CityBuddy
Times Square
Best time to visit
Evenings are magical due to the unique light show and less bright daylight so the screens stand out. Weekdays are quieter than weekends for a more relaxed experience.
Budget tips
Entry is free, but buy snacks and souvenirs outside the main street for better priced options. With a NYC Pass, you can get discounts on surrounding attractions.
Recommended for
Urban culture lovers, Tourists who enjoy photo opportunities, People who admire nighttime city lighting
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: More than 330,000 people pass through here daily, with dozens of giant LED screens emitting up to 25,000 nits of light. The area quickly changes atmosphere: busy with tourists and shoppers by day, it transforms into a light show visible from 5 streets at night.
Highlights: The huge digital billboards on numerous buildings produce about 16 million watts of light, creating an almost surreal feeling at night as if you are in your own neon city. Every New Year's Eve, a crowd of over a million people gathers here to traditionally watch the ball drop from One Times Square.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes because you spend a lot of time on the street and sometimes in crowds.
- Photograph from street level just after sunset for the best light contrasts.
- Avoid midday hours on weekends to dodge the biggest crowds.
- Watch the light shows from the steps of the old pastry chapel building for a wide view.
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