Times Square Tours and Activities

Times Square
Times Square
Times Square
Times Square
Times Square which includes a skyscraper, a city and signage


The electric atmosphere of the New York’s busiest square will leave your head spinning, an essential experience for all visitors.

Times Square may not always be to the locals’ taste, but this busy and energetic area dubbed the “Crossroads of the World” is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. The atmosphere is loaded and chaotic, exuding the energy and diversity for which New York City is so renowned.

Set between West 42nd and West 47th Streets on Seventh Avenue, the former Longacre Square was renamed Times Square in 1904 when the New York Times moved its headquarters to a new building on 42nd Street (you’ll now find the New York Times a short distance away on Eighth Avenue). Not long after, the first of the iconic electrified advertisements appeared: the ancestor of multitude of neon signs, news reels, stock exchange screens and gaudy advertisements that light the square up to 24 hours a day.

Times Square always has a myriad of free and impromptu events to entertain you. Street performers such as African drummers, jugglers or dancers are a common sight any time of the day or night. In particular, look out for the Naked Cowboy. This busker has become notorious for playing the guitar in only his underwear.

Complement this experience with a visit to the Times Square Museum and Visitor Centre in the Embassy Theatre with displays illustrating the story of the square. Highlights include the “Times Square Spectacular” show featuring the Centennial Ball and simulating the famous New Year’s Eve countdown every hour.

The world-famous Broadway theatre district, home to over 30 theatres, extends off from Times Square. This is the place to come for the biggest and best shows. You can buy tickets directly from the theatre’s box office or from the Broadway Concierge & Ticket Centre in Times Square. You can always see hundreds of potential show-goers queuing up at the TIX outdoor booth to buy half-price tickets on the afternoon of the show.

Alternatively, head to Madame Tussauds Museum to get close up to stunningly life-like wax doubles of your favourite celebrities, or head to one of the many huge multiplex cinemas to see the latest film releases.

Times Square is very easy to access by public transport, as many of the Subway lines run through the 42nd Street Times Square Station.

Plan a trip to see Times Square

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hilton Garden Inn New York/Tribeca
NobleDEN Hotel
PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel

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Reviews of Times Square

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
138
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
125
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
50
3 - Okay 15%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 2%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Very crowded and busy area. Not a fun place to visit, especially at night.

Popular places to visit


Top Times Square Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave, New York, NY
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square

Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square

4 out of 5
145 W 44th St, New York, NY
Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square
Hotel Edison Times Square

Hotel Edison Times Square

4 out of 5
228 W 47th St, New York, NY
Hotel Edison Times Square
Arlo Midtown

Arlo Midtown

4 out of 5
351 West 38th Street, New York, NY
Arlo Midtown
Hotel St. James

Hotel St. James

2.5 out of 5
109 W. 45TH ST., New York, NY
Hotel St. James
Lotte New York Palace

Lotte New York Palace

4.5 out of 5
455 Madison Ave, New York, NY
Lotte New York Palace
Paramount Times Square

Paramount Times Square

4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street, New York, NY
Paramount Times Square
W New York - Times Square

W New York - Times Square

4.5 out of 5
1567 Broadway At 47th St, New York, NY
W New York - Times Square
Hard Rock Hotel New York

Hard Rock Hotel New York

4.5 out of 5
159 W 48th St, New York, NY
Hard Rock Hotel New York
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Times Square

Times Square is a vibrant hub in New York City, offering an array of activities such as theatre performances, street entertainment, and art exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy walking tours, catch upcoming events, explore Streetwise New York tours, and experience the excitement of nearby theme parks. Don’t miss the TKTS booth for discounted theatre tickets, making it easy to immerse yourself in the local cultural scene.

Shopping

In Times Square, you can shop at Macy's, just 644m away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and city vibes. Tiffany & Co. is also nearby at 1.3km. For unique finds, visit Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, located 644m from the square.

Recreation

At Carnegie Hall, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of music concerts, located 1.1km from Times Square. For an exhilarating experience, try ice skating at Rink at Rockefeller Center, just 805m away. Alternatively, indulge in luxury at the Metropolitan Club, 1.6km from the heart of Times Square.

Adventure

At DreamWorks Water Park, located 9.7km from Times Square, enjoy thrilling water rides and family-friendly entertainment. For a serene outdoor vibe, visit the Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, 3.2km away. For adventure enthusiasts, the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, only 1.6km away, offers exhilarating climbing experiences.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Times Square buzzes with energy. Catch a show at Town Hall, enjoy games and drinks at Dave & Buster's, or settle in for a film at Regal Times Square. Each venue offers a unique vibe, perfect for a memorable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Times Square

Times Square offers a vibrant mix of urban parks, art museums, and lively streets, perfect for those seeking culture and family experiences. Explore popular attractions and consider staying at nearby hotels for convenience. Don't miss the iconic sights of Times Square, including its bright lights and bustling atmosphere, ensuring a memorable visit to this iconic New York destination.

  • Broadway: Experience the vibrant energy of Broadway, a renowned street famous for its dazzling theatres and electrifying performances. It's a hub of city vibes where you can enjoy world-class musicals and shows, making it a must-visit for any tourist.
  • Central Park: Embrace the beauty of Central Park, an expansive urban oasis perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and recreational activities while soaking up the serene atmosphere amidst the bustling city backdrop.
  • Grand Central Terminal: Discover the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal, an iconic landmark showcasing stunning architecture and rich cultural history. Marvel at the celestial dome and intricate details while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this historic transit hub.

Best time to go to Times Square

The best time to visit Times Square is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Times Square

To save money on your trip to Times Square, consider visiting between January and March for lower hotel rates. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays tend to be cheaper for stays, while Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly options, such as eco-certified hotels, and consider bundling your flight and hotel for further savings. Walking is a great way to explore the area without spending on transport, and make the most of free activities around Times Square.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Times Square are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Times Square is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Times Square is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Times Square is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and ideal hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Times Square hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia