Times Square: Survival Guide
Times Square is the beating heart of New York, the place where the neon lights never go out and the crowd flows incessantly 24/7. It is the essence of the New York experience: a triumph of billboards, Broadway theaters, souvenir shops, and an overwhelming energy that is unmatched in the world. For some, it is a dream come true; for others, a nightmare of crowds and confusion. The truth is that Times Square must be experienced, but with the right strategy. This guide teaches you how to survive and make the most of the world's most famous square, revealing what to do, what to avoid, where to eat, and how to take the perfect photo.
A Bit of History
Times Square is named after theNew York Times, which established its headquarters here in 1904. The building, now known as One Times Square, is the one from which the famous crystal ball drops every New Year's Eve. For decades, the area was the center of the theater and entertainment industry, but in the 1970s and 1980s, it fell into decline, becoming a red-light district. The revival began in the 1990s, with a redevelopment effort that led to the opening of shops, hotels, and tourist attractions, transforming it into the global icon we know today.
What to Do in Times Square
Times Square is not just a place to rush through. There are several activities worth experiencing.
Admire the Billboards
The digital billboards of Times Square are an attraction in their own right. They are among the most expensive and sought after in the world. Sitting on the famousred steps(officially called The Bowtie) and watching the flow of lights and images is a hypnotic experience. The steps are located above the TKTS Booth, at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, and are the perfect observation point.
Visit the TKTS Booth
The red step structure is not just a viewing platform, but also the place to buy discounted tickets for Broadway musicals. TheTKTS Boothsells same-day show tickets with discounts ranging from 20% to 50%. Lines can be long, but the savings are significant. You can check the available shows on the external monitors before getting in line.
Entering Iconic Stores
Times Square is home to pharaonic versions of famous stores:
M&M's World:Three floors dedicated to the famous chocolates, with walls of M&M's in every color, gadgets, and a statue of E.T. (because the final scenes of the movie were filmed here).
Hershey's Chocolate World:A paradise for chocolate lovers, with walls of Hershey's kisses and every imaginable sweet.
Disney Store:A multi-level Disney store, with characters, merchandise, and a magical atmosphere.
ABC Television Network:Here are the studios of Good Morning America, and you can watch the live broadcast through the glass windows.
Attending a Broadway Musical
Times Square is the heart of theTheatre District. Take the opportunity to see a show. The most famous theaters (like the Majestic, the Minskoff, and the Gershwin) are just a short walk away. Even just strolling among the bright posters of the musicals is an experience.
Photograph the "One Times Square" Sign
The One Times Square building, at the corner of 42nd Street, is where the New Year's ball drops. Its facade is completely covered in billboards, and it is the most photographed subject in the square.
Visit Times Square at Night
If it is impressive during the day, at night Times Square reaches its peak splendor. The billboards seem even brighter, the atmosphere is even more electric, and the crowd is slightly different (more evening and less touristy). The view of the lights reflecting off the yellow taxis is pure cinema.
What to Avoid in Times Square
Times Square is also full of tourist traps. Here’s what to avoid.
Costumed Characters
Elsa, Spider-Man, Minnie Mouse, the minions, and dozens of other characters roam the square looking for tourists for photos. The problem?They are not free.They will ask you for a photo, and after smiling and posing with you, they will ask for a tip (often $5, $10, or $20). Sometimes they can be pushy and intrusive. The rule is simple: if you want a photo with them, know that you will have to pay. If you don’t want to, avoid eye contact, politely decline, and walk away.
"Free" CDs
Someone may approach you claiming to be an up-and-coming rapper and offer you their "free" CD. If you accept it, they will later ask for a donation, and if you don’t pay, they may become insistent. The CD is often empty or of very low quality. Decline and move on.
Taxis and Unlicensed Rickshaws
Use only official yellow taxis or ride-sharing apps. Avoid unregulated pedicabs that may charge outrageous prices for short trips. If you want a pedicab ride, always agree on the price BEFORE getting in.
Eating at Tourist Chains
Times Square is full of restaurant chains (Ruby Tuesday, Bubba Gump, Olive Garden) that offer mediocre food at inflated prices. If you're hungry, it's better to walk a few blocks to Hell's Kitchen or the Theatre District, where you'll find ethnic restaurants and local spots frequented by New Yorkers at more reasonable prices.
Unlicensed Tour Sellers
Someone may offer you city tours at rock-bottom prices. Only rely on official and recognized tour operators. Unlicensed street vendors could disappear with your money.
Where to Eat Near Times Square
To avoid traps, here are some valid alternatives nearby.
Hell's Kitchen (west of Times Square)
The neighborhood west of Ninth Avenue, between 34th and 59th, is full of ethnic restaurants, Italian trattorias, and trendy spots. Perfect for a pre-theater dinner.
The Theatre District
There are historic restaurants frequented by actors and tourists. Sardi's is an institution, famous for its celebrity caricatures on the walls. Joe Allen is a classic for a pre-show dinner.Sardi's è un'istituzione, famoso per le caricature di celebrità alle pareti. Il Joe Allen è un classico per una cena prima dello spettacolo.
Quality Fast Food
If you want to eat quickly, look for Shake Shack (there's one in Midtown, not right in the square) for great burgers, or halal food trucks on the side streets.Shake Shack (ce n'è uno a Midtown, non proprio in piazza) per ottimi hamburger, o i food truck di halal food nelle strade laterali.
The Best Time to Visit Times Square
Times Square is always crowded, but there are better times than others.
Early morning (before 9:00 AM):Relatively empty, with a special light. Ideal for crowd-free photos.
Late afternoon:The energy rises, the billboards light up (even though it's still daytime) and the crowd is lively but manageable.
After 11:00 PM:The crowd decreases, and the square is still beautifully lit. Perfect for a romantic nighttime stroll.
New Year's Eve:It's the most iconic moment, but also the craziest. To see the ball drop, you need to arrive in the afternoon and stand for hours in the cold, with no chance to go to the bathroom. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not for everyone.
Safety in Times Square
Times Square is one of the most patrolled areas in New York and is generally very safe. However, like in any crowded place, keep an eye on your belongings (bag, wallet, phone). Pickpockets can operate in the crowd. Keep your backpack in front and your phone in a closed pocket.
The Perspective of New Yorkers
It's interesting to note that many New Yorkers avoid Times Square like the plague. For them, it's a place to rush through to get to the theater or work, certainly not where to spend leisure time. This says a lot about how the square is mainly designed for tourists. But you are a tourist, and you have every right to enjoy it!
FAQ Times Square
Is Times Square safe?
Yes, Times Square is very safe. It is one of the most patrolled areas in the city. However, be aware of pickpockets in the crowd.
What is the best time to visit Times Square?
Early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) for crowd-free photos, or in the evening after 11:00 PM for a bright atmosphere but less chaos.
What can you do in Times Square for free?
Sit on the red steps, watch the billboards, take photos of the One Times Square sign, enter stores like M&M's World and Hershey's, and look at the musical posters.
Where are the red steps in Times Square?
The red steps (The Bowtie) are located above the TKTS Booth, at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, in the center of the square.
How much does it cost to take a photo with costumed characters?
There is no fixed fee, but you will be asked for between $5 and $20. They are often persistent. If you don't want to pay, just decline and walk away.
Which stores to visit in Times Square?
M&M's World, Hershey's Chocolate World, the Disney Store, and the official Broadway store.
Where to eat in Times Square without spending a fortune?
Walk a few blocks towards Hell's Kitchen (to the west) or the Theatre District. Avoid the tourist chains in the square. Look for halal food trucks.
Is Times Square suitable for children?
Yes, children love the colorful stores, the characters (watch out for costs), and the lights. However, the crowd can be overwhelming for little ones. It's better to visit during less crowded times.
How do you get to Times Square?
Times Square is in the heart of Midtown. Subway: lines 1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W to 42nd Street-Times Square. It is one of the city's main transit hubs.
What does Times Square mean?
The name comes from the New York Times, which had its headquarters here. The newspaper moved in 1904, and the square was renamed in its honor.
Where is the Times Square New Year's Eve ball?
The crystal ball is located at the top of the One Times Square building (at 1 Times Square). During the year, it is displayed year-round (not lit) and can be seen from the street.
How big is Times Square?
Times Square is not a square in the European sense, but a bowtie-shaped intersection between Broadway and Seventh Avenue, extending from 42nd to 47th Street.
Are there hotels in Times Square?
Yes, there are many hotels, but they are expensive and often noisy. If you want to sleep in Times Square, choose a room on a higher floor with soundproof windows.
What musicals to see in Times Square?
The most famous musicals (The Lion King, Hamilton, Wicked, Aladdin) have their theaters just a short walk from Times Square. Check availability and prices online.
Can you go up to One Times Square?
No, the One Times Square building is not open to the public. It is only used for billboards and the New Year's Eve ball.
Why is Times Square always lit?
I cartelloni pubblicitari sono accesi 24 ore su 24 per attirare l'attenzione. È una delle zone più luminose del pianeta e un simbolo del consumismo e della comunicazione globale. Visit Time Square Web Site
A unique sensory experience
Times Square is a unique sensory experience, a place that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Don't be intimidated by the crowd and the tourist traps: with the right precautions, you can enjoy the spectacle of lights and energy that only New York can offer. Sit on the steps, look at the billboards, take your souvenir photo, and then wander off to the nearby neighborhoods to discover the rest of the city. Times Square is the perfect start to your trip to New York, but it is certainly not its essence. With thisTimes Square survival guide, you are ready to experience it the right way: aware, entertained, and without unpleasant surprises.
For a comprehensive view that covers all aspects of the trip, you can refer to our complete guide.
Revision date: March 2026