Planning a trip to Times Square? Here’s exactly what to do, what to skip, and how to make every minute count — from a Broadway show to a free midnight art display.
Times Square is one of those rare places that actually lives up to the hype. Whether you’re standing under the neon glow for the first time or you’re back for your fifth visit, there’s always something new to discover. But with so much happening — shows, museums, food, shopping, street art — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and miss the best stuff.
This guide cuts through the noise and covers everything you need to know about the best things to do in Times Square in 2026., including free activities, bucket-list Broadway experiences, hidden gems, and insider tips that go beyond the typical tourist checklist. Whether you have one afternoon or a full week, this is your complete Times Square activity guide.
Already know which show you want to see? Check our Best Broadway Shows 2026 guide first — then come back here to plan everything around it.
Quick Overview: Times Square Activities at a Glance
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Times Square, this quick comparison shows the top attractions, costs, and time needed.
| Activity | Cost | Time Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadway Show | $79–$250+ | 2.5–3 hrs | Everyone |
| TKTS Discount Booth | Free to visit | 15–30 mins | Budget travelers |
| Midnight Moment | Free | 3 mins nightly | Art lovers, couples |
| Duffy Square Red Steps | Free | 20–30 mins | Photographers |
| Times Square Arts | Free | 30–45 mins | Culture fans |
| Rooftop Bars | $15–$25/drink | 1–2 hrs | Adults, couples |
| Pre-Show Dining | $25–$80/person | 1–1.5 hrs | Foodies |
| Ripley’s Believe It or Not! | $40–$55 | 1.5–2 hrs | Families, kids |
| Madame Tussauds | $38–$55 | 1.5–2 hrs | All ages |
| Street Performers | Free (tip optional) | Ongoing | Everyone |
| Times Square New Year’s Eve | Free to attend | All evening | Special occasion |
| Hidden Gems Nearby | Mostly free | Half day | Explorers |
Now let’s dive into each of these things to do in Times Square in detail, with insider tips and direct booking links.
1. Catch a Broadway Show
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do in Times Square, it’s seeing a live Broadway show. The Theater District clusters around West 41st to West 54th Streets, putting you right in the heart of the action. In 2026, smash hits like Hamilton, The Lion King, Wicked, and MJ The Musical continue to pack houses night after night.
Broadway shows typically run Tuesday through Sunday, with matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday. Book at least 2–4 weeks ahead for popular shows, or take your chances at the TKTS booth for same-day discounts of 20–50% off.
💡 Insider Tip: Tuesday and Wednesday evening shows often have better seat availability and lower resale prices than weekend performances. Midweek is the smart play if your schedule is flexible.
2. Score Cheap Tickets at the TKTS Booth
The bright red TKTS steps in the heart of Duffy Square (at 47th Street and Broadway) are an icon in their own right — and the best-kept open secret for saving serious money on Broadway tickets. The booth sells same-day tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows at discounts of 20–50% off regular prices.
The booth opens at 3:00 PM for evening shows (and 10:00 AM on Wednesdays and Saturdays for matinees). You can check current availability on the free TKTS app before heading over, which saves you from queueing for a show that’s already sold out.
💡 Insider Tip: Skip the Times Square TKTS booth and head to the Downtown Brooklyn or Lincoln Center locations instead. Lines are much shorter and the same deals are available — you could save 30–45 minutes of waiting.
3. Watch the Midnight Moment — Free Art Every Night
Every night from 11:57 PM to midnight, Times Square’s 80+ digital billboards synchronize to display a rotating art installation as part of the Midnight Moment program — the world’s largest digital art show. It lasts just three minutes, but those three minutes are genuinely breathtaking.
A new artist is featured each month, ranging from animated short films to abstract digital paintings. Whether you’re ending a night out or making a special trip, this is one of the most unique free experiences New York City has to offer. Just stand anywhere on Broadway between 43rd and 50th Streets and look up.
💡 Insider Tip: Check the Times Square Arts website the day before to see which artist is currently featured — some months are genuinely stunning and worth planning your evening around.
4. Explore Duffy Square & the Famous Red Steps
Duffy Square, located at the northern end of the Times Square bow-tie between 46th and 47th Streets, is where you get the definitive Times Square photograph. The raised red TKTS steps give you an elevated viewing platform looking south down Broadway, with the full canyon of neon signs, yellow cabs, and skyscrapers filling the frame.
The square is also home to the Father Duffy statue (honoring WWI chaplain Father Francis Duffy) and the George M. Cohan statue. It’s the perfect spot to take it all in without being swept up in the foot traffic of the main sidewalks.
💡 Insider Tip: Go early morning (7–8 AM) for the least crowded photo opportunity with empty streets, or after midnight when the streets are quieter but the lights are still blazing at full intensity.
5. Discover Times Square Arts Installations
One of the most underrated things to do in Times Square is explore the public art installations…
Most tourists walk right past Times Square’s rotating art installations without realizing they’re looking at some of the world’s most-viewed contemporary art. Times Square Arts commissions large-scale public art installations, performances, and digital works throughout the year — placed in pedestrian plazas, storefronts, and on the billboards themselves.
In 2026, the pedestrian plazas on Broadway between 42nd and 47th Streets feature both permanent sculptures and rotating exhibits. Look out for the neon and light-based works that come alive especially at dusk — many visitors walk by without knowing they’re seeing a curated artwork.
💡 Insider Tip: Pick up a free installations map from the Times Square Alliance Visitors Center at 809 Seventh Avenue (between 52nd and 53rd Streets). The staff there can point you to the most impressive current works.
6. Drinks with a View — Rooftop Bars Near Times Square
Among the most memorable things to do in Times Square is visiting one of its rooftop bars for incredible skyline views.. Seeing it from above, cocktail in hand, as the neon city glitters below — that’s something else entirely. Several rooftop bars in and around Times Square offer incredible elevated views of Midtown Manhattan.
Top rooftop bar picks for 2026:
- 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar (30 W 27th St) — Expansive Midtown skyline views, heated igloos in winter months
- Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza) — Iconic views, upscale cocktail program
- Skylark NYC (200 W 39th St) — Floor-to-ceiling windows with direct Times Square views, sophisticated vibe
- Starchild Rooftop at Civilian Hotel (27th floor, 541 W 48th St) — Creative small plates and cocktails with panoramic views
💡 Insider Tip: Most rooftop bars require reservations on summer weekends in 2026. Book at least a week ahead via OpenTable or Resy. Most venues have a minimum spend requirement rather than a cover charge.
7. Pre-Show Dining in the Theater District
If you’re planning a full day of things to do in Times Square, don’t skip a pre-theater dinner. — finishing a relaxed meal with 20 minutes to spare before curtain-up. The key is finding restaurants that actually respect your schedule. Several excellent spots near Times Square offer dedicated pre-theater prix fixe menus with faster service, typically available between 5:00 PM and 6:45 PM.
Reliable picks within walking distance of the Theater District:
- Sardi’s (234 W 44th St) — The quintessential Broadway institution since 1921; walls lined with celebrity caricatures
- Joe Allen (326 W 46th St) — Classic American bistro, beloved by actors and theatergoers for 60 years
- Carmine’s (200 W 44th St) — Giant family-style Italian portions, great for groups
- Junior’s (1515 Broadway) — Budget-friendly classic diner famous for its legendary New York cheesecake
- The Lambs Club (132 W 44th St) — Upscale American, ideal for special occasions and anniversaries
💡 Insider Tip: Tell your server you have show tickets when you sit down. Good Theater District restaurants are used to this — they will pace your meal and get you out on time without rushing you.
8. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square
Families looking for indoor things to do in Times Square will enjoy Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a sprawling, multi-floor interactive museum featuring over 500 exhibits — from genuine shrunken heads and two-headed animals to interactive holograms and laser mazes. It’s chaotic, weird, and genuinely fun for visitors of all ages.
The experience takes 1.5 to 2 hours to explore fully. Highlights in 2026 include the LaseRace challenge, a new rotating gallery of international oddities, and the mirror maze. It’s particularly good if you’re visiting with children or if it’s raining and you need a compelling indoor afternoon activity.
💡 Insider Tip: Book tickets online in advance — you’ll typically save $8–12 per ticket compared to walk-in prices and skip the front-desk queue entirely. Look for combo deals with Madame Tussauds next door.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is one of the most entertaining things to do in Times Square, especially for families and first-time visitors.
9. Madame Tussauds New York
Madame Tussauds is one of the most popular things to do in Times Square for families and first-time visitors.t, Madame Tussauds New York is home to hyper-realistic wax figures of everyone from Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to LeBron James, Marvel superheroes, and sitting US presidents. Interactive themed zones let you pose with figures in settings ranging from a Broadway stage to a full sports arena.
In 2026, the standout additions are the Marvel 4D Experience and the newly expanded Music zone featuring a full-scale recording studio set-up. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the full experience — more if you’re a dedicated photo-taker, which most visitors are.
If you’re creating a full itinerary of things to do in Times Square, Madame Tussauds deserves a place on your list.
💡 Insider Tip: Combo tickets combining Ripley’s and Madame Tussauds can save 15–20% on both admissions. Search for the “Times Square attraction duo” package on both official websites before buying separately.
10. Watch the Street Performers
Watching street performers is one of the best free things to do in Times Square. — and one of the most authentic New York experiences you can have without spending a single dollar. From the Naked Cowboy (a Times Square institution since 1998) to costumed superheroes, breakdancing crews, and jazz musicians, the pedestrian plazas between 42nd and 47th Streets are constantly alive with entertainment.
The designated performer zones on the Broadway pedestrian plazas ensure organized, recurring entertainment throughout the day. Peak performer hours are noon to 10 PM, with the energy building as the evening progresses and the neon lights get brighter.
💡 Insider Tip: If you photograph a costumed character, they will expect a tip — $1–5 is standard etiquette. Be prepared, or simply decline politely when they approach for a photo. They’re generally good-natured about it.
11. Experience Times Square New Year’s Eve
One of the most iconic things to do in Times Square is experience the famous New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.e – Over a million people pack into Times Square every December 31st to watch the iconic ball drop at midnight — a tradition running without interruption since 1907. The 2026/2027 NYE celebration will mark the 120th edition of the ball drop, making it one of New York’s most storied annual events.
Attending is free, but it requires serious advance planning. Revelers begin arriving at designated viewing zones as early as 3 PM, and there are no bathrooms inside viewing areas once you’re in position. Dress in serious layers — it’s cold, and you’ll be standing still for hours.
💡 Insider Tip: If you want the experience without the 8-hour street wait, book a restaurant or hotel with a direct Times Square view for NYE — many offer ball-drop viewing packages. Expect to pay a premium, but you get warmth, a bathroom, and food as part of the deal.
12. Explore Hidden Gems Near Times Square
If you’ve already covered the main things to do in Times Square, spend time exploring these nearby hidden gems. The area immediately around Times Square has a surprising number of underrated spots that most tourists walk right past. A short walk in any direction opens up a completely different, more local side of Midtown Manhattan.
- Hell’s Kitchen / Clinton (9th Ave, 40s–50s) — Authentic, affordable restaurants away from tourist pricing; one of NYC’s best food streets
- Bryant Park (6th Ave & 42nd St) — A beautiful, well-maintained green oasis just 5 minutes from the chaos of Times Square
- The Drama Book Shop (266 W 39th St) — Co-owned by Lin-Manuel Miranda, a beloved institution for theater lovers
- International Center of Photography (79 Essex St) — Rotating world-class photography exhibitions at reasonable admission
- The High Line start point (Gansevoort St) — A slightly longer trip but one of New York’s most rewarding urban walks
💡 Insider Tip: The walk from Times Square to Hell’s Kitchen along 9th Avenue is one of the best casual food exploration walks in the city. Grab coffee, fresh bagels, or street food as you go — none of it costs tourist-zone prices.
Now that you’ve explored the top things to do in Times Square, the next step is choosing the best time to experience them.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Times Square?
The best time to enjoy the top things to do in Times Square depends on whether you prefer nightlife, photography, or smaller crowds.
Times Square is open 24/7, 365 days a year — but the experience changes dramatically depending on the time of day and the season. Here’s the quick breakdown to help you plan:
- Best for photography: Early morning (7–9 AM) for empty streets, or after midnight for the full neon spectacle without crowds
- Best overall atmosphere: Friday and Saturday evenings between 7 PM and 11 PM
- Best for deals on Broadway: Off-peak months (January–March) for the lowest ticket prices and best hotel rates
- Avoid if crowds aren’t your thing: New Year’s Eve, July 4th weekend, Thanksgiving week — all extremely busy
Still have questions about the best things to do in Times Square? Here are answers to the questions visitors ask most often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Times Square worth visiting in 2026?
Absolutely. Despite being one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations, Times Square in 2026 remains a genuinely electrifying urban experience. Between free events like the Midnight Moment, world-class Broadway shows, free street performers, and the sheer spectacle of 80+ synchronized digital billboards, there’s something compelling for every type of visitor — even those who’ve been before.
What can you do in Times Square for free?
Plenty. The best free things to do in Times Square include: watching the Midnight Moment digital art display (11:57 PM every night), exploring the pedestrian plazas and watching street performers, visiting Times Square Arts installations, climbing the TKTS red steps for photos, and simply walking through the neighborhood day or night to take in the atmosphere. Many of the best Times Square experiences cost nothing at all.
How many days do you need in Times Square?
Most visitors can cover the main Times Square highlights in 1–2 days. A solid strategy: spend an evening taking in the lights and atmosphere on arrival, catch a Broadway show on night two, and use daytime hours for paid attractions like Madame Tussauds or Ripley’s. If you want to explore the broader neighborhood — Hell’s Kitchen, Bryant Park, Theater District side streets — add another half-day.
Is Times Square safe for tourists in 2026?
Yes. Times Square is one of the most heavily policed and monitored areas in New York City. The NYPD maintains a visible presence around the clock, and the pedestrian plazas are well-lit and busy at all hours. Standard urban awareness applies — watch your belongings in crowds and be prepared for the costumed character tipping etiquette — but Times Square is generally very safe for tourists visiting at any time of day.
What is the best Broadway show to see in Times Square in 2026?
The best Broadway show depends on your taste and who you’re traveling with. Reliable crowd-pleasers running in 2026 include Hamilton, The Lion King, Wicked, and MJ The Musical. For something newer, check what opened in the 2025–2026 season. Our dedicated Broadway guide covers the top picks with plot summaries, recommended seats, and ticket price ranges for every budget.
What should I do first in Times Square?
Start by walking the main pedestrian plazas on Broadway between 42nd and 47th Streets to get your bearings and take in the scale of it all. Then climb the TKTS red steps in Duffy Square for the classic overhead view. From there, your next move depends on what’s most important to you: theater, food, museums, or just wandering. The First-Timer’s Guide below gives you a full day-by-day plan.
Already have your activities sorted? Make sure you have the full picture before you go. Our Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Times Square covers everything from getting there to where to stand for the best photos — all in one place.
Whether you’re visiting for one afternoon or an entire week, these are the best things to do in Times Square to make the most of your trip. Already have your activities sorted? Our Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide covers everything from getting there to where to stand for the best photos.