CityBuddy
Times Square
Best time to visit
After sunset, when the billboards and neon are at their most dramatic; visit on weekday evenings or late afternoons to avoid the largest weekend crowds.
Budget tips
No fee to walk around Times Square, attractions and Broadway shows cost extra; consider a New York CityPASS or Explorer Pass for discounts, and eat off the main plazas to avoid inflated prices.
Recommended for
Photography enthusiasts, First-time visitors, Nightlife seekers, Families
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: Lights from massive billboards paint the night sky in vivid colors, creating a sensory overload that never seems to fade. Crowds from all over the world gather here to witness the chaos and charm that define the energy of this iconic crossroads.
Highlights: Every year on New Year's Eve, over a million people cram into the streets to watch a 12-foot-diameter crystal ball drop, a tradition that started in 1907 and has featured more than 32,000 crystals made by Waterford. The area is also known for its massive LED billboards that use over 400,000 watts of electricity, lighting up the night sky and creating a dazzling, constantly changing urban rainbow.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, pedestrian plazas and sidewalks are crowded and involve standing.
- For the iconic photo, climb the red TKTS steps at Duffy Square and shoot north during blue hour.
- Visit just after lunch or on weekday evenings to avoid peak weekend crowds and tourist surges.
- Use the TKTS booth in Duffy Square for same-day discounted Broadway tickets, lines are often shorter midweek.
Where to Stay in New York
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