A trip to New York City wouldn’t be finished without examining Times Square. This urban landmark is an thrilling hub of entertainment, restaurants, and shops, and it provides all kinds of sightseeing and people-watching. Plus, it’s accessible 24/7, so there is always something to do in Times Square, New York.
During the day, you can engage in shopping for souvenirs and high-end items, as well as interacting with the cast of characters and performers outside. After nightfall, the area becomes one of the premier places to explore in NYC, thanks to all the evening offerings in Times Square.
We consistently make sure to explore this area of Manhattan whenever we visit the major city since it seems like there is a freshly discovered aspect each time.
Clearly, Times Square can provide an overwhelming variety of attractions, noises, and people crowds, so if you`re uncertain what to do here, I`ve compiled the top 10 activities and destinations in Times Square to ensure no matter when you visit or who you`re with, you`ll have a great experience.
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1. See a Broadway show, something to do in Times Square at night
Times Square is also home to the Theatre District, so seeing a Broadway performance is among the finest things to do here, even if you merely spend 3 days in NYC.
There are numerous Broadway theaters, and while you can’t go wrong with any of them, some of the highly rated ones are the New Amsterdam Theatre,Lyceum Theatre, and Belasco Theatre. Therefore, if you’re wondering what activities are available in Times Square at night, consider seeing a play or musical performance.
There are various types of productions to satisfy different moods, ranging from family-friendly shows and romantic musicals to classic Broadway plays. We`ve seen Aladdin,Chicago,The Lion King,The Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked, and it is challenging to pick a favorite. Broadway features some of the finest actors, set designers, composers, and costumers, so seeing a show is quite an experience.
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Theatre tickets can be found here, though if you don`t have a strict preference on the show, I suggest checking out the TKTS Pavilion at the Red Stairs, where discounted Broadway tickets are sold. You may not be able to pick the specific performance, but the productions are all excellent so there won`t be any regret.
2. Madame Tussauds, a fun thing to do in Times Square as a family
If you’re looking for an exciting place in Times Square that appeals to all age groups, I recommend MadameTussauds. This famous wax museum is an enjoyable location to visit in NYC with children, although it’s also popular with teenagers and adults.
Madame Tussauds New York features over 200 realistic wax sculptures portraying celebrities, politicians, athletes, and fictional characters. The museum is organized into different galleries and spaces, each focusing on a separate scene. This allows you to step into the action and take incredible photos that will fool your friends.
Visit Barack Obama in the Oval Office, sit beside Jimmy Fallon on the set of his TV show, and rub elbows with Jennifer Aniston on the red carpet. You’ll also find many superheroes and fictional favorites like Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, and E.T.
After touring the wax exhibits, check out the museum’s 4D movie based on the Marvel Universe, or try the 7D shooter game that simulates a killer clown invasion on Coney Island.
Visiting Madame Tussauds is a great activity to partake in with family while in Times Square, so if you wish to go, I suggest obtaining your ticket in advance here. Admission is also incorporated in the New York Pass, one of the best tourist passes available in NYC.
3. M&M’s World, Disney Store, and other shops in Times Square
If you have a sweet tooth, you certainly won`t want to miss visiting M&M’s World, one of the top attractions located in TimesSquare. This store with an M&M theme is filled with clothing, accessories, toys, and naturally, candy. You can even design your own M&Ms with personalized messages or images.
Across the street, you’ll find Hershey’s Chocolate World, one of the best chocolate shops in the city. Here, you can indulge in all kinds of Hershey’s candies, including the iconic Hershey’s chocolate bar, Reese’s cups, Hershey’s Kisses, KitKats, and more.
The Disney Store is another engaging location in Times Square for visits with kids. The shop offers a wide selection from Disney princess gowns to Marvel action figures, as well as Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic merchandise.
If you’re more of a sports fan, check out Grand Slam New York, which specializes in Yankees jerseys and gifts. You can get other NYC-themed items here, like clothing and trinkets, so it’s a good place to stop if you want to pick up some souvenirs for the family.
Of course, a shopping trip to Times Square wouldn’t be complete without visiting Line Friends to see the cute characters and pick up some gifts. There are also several popular clothing stores in the area, like Levi’s,Superdry,Gap,Express, and H&M.
4. Have fun with the Times Square characters and street performers
While shopping and sightseeing in Times Square, you’ll come across all sorts of costumed people from films, cartoons, and video games. These friendly faces delight kids and adults alike, and it’s not uncommon to see individuals posing with these characters for photos.
Mickey Mouse,Hello Kitty,Elmo, and Spider-Man are just a few of the characters you may encounter, so keep an eye out for your preferred ones. Greeting these personalities is an entertaining activity to do in Times Square, and if you take a portrait with them, don`t forget to offer a dollar or two as thanks!
In addition to the cartoon characters, there are numerous street performers in the Times Square area. Some are more renowned than others, like the Naked Cowboy, who plays his guitar while wearing just cowboy boots, a hat, and undergarments. He’s been performing here for over 20 years, so he’s a must-see in Times Square.
Other artists and street performers include break dancers, amateur bands, acrobats, and musicians. They perform day and night, so there is always something cool to see while walking through the area.
5. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Times Square, a famous thing to do in Times Square
If you’re visiting the city of New York during the Christmas period, then don’t neglect to experience New Year’s Eve in Times Square. The Times Square Ball Drop tradition dating back to 1907 attracts over a million people annually.
As visitors collect in Times Square, the energy levels there become more lively and festive. Around 6 pm, they start lifting the famous Times Square Ball, a sparkling sphere decorated with thousands of Waterford Crystals and tens of thousands of LED lights.
Times Square is also the location for the New Year’s Rockin’ Eve broadcast, hosted by Ryan Seacrest. The event includes celebrity appearances and musical performances watched by millions across the country.
As everyone counts the seconds until midnight, the illuminated ball descends from its pole atop One Times Square. At the stroke of midnight, everyone cheers and applauds, couples kiss, and confetti falls over the crowd. It’s one of the best things to do in Times Square, and something you’ll never forget.
6. Visit the Red Stairs, another popular thing to do in Times Square, NYC
If you stop by the TKTS Pavilion referenced earlier, you’ll see the iconic Red Stairs, one of the coolest spots in Times Square.
These transparent staircases in Duffy Square at 47th Street rise 16 feet above the sidewalk. It serves as a excellent resting spot offering iconic views of Times Square including its luminous billboards, landmarks, and retail through its transparent surface. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the top cost-free activities in NYC.
The stairway can accommodate approximately 1,500 individuals at one time, though there are rarely more than a couple dozen visitors present. At night, the stairs radiate a ruby red glow, creating a beautiful, illuminated monument. In reality, the stairway has become a symbol of Times Square’s cultural significance as a premier tourist attraction.
Even if you’re just passing through, it’s worth examining the vantage point from the Red Stairs, as it represents one of the best landmarks in Times Square.
7. Eat at Bubba Gump and other restaurants in Times Square
With all the walking involved in touring Times Square, you`ll want to fuel up. Luckily, there are excellent spots in Times Square for a bite, like Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, a famous seafood restaurant made famous by the film Forrest Gump.
If seafood or fish are not to your liking, be sure to check out Ellen’s Stardust Diner at 51st and Broadway. There, you can order all sorts of typical counter food and all-day breakfast. What makes this location stand out is its retro 1950s aesthetic and singing staff, nicknamed The Stardusters. Also, the diner shares its position with the Iridium jazz club, one of the top live music venues in Times Square.
I suggest City Kitchen, a food court located at 44th Street and 8th Avenue for families or travelers with choosy eaters. Planet Hollywood is an ideal place to dine before or after enjoying a performance, while the Hard Rock Café offers casual American fare with an added rock `n` roll twist.
Finally, Los Tacos No. 1 has some of the best tacos in the city and delicious aguas frescas. For dessert, you can’t pass up a visit to Junior’s for a slice of NY-style cheesecake, one of the must-try foods in NYC.
8. Enjoy the Times Square Midnight Moment, an iconic thing to do in Times Square
As mentioned, Times Square comes alive after dark, and it`s worth staying up late to see the TimesSquare Midnight Moment. This nightly digital art showcase spans over 90 electronic billboards from 41st to 49th Streets. The show begins at 11:57 p.m. and continues until midnight.
This art exhibition is one of the coolest attractions in Times Square, and the largest digital art showcase in a public location. The works displayed change every month and feature contemporary artists from New York, across the United States, and around the globe.
Relying on when you pay a visit, you’ll see multi-media video pieces, scenic backgrounds, or animated vignettes accompanied by musical compositions. Some of these works are artistic studies while others seek to make a societal or political statement.
It’s a pithy appearance, even so the Midnight Moment is a fantastic route to seize in some artwork, in particular if you don’t have adequately period to go to one of Manhattan’s finest museums.
9. Experience RISE NY, another great thing to do in Times Square, New York
Among the most entertaining things to do in Times Square, one activity that is very suitable for families is RISE NY. This interactive experience simulates traveling over some of New York’s most iconic landmarks by air.
The experience initiates with a documentary, followed by a soaring adventure over the Manhattan skyline. RISE NY has a “flying theater” with movable seats that suspend you 30 feet in the air as well as mist sprayers, wind machines, and aromas to generate an immersive experience. The attraction has a 40-foot projection dome, similar to an IMAX theater, to give you the sense of flying over the Big Apple.
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While RISE NY is one of the most unique activities to partake in Times Square, I recommend undertaking a New York helicopter tour if it fits within your budget. Nothing surpasses the experience of flying over the city in a genuine helicopter, and there are several great options accessible, like this doors-off flight.
We took a sightseeing flight over Manhattan, and it proved worthwhile. Not only did we get to observe iconic sights like Times Square from above, but we also captured stunning photos of other renowned landmarks such as Central Park and the Statue of Liberty from our aerial perspective.
10. Grab drinks at St. Cloud and other rooftop bars in Times Square
Finally, I advise finishing your visit in Times Square with a refreshing drink at an elevated bar. Some of the /post/100617/ rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”> top rooftop bars in New York City are right in this entertainment district, so you don’t have to go far.
For instance, Magic Hour on the 18th floor of Moxy Times Square is an imaginative venue with flowers, fairy lights, and twinkling crystals. Here, you can take in the views of the Empire State Building and Theatre District while sipping on a signature beverage.
I also suggest Bar 54, especially if you want spectacular sunset perspectives. It`s on the 54th floor of the Hyatt Centric Times Square, so you can see the sunlight glinting off the Chrysler Building while enjoying distinctive drinks and gourmet bar fare.
Another great rooftop lounge is St. Cloud, situated atop the Knickerbocker Hotel. This upscale bar has indoor and outdoor spaces, private balconies, and a cigar lounge overlooking the busy roadways of Times Square.
Also, though it lacks a rooftop bar, I would also add The Rum House to this listing. This well-liked bar/lounge showcases real-time jazz music as well as a classic hidden ambiance. It is known for older rum-based beverages and rum cocktails, despite also providing beer, wine, as well as small eats.
Whichever bar you opt for, grabbing drinks after a day of cultural exploration or an evening at the theater is one of the prime activities for couples to engage in in Times Square.
Best hotels in Times Square
There are plenty of things worth seeing in Times Square, so if you plan on staying in this area overnight, some of the best hotels are outlined here. More lodging alternatives in our guide on where to reside in NYC.
- The Times Square EDITION – This is among the premier 5-star lodgings located in New York City, close to all the action while providing luxurious amenities.
- The LUMA Hotel Times Square – This modern accommodation offers a relaxed atmosphere with extras like continental breakfast, an on-site bar and numerous room amenities, alongside fantastic location near the iconic Macy’s flagship store. It’s frequently praised as one of the top hotels positioned in Times Square.
- Knickerbocker Hotel – In addition to housing the St. Cloud rooftop bar, this famous hotel in Midtown NYC has a gym and pet-friendly rooms.
- Westin New York at Times Square – The contemporary rooms at this hotel feature lovely views of Times Square, and guests can take advantage of the on-site cocktail bar and fitness center.
- Pod Times Square – This particular hotel has a superb location but surprisingly, it remains one of the most affordable accommodations located within Times Square.
That concludes the top places to see in Times Square! I hope you found some interesting locations to visit in Times Square the next time you’re in the Big Apple.
Of course, if you have any queries or would like to share your account, you can leave me a comment below. I look forward to hearing back from you! Until then, enjoy your trip!
