Travel Plan
Times Square

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · NEW YORK

Times Square

The dazzling "Crossroads of the World", lit by giant digital billboards day and night.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1 hour
Entry
Free
Best time
Night
Area
Midtown

The neon heart of New York, with giant screens, theatres and crowds day and night.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Manhattan, NY 10036

  • Subway: Times Sq–42 St station, served by many lines.
  • Broadway: The theatre district surrounds the square; TKTS sells discount same-day tickets.
  • Safety: Ignore costumed characters who demand money for photos.

The story of Times Square

Times Square took its name from The New York Times, which moved its headquarters here in 1904. Every New Year's Eve since 1907, a ball has dropped from One Times Square at midnight.

Today about 300,000 people pass through on a typical day, surrounded by some of the biggest digital screens in the world. Halal food carts are common across Midtown.

Best time to visit

Best season

All year; December for holiday lights.

Best time of day

Night, when the screens glow.

New Year's Eve

Extremely crowded; arrive many hours early.

Tips before you go

  • Best after dark. Buy discounted Broadway tickets at the TKTS booth.
  • Sit on the red steps above TKTS for the view.
  • Try a halal cart platter — a New York classic.

Best hotels near Times Square

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

The Plaza

Legendary hotel on Central Park South.

See prices

The Langham, New York

Spacious rooms near the Empire State Building.

See prices

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Waterfront hotel with Manhattan views.

See prices
All hotels near Times Square

What's around Times Square

  • Broadway theatresAround the square.
  • Bryant Park5 minutes' walk.
  • Rockefeller Center10 minutes' walk.
  • Fifth AvenueShopping.

Questions travellers ask

Why is it called Times Square?

After The New York Times.

Is there halal food?

Yes, halal carts are common in Midtown.

Is it safe?

Generally, but watch your belongings.

More in New York

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Read the guide
Central Park

Central Park

Read the guide
Empire State Building

Empire State Building

Read the guide
Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

Read the guide
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Travel Plan · Times Square Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure