Times Square

Times Square featuring a city, central business district and signage
Times Square featuring a city, central business district and signage
Times Square featuring signage, a city and street scenes
Times Square showing a city, street scenes and music
Times Square which includes a city, city views and signage


This neon paradise is a must-see for visitors wanting to sample New York’s chaotic downtown scene at its best.

This live and kicking neon jungle is arguably the life and soul of New York City, despite its label as a touristy clique by local New Yorkers. As one of the most visited spots in the world, Times Square beats, shouts and screams behind its neon exterior.

Having shaken off its name as a somewhat unfavourable destination, visitors flock in their thousands to sample a truly out-of-this-world experience in the beating heart of New York. The neighbourhood, situated between West 42nd and West 47th Streets on Seventh Avenue, received its name in 1904 when The New York Times opened its headquarters here. Today the popular newspaper is based over on Eighth Avenue, just around the corner.

Under constant illumination 24 hours a day, Times Square hums and buzzes with its daily news flashes, whirling stock exchange information and lavish advertisements, sprawled across the vast buildings. In this jungle of neon profanity, don’t be surprised to see some rather unusual street entertainment, notably the naked Cowboy a street busker earning his name from playing guitar in his underwear. African drummers, jugglers and random musical performances all add to the atmosphere of this truly entertaining hub of activity.

For those seeking a less hectic alternative, the Madam Tussauds wax works museum is a great afternoon out. Visitors are treated to a variety of comical activities and get to marvel celebrities immortalised in graphic detail from wax.

Grab tickets to see a show in the Broadway theatre district, just a stone’s throw from the centre of Times Square. Visitors usually join the lines at the TIX outdoor booth to chance half price tickets on afternoon performances in one of the 40 venues in the vicinity

From the upmarket to the trendy, Times Square is bursting with memorabilia stores and souvenirs boutiques. From “l Heart NYC” T-shirts to New York Yankees caps, you are bound to find a trinket to take home. The entire area is surrounded typical New York delis and fast food restaurants, great places to eat if you have a busy sightseeing schedule.

It is easy to find you way to Times Square either by bus or via the local subway connection.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Shows & concerts

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Adventure & outdoor

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Reviews of Times Square

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
703
5 - Excellent 41%
4 - Good
714
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
222
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
49
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
18
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very crowded at times. But worth being there. Watch out for people dressed in Character outfits. They approach you and ask for a photo, then ask for at least $5 for the privilege.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Go at midnight or early early morning

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller

Freak show avoid .

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

This is a love or hate type place. You need to go to experience it but we passed through rather than hanging around. Was fun for us this time though as Netflix were promoting the new Klaus movie so we got a free present and took part in a promo shoot - hilarious!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Avoid in the evenings, capitalise on waking early and go first thing in the morning. 6am at times sq was a highlight for us. 12hrs earlier was absolute mayhem and travelling with someone with mobility issue was a little scary, I was worried about him getting knocked.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Been to a broadway show and all the sights on previous visits so just shopped till we dropped. The shops are amazing.

Popular places to visit


Top Times Square Hotel Deals

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave New York NY
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS

NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS

4 out of 5
481 Eighth Ave. New York NY
NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS
Hotel Edison Times Square

Hotel Edison Times Square

4 out of 5
228 W 47th St New York NY
Hotel Edison Times Square
Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square

Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square

4 out of 5
145 W 44th St New York NY
Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square
Hyatt Grand Central New York

Hyatt Grand Central New York

4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street New York NY
Hyatt Grand Central New York
Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel

Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel

4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street New York NY
Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel
Hotel St. James

Hotel St. James

2.5 out of 5
109 W. 45TH ST. New York NY
Hotel St. James
Doubletree by Hilton New York Times Square South

Doubletree by Hilton New York Times Square South

3.5 out of 5
525 8Th Ave New York NY
Doubletree by Hilton New York Times Square South
Arlo Midtown

Arlo Midtown

4 out of 5
351 West 38th Street New York NY
Arlo Midtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Times Square

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Times Square, visit Macy's, only 644m away, offering a vast selection of gifts. Grand Central Market, 1.1km away, provides local delicacies. If you're up for a drive, Katz's Delicatessen is 3.2km away, known for its iconic sandwiches.

Recreation

Carnegie Hall, a renowned music venue located 1.1km from Times Square, offers an enchanting atmosphere filled with live performances. Broadway Theatre, just 805m away, immerses visitors in captivating family-friendly films and romantic shows. Meanwhile, American Lyric Theater, 644m from Times Square, showcases cultural and artistic productions.

Adventure

City Treehouse is an exciting arcade adventure zone 1.6km from Times Square, perfect for family fun. For water-based thrills, visit DreamWorks Water Park, located 9.7km away, offering entertainment and adventure. Alternatively, explore the serene Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, 3.2km from Times Square, for a lovely outdoor experience.

Nightlife

The vibrant nightlife in Times Square offers a mix of romance and entertainment. Enjoy a lively evening at Dave & Buster's, just 161m away, or venture to the Stonewall Inn and 51-53 Christopher Street, both 3.2km from the square, for a delightful pub experience.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Times Square

Times Square, located in Manhattan, is a bustling hub of urban parks, art museums, and vibrant streets, making it an ideal destination for culture seekers and families alike. Visitors can explore iconic New York attractions, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and take a leisurely stroll through nearby Central Park. With its rich cultural experiences and family-friendly activities, Times Square offers something for every traveller.

  • Broadway: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Broadway, just 322m from Times Square. This iconic street is renowned for its dazzling theatres, showcasing world-class performances and spectacular shows that capture the essence of New York City.
  • Central Park: Located 3.2km from Times Square, Central Park is an urban oasis offering lush greenery and recreational activities. Perfect for families, enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, or even a boat ride on the lake amidst the stunning city backdrop.
  • Rockefeller Center: A mere 644m from Times Square, Rockefeller Center is a bustling tourist precinct. Famous for its outdoor spaces, ice skating rink, and family-friendly attractions, it’s an essential stop for experiencing New York's holiday spirit.

Best time to go to Times Square

The best time to visit Times Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Times Square falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Times Square falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to Times Square

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Times Square.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to March) for more affordable package holidays to Times Square.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

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