Times Square

New York City, US

Times Square
Times Square
Location
New York City, US
Category
iconic bucket list
Coordinates
40.7575, -73.985833333
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

Welcome to Times Square, the only place on Earth where you can get a selfie with a knock-off Elmo, see a giant neon billboard for underwear, and accidentally walk into a Broadway rehearsal all within ten paces. Often called the 'Center of the Universe' or the 'Crossroads of the World,' this iconic junction at Broadway and Seventh Avenue is the ultimate destination for anyone looking for places to visit in Manhattan. Whether you are here to catch a world-class musical or simply to soak in the sheer sensory overload of the digital screens, Times Square offers an energy that is impossible to replicate. Visitors can expect a whirlwind of street performers, massive flagship stores, and enough LED lighting to be visible from outer space—literally. If you are looking for trip ideas that capture the high-octane spirit of New York City, standing on the red steps above the TKTS booth is a rite of passage. While it is famous for the New Year’s Eve ball drop, the square is a 24/7 spectacle of humanity and commerce. Just remember: in the city that never sleeps, Times Square is the one drinking the double espresso. It is loud, it is bright, and it is undeniably New York.

General information

Welcome to Times Square, the only place on Earth where you can get a selfie with a knock-off Elmo, see a giant neon billboard for underwear, and accidentally walk into a Broadway rehearsal all within ten paces. Often called the 'Center of the Universe' or the 'Crossroads of the World,' this iconic junction at Broadway and Seventh Avenue is the ultimate destination for anyone looking for places to visit in Manhattan. Whether you are here to catch a world-class musical or simply to soak in the sheer sensory overload of the digital screens, Times Square offers an energy that is impossible to replicate. Visitors can expect a whirlwind of street performers, massive flagship stores, and enough LED lighting to be visible from outer space—literally. If you are looking for trip ideas that capture the high-octane spirit of New York City, standing on the red steps above the TKTS booth is a rite of passage. While it is famous for the New Year’s Eve ball drop, the square is a 24/7 spectacle of humanity and commerce. Just remember: in the city that never sleeps, Times Square is the one drinking the double espresso. It is loud, it is bright, and it is undeniably New York.

Did you know

  • Times Square is so bright that it is one of the few man-made places on Earth identifiable from the International Space Station.
  • The annual New Year's Eve ball drop tradition began in 1907 because the city banned fireworks displays.
  • The 'Naked Cowboy' has been a fixture of the square for decades, performing in his underwear regardless of the freezing New York winters.
  • The digital billboards are actually required by zoning laws; buildings in the area must have a minimum amount of display lighting.

History

Before it was the neon heart of the city, this area was known as Longacre Square and was the center of New York's horse and carriage trade. Everything changed in 1904 when Adolph S. Ochs, publisher of The New York Times, moved the newspaper's headquarters to a new skyscraper on 42nd Street. He convinced the city to rename the area 'Times Square.' The first New Year's Eve celebration was held that same year to celebrate the new building. By the 1920s, it became a cultural hub for theaters and jazz. However, the mid-20th century saw a period of decline, with the area becoming notorious for crime and grit. A massive revitalization effort in the 1990s, led by the city and major corporations like Disney, transformed it into the polished, family-friendly, and ultra-commercial tourist mecca we see today.

Cultural significance

Times Square is more than just a street corner; it is a global symbol of American capitalism, entertainment, and urban resilience. It serves as the gateway to the Broadway Theater District, making it the epicenter of the English-speaking theatrical world. Culturally, it is the site of historic moments, such as the famous 1945 'V-J Day in Times Square' photograph of a sailor kissing a nurse. It represents the 'New York' that the world sees in movies—a place of infinite motion and bright lights. For locals, it’s a place to avoid during rush hour, but for the rest of the world, it is the definitive stage for public celebration, political protest, and the quintessential New York City experience.

Geography and landscape

Located in the borough of Manhattan, Times Square is technically a bowtie-shaped canyon formed by the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets. The landscape is dominated by verticality; towering skyscrapers are draped in massive high-definition LED screens that create a 'canyon of light.' In 2009, the city introduced pedestrian plazas, closing off sections of Broadway to cars and replacing asphalt with benches and tables. This transformed the geography from a congested traffic nightmare into a sprawling urban living room. The surrounding area is densely packed with theaters, hotels, and restaurants, creating a concrete environment where the sky is often obscured by the glow of advertising.

More facts

  • Imported from OSM batch
  • Imported from Wikidata

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