Times Square
Times Square
4.5
NeighborhoodsPoints of Interest & LandmarksScenic Walking Areas
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Central area in NYC that has many shops, restaurants, office buildings and flashing billboards around it.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Times Square
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Theater District
How to get there
- 49th St • 3 min walk
- 50th St • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 5 kms
Attractions
2,926 within 10 kms
See what travelers are saying
- tinylassSheffield, United Kingdom6,209 contributionsCrazy!We visited in January when it was freezing so it wasn't too busy but it seems to have changed quite a bit since we last visited in 2017/2018. It is more pedestrianised so more space to wander around and the billboards have got bigger and some are now 3D. It is just a crazy place to see but has to be done! Still some great shops too.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 28, 2024
- Dan S3 contributionsBright and Buzzingit's like stepping into a real-life kaleidoscope. Bright lights, big crowds, and a buzzing energy that's hard to describe. It's the heart of NYC, where everything seems to happen at once. Just soak it in and enjoy the vibrant chaos.Visited August 2023Traveled with friendsWritten January 28, 2024
- stevebintleyBedford, United Kingdom9,144 contributionsAlways busy and buzzingNaturally a must visit when you’re in the city and worth going both during the day and also at night to admire the lights. It’s always busy and there’s plenty of entertainers trying to get money from you, but the buzzing atmosphere makes it easier to put up with and no one comes across too pushy. A landmark area in the city but it certainly does come across very touristy!Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten February 3, 2024
- aldabra007Trieste, Italy2,501 contributionsGood TimesSimply the most iconic and unique part of New York. Gigantic monitors open 24 hours a day, a couple of which project 3D images. A couple of intersections, a square, other diagonal streets, billions of lights and people. Many people. Everyone who walks into shops, restaurants and theaters in any weather. Then there are street entertainers, puppets, fake characters and smells and noises from all over the world. I recommend taking the nearby hotel because you have to go there over and over again, in any weather and at any time. The lights and the different weather make everything appear differently even during the same day. You can find restaurants, fast food, souvenir shops and those of large chains. What can I say? the center of the world.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 6, 2024
- AnilJLondon, United Kingdom1,575 contributions100% Buzzing. A truly iconic locationSo iconic and a must visit location that’s buzzing and vibrant. You’ll get a sense of amazement and be prepared to take plenty of selfies. Juniors is fantastic for breakfast, The Knickerbocker Hotel roof top superb bar, The Edition great for drinks and nibbles, go to see Hamilton as show us breathtaking.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 7, 2024
- Dorcy YMissoula, Montana6 contributionsPriceless memoryWe had both been to New York as kids, and now on our layover heading home, we decided to stay a couple of days here. Honey, let me tell you, the memories of Times Square, the lights, and the electrifying ambiance were just as fabulous as we remembered. We made a promise to come back when we have little ones and help them create their own memories of this iconic place. Can you imagine the look on their faces? Priceless, I tell ya!Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 20, 2024
- MarkBoston, Massachusetts40 contributionsLove Times Square!Whenever I visit NYC I always like to stay in or near Times Square. I absolutely love it. One, it is close to the theaters and my family usually tries to get in at least one show. Two, there are countless decent to very good dining options that are great for families. Three, it is just a very cool scene to take in with the bright lights, crowds, performances, constant buzz, and so on. Four, there are multiple top notch hotels to choose from. The list goes on and on. Is it perfect? No. Of course there are some incidents from time to time... but if you put 500,000 people in one area on a daily basis sometimes things will happen. People who are looking for trouble will find it... but this is true in any part of any city in the world. Bottom line is Times Square is filled with families and tourists enjoying their visit every single day and I never, ever feel unsafe here. Just use the same common sense you do anywhere else and you will never have an issue and enjoy it to the max. Anf yes it is pricey but I find all of NYC to be pretty expensive in general... and the "cheaper" areas are far from places visitors want to be. I only wish we had an area as amazing as Times Square back in my home city!Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 23, 2024
- MoussouNew York City, New York5 contributionsAn incredible place!We were captivated by the energy of the bustling streets, dazzling neon signs, and talented street performers. Walking through Times Square felt like being in a vibrant whirlwind of art and entertainment. We stumbled upon some amazing art galleries showcasing unique pieces. A must-visit spot for any couple looking for an unforgettable experience in New York City!Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 24, 2024
- DesertTripsMorocco381 contributionsWhat on amazing square ever visit on my lifeTimes Square left me in awe with its breathtaking vibrancy and bustling atmosphere. Despite the lively crowds, the experience was nothing short of amazing, making it the ultimate spot for capturing memorable moments. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and eagerly anticipate returning to in the unique charm. Highly recommended for an unforgettable experience.Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten February 26, 2024
- Rajagopal SEdison, New Jersey3,422 contributionsHeart of NYPROs - best spot in NY , love the ambience CONs- less restrooms , scammers around Cant believe I haven’t reviewed The great Times Square !!! Uff.. have been there zillion times and didnt review this place … No.1 place to visit in New York . So colorful in the night .. take ur photo and video cams and keep shooting pics. So many shops around to eat and drink . Best place to go with family and kids .. Of course it is expensive.. less public restrooms around but you can go to any hotel or restaurant and use their restroom . Be careful of people who take pics with kids . You call one and then 2 more guys forcefully come into the pic and ask money ! Some crazy people around here… be aware of the surroundings . Enjoy the place and have fun in New York .. love this overall :)Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
57,011 reviews
Excellent
33,718
Very good
13,525
Average
6,673
Poor
1,946
Terrible
1,151
tippykarp
New York City, NY80 contributions
Dec 2019
Times Sqare is a must see, especially at night. But be prepared for huge crowds and very little room to walk. You may want to check out the Broadway half price ticket outlet at West 45th St. There are usually long lines but they move fairly rapidly. There is a very nice and remarkably clean movie complex on West 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Aves called the Regal Cinema Times Square, which has about 10 theaters, always showing first run movies. If barbeque is your thing there is a suprisingly good barbeque restaurant right next to the Regal Cinemas called Dallas Barbeque where you can dine fairly inexpensive and good. This place is especially good for families.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alysonh90
United Kingdom54 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Stayed in a hotel just off Times Square and we were quite disappointed with the location. Times Square is busy with tourists and touters alike and you can’t walk from one shop to the other without getting accosted to but something or take a photo with Minnie Mouse or some scantily dressed burlesque dancers. They don’t seem to have the ability to leave tourists in peace and after our first day in the city we actively avoided the area and took a long route around to avoid this rip off hot spot. Such a shame because it is the bright lights of Times Square should be what NYC is all about. Spoiled by overcrowded areas and touters
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Swiss Nomad
Lugano, Switzerland3,504 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
If I was asked to described in a few words times Square, I could only say it's the center of Manhattan; several subway lines meet at times Square, or at least pass through, so there are day and night lots of people stopping here either to see a Broadway show, just to take pictures, to visit one of the many shops selling everything from souvenirs, to sports apparels and who knows what else.
I would strongly suggest to come to times Square at sunset or at night, when all the neon lights shine bright and you really wonder at the gigantic size of this square (and city).
True, there are homeless people, people dressed up in costumes, hustlers "selling" cds, but if you want to see a representation of America in a square, this is the place you wanna visit.
Plus, who goes to NY without passing at least by time Square?!
I would strongly suggest to come to times Square at sunset or at night, when all the neon lights shine bright and you really wonder at the gigantic size of this square (and city).
True, there are homeless people, people dressed up in costumes, hustlers "selling" cds, but if you want to see a representation of America in a square, this is the place you wanna visit.
Plus, who goes to NY without passing at least by time Square?!
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pinoks
Taguig City, Philippines225 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We came here in the late afternoon of Dec. 27 so daughter could see the billboards and the crowds. But oh boy! It was just so crowded that it was quite difficult to move. We got scared for our daughter as we felt she could get squeezed by the throng of people. And we felt that the risk of a stampede was so real.
I don’t understand some people who even brought their young children in strollers.
Other than the fact that it’s Times Square and its glittering billboards, this place lacks cultural significance as it is commonly understood.
This place should be avoided if at all possible. If one were to visit, it’s probably good to do that very late in the evening or very early in the morning. Trust me.
I don’t understand some people who even brought their young children in strollers.
Other than the fact that it’s Times Square and its glittering billboards, this place lacks cultural significance as it is commonly understood.
This place should be avoided if at all possible. If one were to visit, it’s probably good to do that very late in the evening or very early in the morning. Trust me.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sal
Hawthorne, NJ33 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
If you are going to NYC than it is a no brainer that you have to spend a day in times square. It is a blend of all different characters where tourist, business people and super heroes congregate in a daily basis. If you are not prepared to pay the super heroes than don't take a pic with them, the naked cowboy also takes pics for money. The minimum you should give is about 5.00 if you don't want to argue with them. Trust they will argue with you also don't ask them to take your picture if you want you phone back you would have to pay, this is NYC not Disney land.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
walshgolfmw
Burlington, MA67 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
If you want to attend a play or show, just across from Madison Square Garden at 10 a.m. they sell half price tickets to Off-Broadway and Broadway shows for that days performances. They also sell matinee performances. Times Square is a different place in the day time than it is at night. Probably the busiest place in all of mid Manhattan.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
millsy123
Newcastle, Australia268 contributions
Dec 2019
Loud, super bright and full of interesting characters. At Xmas time the whole of new york is magical...especially when it snows! Look out for the entertainers in times square and getting your photo taken with a super hero could be expensive!!!
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Desiree S
Los Angeles, CA75 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I love NYC it’s one of my favorite towns and Time Square it one of it staple attractions. There’s restaurant, shops, places to buy tickets for broadway and off-broadway plays at discounted prices. They have a bleacher area for tourists to sit in and view the area and the American flag for the greatest country in the world.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HappyWhen
Kajaani, Finland556 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Sellers try to vend tickets to Broadway or sightseeing busses, photo opportunities with Disney and Marvel characters or just asking for money for some reasons.
Bright billboards are all over the square, which seems smaller than in the movies/pictures. We went there once in purpose and couple of times just passing and there were always people.
We stood there for a good while to feel the square and for some photos, which are nice to take in sort of podiums there are along the street.
Bright billboards are all over the square, which seems smaller than in the movies/pictures. We went there once in purpose and couple of times just passing and there were always people.
We stood there for a good while to feel the square and for some photos, which are nice to take in sort of podiums there are along the street.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rea S
Arlington, TX32 contributions
Mar 2021
A cold Sunday evening around 6 pm, I made my way down to Tiime Square. Shops were open and street vendors were at every corner. The bleachers were nice although I did not go to sit down.. I enjoyed the artistic displays of lights and visuals on the super large screen. There were dancers in the middle of the square entertaining all who wanted to see and various skateboarders riding about. So many places to eat and drink were available, along with the food vendors with their parked trucks selling cheap eats. There were artist available to sketch details portraits or caricatures lined up and down the streets. From knock-off designer goods to cheap souvenirs, it was all there. If one is tired, it is easy to get a carriage rider to give you a lift, but it is not cheap. Coming out of the store, I saw a heavy presence of NYPD, this was because a social issue parade was being led. New York is always awake, popping, full of culture and diversity.. You have to see it for yourself. It you like a fast past place with lots of bright lights, places to shop, street eats, drink and like to see a unique set of human-beings, visit time square. You won't be disappointed.
Written March 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happy New Year everyone!
Myself and my husband are looking to stay in Times Square for NYE 2025!
A dream of ours is to visit New York and NYE would be the icing on the cake!
I’ve been researching the hotels with a ‘ball drop’ view and besides the fact they are almost old out, I’d like to stay just outside of TS and get tickets to a NYE party hosted by a hotel with a view of TS and the BD.
I wondered if any of you lovely people would be so kind as to share your experiences with me or share recommendations? I’m a firm believer that word of mouth is the best kind of advertisement!
We would like a party where we can wear formal attire and enjoy the music and people watch from a rooftop. At 35 years of age and 40, we are not solely about the clubbing scene anymore so any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you in advance, wishing you all a year filled with success, love and happiness!
Written January 5, 2025
Dear Lawrieanne, we were in NY in August of 2024, so I dont have a recommendation for the new year's eve event. But my comments might help you. You want to stay in Manhattan but no in Time Square please research on internet which hotels have issues with bed bugs (quite a lot actually). We stayed in the Hilton Midtown Manhattan. It is an old hotel but clean, the parking is super expensive so if you can avoid to rent a car it will be great. We did visit Times square and we regrated greatly, the street is quite small and packed with people, it is dirty and smells like urine or worse at every corner, we also saw rats. I read in another blogs that Time square is not worth it, but I wanted to see it by myself... and all the blogs were right. I can not imagine how packed is that place in new year's eve. While we enjoyed eating in New York (so many options), there is only one thing I can recommend: the Classic Harbor Line Cruises. They were lovely and the time was great. We went to Sumit to see the city and it was also nice, not as tall as the buildings in Asia but still nice.
The best thing of our trip was when we drove from New York to Buffalo and then crossed to Niagara falls ON. The drive is majestic.
Sorry, in our mind New York is overrated and extremely filthy.
Written January 6, 2025
We are a family group with 8 adults and 10 kids ranging from 15-8 mo's.
We will be in NYC on Mar 16 (St. Patrick parade day) and I have two questions:
1) We have other plans in lower Manhattan until at least 4:00 pm.
Should we avoid Times Square/Empire State Building etc. because it's going to be a mad house around that area in the evening as well? Say 5-10 pm?
2) If we drive up to that area the next day, Sunday, on our way out of the city; can we park anywhere (like a parking garage) and walk around TS/ESB/the Rock etc. or is that not feasible?
Written January 22, 2024
I guess i would hesitate to take a group of 10 kids walking through TS almost anytime based on what we saw and the low lifes present.
if i had to I would go further north in Manhattan close to Rockefeller Center and do that and St Patricks that are close by...you will find expensive parking in that area.
Written January 23, 2024
Six of us will be seeing a show at The Gershwin Theater on a Sunday in October, and wondering where would be a good place to have dinner afterwards? It would be nice to have a NYC experience…but I know NYC can be expensive, so just not TOO expensive. Thanks!
Written June 26, 2023
There are any number of bars and restaurants to choose from, ranging in quality. If you're not too fussed on the quality I'd suggest Ellen's Stardust Diner. You'll have to queue to get in, it is a worthwhile experience. I always try to visit at least once if I'm lucky enough to be in New York
Written June 27, 2023
She wrote in Chinese alphabet so I cannot read that. If she wants her question answered then she should write in normal alphabet.
Written May 16, 2023
What are the travel requirements to visit USA (New York) from the UK. What’s the cost of a visa, looking at going for Xmas.
Written October 1, 2022
If you hold a British or EU passport you do not require a visa. You would need to apply for an ESTA which will give you pre-approval to visit. It cost $21 US.
Written October 2, 2022
Hello. What are your face coverings requirements for broadway shows?
Written June 23, 2022
They were required when I was there in April, but the Web says they are optional on Broadway beginning July 1, 2022. I would still check the theatre(s) where you are planning to go.
Written June 26, 2022
Will be in NY for Xmas Day saying in Times Square. Any recommendations for a restaurant ???? Thanks
Written May 24, 2022
There are so many options!!! Sorry, I would prefer you picked yourself 🙏🏼🥳🙏🏼 Enjoy!!
Written May 26, 2022
Cual es el mejor hotel plen times square para ver el espectaculo de la bola el dia 31 de diciembre.
El que mejor vista tenga?
Written September 20, 2021
Not sure why Tripadvisor claims that you need tickets to visit Times Square. You don’t. There may be private tours available but visiting the region itself is free. Does anyone know which times sq they are talking about that needs tickets starting $41 per person?
Written June 20, 2021
It does not cost anything to visit Times Square. The $41 per person cost that they are referring to is if you click on the SEE TICKETS button just below where it says Admission Tickets for a couple of those attractions that require an admission cost.
Written June 23, 2021
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