If you are planning your trip to Times Square you have probably already seen a lot of photos of the lights and the billboards. What those photos do not tell you is how to navigate the place. When to go how to skip the worst of the crowds, where to get cheap Broadway tickets and what is actually worth your time versus what is just a tourist trap. This guide covers everything a first-timer needs, based on how the area works day to day.
Where Exactly Is Times Square?
Times Square sits in Midtown Manhattan at the bowtie-shaped intersection where Broadway and Seventh Avenue cross, between 42nd and 47th Streets. It is the heart of the Theater District, which’s why you will find most of Broadways biggest shows within a few blocks in every direction.
How to Get There?
Times Square is one of the places in New York to reach no matter where you are coming from.
By subway: You can reach Times Square via the Times Square–42nd Street station, which connects to the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, and W subway lines. If you stay anywhere in Manhattan, you can get there in just a few stops.
By bus: Several city bus routes also stop in the area, which can be an option if you would rather stay above ground and see the city as you move.
On foot: If you are staying in Midtown already walking is often just as fast as the subway during rush hour.
Tip: Whatever you do do not drive. Parking is expensive and scarce and traffic around Times Square moves during the day.
When to Visit
This is the question first-timers get wrong often. Times Square has two different personalities depending on when you show up.
* Daytime: crowds, easier to get into shops and stores better for photos without quite as many people in the background.
* Night: This is when the square actually comes alive.
The billboards are designed to be seen after dark and the energy of the crowds, street performers and lights is what people picture when they imagine Times Square. It is also predictably the time of day.
Best of both worlds: Go in the afternoon and stay through early evening. You will catch the transition from day to night which is genuinely one of the memorable moments of a NYC trip.
Avoid if you can: Weekends and the days around New Years Eve, when the square gets shoulder-to-shoulder crowded. If you are visiting during a holiday plan extra time and patience.
What to See and Do
Watch the Lights and Billboards
This sounds obvious. It is worth doing intentionally rather than just passing through. Find a spot. The red TKTS steps are an one. And just take it in for ten minutes. It is free. It is the experience most people come for.
Catch a Broadway Show
No first trip to Times Square is complete without seeing a show in the Theater District. Whether you book in advance or take a chance on same-day discount tickets (more on that below) this is the most New York thing you can do here.
Visit Madame Tussauds
A walk from the square this wax museum lets you get up close with figures of celebrities, athletes and historical figures with no ropes keeping you at a distance. It is an option for families or anyone who wants an indoor activity to break up a day of walking.
Browse the Flagship Stores
Times Square is home to immersive retail experiences. Multi-floor candy stores, character-themed shops and brand flagships that are designed to be attractions in their own right not just places to shop.
People-Watch on the Red Steps
The red glass steps near Street (officially Father Duffy Square) are a free spot to sit rest your feet and watch the square go by. It is also where the TKTS booth operates from.
How to Get Discount Broadway Tickets (TKTS)
If you want to see a show without paying price the TKTS booth is the move.
How it works: TKTS sells same-day tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows at 20% to 50% off prices. It is run by the Theatre Development Fund (TDF) a non-profit. Is located right under the red steps in Times Square.
Where and when: The main booth is at the corner of Street and Broadway and it is open 365 days a year. Matinee tickets can sometimes be bought the day before. Evening show tickets must be purchased the same day.
What to expect: All sales happen in person. You cannot buy TKTS tickets online. Lines can run over an hour during busy periods so arriving close to opening time gives you the best shot at popular shows.
Payment: TKTS locations accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and cash though a handful of Off-Broadway shows are cash
Tip: If you buy a ticket at TKTS hold onto the stub. It lets you skip the line at any TKTS booth for the next seven days, which is handy if you decide to catch a second show later in your trip. If the Times Square line looks brutal the Lincoln Center TKTS location tends to be less crowded.
Check before you go: Download the TKTS app to see what is on sale that day before committing to the wait.
Practical Tips for First-Timers
Watch your belongings.
Times Square is heavily trafficked and a known spot for pickpockets and aggressive street vendors. Keep bags zipped and valuables close.
Be polite but firm with costumed characters and street performers.
Many will ask for tips after photos. Know that going in and feel free to say no if you did not ask for the interaction.
Wear shoes.
You will walk more than you expect.
Expect crowds always.
On a “quiet” day Times Square is one of the busiest pedestrian areas in the world. Build patience into your plans.
It is safer than its reputation suggests.
The area is lit heavily policed and busy around the clock, which actually makes it one of the more secure parts of the city late at night.
How Time Should You Spend Here?
For visitors two to three hours is enough to see the square grab a bite and browse a store or two. If you are adding a Broadway show plan for a day at minimum once you include the TKTS line, dinner and the performance itself.
Final Tip
Times Square is best experienced as part of a NYC day rather than a standalone destination. It is surrounded by Bryant Park, the Theater District and easy subway access to the rest of Manhattan. Use it as your home base for a day not the whole itinerary.
FAQS TIME SQUARE NEWYORK
Have a question about visiting Times Square that we did not cover?
Drop it in the comments we update this guide regularly with what is actually current, on the ground.