Times Square

Visit Times Square

The 724-foot Times Square Building sits in the middle of multiple subway stations, so it's a good landmark for traveling by subway through the city. With its many theaters, Broadway goes off behind this building as you face it from the middle of the square. The Paramount Building was a movie theater that seated almost 4,000 people in its heyday. Today, the building houses New York's Hard Rock Cafe and offices. The ball drops on top of One Times Square every New Year's Eve. There's a museum on three floors within the building: 15, 16, and 17. There is also an observatory on the 18th floor. As of May 2022, the 42nd Street subway station was rebuilt and is an attraction in and of itself.

Ticket Information

Because Times Square is the intersection of two public thoroughfares, there is no cost to walk through, nor are tickets necessary.

Family-Friendly Options

Although tickets aren't necessary for the square, some attractions, including family-friendly attractions, charge admission. One such example is Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, which provides you with 85,000 square feet of exhibits. As the museum says, it's "the only place in New York where you can get photos with the stars without velvet ropes or security." The Museum of Broadway is great for all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. You can also go on a tour that starts in Times Square on a horse-drawn buggy. Once you arrive, it's best to stay together as the square is very crowded. With a large group, it's an excellent idea to pick a location to meet so that you can do a head count or as a meeting point if someone gets lost.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

There is no parking, so the best choice for getting there is public transit, taxi, or ride-share. Once you're there, Madame Tussauds is a great place to start. After that, the horse-drawn buggy tour will take you close to dinner time. Once you've had dinner at one of the great restaurants in Times Square and taken a few photos, catch a Broadway show. If you're still there at 11:57 p.m., you can experience the Midnight Moment before heading back to your accommodations.

Times Square Accommodations

On Site Accommodations

There are quite a few famous hotels in Times Square. Marriott and Hilton both have multiple brands in the area. The Freehand and the M Social are two boutique hotels there. The Algonquin Hotel is part of the Marriott brand, and its most famous employee is a cat!

Activities Near Times Square

Weather, Safety & Accessibility

Weather & Packing

New York City is hot during the summer and cold during the winter, so dressing appropriately for the time you visit is a good idea. Comfortable shoes are the most essential thing to have in Times Square and New York City. It would also be good to bring along extra socks should your feet sweat. During the spring and fall, it can be warm during the day and cold at night. Therefore, you should have clothing for both eventualities.

Safety & Accessibility

Times Square is the meeting of two city streets, so it's always fully accessible, even in poor weather. Regarding the buildings in and around Times Square, particularly the theaters along Broadway, they're also accessible under the Americans With Disabilities Act. If you attend a theater performance as a person with hearing loss, then you can, in most cases, use an assistive listening device. Most theaters also have signing interpreters for people who are entirely deaf. Some theaters offer discounted pricing for people with disabilities.