Times Square is called the “crossroads of the world,” and one of New York City’s most iconic destinations, buzzing with energy day and night. It receives some 300,000 tourists a day (and about a million on New Year’s Eve) and is one of the most visited tourist sites in the world. That iconic runway lights up so brightly that it can be seen even from outer space. Even as a bit of a tired New Yorker, I can see why all those lights and confusion appeal to people. There is something especially magical about the atmosphere there – especially at night. When Christmas and New Year’s festivities approach, hotels hit record prices, but while any hotel in Times Square is affordable every other season. With New York City hosting 68.1 million tourists in 2025, finding the best things to do in Times Square is more important than ever.
In this guide, we will provide you with the ultimate family-friendly destination in New York, with its incredible history and best things to do that will welcome you in and make you want to brave crowds and check it out. Whether you are planning your first visit to Times Square or are just interested in what is new, this full-on visitor’s guide will help you navigate through that bustling heart of Manhattan.
A Brief History and Transformation of Times Square
From Longacre Square to Times Square
Today’s lively corner called Times Square has a very interesting history. Long before the neon lights and Broadway shows became entrenched in culture, this area was called Longacre Square (after London’s carriage district). In the nineteenth century, the square was the center of New York’s horse-and-carriage trade, containing stables and riding academies — not theaters.
On April 8, 1904, everything changed when Mayor George B. McClellan Jr. officially renamed the area “Times Square” after The New York Times’ headquarters moved to a new skyscraper on 42nd Street. Just three weeks post-renaming, the first electrified advertisement appeared, marking the area for the changes to come. The New York Times celebrated by producing the first New Year’s Eve event on December 31, 1904, beginning a tradition that has continued into the present day.
The Rise, Fall, And Revival Of The District
After the Great War, Times Square bubbled forth as a cultural center, full with theaters, music halls, and world-class hotels. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s marked the beginning of its decline. They took over legitimate concerns: burlesque shows, cheap restaurants, and shortly thereafter, pornography theatres.
By 1984, visitors avoided Times Square due to dangers. A single block recorded 2,300 crimes, 20% of which were major felonies, e.g., murder and rape. Also, at that time, across the whole 13-acre space there were only 3,000 legitimate jobs and $6 million in property taxes were collected upon.
The city began the process of change in the 1990’s, when New York officials developed and implemented an ambitious redevelopment project. A major milestone was Disney’s commitment to restore the historic New Amsterdam Theater in 1995. In those years subsequent, Madame Tussauds wax museum opened on 42nd Street, followed by the opening of AMC Theaters, leading to a wave of new construction.
How Broadway Helped Reshape The Area
Broadway theaters have forever been the lungs of Times Square. While vaudeville buildings and popular theaters moved uptown to draw crowds, it was the flourishing and budding activities that made Times Square synonymous with American theater. The restoration of historic theaters was the focal point of the revival efforts in the 1990s. Seven historic theaters were renovated by the New 42nd Street organization, breathing new life into the district. Broadway was on its most successful year for nearly two decades when “The Lion King” opened in 1997 on the newly restored New Amsterdam.
Today, such theaters receive millions of visitors, thus defining some of the most popular activities to indulge in Times Square for both tourists and locals alike.
Top Attractions and Things to Do in Times Square
One can indulge in a number of adventures to feel the quintessential vibes of the energetic Manhattan’s pulsating core. Besides the typical photo shoots, the city also provides amazing and engaging visitors’ experiences. Read on to know what you must see during your trip.
Visit The Iconic Red Steps And TKTS Booth
Located at 47th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue, the well-known Red Steps offer the ideal view to take a look at the whole extravaganza. These ruby-red stairs, by their size, can hold up to 1,500 people at one time. Underneath them is the TKTS Booth run by Theater Development Fund (TDF), which is providing heavily discounted tickets for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows to be bought on the same day. Their small service fee of 7.00 USD is much lower than those of online sellers.
Explore Madame Tussauds and Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Madame Tussauds (234 West 42nd Street) is where you can capture a photo with over 200 lifelike wax figures in the images of celebrities, superheroes and historic folk. The usual price for one person is from 40 to 50 dollars. Not far from Madame Tussauds, you can find Ripleys Believe it or Not, where there are more than 500 strange and unusual things from different parts of the world.
Experience The Midnight Moment Digital Art Show
Every night at 11:57 PM, Times Square transforms into the world’s largest digital art exhibition. For three minutes, over 92 electronic billboards synchronize across 41st to 49th Streets to display rotating monthly artworks. Running since 2012, this program has featured more than 100 artists and reaches an estimated annual viewership of 2.5 million.
Take A Ride On The Ride Or RiseNY
RiseNY provides the one-of-a-kind experience that is divided into three parts and that includes a visit to a museum with amazing flight simulation. Open with an engaging movie narrated by Jeff Godblum, then discover the seven exhibits presenting NYC culture through fashion, music, and film. At last, the most modern flight simulator will help you to pilot over New York’s famous monuments.
Catch A Street Performance In Times Square Plaza
Since 2016, the city has been establishing officially recognized areas within Times Square Plaza where artists with various talents display their abilities during the day. Such a planned approach is a way of regulating the previously existing street performance culture while still preserving the district’s lively and unpredictable nature.
A unique and unforgettable experience of Times Square can be made by these seasonal decorations and special events that you can find during your visit.
Entertainment and Broadway Experiences
Actually, one cannot claim to have been in Times Square without watching a Broadway play. You will discover there, the most astonishing and diverse gatherings and shows, which have made this place become the heart of the theater district, the very center of the theater district.
How to get Broadway tickets (TKTS, lotteries, apps)
The red steps lead to the TKTS Booth, where you can purchase same-day discounted tickets for 20-50% off at one of three booths. Additionally, their modest USD 7.00 service fee supports TDF’s community programs. For those planning ahead, several options exist:
- Digital Lotteries: Shows like “Aladdin” and “Book of Mormon” offer USD 45-49 lottery tickets through platforms like LuckySeat
- Rush Tickets: Available day-of for USD 40-53 through apps like TodayTix
- Broadway Direct App: Enter lotteries and purchase tickets directly
Best Family-Friendly Shows To See
One of the most popular dazzling shows with incredible and out of the world sets and the well-known songs at the historic New Amsterdam Theater is Disney’s “Aladdin”. The Lion King” has been the number one for more than 25 years at the Minskoff Theater and still remains a top hit. With its innovative puppetry and catchy African rhythms, it instantly connected with the audience.
Off-Broadway And Alternative Theater Options
Off-Broadway theaters that have the capacity 100-499 people are usually theaters that are innovative and interesting with new works. The Theater Center and New Victory Theater are among these smaller venues that provide unique theatrical experiences for less money than Broadway shows.
Behind-The-Scenes Tours And Museum Visits
Broadway Up Close tours are the dream come true for theater fans since they give the rare behind-the-scenes access, the same distance is stage with the actors who work there and the stage managers.
If you delve into the past of the Hudson Theater, which is one of the oldest Broadway venues and has been through more than a century with the original lighting by Louis Comfort Tiffany, then you are a history buff of the theater district without even knowing it.
What’s more, if you want to get the theater yesterday, today and tomorrow “Museum of Broadway” is definitely the right place as it has interesting exhibitions reflecting moments that symbolize theatrical history.
Tips for Navigating and Enjoying Times Square
And if you truly wish to benefit from your stay in Manhattan, NY’s high-energy heart, then you’ll want to plan that trip of yours. The area is visited by over 360,000 people on a daily basis, so if you want to have a good time, you need to figure out when and how you are going to go.
Best Times To Visit To Avoid Crowds
First and foremost, arrive before 10 AM to experience Times Square without crushing crowds. The early morning belongs to locals, yet the billboards still flash with energy. “The other thing would be to come when the crowd has turned and it’s a lot more high energy but not as packed. Under such circumstances, the best place at a time indicating low traffic would not be proximate to other two peak times of 11 am-2 pm or 5 pm-8pm.
Free And Budget-Friendly Activities
The lights themselves are a spectacular free attraction, especially at night. You can also enjoy:
- Times Square Museum and Visitor Center (free admission)
- Red Steps observation area
- Street performer entertainment in the official Times Square Plaza zone
- Digital art installations, including the nightly Midnight Moment at 11:57 PM
Subway Exits And Walking Strategies
There are a total of 16 different exits at the Times Square-42nd Street station – find out which one will bring you closest to your destination. Exit at 42nd and 7th if you’re looking to land near the southern end (near the TKTS booth), or try one of the exits on 47th Street if you’re aiming for the northern section. Due to all the visitors it is probably easiest to first hike around the sides before moving towards the centre.
Staying Safe And Comfortable During Your Visit
Pickpockets go after tourists who are not paying attention and are in areas with lots of people. Therefore, you should watch your valuables remain and be aware of what is happening around you. While moving in a crowd, it is advised that you look straight ahead with your eye-line slightly higher than the heads of people who are coming towards you. Dress for extensive walking—comfortable shoes are essential since you’ll walk more than expected.
Conclusion
Times Square has a reputation for being very entertaining and a classic scene in New York City. You will always find nightlife, Broadway shows, shopping, dining, and so forth, so you can’t say that there is nothing to do in Times Square. The best things to do, whether you are in Times Square for a short trip or a full day, are amazing experiences. With the lights, street performance, and unlimited attractions, it is no surprise they call it” The Crossroad of the world”. When you go to New York City, don’t forget to put Times Square on your itinerary list, and visit all the fun, art, and the unique things that make it a must-do for tourists from all over the world.