Times Square NY
Times Square has become an illustrious landmark and a symbol of New York City
Known colloquially as "The Crossroads of the World" and "The Great White Way," Times Square NYC is one of the most popular commercial intersections in the world! Located in central Manhattan at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, this popular NYC attraction, especially among tourists, is home to top destinations such as the Naked Cowboy, ABC's Times Square Studios, and Planet Hollywood. More than a third of a million people pass through iconic Times Square NYC every day!
Times Square NYC has been a popular NY attraction for over a century. It is here that Good Morning America is broadcast live to the nation, here that the New Year's Eve ball is dropped, and here that the curved seven-story NASDAQ sign has reported the fortunes and misfortunes of a nation.
Times Square acquired its name in 1904 when Albert Ochs, publisher of the New York Times, moved the newspaper's operations to a new skyscraper on what was then known as Longacre Square. The name stuck, even after the New York Times moved their headquarters across Broadway in 1913. Now Times Square New York City is known around the world as a symbol of the American spirit.
Learn more about the history of Times Square at our Times Square History page. Then check out our helpful map of Times Square!
Times Square NY Hotels
A popular tourist destination for over 100 years, Times Square is home to hundreds of good NYC hotels. Whether you're looking for high-end luxury or budget-friendly accommodations, Times Square has a hotel to suit your needs.
The W Hotel at Times Square offers an interesting modern art design.
To find more great hotels in Times Square, visit our Times Square hotels page!
New Year's Eve in Times Square NY
New Year's Eve in Times Square has become one of the most famous events in Manhattan.
New Year's Eve in Times Square is easily one of the most famous events in Manhattan. The traditional New Year's Eve ball drop began over 100 years ago, in 1908, when the first Waterford crystal ball was lowered on a pole in Times Square to a cheering crowd. On December 31, 1999, approximately 2 million people gathered at Times Square to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. It was the largest gathering in New York City since the end of World War II.
At the center of the New Year's Eve Celebration in Times Square is the world-famous geodesic ball. This massive sphere weighs 11,875 lbs. and features 2,688 crystal triangles bolted to 672 LED modules. Using 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs, the New Year's Eve Times Square Ball is capable of creating a palette of more than 16 million colors and billions of kaleidoscopic patterns!
Don't forget to visit our page on the New Year's Eve Ball Drop in NYC!
Times Square New York Attractions
The lights and billboards in New York are as famous as the buildings themselves.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Times Square. When you visit this popular NYC tourist attraction, be sure to bring your camera so that you can capture the brilliant lights and massive crowds. While the experience itself cannot be captured on film, your friends and family will be grateful for the pictures. Also, be sure to protect your belongings at all times. It is an unfortunate fact that large crowds draw pickpockets. Because Times Square NYC is always packed with people, we recommend putting your wallet in your front pocket, just to be safe.
- Ripleys Believe It or Not: While you're in Times Square NY, be sure to drop by Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium. Worldwide, the Ripley Collection boasts over 20,000 photographs and 30,000 artifacts, most of which have to be seen to be believed. At the NYC museum, you'll find, among other things, a collection of terrifying medieval torture devices and a creepy display of shrunken heads. Rest assured, your visit to this museum will be a memorable one.
- Madame Tussauds Wax MuseumMadame Tussauds is a fairly recent addition to the Times Square neighborhood, but it has already become one of the most popular tourist attractions in NYC. Here you'll find the lifelike wax statues of celebrities and historical figures such as Barack Obama, Taylor Swift, Johnny Depp, Abraham Lincoln, and dozens of other famous folk.
- The Naked Cowboy: Robert John Burck, better known as "the Naked Cowboy," entertains audiences in Times Square NYC while wearing nothing more than a hat, briefs, and cowboy boots. With his persistent appearances in Times Square NY, the Naked Cowboy has become a fixture in the area, and has been interviewed on both TV and radio shows.
Shopping in Times Square
"What is it about the Green ones?" The M&M Store at Times Square is home to every variety of M&M Candy.
If you love to shop, you cannot miss Times Square shopping! This popular intersection in Midtown Manhattan is home to a wide variety of stores. Here are a few of our favorite Times Square stores:
- Best Buy Midtown: Looking for a new iPod for your trip home? Want to pick up the latest CD by your favorite band? Drop by Best Buy Midtown, where you'll find all the electronics you'll ever need at affordable prices!
- Grand Slam New York Apparel and Gifts: Want a New York City souvenir to remember your trip by? Check out Grand Slam New York Apparel and Gifts, an authentic NYC gift and souvenir shop.
- Hard Rock Cafe Store: Rock 'n' roll fan? Don't miss the Hard Rock Cafe Store, which offers music memorabilia and Hard Rock Cafe Times Square apparel! Rock on!
- TKTS Times Square Booth: If you're looking for last-minute, discounted tickets to Broadway shows, be sure to drop by the TKTS Booth in Times Square. Here you'll find cheap tickets to Wicked, Jersey Boys, the Phantom of the Opera, and other Broadway shows!
