NYC’s Favorite Tourist Spot & Home of Broadway
Times Square New York and the Theater District are some of New York City’s most popular tourist attractions. Of course, Broadway, also known as the Great White Way, is most definitely for locals as well. Spend a bit of time here and make sure to see the lights at night, but remember, it is less than 10 blocks, a tiny part of Manhattan and even smaller part of NYC!
Times Square NYC Things to Do
Get your selfie on at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, one of the most popular things to do in Times Square. When you’re done snapping photos with over 225 shockingly lifelike wax figures of the biggest stars and icons in entertainment, sports and history, you can head downstairs to play some games and have a drink at Dave and Busters, located in the same building (in the Hilton Times Square).
New Years Eve in Times Square
New Years Eve is the most popular event in Times Square every year. For those willing to brave the crowds or looking for the ultimate bucket list hotels with prime Ball Drop views, check out our complete guides to:
TSX Times Square
The brand new TSX Times Square is a mixed space offering shopping, entertainment, Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square, Broadway and more. A Pixelstar program let’s you go live on their billboard for 15 seconds by downloading the TSX app, uploading your chosen video and paying a $40 fee.
Broadway Shows NYC
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NYC Hotels Times Square
The best NYC Hotels Times Square chosen by a NYC local! If you want to be in the heart of Broadway, all the tourist action, Restaurant Row, lounge by a pool, check out the best views from a rooftop or splurge on the live NYE Ball Drop, we will show you the best places to stay.
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Times Square TSQ
May 2-September 29, 2023
Every summer in Times Square, NYC, TSQ LIVE showcases hundreds of artists, performers and cultural producers and this summer 80 free events hosting over a dozen incredible New York-based institutions and collectives, including Pioneer Works, NEW INC, Children’s Museum of Art, Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Ailey Extension, New York Live Arts, OTA Entertainment, Soul Summit, Rash Bar, and Elsewhere.
More Info: Times Square TSQ Live
Times Square Tours & Activities
NASDAQ Market Site
While you probably won’t be able to go inside unless you have a friend ringing the bell, make sure to look up at their high-tech electronic display, which wraps around the cylindrical NASDAQ building, providing up-to-the-minute financial news, market highlights and advertisements. It’s probably THE billboard you see in every photo that makes you think “that’s Times Square” pictured in the NYE photo above. 43rd @ Broadway.
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New York Times Building
Did you Know? Times Square is named after the New York Times.
620 8th Ave, 40th/41st
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Times Square NYC Attractions Passes
To explore Times Square using a NYC Tourist pass, you’ll want to look for Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, HOHO Bus Tours (most start in Times Square), Bowlmor Lanes (bowling and a local favorite for kids and adults), Broadway Ticket Savings, Restaurant Coupons (usually Dave & Buster’s, Planet Hollywood & similar).
NY Sightseeing Pass, New York Pass, NY Explorer Pass, CityPASS Compared
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Times Square & Broadway NYC Restaurants
Restaurant Row (46th St, 8th/9th Aves) is home to 30 restaurants on one block, some a bit touristy, but all geared for the Broadway theatre crowd, serving prix-fixe specials and well-aware you have an 8pm show to get to. Recommended: Sushi of Gari 46, Becco & Barbetta (authentic Italian, 100+ years old).
Saki Bar Hagi 46 (358 W 46th St) – Japanese eatery & sake bar offering yakitori, noodles, sushi and much more. This place is always packed with locals (huge AAPI hotspot) and open very late. My go-to when seeing a show!
Tagine (221 W 38th St) – fine Moroccan, authentic and tasty chicken, lamb, cous cous and more. Served at a European pace, not for the rushed pre-theater crowd.
Croton Reservoir Tavern (108 W 40th St (6th/Broadway) Simple and easy American fare. Burgers, Steak, Ahi Tuna, great martinis! Closer to Bryant Park. Read More: Croton Reservoir Tavern
Becco (355 W 46th, 8th Ave) – Italian, prix-fixe menus, all you can eat pasta and owned by Lidia Bastianich, a local favorite chef.
Carmine’s (200 W 44th @ 7th Ave)- family-style Italian and their second restaurant (original on the Upper West Side). Widely popular with the theater crowd, tourists and a great family-friendly stop in Times Square. Make sure to go with people who have similar eating styles as you do. If not, Becco is a better bet.
Junior’s – They have everything (burger, deli, breakfast, dessert), but are likely the most famous NY Cheesecake in the world. For 60+ years, anytime my family celebrates a holiday or special occasion, it has been someone’s job to “stop at Junior’s (the original in Brooklyn) and pick up cakes.” 2 locations in Times Square – 45th & 49th.
Sugar Factory (694 8th Ave @ W 44th St) – Celebrity fave candy-themed restaurant offering treats to both kids and adults, as well as a standard American brasserie menu. Everything here is designed to look pretty, be insta-worthy and taste great for both kids and adults. (photo below)
Serendipity 3 Times Square (157 W 47th St) – Best known for Frozen Hot Chocolate, one of Oprah’s favorites
Sardi’s (234 W 44th, 7th & 8th) – an iconic Broadway institution for years, great for pre- and post- theater meals, a local Broadway star hangout. The menu is kind of random. Maybe upscale continental? Open on Thanksgiving.
Joe Allen – similar to Sardi’s in that it is a popular Broadway hangout (stars, producers), but a casual tavern. Orso is their Italian sister restaurant.
Meske (Meskerem) (468 W 47th, 10th Ave) – Ethiopian, inexpensive & interesting. If you’ve never eaten by using spongy bread to pick up your food (no utensils), it’s fun and a must-try. Most dishes are spicy and many are vegetarian friendly.
Joe’s Pizza (1435 Broadway @ 40th) – do yourself a favor – never ask any two New Yorkers together which is the best pizza in NYC or you’ll have yourself a brawl. However, Joe’s is consistently ranked as a top NYC slice (don’t even ask about the slice vs pie battle). The original is in the West Village and everyone will tell you this one isn’t as good, but if you’re here, hungry and don’t have a lot of time, then Joe’s a great bet.
More Popular Times Square Restaurants: BarDough, Brasserie 1605, Gallagher’s Steakhouse, Havana Central, Hold Fast, Le Rivage, P.S. Kitchen, Playwright Celtic Pub, Shula’s Steak House, Tito Murphy’s, Tony’s Di Napoli, Virgil’s Real Barbecue
Ellen’s Stardust & Gayle’s Broadway Rose – what do aspiring Broadway stars do when in between Tony awards? They serve you retro food at Ellen’s and Gayle’s Broadway Rose and perform mini shows.
See Midtown West for nearby restaurant recommendations
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These stores run from 42nd to 48th Street, along 7th and Broadway. Without stopping, the whole area takes 15 minutes to walk. Popular Times Square stores & stops include:
- M&M World
- Hersheys Chocolate World
- Levis
- Swatch
- M.A.C Cosmetics
- Planet Hollywood
- Disney
- Line Friends
- Capezio (ballet/dance)
- Old Navy, Gap, SuperDry, H&M, Muji, Forever 21++
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co
- Souvenir & Electronics Stores
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Times Square & Broadway Hotels
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Boutique Hotels in Times Square
Some of our top boutique accommodation picks in Times Square include:
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See Also: Boutique Hotels in New York City
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Best Times Square Suite Hotels
Some top Suite Hotels in Times Square include:
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Cheap Budget Hotels – Times Square
Some of our top value picks in Times Square include:
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Best Times Square New Years Eve Hotels
If watching the world’s most famous ball drop at midnight from your own New Year’s Eve NYC Hotel is on your bucket list, then don’t miss your chance to reserve a special NYE package in NYC. Some of our favorites include:
- Margaritaville Resort Times Square – new in 2021, a beachy themed resort in the heart of Times Square! The 4th Floor LandShark Bar and Grill is home to Times Square’s ONLY outdoor (heated) pool, and the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar on the hotel’s 31st & 32nd floors provides guests with views of the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball, Hudson River and NYC skyline. Margaritvaville has 234 island-inspired guest rooms, a fitness center, and a Tiki Bar. We don’t know exactly how NYE will work at Margaritaville, but we sure get the feeling it’s going to be AMAZING!
- The Knickerbocker – Ring in the New Year from the St. Cloud rooftop bar, which has a surreal view of the New Years Eve Ball
- New York Marriott Marquis – rooms with Ball Drop views, multiple parties in hotel
See More: Best New Years Eve Ball Drop NYC Hotels
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Delta Hotel by Marriott New York Times Square
The 310 room Delta Hotel by Marriott New York Times Square offers guests a platform bed, large flat screen TVs, lounge area, desk and bathroom, in addition to complimentary Wi-Fi, bottled water and a premium fitness center. Dining options include George, offering staple grab and go offerings while George’s Nephew allows you to take the time for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks with a variety of cuisine options from which to choose.
Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square
The Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square, not to be confused with the Riu Plaza New York Times Square on 46th St, is HUGE with more than 650 rooms with mini-fridges and free Wifi. A huge hotel means super competitive rates at a hotel opening at the (hopefully) end of a pandemic in Times Square – nevermind their sister hotel down the street also has 600+ rooms to fill! Opened in 2022.
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Recommended Times Square Hotels
(links to discount rates)
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Subways to Times Square
- 1, 2, 3 along Broadway and 7th Ave
- A, C, E along 8th Avenue
- N, R, Q, W
- 7 or Shuttle (S) from the east side (Grand Central)
- General Address: 1560 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
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Times Square Printable Map
Times Square New York and Theater District NYC Map
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NYC Insider Printable Guides
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NYC Neighborhood Guides
Harlem
Our Harlem neighborhood guide will show you the wonderful cultural, food, music and historic value of this landmark area, which has long, strong and proud NYC roots. The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s began the golden age of African-American culture, literature, music, artists, theater and art, which continues to strengthen today. If you want to eat authentic soul food, hear mind-blowing jazz and gospel and clothing shop with Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, then Harlem is on your bucket list!
Upper West Side
The Upper West Side is a residential neighborhood filled with young professionals and families. It is a great place to stay if you are looking to avoid the heavy crowds of Midtown, explore Central Park, The Museum of Natural History, the Beacon Theatre, Lincoln Center, the West Side Highway and still be about 20 minutes from most of Manhattan.
Central Park
Central Park offers 843 gorgeous acres to explore and 100s of things to do, which is why we consider it an unofficial neighborhood. Central Park draws 38 million visits a year and is home to the Central Park Film Festival, SummerStage, Shakespeare in the Park, Ice Skating, Central Park Zoo, Bow Bridge, biking, playgrounds, the Carousel and much more.
- Explore: Central Park Guide
- To Do: Central Park Zoo, Carousel, TV and Movie Sites, Ice Skating, Loeb Boathouse
Times Square & Broadway
Times Square New York and the Theater District are some of New York City’s most popular tourist attractions. Of course, Broadway, also known as the Great White Way, is most definitely for locals as well. Spend a bit of time here and make sure to see the lights at night, the Hershey’s and M&M Stores, as well as catch a great Broadway Show.
Midtown West, Koreatown, Hell’s Kitchen
Midtown West is a huge tourist area with great neighborhoods like NYC’s famous Diamond District, Hell’s Kitchen and Koreatown. Hell’s Kitchen, is the most western section and an “up-and-coming” residential area of New York City with new shops and restaurants opening often. Koreatown, just a block from the Empire State Building, is known for their restaurants and karaoke bars and clubs.
Garment District / Fashion Center
The Garment District, also called the Fashion District or Fashion Center, is home to many of the world’s most famous fashion designers and showrooms. The area is an amazing resource for fabrics, beads and trims, however, unless you are trade, don’t expect to walk in off the street to designer showrooms. The best way to possibly get access to private showrooms is through a private tour or a NYC Sample Sale.
Chelsea & Hudson Yards
Chelsea NY is known for art galleries, nightlife and gay-friendly culture. It is a lively, vibrant neighborhood with some of New York City’s top restaurants, clubs, art and things to do outdoors and along the Hudson River. While Chelsea boundaries are West 14th-34th Streets, from 7th Ave to the Hudson River, the new Hudson Yards occupies it’s most North and West streets, West 30th to 34th Streets between 10th and 12th Avenues.
- Explore: Chelsea & Hudson Yards Guide
- To Do: The Highline, Art Galleries, Chelsea Market, Chelsea Piers, Little Island, Edge, The Vessel, The Shops at Hudson Yards
Meatpacking District
The Meatpacking District, also known as the Gansevoort Market, is only a few blocks, so you cannot get lost, but it is packed with upscale restaurants, night clubs and designer shopping. Like many NY neighborhoods, the MP District retains it’s historical architecture, as it is lined with cobblestone streets and old warehouses, but, today, these same buildings house very modern shopping and dining. The heart of the Meatpacking District is Little West 12th Street.
Greenwich Village & NoHo
Our Greenwich Village NYC Guide provides insight into one of NYC’s most cherished neighborhoods. The Village is full of history, celebrity, politics, landmarks and so much more. The NYU campus, Washington Square Park, gorgeous brownstones and cobble stone streets, amazing restaurants, tons of trees and much more make this area a local favorite.
West Village
The West Village is filled with tree-lined streets, beautiful old brownstones and hundreds of shops, restaurants and cafés. It is truly a quintessential NYC neighborhood, inhabited by locals and celebrities who can afford to live anywhere they choose. If you’re a Friends or Sex and the City fan, then you are already quite familiar with the West Village…now it’s time to come experience it!
SoHo
SoHo (SOuth of HOuston – pronounced How-ston) is another NYC neighborhood filled with the best shopping and restaurants. Traditionally known as a haven for artists and their lofts, it has become more upscale over the years and a much sought-after place for New Yorkers to live.
- Explore: SoHo Guide
- To Do: New York Fire Museum, Shopping, Art Galleries, Brunch & Restaurants, Broken Kilometer & Earth Room
Tribeca & The Battery
Tribeca Tribeca (TRI-angle BE-low CA-nal) NYC, is home of the namesake Film Festival, Robert De Niro’s pet project, created to promote commerce downtown after 9/11. He also owns several hotels and restaurants in the area and is spotted quite frequently. Tribeca was also the home of JFK Jr and Caroline Bessette Kennedy before their tragic death in 1999 and is filled with old warehouses, now converted into lofts, beautiful views of the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty along the West Side Highway, excellent restaurants, families, parks and NYC history.
- Explore: Tribeca & The Battery
- To Do: Hudson River Park and River Promenade, Statue of Liberty Views, Upscale & Casual Dining
Financial District and Wall Street
The Financial District (FiDi), at the southern tip of NYC, is one of NYC’s most bustling business and tourist areas, from Monday to Friday and is near dead on the weekends. Sights include the 9-11 Memorial & Museum, Wall Street, One World Observatory, The American Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull, the Fearless Girl and views of the Statue of Liberty.
Upper East Side NYC
The Upper East Side is an upscale, residential neighborhood and home to Museum Mile, some uber-upscale shopping and Gracie Mansion. The homes on Fifth Avenue, along Central Park, are some of the most exclusive in all of Manhattan. You’ve likely seen the Upper East Side on Gossip Girl, Sex and the City, The Real Housewives of New York, I Love Lucy, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and dozens of other times on your screens.
Midtown East
Midtown East is a huge tourist, commercial and residential area. Around 5th Ave, the neighborhood is home to many tourist attractions, such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock and Radio City Music Hall. Bryant Park, the New York Public Library and Grand Central Station are close together just south. Moving towards 3rd Ave and further east, the area is more residential, and generally, the restaurants are better and more affordable, with the UN being the only attraction in that part of the neighborhood.
Union Square, Flatiron, NoMad, Gramercy
Union Square (my hood!), the Flatiron District and NoMad all have a mix of residence and business tenants. Additionally, colleges such as NYU, The New School and FIT dominate the area, making it very fun and lively. It is one of the best dining and nightlife areas in Manhattan, with something for every palate and budget and offers fabulous hotels of all kinds.
East Village
While originally part of the Lower East Side, an immigrant neighborhood, the East Village, has separated itself and become home to some of the City’s best restaurants, shops and nightlife. It is full of character, diversity, fine dining, shops and live music, and includes a subsection named “Alphabet City.” East Village culture ranges from tattoo parlors and “dive bars” to some of New York City’s nicest hip and trendy hotels.
- Explore: East Village
- To Do: Blue Man Group & Stomp, St. Mark’s Place, Nightlife, Speakeasies, Curry Lane
Lower East Side NYC
Traditionally, the Lower East Side was a working class immigrant neighborhood (think “Gangs of New York”). Today it is a wonderfully ethnic and diverse neighborhood and serves as a shopping, dining and nightlife destination for many NYC locals. Even with all its modern upgrades, the LES retains a large amount of its history, especially it’s Jewish, Polish, Irish and Italian cultures. The LES also has one of the best selections of hotels in NYC – tons of boutique hotels with amenities, rooftops, skyline views and seconds from 1000s of cool restaurants and hot spots.
Chinatown NYC
Chinatown NYC is a small, but very densely packed area of shops and restaurants. It is really fun to walk around, enjoy the culture, pick up some souvenirs, and most definitely, eat some delicious and affordable Dim Sum, dumplings, pork buns and other amazing Chinese cuisines.
Little Italy NYC
Little Italy NYC Guide is a just a few blocks, with tons of outdoor restaurants and owners promising free wine and sangria to lure you in. Puglia is a favorite restaurant for families with their live singing and kids standing on their chairs waving napkins. Visit the new Italian American Museum, which tells the story “from Columbus to Cuomo,” the original Old St. Patrick’s Church and NYC Police Headquarters.
NYC Boroughs
Explore the diverse neighborhoods of NYC Boroughs with our comprehensive guide to Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. New York City is a melting pot of cultures and neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the five boroughs of NYC is a must-do experience.
- Explore:NYC Boroughs Guide
- To Do: Williamsburg, Park Slope, Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Museum, Barclay’s Center, Brooklyn Flea, Coney Island, Dyker Heights, Astoria, Jackson Heights, Unisphere, Citi Field, US Open, Mets, MoMA PS1, Yankees, Bronx Zoo, NY Botanical Garden, Staten Island Ferry
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