Things to Do in Times Square, 22 That Are Actually Worth It.

Located above the TKTS ticket booth at 47th Street and Broadway, the iconic red steps give you a front-row seat to everything happening in the heart of Times Square. I like to climb to the top, sit for a bit, and just take it all in. You’ll get unobstructed views of the flashing light and crowds, it’s always a good time! Grabbing a selfie here is definitely a great way to memorialize your visit to Times Square.

Any Hamilton fans in the house? Great, there’s a connection here. The Drama Bookshop has long been a Times Square staple, vital to the New York theater scene. In fact, over the course of its 100+ year history it’s served as an invaluable resource for theatrical works to some of Broadways greats with over 8,000 plays in stock.

Back to Hamilton – what has made the beloved bookstore more popular than ever is it’s latest owner, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who purchased it in 2020. Miranda, along with other Broadway peers, used the basement of the previous location to rehearse “In the Heights”, the musical that helped launch Miranda to stardom.

Speaking for myself, a visit to the serene Drama Book Shop is always a welcome respite from the commotion of Times Square. Regardless of whether you’re visiting to unleash your inner bookworm or just a fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda, swinging by this charming bookstore is a worthwhile add to your list things to do in Times Square.

If you’re looking for fun Times Square activities for the family then be sure to check out M&M’s World where you can create your own customized candy. This interactive three-story store offers a range of goodies, from apparel to chocolate personalized with your face. It’s not only a memorable Times Square activity (especially for kids) but also a great spot to pick up some edible souvenirs.

One of the top spots in Times Square (and a personal favorite of mine) for food is Los Tacos No. 1, a renowned taqueria founded by Tijuana and California natives who aimed to bring authentic Mexican flavor to Manhattan.

Despite the initial shock of $5+ per taco, the juicy and tender meat quickly justifies the price, making it a great quick bite in Times Square (Los Tacos is actually one of the best cheap eats in all of NYC). With a simple menu honoring traditional flavors, even my Mexican in-laws agree – it’s one of the best things to do in the area!

If you’re budget allows, I cannot more highly recommend adding a Broadway show to your list of things to do in Times Square. The amount of effort that goes into all of these shows is unparalleled and something that everyone should experience. I’ve been to more than a dozen shows and have yet to leave one feeling like it wasn’t worth it.

Believe it or not, there are 41 official Broadway theaters in NYC, with most of them being concentrated around Times Square (which happens to be situated within the Theater District) and at any given time, more than half of them are operational. This means there’s always plenty of plays and showtimes to choose from. Admittedly, Broadway Shows can be quite expensive, but, as anyone who attends one will tell you, the experience is easily the most memorable thing you can do in Times Square.

One thing to note is that many of the shows offer lotteries, through which they’ll sell very discounted tickets to randomly selected winners. I’ve got more tips on how to score discount Broadway tickets here.

This fusion of French confectionery with Asian inspired flavors at Bibble & Sip is downright delicious. This unexpected Times Square pit stop serves playfully decorated desserts that are too cute (and tasty) to pass up. If you’re anything like me you’ll have a hard time picking just one treat to take home.

Of the ones I’ve tried so far, the cream puff stands is the one that warrants an addition to your list of things to do in Times Square.

Spanning 7,800 square feet, getting lost at the Hershey’s Chocolate World is a not out of the question. The smell of this place instantly takes me back to fond childhood memories of roasting s’mores around a campfire. If you’re visiting Times Square with kids, this is a must-do.

Enjoy cookies, s’mores, cupcakes, and frozen goodies like Reese’s Peanut Butter milkshakes. This is one of the most popular attractions in Times Square for families. And with the ability to customize your own candy bar wrapper, it’s a great spot to pick up some souvenirs for loved ones back home.

If you’re traveling with a baseball fan then be sure to swing by the Yankee’s Clubhouse in Times Square. This is an official New York Yankees store selling authentic gear. Official jerseys, t-shirts, hats, balls, books, toys, jackets bobbleheads, hoodies, keychains, baseball cards, and even Yankees tickets – you get the idea.

Just be sure to prep yourself for steep prices, this is Times Square after all. You might not realize it but the Yankee Shop in Times Square is a mere 25-minute subway ride from Yankee Stadium itself!

Although Ten Thousand Coffee is relatively new to Times Square, they hold their own among the best coffee shops in New York City. This Australian-based cafe derives its name from the 10,000 hour rule – 10,000 hours of practice leads to expertise. After the first sip of coffee I can attest, they’ve put in the time.

If you’re looking for a pick-me-up activity in Times Square, swing by and try the Einspänner and an Espresso Cream Latte.

It’s no secret that New York City has an abundance of great restaurants and delicious food. So much so that narrowing down your options can be tricky. Fortunately,there’s a Times Square activity to the rescue. Urbanspace is a food hall filled to the brim with a variety of different eateries and only a 10 minute walk from the heart of Times Square.

To me, what makes Urbanspace an especially worthwhile Times Square activity is that you can mix and match with a group – grab fried chicken from one place and ramen from another. Even the two people in your party who can never agree will find something fun to try.

I highly recommend Roberta’s Pizza – my husband swears it’s the best pizza in NYC (bold claim, I know!). The dining hall also offers a full bar along with popular NYC spots like Seamore’s and Partners Coffee.

The same way you can’t go to Philly without trying a cheesesteak, they say you can’t come to Times and not try cheesecake. One in particular. Opening up shop in 1950, Junior’s Cheesecake is one of the most famous New York institutions. Their diner-style restaurants feels extra cozy and makes for one of the best things to do in Times Square for those with a sweet-tooth.

You can enjoy a single slice at a table or take a whole pie to go. While there are endless cheesecakes to choose from, I tend to gravitate towards anything with chocolate, while my husband sticks to the classics. All this to say – it’s hard to go wrong!

Given its status as a world-renowned tourist destination, most of the things to do in Times Square are inherently geared towards tourists. One of the few places to interact with locals in Times Square is to step away from the chaos and find some high ground to enjoy the scenery from a rooftop bar (with a a cocktail in hand, of course!).

Here’s a short list of rooftop options I recommend to friends and family looking for things to do in Times Square.

• Castell RooftopCocktails cost between $16-$22.
• St. Cloud Rooftop — Cocktails cost $24+.
• Hard Rock Hotel — Cocktails cost between $17-$21.
• Beast & Butterflies — Cocktails cost between $15-$24.

If you’re looking for more unique things to do in Times Square consider being part of a live audience for a TV taping. Most shows available are late-night talk shows with guests changing nightly. The amount of work that goes into producing a single episode is astounding and seeing the hosts and celebrities up close is surreal.

I will say, having been to a few of these myself, you should be prepared to be treated similarly to a seal at the aquarium – being required to repeatedly clap on queue by the producers to receive strokes of “good job!”.

With that being said, the price is right! These shows are free to attend but require that you apply in advance. Here’s the shows you can attend that tape in and around Times Square with links to tickets.

• The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
• The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (NBC)
• Today Show (NBC)
• Late Night with Seth Meyers Tickets (NBC)
• The Daily Show Tickets (Comedy Central)
• Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Whether you’re a Jimmy Buffet fan or not, Margaritaville is an experience and a half. Where else can you find a two-story replica of the Statue of Liberty raising a margarita (I’ll drink to that). While Jimmy insisted Margaritaville is a lifestyle – here that translates into a resort hotel with restaurants and bars. Good news is that you don’t have to be a guest to add this to your list of things to do in Times Square.

There are 5 different spots to grab a bite at Margaritaville, including its namesake restaurant and 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar. Expect classic American foods as well as plentiful adult beverages in a setting that can almost make you forget you’re in New York City. I frequently recommend this spot as one of the best happy hours in Times Square – where else can you get $8 margaritas in this city?

The heart of Times Square is essentially made up of three major components; giant TV screens, restaurants, and shops. You can’t walk more than a few steps before making it to the next store. So it only makes sense to add shopping to your list of things to do in Times Square (even if that just means window shopping!).

Here is a short list of stores you can find in Times Square.

• Old Navy
• Sephora
• Swarovski
• Levi’s
• American Eagle
• Disney Store
• H&M
• GAP
• Forever 21
• A bajillion souvenir shops

Home to what has to be the best top down views of Times Square, visiting the R Lounge at the Renaissance Hotel has become one of the most popular things to do at Times Square. This upscale lounge is located at the north end of Times Square offering panoramic views of the pandemonium below.

The menu offers an array of casual eats like pretzels, burgers and even grilled cheese. Cocktails will cost you around $20 which is (unfortunately) typical for the city. Don’t let the price tag deter you though, enjoying the panoramic views is one of the most relaxing things to do in Times Square, and a small price to pay to stay above the fray.

If you’re curious to know what all the hoopla is about reservations are easy to make online. My suggestion is to make reservations for sunset.

While encountering celebrities in NYC is not uncommon, there’s an unspoken rule to respect their privacy. For a chance to snap a picture with your favorite star without causing a scene, consider visiting Madame Tussauds in Times Square.

With ticket prices ranging from $40-$80, you’ll have access to nine floors of wildly realistic wax figures and over 80,000 sq. feet of interactive fun – a must-do in Times Square, so grab your tickets in advance. Here’s a short list (covering just a fraction) of the life-like celebrities you’ll find at Madame Tussades in Times Square.

• The Avengers
• The Royal Family
• Taylor Swift
• Selena Gomez
• Indiana Jones
• Marilyn Monroe
• The Kardashians
• Former presidents

Located just one block from Times Square, Bryant Park is perfectly tucked into the shadow of towering office buildings that make up the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Located right behind the breathtaking New York Public Library, it’s not uncommon to find all the chairs and benches full during sunny days.

It’s a hub for the folks that work in the office buildings nearby. The park benches swell with locals during the busy lunch hour most seasons of the year. My favorite season to visit Bryant Park is summer because of the free movies hosted on the lawn.

You’ll also notice library carts full of books, park visitors are encouraged to grab a novel and read under the shady trees at their leisure. There’s a friendly librarian on hand that keeps track of the books to ensure they don’t get swept up.

A quick ten minute walk from Times Square will take you to one of New York’s most treasured institutions. When it opened to the public in 1911, the New York Public Library was officially the largest marble building ever built in the country. No small task, considering it took 16 years to construct this monolithic structure. But the wait was worth it — more than 50,000 people showed up on opening day.

There are multiple rooms in the library you can peruse, even if you don’t have a NYPL card. Of course you’ll want to mindful of your noise level. There are folks working and studying in the reading rooms.

A 10 minute walk or 6 minute subway ride from Times Square will take you to one of the most iconic buildings in New York City. Stepping into one of the main entrances to Grand Central Terminal never fails stops me dead in my tracks every time. The Beaux Arts design transports visitors into an intricately detailed main hall that boasts a striking celestial ceiling.

It’s hard to believe that this 110-year-old train terminal still serves more than 750,000 visitors daily.

Over the years Grand Central Terminal has become synonymous with New York City itself. In fact, this the third most popular tourist attraction in New York City (after Central Park and Times Square).

While you’re at Grand Central Terminal don’t forget to get a close up view of the clock above the information booth in the center of the concourse. Valued at a whopping $20 million, the clock has been nicknamed “the jewel hidden in plain sight.”

The Rockefeller Center is a series of 19 commercial buildings in Midtown, Manhattan just off of Fifth Avenue and a mere ten minutes walking from Times Square. 30 Rockefeller Plaza is the crown jewel, and odds are you’ve seen it on TV and in the movies.

Remember the end-scene for Home Alone 2. Lost in New York? Or the ice-skating rink final battle in Marvel’s Hawkeye? Or any episode from the The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon? They’re all filmed here!

Riddled with shops, restaurants, the city’s best observation deck, and a bustling plaza, most first time visitors will find one reason or another to visit.

The entirety of Rockefeller Center feels like NYC’s living room, made evident by the large groups of visitors that congregate here every day of the year, but especially so during Christmas to see the beloved Rockefeller Tree.