About Times Square
Times Square, the heart of Manhattan's Theater District, attracts 50 million visitors annually to its dazzling digital billboards, 40 Broadway theaters, and electric 24/7 energy. Once a crime-ridden area in the 1970s-80s, today's Times Square is a pedestrian-friendly destination showcasing New York's entertainment culture at its most vibrant. Pair this stop with the New York guide and the wider United States overview.
⏰ Opening Hours & Best Times
- Hours: Public space open 24/7
- Best for photos: Dusk (5-7 PM) when lights pop against twilight sky
- Best for walking: Early morning (7-9 AM) before crowds arrive
- Most crowded: 6-10 PM pre-theater, New Year's Eve (1 million people)
- Broadway shows: Most performances 8 PM weeknights, 2 PM and 8 PM weekends
💰 Costs
- Walking the square: Free
- Broadway shows: $60-300+ depending on show and seats
- TKTS discount booth: Same-day tickets 20-50% off (expect 30-60 min wait)
- Guided theater tours: $40-60 per person (2-3 hours, includes backstage access)
- Private guide: $250-400 for up to 6 people (theater history + recommendations)
Broadway insider tip: Guides know which shows have rush tickets, lotteries, and best value seats.
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Theater history: Stories behind iconic venues like Shubert, Majestic, and New Amsterdam theaters
- Show recommendations: Guides match shows to your tastes - musicals, dramas, comedies
- Hidden gems: Off-Broadway venues, jazz clubs, comedy spots beyond the main drag
- Photography expertise: Best angles, times, and techniques for iconic Times Square shots
- Crowd navigation: Efficient routes avoiding costume character photo hustlers
✨ Don't Miss
- 🎭 Broadway show: Lion King, Hamilton, Wicked among longest-running hits
- 📺 Good Morning America studio: Free outdoor concerts summer Friday mornings
- 🎫 TKTS booth: Red glass steps for people-watching, discount tickets below
- 🍎 Hershey's and M&M stores: Three-story candy experiences
- 📸 Red stairs at Duffy Square: Best elevated viewpoint for photos
- 🎹 Tin Pan Alley history: West 28th Street where American popular music was born
📝 Practical Tips
- Pickpockets: Crowded area - keep valuables secure, guides help you stay aware
- Costume characters: Not official Disney - expect aggressive tipping requests after photos
- Restaurant pricing: Times Square restaurants overpriced - guides know better nearby options
- Bathroom strategy: Starbucks, hotels, or theater lobbies (if you're seeing a show)
- Show timing: Arrive 30 minutes early, check bag policies (many theaters restrict sizes)
- Photography: Pedestrian plazas give safe distance from traffic for wide-angle shots