Times Square

Times Square which includes a skyscraper, city views and a city
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.

Reviews of Times Square

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
703
" "5 - Excellent 41.207502930832355%
4 - Good
714
" "4 - Good 41.85228604923798%
3 - Okay
222
" "3 - Okay 13.012895662368113%
2 - Disappointing
49
" "2 - Disappointing 2.87221570926143%
1 - Terrible
18
" "1 - Terrible 1.0550996483001172%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Feb 2020

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
13 Dec 2019

Go at midnight or early early morning

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller
21 Nov 2019

Freak show avoid .

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Nov 2019

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
27 Oct 2019

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
23 Oct 2019

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

The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
4 out of 5
790 7th Ave, New York, NY
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
Hyatt Grand Central New York
Hyatt Grand Central New York
4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street, at Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY
Hyatt Grand Central New York
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
4 out of 5
481 Eighth Ave., New York, NY
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
Paramount Times Square
Paramount Times Square
4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street, New York, NY
Paramount 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
Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1605 Broadway, New York, NY
Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, an IHG Hotel
Park Central Hotel New York
Park Central Hotel New York
4 out of 5
870 7th Ave, New York, NY
Park Central Hotel New York
The Westin New York at Times Square
The Westin New York at Times Square
4.5 out of 5
270 W 43rd Street, New York, NY
The Westin New York at Times Square
Hilton Garden Inn New York/Times Square Central
Hilton Garden Inn New York/Times Square Central
3 out of 5
136 West 42nd Street, New York, NY
Hilton Garden Inn New York/Times Square Central
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.