Times Square

Times Square
Times Square
Times Square
Times Square
Times Square featuring signage, a high rise building and central business district


This neon paradise is a must-see for visitors wanting to sample New York’s chaotic downtown scene at its best.

This live and kicking neon jungle is arguably the life and soul of New York City, despite its label as a touristy clique by local New Yorkers. As one of the most visited spots in the world, Times Square beats, shouts and screams behind its neon exterior.

Having shaken off its name as a somewhat unfavourable destination, visitors flock in their thousands to sample a truly out-of-this-world experience in the beating heart of New York. The neighbourhood, situated between West 42nd and West 47th Streets on Seventh Avenue, received its name in 1904 when The New York Times opened its headquarters here. Today the popular newspaper is based over on Eighth Avenue, just around the corner.

Under constant illumination 24 hours a day, Times Square hums and buzzes with its daily news flashes, whirling stock exchange information and lavish advertisements, sprawled across the vast buildings. In this jungle of neon profanity, don’t be surprised to see some rather unusual street entertainment, notably the naked Cowboy a street busker earning his name from playing guitar in his underwear. African drummers, jugglers and random musical performances all add to the atmosphere of this truly entertaining hub of activity.

For those seeking a less hectic alternative, the Madam Tussauds wax works museum is a great afternoon out. Visitors are treated to a variety of comical activities and get to marvel celebrities immortalised in graphic detail from wax.

Grab tickets to see a show in the Broadway theatre district, just a stone’s throw from the centre of Times Square. Visitors usually join the lines at the TIX outdoor booth to chance half price tickets on afternoon performances in one of the 40 venues in the vicinity

From the upmarket to the trendy, Times Square is bursting with memorabilia stores and souvenirs boutiques. From “l Heart NYC” T-shirts to New York Yankees caps, you are bound to find a trinket to take home. The entire area is surrounded typical New York delis and fast food restaurants, great places to eat if you have a busy sightseeing schedule.

It is easy to find you way to Times Square either by bus or via the local subway connection.

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Top Hotel 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
Hotel Edison Times Square

Hotel Edison Times Square

4 out of 5
228 W 47th St, New York, NY
Hotel Edison Times Square
Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel

Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel

4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street, New York, NY
Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel
Hotel St. James

Hotel St. James

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

Arlo Midtown

4 out of 5
351 West 38th Street, New York, NY
Arlo Midtown
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
The Manhattan at Times Square

The Manhattan at Times Square

4 out of 5
790 7th Ave, New York, NY
The Manhattan at Times Square
Pod Times Square

Pod Times Square

3 out of 5
400 W 42nd Street, New York, NY
Pod Times Square
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 offers a vibrant array of activities, including captivating theatre performances and lively street entertainment. Explore Streetwise New York tours for a local perspective, enjoy thrilling rides at nearby amusement parks, or secure discounted theatre tickets at the TKTS booth. With countless shopping opportunities and diverse entertainment choices, Times Square is a must-visit for an unforgettable experience in the heart of New York City.

Shopping

In Times Square, indulge in shopping at Macy's, a shopping mall centre just 644m away, or visit Bergdorf Goodman, located 1.3km away. For a unique experience, explore Chelsea Market, situated 1.6km from Times Square, offering a variety of food and artisanal goods.

Recreation

At Gotham Comedy Club, enjoy an evening filled with laughter in a family-friendly atmosphere, just 1.6km from Times Square. Brooklyn Bowl offers a unique blend of bowling and relaxation, three miles away, while Le Poisson Rouge presents vibrant live music, two miles from the heart of Times Square.

Adventure

Experience the thrills of DreamWorks Water Park, 9.7km from Times Square, where family fun meets adventure. For climbing enthusiasts, the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, located 1.6km away, offers exciting outdoor challenges. Alternatively, enjoy a game at Central Park Tennis Center, just 4.8km from the hustle of Times Square.

Nightlife

In Times Square, the Minskoff Theatre and Lyceum Theatre, both a mere 161m away, promise an enchanting evening with their captivating performances. For a slightly longer stroll to the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, located 483m away, you can indulge in more cultural delights in this vibrant nightlife hub.

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

Find the best attractions near Times Square

For an unforgettable experience in Times Square, New York, you can explore a delightful mix of urban parks, art museums, and vibrant streets. This bustling area offers something for everyone, from culture enthusiasts to families seeking fun. Don't miss iconic sights such as Central Park and the dazzling lights of Times Square itself, ensuring a memorable visit to the heart of NYC.

  • Broadway: Experience the vibrant heart of New York City on Broadway, renowned for its dazzling theatre productions and eclectic atmosphere. Just a short stroll from Times Square, this iconic street pulsates with energy, where world-class performances captivate audiences nightly.
  • Central Park: Escape the urban hustle in Central Park, a sprawling green oasis offering outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities. Located a mere 3.2km from Times Square, this picturesque park invites you to explore its tranquil pathways, lush landscapes, and scenic spots perfect for picnics.
  • Madison Square Garden: Witness unforgettable entertainment at Madison Square Garden, an iconic arena known for hosting concerts, sports events, and shows. Situated 805m from Times Square, it’s a must-visit for families and sports enthusiasts alike, brimming with excitement.

Best time to go to Times Square

The best time to visit Times Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Times Square falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Times Square falls in January, 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

For a budget-friendly visit to Times Square, consider travelling between January and March when hotel prices are at their lowest. Aim to book your accommodation about a month in advance, and check for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Sundays typically offer the best rates, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilise Expedia’s search filters to find affordable options that suit your preferences, and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for extra savings. Don't forget to explore the area on foot, as many attractions are free or low-cost.

  • 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: Certainly. Here’s a paraphrased version in a trusted and attentive tone, using British English:Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to discover the most affordable accommodation options first. Furthermore, you have the ability to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on costs by combining your Times Square hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.