Times Square is a major intersection in Manhattan where Broadway crosses Seventh Avenue, between 42nd and 47th Streets

Times Square is not a park or a single building — it is the street intersection itself, plus the surrounding blocks filled with shops, restaurants, theaters, and massive digital billboards. The name comes from the New York Times building, which moved to the area in 1904. Today it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, with roughly 300,000 pedestrians passing through on an average day.

The area is open to the public at all hours. You can walk through Times Square without paying any fee or making any reservation. The pedestrian plazas — the open areas where people gather and sit — were created starting in 2009 when the city closed some streets to vehicle traffic.

Key Takeaways

  • Times Square is a free, open public intersection in Midtown Manhattan where you can walk around at any time of day or night.
  • The area is crowded year-round, especially during holidays and evening hours, so plan for slow movement and large crowds.
  • You can reach Times Square by subway (the A, C, E, N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, or 3 trains stop nearby), by bus, or by walking from other parts of Manhattan.
  • Most restaurants, shops, and theaters in the area charge standard prices and require separate reservations or purchases.
  • The best times to visit with fewer crowds are weekday mornings before 10 a.m. or late evening after 10 p.m.

How to get to Times Square by subway

The Times Square–42nd Street station is the main subway hub for the area. Nine different subway lines stop there: the A, C, E, N, Q, R, S, W, and 1, 2, and 3 trains. If you are coming from another part of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx, you can take any of these lines and exit at Times Square–42nd Street.

The station is large and can be confusing because multiple lines use the same platforms. When you enter the station, look for signs that show which line you need. If you are unsure, ask a station attendant or another passenger — the area is busy enough that staff are usually present.

A single subway ride costs $2.90 as of 2024, though this price can change. You pay with a MetroCard (a reloadable card you buy at a station booth or vending machine) or by tapping a contactless credit card or phone at the turnstile.

What to expect when you arrive

Times Square is extremely crowded during the day, especially between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. The sidewalks are packed with tourists, street performers, people in costume, and vendors selling souvenirs. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) or late at night (after 10 p.m.).

The area is loud, bright, and visually intense. Massive digital screens cover the buildings, playing advertisements and videos. The streets are lined with chain restaurants, souvenir shops, and Broadway theaters. There is no single "main attraction" — the experience is the environment itself.

Times Square is safe and well-policed, with a heavy police presence throughout the day and night. However, it is a crowded urban area, so use the same caution you would in any busy public space: keep an eye on your belongings, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone very late at night if you are uncomfortable doing so.

Broadway theaters and shows near Times Square

Most Broadway theaters are located within a few blocks of Times Square, between 42nd and 54th Streets. These theaters show musicals, plays, and other live performances. Tickets range widely depending on the show and the seat location — some shows cost $30 to $50, while others cost $100 or more.

You can buy tickets directly from theater box offices, through the TKTS booth (a discount ticket seller located in Times Square itself), or through online vendors like Ticketmaster. TKTS sells same-day and advance tickets at reduced prices, though the selection changes daily based on what shows have unsold seats.

Shows typically run Tuesday through Sunday, with matinee performances on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Evening performances usually start at 8 p.m. You should arrive at the theater at least 15 minutes before the show starts.

Restaurants and food options

Times Square has hundreds of restaurants, from fast-casual chains to sit-down establishments. Most are more expensive than restaurants in other parts of Manhattan because of the high foot traffic and real estate costs. A meal at a casual restaurant might cost $15 to $25 per person, while a sit-down restaurant could cost $30 to $60 or more.

Many visitors eat at chain restaurants like McDonald's, Olive Garden, or Applebee's, which are familiar and predictable. If you want a more local experience, walk a few blocks away from the main intersection — restaurants on side streets tend to be cheaper and less crowded.

Street vendors sell hot dogs, pretzels, and other quick snacks throughout the area. These are inexpensive (usually $5 to $10) and convenient if you want to eat while walking.

Shopping and souvenir stores

Times Square has large chain stores like Forever 21, H&M, and Nike, as well as souvenir shops selling "I Love New York" merchandise, snow globes, and other tourist items. Prices in souvenir shops are typically higher than you would pay elsewhere.

If you are looking for specific stores or brands, you can find them in Times Square, but you will likely find better prices and less crowding if you shop in other neighborhoods like SoHo, the Upper West Side, or Brooklyn.

When to visit and what to avoid

New Year's Eve is the most famous Times Square event — roughly one million people gather to watch the ball drop at midnight. If you plan to attend, arrive very early (afternoon or early evening) and be prepared to stand for many hours in cold weather with limited access to bathrooms.

The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is also extremely crowded, as is the summer tourist season (June through August). If you want a less crowded experience, visit on a weekday in the fall or spring, or during winter months outside the holiday period.

Times Square is worth visiting once to experience the energy and see the area, but many New Yorkers avoid it because of the crowds and tourist-oriented pricing. If you are looking for a quieter, more authentic New York experience, consider visiting neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, the East Village, or the Upper West Side instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to walk around Times Square?

No. Times Square is a public street intersection and the surrounding pedestrian plazas are free to enter and walk through at any time. You only pay if you buy something — a meal, a ticket to a show, merchandise, or a service.

Can I bring my own food and drinks to Times Square?

Yes. You can bring your own food and drinks and eat in the pedestrian plazas. Many people do this to save money. However, you cannot bring alcohol into the public areas.

Where can I use the bathroom in Times Square?

Public bathrooms are limited in Times Square. Your best options are to use a bathroom in a restaurant or store where you are making a purchase, or to go to a nearby Starbucks or McDonald's. Some hotels allow non-guests to use their bathrooms for a small fee or if you ask politely.

What is the best time of day to visit Times Square?

Weekday mornings before 10 a.m. are the least crowded. If you want to see the area lit up at night, visit after 8 p.m., when the digital billboards are brightest and the crowds are somewhat smaller than during afternoon hours.

Do I need to book a ticket in advance to visit Times Square?

No ticket is required to walk through Times Square itself. If you want to see a Broadway show, you should book in advance, especially for popular shows or weekend performances. For restaurants, reservations are recommended during peak hours but not always required.