Times Square could be described as a simple junction of Broadwayand 7th Avenue, with plenty of neon signs and home to some of the world’s largest companies. 

Today, thanks to its uniqueness and its own vibrant atmosphere, Times Square is an icon of New York and is undoubtedly one of the 10 most important tourist stops on your trip to New York.

The 10 best hotels in New York

If you don’t have a selfie from Times Square, it’s as if you’ve never been to New York.

Take a seat on one of the benches or on the artificial raised steps and soak up the atmosphere of this bustling hub, Crossroads of the World— as Times Square is often nicknamed. Part of Times Square functions as a pedestrian zone.

It’s estimated that an average of 330,000 people pass through Times Square every day – that’s over 120 million a year!

Until 1904, the square was called Longarce Square, after which it was renamed Times Square after the Times Building, home to one of the world’s most prominent newspaper publishers, The New York Times.

In our guidebooks, you’ll also find other iconic intersections from around the world:

• Shibuya in Tokyo
• Piccadilly Circus in London
• Place de l’Étoile with the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
• Dotonbori in Osaka

Captivated by neon signs

Although in many parts of the world the widespread use of advertising billboards is regarded as light and visual pollution, Times Square is certainly one of the exceptions that prove the rule.

It is precisely the incredible number of glowing advertisements – formerly neon, now LED – that creates a special genius loci.

Around 50 huge, illuminated interactive billboards display the logos of the world’s largest companies day and night. All this is complemented by various screens, neon signs and a grandiose atmosphere that makes you feel as though you are in the heart of the world – a feeling further enhanced by the constant traffic of thousands of cars and buses.

Restaurants, shops and famous theatres

Times Square ranks among the main cultural and commercial centres of New York and the whole of the USA. In its immediate vicinity, you’d be hard-pressed to count all the restaurants, fast-food outlets and shops – both luxury and high-street.

At this crossroads, you could easily spend half a day shopping, watching the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoying a meal.

Among the most popular shops and restaurants in Times Square are:

• The Disney Store
• Forever 21 – a popular chain of affordable fashion shops
• M&M’s World
• Hard Rock Café New York

In the immediate vicinity of Times Square, you can also visit many famous theatres, music venues, musicals and cinemas, including the following:

• AMC Empire Theatre – a huge building with 25 cinema screens
• New Amsterdam Theatre – mainly shows, concerts and various cultural events
• Minskoff Theatre – currently one of the largest musical and ballet theatres in the Times Square area
• Hudson Theatre – one of the oldest surviving theatres from the original Broadway era

You can find a complete list of theatres, cinemas, shops and restaurants in the area on the website timessquarenyc.org.

New Year’s Eve celebrations

Times Square is one of the world’s most famous venues for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations. And not just those. Times Square is simply the place where New Yorkers hold both spontaneous and planned celebrations whenever there is something to celebrate. Whether it’s public holidays, major sporting achievements or even wars won.

In any case, the New Year’s Eve celebrations are among the best known and liveliest.

After all, more than a billion television viewers tune in every year to watch the live broadcast of the New Year’s celebrations from Times Square!

Hotels in Times Square

If you enjoy a lively atmosphere and love being right at the heart of the action, then the Times Square area is the best choice for accommodation in New York.

The Times Square area is one of the cheapest in Manhattan, partly due to the fierce competition amongst hotels and partly because of the noisy environment, which isn’t to everyone’s taste.

Affordable and well-reviewed hotels

The lowest prices for a single night during the off-season start from as little as 180 usd, which is a very low price by New York standards.

We would recommend these hotels, which offer the best value for money:

• citizenM Times Square **** with its famous rooftop bar
• Riu Plaza Times Square ****

Luxury hotels right on Times Square

Would you like a view of the Times Square crossroads straight from your room? Book a night at these hotels.

• New York Marriott Marquis *****
• W New York – Times Square ****

How do you get to Times Square?

There’s probably no place in New York that’s easier to get to. Several underground lines intersect at Times Square, and the main intercity coach station, Port Authority, is just one block to the west.

• Times Square / 42nd St– red lines 1, 2, 3; yellow lines N, Q, R, W; purple line 7; and grey line S. 
• 42nd St / Bryant Park – orange lines B, D, F, M
• 42nd St / Port Authority Bus Terminal – Blue lines A, C, E.

Bus routes M7, M20 and M104 also pass through Times Square,

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