Overview
Times Square occupies the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue from roughly West 42nd to West 47th Street in Midtown Manhattan. It is one of the most visited urban destinations on earth, drawing tens of millions of visitors each year to its dense concentration of theaters, restaurants, shops, hotels, and the relentless spectacle of its illuminated advertising displays.
Despite its reputation as a tourist hub, Times Square is also a functioning commercial district. Office towers sit behind the famous facades, and commuters pass through the area's subway stations daily. The pedestrian plazas along Broadway — created when the city reclaimed several blocks of roadway — give visitors room to pause and take in the surroundings without being entirely in the flow of vehicle traffic.
The area's character changes hour by hour. Early morning brings delivery workers and commuters; midday fills with tourists and office workers; evenings shift toward theatergoers and diners. The lights, famously, never go off — Times Square is visually striking at any hour, though night is when the signage reaches its full effect.
Before You Go
Visas
Entry requirements for the United States depend on your nationality, purpose of travel, and length of stay. For accurate, up-to-date visa information, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection or Department of State websites directly.
What to Pack
- Comfortable, well-broken-in walking shoes — Midtown involves significant pavement time
- Layers year-round: summers are hot and humid; winters can be bitterly cold with wind funneled between skyscrapers; spring and fall are variable
- A portable phone charger; navigating and photographing Times Square drains batteries quickly
- Modest rain gear — New York weather changes quickly regardless of season
Practical Prep
Book Broadway tickets well in advance for popular shows, especially during holiday periods. If you plan to visit specific restaurants, reservations are strongly recommended for dinner. Many hotels in the immediate Times Square area charge premium rates; comparing accommodations slightly outside the zone (Midtown East, Hell's Kitchen, Chelsea) can offer better value while keeping you within easy walking or subway distance.
Getting There
By Air
New York is served by three major airports. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) handle most long-haul international traffic. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) primarily serves domestic routes. Verify current transit options — including AirTrain connections, express buses, and taxi/rideshare services — on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's official website, as routes and pricing change.
By Train
Amtrak's Penn Station, located at 34th Street and Seventh Avenue, is a short walk or one subway stop from Times Square and connects New York to cities along the Northeast Corridor (Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Boston) and beyond. Grand Central Terminal, accessible via a short walk or the shuttle train, serves Metro-North commuter rail lines.
By Bus
Long-distance bus operators serve New York from many cities, typically arriving at or near the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue — directly adjacent to Times Square.
By Car
Driving into Midtown Manhattan is generally discouraged. Parking is expensive and scarce. New York City has implemented congestion pricing for vehicles entering lower Manhattan; verify current requirements before driving. If arriving by car, consider parking at a transit hub in an outer borough or New Jersey and taking the subway.
Getting Around
Subway
The New York City Subway is the most practical way to move around the city. Times Square–42nd Street station is one of the busiest hubs in the system, served by the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, S, A, C, and E lines. An OMNY-compatible contactless payment card or a MetroCard (confirm current card availability with the MTA) covers most rides. The subway runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Walking
Times Square itself and most major Midtown attractions — Bryant Park, the Theater District, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building — are within a comfortable walking radius. The pedestrian plazas make the immediate area more walkable than in previous decades.
Buses
MTA city buses cover routes that the subway does not reach. Crosstown buses on 42nd Street connect Times Square to the East Side quickly.
Taxis and Rideshare
Yellow medallion taxis are readily available and can be hailed on most streets. Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) operate throughout the city. Surge pricing during peak hours and after shows can make these options significantly more expensive than the subway.
Citi Bike
New York's bike-share program has docking stations throughout Midtown. It is a practical option for short trips on flatter routes, though cycling in Midtown traffic requires confidence and attention.
Things to See & Do
Broadway and Off-Broadway Theater
Times Square is the center of Broadway, New York's — and arguably the world's — premier commercial theater district. Dozens of theaters within walking distance stage musicals and plays year-round. The TKTS booth, operated by the Theatre Development Fund, is located in the red-staired structure at Father Duffy Square (northern end of Times Square) and sells same-day discounted tickets to many shows; check the TDF website for current availability and hours.
The Lights and the Plazas
Simply walking through Times Square is the primary activity for most visitors. The pedestrian plazas between 42nd and 47th Streets offer space to stop, photograph the signage, and watch the constant motion of the district. The area is at its most visually striking after dark.
Nearby Landmarks Within Walking Distance
- The High Line: An elevated park built on a former rail line on the West Side, roughly a 15-minute walk
- Bryant Park: A well-maintained public park behind the New York Public Library's main branch on 42nd Street, a few blocks east
- Rockefeller Center: Art Deco complex with the Top of the Rock observation deck, about a 10-minute walk north
- Empire State Building: The iconic 1931 skyscraper with observation decks, about a 10-minute walk south
- Hudson Yards: The city's newest large-scale development, including The Vessel and The Shed, reachable on foot or by the 7 train
Museums and Culture
MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) is a 10-minute walk from Times Square on West 53rd Street. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is further west along the Hudson River waterfront. Verify current admission, hours, and ticketing on each institution's official website.
Food & Drink
Eating Near Times Square
The immediate Times Square blocks are dense with chain restaurants and tourist-facing dining. Food quality at these establishments is generally average relative to what New York as a whole offers. Travelers willing to walk a few extra blocks — particularly into Hell's Kitchen (west of Ninth Avenue) or toward the East Side — will find more neighborhood-focused options at a wider range of prices.
Hell's Kitchen
The neighborhood directly west of Times Square has a long-established restaurant row along West 46th Street and a broader dining scene across Ninth and Tenth Avenues. It covers an unusually wide range of cuisines and price points and is a practical dinner destination for theatergoers.
Theater District Timing
If you are attending an evening show, be aware that curtain times are typically 7:00 or 8:00 PM. Pre-theater prix-fixe menus are common at many restaurants in the area; reservations are advisable, particularly on weekends.
Practical Notes
- Tap water in New York City is safe to drink and generally well-regarded
- Tipping is a standard and expected practice: 18–20% is typical at sit-down restaurants
- Many delis, food carts, and fast-casual spots offer practical and affordable meal options throughout Midtown
Shopping
Times Square itself has a large concentration of retail, ranging from major flagships (several international brands maintain prominent stores here) to novelty and souvenir shops. For broader shopping, Fifth Avenue north of 42nd Street is one of the world's most recognized retail corridors, with department stores and global luxury brands.
The Manhattan Mall at 33rd Street and the shops within Hudson Yards offer additional indoor retail options within walking or subway distance. For more distinct, less chain-focused shopping, neighborhoods such as SoHo, the West Village, or the Meatpacking District require a subway ride but offer a different retail character.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance services.
Health
The United States does not have universal public healthcare. Medical treatment can be very expensive for travelers without insurance. Ensure you have comprehensive travel health insurance before departure. Pharmacies (including chains such as CVS and Duane Reade) are numerous throughout Midtown.
Connectivity
Free public Wi-Fi is available at LinkNYC kiosks located on sidewalks throughout Midtown. Most hotels, cafes, and many restaurants also offer Wi-Fi. Purchasing a local SIM or an international data plan is straightforward for travelers needing reliable mobile connectivity.
Money
ATMs are widely available throughout Times Square and Midtown. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost universally. Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks. Some smaller food vendors and newsstands are cash-only.
Accessibility
New York City has made ongoing efforts to improve subway accessibility, but many stations — including some exits at Times Square–42nd Street — do not have elevator access to all platforms. Check the MTA's accessibility map before traveling if this is a consideration. Street-level Times Square is generally navigable by wheelchair.
Safety
Times Square today is considerably safer than it was in earlier decades. It is heavily policed and well-lit at all hours. Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid displaying expensive items unnecessarily in crowded areas.
Pickpocketing can occur in busy spaces — the subway, crowded plazas, and around major tourist attractions. Keep bags closed and in front of you in dense crowds. Be cautious of unsolicited approaches from costumed performers or people offering CDs, roses, or similar items; these often lead to pressure for payment.
The subway is generally safe but can feel intimidating to first-time visitors, particularly late at night. Staying in well-lit, occupied sections of platforms and cars is advisable. If something feels wrong, trust your judgment and move to a more populated area.
For non-emergency police matters in New York City, you can contact the NYPD via 311.
