Times Square District Guide in New York

You planning a trip to New York? So don't miss out on Times Square, an iconic Big Apple neighbourhood!

Visiter Times Square is a must in New York. Known as the Crossroads of the World, it is one of the world’s most lively and famous places. Just like Shibuya to Tokyo , Champs-Élysées to Paris or Piccadilly Circus to London , thousands of people meet there every day, about 365,000 people in Times Square. This famous place is located in Manhattan and derives its name from the old seat of the New York Times . It includes blocks between the Sixth and the Ninth Avenue from east to west, on the one hand, and blocks between 39th to 52nd Street from south to north, on the other. It thus forms the northwest part of the Midtown shopping district.

Are you coming to New York soon? So you must absolutely visit Times Square during your stay! To help you discover it, you will find in this article everything you need to know about this emblematic neighbourhood.

Times Square in a few words

The story of Times Square begins with its name on April 8, 1904. Formerly known as “Longacre Square”, the square takes this name as a result of the New York Times’ location on the scene. Times Square quickly became the cultural centre of New York. Theatres, theatres, music halls and fashion hotels then focused on it. This golden age turns out with the Grand Krach stock . From the 1960s to 1990, Times Square even became the symbol of Crime and corruption New Yorkers from the 1960s to the early 1990s.

From 1994 to 2002, the mayor Rudolph Giuliani , known for its "zero tolerance policy", managed to improve the neighbourhood and its security. Sex-shops, prostitution, crimes and crimes were eradicated from Times Square. In 2009, the city of New York decided to close Broadway between 42nd and 47th streets on the road. Times Square then regains all its energy. The renovation of the district transformed it into a charming and exhilarating pedestrian walk reserved for shops and shows. If some regret its nature as a commercial amusement park, everyone is looking forward to this neighbourhood!

What to see and what to do in the Times Square neighborhood in New York?

You can't miss visiting Times Square during your stay in New York! This neighborhood is emblematic. Any traveler or curious has already seen a photograph or video of this world-famous place. Did you dream of discovering Times Square and its surroundings? You don't know this neighborhood yet? Here is a brief overview of what awaits you during your visit to Times Square.

Admire Times Square Lights

Your discovery of the neighborhood will obviously start against the incredible spectacle of the light games of the various signs. Take the time to let you hypnotize, not by advertising, but by the enchanting, muddy atmosphere of Times Square. For this, you can sit on the roof of the TKTS windows, where there are red steps. From one of its 27 red steps, you will enjoy an overview of Times Square.

Shopping and displaying on Times Square

Everywhere in Times Square you will find gigantic shops and souvenir shops. Fashion, beauty, toys or foods, you'll have everything you can enjoy shopping in this iconic neighborhood. For example, you can visit Levi’s Store, American Eagle Outfitters or the vast Forever 21 store. In the American Eagle clothing store, you should know that customers who buy for a minimum of $10 can be photographed on the top floor, on a cash ticket presentation. Only fifteen minutes later, your photo will then appear on the large outdoor screens of the store!

If you come with children, we also recommend that you take a tour Disney Store then to MominatedM’s World . No doubt they will appreciate these visits! And even if you don’t like treats too much, the store is worth a visit to its atmosphere. Gourmets, small or large, can also visit Hershey’s Chocolate World .

See a musical

Times Square is not only known for its stores, restaurants and light signs. This district is also one of the high places of theatre and musicals. Throughout the year, dozens of musicals are playing on Broadway and Times Square. It's for all tastes! If you're visiting Times Square, we recommend you see a musical on the way.

We mentioned earlier, but the TKTS kiosk is not only useful for its stair-shaped roof. At this stand, you can buy tickets for the same evening, at prices up to 50% cheaper than the base rate. This is the ideal option if you did not plan to see a musical in particular!

Drink a drink to "The View"

To enjoy a wonderful view of New York, we recommend you take a drink in the panoramic bar "The View". Of course it is a very tourist and even quite expensive place, however, you can admire the Empire State Building , the Rockefeller Center, the MetLife, the Hudson, etc. A possible feat, since the bar turns on itself. Note that it takes one hour to make a full tour. To reach it, you will have to go to the 48th floor of the Marriott Hotel.

Other places to visit near Times Square

Because of its central location, Times Square is just a step away from many other major attractions in New York. Not far from this area, you can visit the Rockefeller Center and climb to the Top of the Rock . Perched on the 70th floor of the Comcast Building, this observatory offers one of the most beautiful views of New York with a 360° panorama of Manhattan, the Empire State Building and Central Park .

After this discovery, you can also visit Museum of Modern Art located a little further north, or descend south of Midtown towards the Empire State Building.

Guided visits to Times Square

Located in the heart of Manhattan, the iconic New York district, there are many guided tours in Times Square.

Guided tour of Broadway and Times Square

The first guided tour we recommend is a discovery of Broadway theatres. Focusing on the great figures and artists of this place, it will allow you to see some of the most famous theatres in Broadway. Your guide, a professional in the industry, will also entrust you with stories about the Broadway scenes, some insider secrets and anecdotes.

During the visit, you will learn more about Times Square and how it became the popular place it is today! Duration two hours , this visit costs 32€ On average.

Midtown walking tour

To visit Times Square, you can choose a guided walk from the Midtown New York. Your local guide will then let you discover the iconic sites of the neighborhood, as well as the history of the neighbourhood. You will learn more about the dangers of 42nd Street at the time of Prohibition on Times Square and Broadway. This visit two and a half hours usually costs 25€ per person.

Tour of Grand Central Terminal

Among the places to not miss, there is obviously Grand Central. New York Station is an architectural wonder and a hub of the city. Moreover, many films come to shoot scenes in the hall, as Avengers or Fantastic Animals .

You can visit Grand Central Terminal, equipped with an audioguide to learn all about the history and secrets of the most famous American railway stations.

Times Square and New York City Centre bus tour

For the most in a hurry, visiting Times Square by imperial bus is a quick and effective way to see the different places of interest in the neighborhood in record time. You will see the Rockfeller Center, the Empire State Building or Central Park. Finally, the bus will also wait for you while visiting the MoMA. This visit also plans to restore you, as a meal is included in the ticket.

Best hotels to stay in Times Square

To visit Times Square at your convenience, just like the rest of New York, we recommend you stay there during your stay! You will find it several hotels high-end, charming and comfortable.

Among them, we cannot fail to mention MOXY NYC Times Square . Located only 9 minutes walk From Times Square and the Empire State Building, this trendy hotel is certainly one of the best accommodations in New York. Its compact and warm rooms have all the necessary comforts and even more! Decorated in a contemporary style, this hotel is accessible while offering high-end services, such as a gym, a rooftop lounge bar and dining areas. One night in this facility costs on average 175€ for two people.

Another great hotel near Times Square is Bryant Park Hotel . Overlooking the Bryant Park, this trendy hotel occupies a skyscraper dating from 1924. He's in. 4 minutes walk Times Square and Times Square 10 minutes of the Empire State Building. Its minimalist and elegant rooms have parquet floors, beautifully decorated and very comfortable! The hotel obviously has a restaurant and fitness centre. One night in this chic hotel costs on average 250€ for two people.

Where to eat in Times Square in New York?

As in every New York area, you can discover exceptional restaurants. We have listed a few, but Times Square is obviously full of other delicious restaurants and cafés. Do not hesitate to test several during your stay!

The first we suggest is obviously The View . If a lot of travellers only come to drink a drink, know that you can have lunch in this panoramic hotel. The strength of this restaurant is its unique view of New York!

To taste one of the best burgers in New York, you can make your eyes closed to Shake Shack . Located just steps from Times Square, this property is to be discovered! Many are the places and travellers to consider it as the best burger restaurant in Big Apple. Come and make your own opinion!

For lunch or dinner for cheap, we also recommend the restaurant Pure Thai Cookhouse . Guests can enjoy regional and traditional dishes from the north, the centre and the south of Thailand. This place is warm and authentic, and despite its reputation, the wait is short enough even in peak hours!

Finally, we recommend visiting the excellent Mexican restaurant Toloache . The wait can sometimes be long, but it is worth it! On site you will discover some delicious Mexican specialities, and can also drink excellent margaritas.

How do I get to Times Square?

Times Square is in the heart of Manhattan. You will thus have no trouble joining this emblematic neighbourhood. Metro station Times Square , on the 42nd street, is for example served by the lines 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R and W . You can also stop at the metro station 7 Avenue Station with the lines B, D and E . You will have understood, to join and visit Times Square is quite easy. From this neighborhood, you will have no trouble discovering the rest of New York as well.