Times Square in New York

History of Times Square

Times Square dates back to the late 1880s when it was named Long Acre Square after a carriage district in London. The public space underwent several transformations over the years, thanks to the introduction of streetlights and advertisements, as well as the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT), New York’s first rapid transit system.  

What are the highlights and features of Times Square?

Times Square offers a wide range of things to see, do, eat, and shop. You can enjoy street performances, explore museums and galleries, as well as catch award-winning Broadway shows. This open square also offers unique attractions like a Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum.

Located in Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall serves as the headquarters of the world-famous Rockettes. Join the Radio City Stage Door Tour to explore the building’s glamourous Art Deco rooms and Great Stage – if you’re lucky, you might meet one of the dancers during your visit.

Broadway in Times Square

There are over 40 theaters in Times Square, most of which are in Midtown West’s Theater District. Catching a Broadway show is a must in New York – the opening overture pulls you into a performance filled with lavish sets, creative costumes, and musical numbers.

Notable live venues include Broadway Theater, St James Theater, Shubert Theater, and Richard Rodgers Theater. The New Amsterdam Theater is one of New York City’s oldest functioning Broadway theaters. Home to the famous Ziegfeld Follies until 1927, the venue exclusively hosts Disney productions, such as The Lion King, Aladdin, and Frozen.

You can get tickets at the theater box offices, though popular shows get sold out very quickly. Your best bet is to purchase them online well in advance. If you’re on a budget, TKTS booths offer discounted tickets to same-day performances for Broadway, off-Broadway, music, and dance concerts. 

New Year’s Eve in Times Square

If you’re in New York in December, you get to watch star-studded concerts and the iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square. On the One Times Square building, you can see the city’s famous Waterford crystal ball descending 77 ft from a pole.

During this time, Times Square gets extremely crowded – expect millions of spectators – so it’s a good idea to come here in the early morning and stay until the event takes place.

Shopping in Times Square

Most shops in Times Square stay open until 10 pm or midnight, giving you plenty of time to shop after you’ve explored the area’s sights. You can find many prominent local and international brands, such as Sephora, H&M, American Eagle Outfitters, Muji, and GAP.

Families and those with a sweet tooth can check out either M&M’s World or Hershey’s Chocolate World. Both stores offer customizable treats, great for mementoes of your trip to New York. Shop for official merch of your favorite cartoons at Times Square’s famous Disney Store, or stock up on festive ornaments at Christmas in New York.

What's good to know about Times Square?

You can get to Times Square from just about anywhere in New York City. The Times Square–42 Street Station is served by several subway lines (N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3 and 7). From Grand Central Station, you can take the S train to Times Square.

Note that this is one of the busiest stations in New York City, so avoid peak times if you’re uncomfortable with large crowds. A good option is taking the N, R or W train to the 49 Street Station, located around 4 blocks north of Times Square.