Theatre).

Flagship Shopping & Entertainment Venues

Times Square hosts colossal multi-level entertainment flagships catering to families and shoppers:

• M&M’s World New York: A three-story candy wonderland featuring a two-story “Wall of Chocolate” with 21 different colors of M&M’s and personalized candy printing stations.
• Hershey’s Chocolate World: A chocolate lover’s destination where guests can order freshly baked oversized warm cookies and customized five-pound Hershey bars.
• Disney Store Flagship: A sprawling two-story retail experience complete with a magical fairytale castle, interactive mirrors, and exclusive Broadway-themed Disney merchandise.
• Madame Tussauds New York: An interactive wax museum on 42nd Street featuring over 200 lifelike figures of Hollywood actors, musicians, superheroes, and historical legends.

Street Smart Tips: Avoiding Common Tourist Traps

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, keep these practical rules in mind:

• Costumed Characters & Street Performers: People dressed as Elmo, Spider-Man, Minnie Mouse, and the Naked Cowboy are independent performers, not city employees. If you pose for a photo with them, they will aggressively demand a cash tip ($5 to $10 per photo). If you do not wish to pay, firmly decline and keep walking.
• The “Free CD” Scam: Individuals handing out “free music CDs” or mixtapes will immediately ask for your name, write it on the disc with a permanent marker, and intimidate you into handing over cash. Politely ignore them and keep your hands in your pockets.
• Dining Recommendation: Avoid the overpriced, mediocre chain restaurants lining Times Square itself. Instead, walk two blocks west to Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen (from 44th to 52nd Streets) to discover dozens of authentic, affordable Thai, Italian, Ethiopian, Mexican, and Latin American bistros.

Subway Transit & Operating Hours

• Address: Broadway & 7th Ave from W 42nd to W 47th St, New York, NY 10036.
• Operating Hours: 100% Free public pedestrian space open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Billboards remain illuminated around the clock.
• Subway Hub: Times Sq–42nd St is New York City’s busiest subway complex, served by the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S (42nd St Shuttle) trains, connected underground to the A, C, E trains at Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to see Times Square?

Times Square is best experienced at night after 8:00 PM, when the hundreds of towering LED billboards blaze in full illumination, turning night into daylight.

Where can you buy discount Broadway tickets in Times Square?

Discount day-of-show tickets are sold at the official TKTS booth located beneath the red glass stairs at 47th Street and Broadway in Father Duffy Square.

Is Times Square safe for tourists at night?

Yes, Times Square has a heavy, continuous New York Police Department (NYPD) presence 24 hours a day and remains bustling with tourists late into the night. Keep an eye on your pockets in crowded areas.

• The Red Glass TKTS Steps (Father Duffy Square): Rising above the TKTS discount theater ticket booth at 47th Street, this glowing red tiered staircase provides the premier bleacher vantage point to sit, rest, and gaze south down the canyon of electronic billboards. The Father Duffy statue honors the beloved WWI chaplain of New York’s “Fighting 69th” regiment.
• TKTS Discount Broadway Booth: Operated by the Theatre Development Fund (TDF) beneath the red glass stairs. Offers day-of-show tickets to dozens of Broadway and Off-Broadway plays and musicals at 20% to 50% off standard box office prices.
• The Giant Digital Billboards: Times Square features over 238 illuminated commercial advertising signs. The largest screen—above the Marriott Marquis hotel—spans an entire city block (nearly 25,000 square feet) using 24 million pixels. Stand at the center of 45th Street after dark to witness the “Midnight Moment”—the world’s longest-running digital art exhibition, where every billboard synchronizes nightly from 11:57 PM to 12:00 midnight to display digital contemporary art.
• The Broadway Theatre District: Forty historic Broadway theaters line the side streets off Times Square (from 41st to 54th Streets), staging world-famous productions including The Lion King (Minskoff Theatre), Wicked (Gershwin Theatre), and Hamilton (Richard Rodgers Theatre).

Flagship Shopping & Entertainment Venues

Times Square hosts colossal multi-level entertainment flagships catering to families and shoppers:

• M&M’s World New York: A three-story candy wonderland featuring a two-story “Wall of Chocolate” with 21 different colors of M&M’s and personalized candy printing stations.
• Hershey’s Chocolate World: A chocolate lover’s destination where guests can order freshly baked oversized warm cookies and customized five-pound Hershey bars.
• Disney Store Flagship: A sprawling two-story retail experience complete with a magical fairytale castle, interactive mirrors, and exclusive Broadway-themed Disney merchandise.
• Madame Tussauds New York: An interactive wax museum on 42nd Street featuring over 200 lifelike figures of Hollywood actors, musicians, superheroes, and historical legends.

Street Smart Tips: Avoiding Common Tourist Traps

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, keep these practical rules in mind:

• Costumed Characters & Street Performers: People dressed as Elmo, Spider-Man, Minnie Mouse, and the Naked Cowboy are independent performers, not city employees. If you pose for a photo with them, they will aggressively demand a cash tip ($5 to $10 per photo). If you do not wish to pay, firmly decline and keep walking.
• The “Free CD” Scam: Individuals handing out “free music CDs” or mixtapes will immediately ask for your name, write it on the disc with a permanent marker, and intimidate you into handing over cash. Politely ignore them and keep your hands in your pockets.
• Dining Recommendation: Avoid the overpriced, mediocre chain restaurants lining Times Square itself. Instead, walk two blocks west to Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen (from 44th to 52nd Streets) to discover dozens of authentic, affordable Thai, Italian, Ethiopian, Mexican, and Latin American bistros.

Subway Transit & Operating Hours

• Address: Broadway & 7th Ave from W 42nd to W 47th St, New York, NY 10036.
• Operating Hours: 100% Free public pedestrian space open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Billboards remain illuminated around the clock.
• Subway Hub: Times Sq–42nd St is New York City’s busiest subway complex, served by the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S (42nd St Shuttle) trains, connected underground to the A, C, E trains at Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to see Times Square?

Times Square is best experienced at night after 8:00 PM, when the hundreds of towering LED billboards blaze in full illumination, turning night into daylight.

Where can you buy discount Broadway tickets in Times Square?

Discount day-of-show tickets are sold at the official TKTS booth located beneath the red glass stairs at 47th Street and Broadway in Father Duffy Square.

Is Times Square safe for tourists at night?

Yes, Times Square has a heavy, continuous New York Police Department (NYPD) presence 24 hours a day and remains bustling with tourists late into the night. Keep an eye on your pockets in crowded areas.

Overview: Why Times Square Is “The Crossroads of the World”

Times Square, forming the neon-drenched intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue from West 42nd to West 47th Streets in Midtown Manhattan, is one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations and an enduring emblem of modern urban vitality. Welcoming an estimated 50 million visitors annually—with upwards of 330,000 pedestrians crossing its car-free plazas every single day—it is universally known as “The Crossroads of the World” and “The Great White Way.”

Originally known as Longacre Square, the plaza was renamed Times Square in April 1904 when publisher Adolph Ochs moved the headquarters of The New York Times to the newly constructed One Times Square. Later that year, on December 31, 1904, the first New Year’s Eve celebration was staged, inaugurating the world-famous New Year’s Eve Ball Drop tradition that has broadcast globally every year since 1907. Today, transformed into permanent pedestrian plazas lined with cafe tables and towering digital LED canyons, Times Square is the pulsating heartbeat of Broadway theater and entertainment.

Top Attractions: Red TKTS Stairs, Billboards & Broadway

Times Square is a sensory-rich playground of commercial art, theater, and street energy:

• The Red Glass TKTS Steps (Father Duffy Square): Rising above the TKTS discount theater ticket booth at 47th Street, this glowing red tiered staircase provides the premier bleacher vantage point to sit, rest, and gaze south down the canyon of electronic billboards. The Father Duffy statue honors the beloved WWI chaplain of New York’s “Fighting 69th” regiment.
• TKTS Discount Broadway Booth: Operated by the Theatre Development Fund (TDF) beneath the red glass stairs. Offers day-of-show tickets to dozens of Broadway and Off-Broadway plays and musicals at 20% to 50% off standard box office prices.
• The Giant Digital Billboards: Times Square features over 238 illuminated commercial advertising signs. The largest screen—above the Marriott Marquis hotel—spans an entire city block (nearly 25,000 square feet) using 24 million pixels. Stand at the center of 45th Street after dark to witness the “Midnight Moment”—the world’s longest-running digital art exhibition, where every billboard synchronizes nightly from 11:57 PM to 12:00 midnight to display digital contemporary art.
• The Broadway Theatre District: Forty historic Broadway theaters line the side streets off Times Square (from 41st to 54th Streets), staging world-famous productions including The Lion King (Minskoff Theatre), Wicked (Gershwin Theatre), and Hamilton (Richard Rodgers Theatre).

Flagship Shopping & Entertainment Venues

Times Square hosts colossal multi-level entertainment flagships catering to families and shoppers:

• M&M’s World New York: A three-story candy wonderland featuring a two-story “Wall of Chocolate” with 21 different colors of M&M’s and personalized candy printing stations.
• Hershey’s Chocolate World: A chocolate lover’s destination where guests can order freshly baked oversized warm cookies and customized five-pound Hershey bars.
• Disney Store Flagship: A sprawling two-story retail experience complete with a magical fairytale castle, interactive mirrors, and exclusive Broadway-themed Disney merchandise.
• Madame Tussauds New York: An interactive wax museum on 42nd Street featuring over 200 lifelike figures of Hollywood actors, musicians, superheroes, and historical legends.

Street Smart Tips: Avoiding Common Tourist Traps

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, keep these practical rules in mind:

• Costumed Characters & Street Performers: People dressed as Elmo, Spider-Man, Minnie Mouse, and the Naked Cowboy are independent performers, not city employees. If you pose for a photo with them, they will aggressively demand a cash tip ($5 to $10 per photo). If you do not wish to pay, firmly decline and keep walking.
• The “Free CD” Scam: Individuals handing out “free music CDs” or mixtapes will immediately ask for your name, write it on the disc with a permanent marker, and intimidate you into handing over cash. Politely ignore them and keep your hands in your pockets.
• Dining Recommendation: Avoid the overpriced, mediocre chain restaurants lining Times Square itself. Instead, walk two blocks west to Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen (from 44th to 52nd Streets) to discover dozens of authentic, affordable Thai, Italian, Ethiopian, Mexican, and Latin American bistros.

Subway Transit & Operating Hours

• Address: Broadway & 7th Ave from W 42nd to W 47th St, New York, NY 10036.
• Operating Hours: 100% Free public pedestrian space open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Billboards remain illuminated around the clock.
• Subway Hub: Times Sq–42nd St is New York City’s busiest subway complex, served by the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S (42nd St Shuttle) trains, connected underground to the A, C, E trains at Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to see Times Square?

Times Square is best experienced at night after 8:00 PM, when the hundreds of towering LED billboards blaze in full illumination, turning night into daylight.

Where can you buy discount Broadway tickets in Times Square?

Discount day-of-show tickets are sold at the official TKTS booth located beneath the red glass stairs at 47th Street and Broadway in Father Duffy Square.

Is Times Square safe for tourists at night?

Yes, Times Square has a heavy, continuous New York Police Department (NYPD) presence 24 hours a day and remains bustling with tourists late into the night. Keep an eye on your pockets in crowded areas.