27 Epic Things to Do in Times Square (Local’s Guide)

Visiting Times Square is an absolute must for first-time visitors to the big apple. But what is there to do in Times Square besides looking at illuminated billboards? Plenty, it turns out! Times Square might be one of the busiest places in New York City, but that’s exactly what makes it so fascinating.

I’ve passed through it dozens of times, and even when I’m just on my way somewhere else, I still catch myself looking up at the lights. It’s loud, bright, crowded, and completely over the top. but it’s also one of the most iconic spots in the city. Tourists flock here for good reason, and there’s more to do than people often expect. This guide is a good starting point.

Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.

For more on maternity outfits perfect, see our guide to 10 Maternity Outfits Perfect for Summer (NYC Pregnancy Style).

Tips for Exploring Times Square

• Avoid people in costumes. The folks dressed up in character costumes can be rather aggressive. They try to pull people in for photos and then demand payment. Avoid getting caught up in this scheme by avoiding eye contact and be assertive in saying “no”.
• Visit Times Square at night. Times Square swells with tourists all hours of the day, but especially at night. While you’ll find yourself sympathizing with sardines in no time, seeing the bright lights in person at night is magical. Also, brace yourself for whiffs of marijuana smoke – comes with the territory.
• Expect crowds. New York City averages more than 63 million visitors per year, and the holidays are the busiest season. There’s a lot of people wanting to see the same attractions, eat at the same restaurants and do the same things as you. Be patient and start your days early if at all possible!
• Set expectations.The influence of Hollywood has contributed to an overly romanticized perception of Times Square. In fact, if you’ve every been to “Hollywood” in Los Angeles, the vibe here is almost identical. Most folks I take here end up telling me they expected something different (ha!).
• Locals. Many tourists don’t realize that most NYC locals try to avoid Times Square like the plague because it’s just so busy, overwhelming, and overpriced, even by New York standards!

Best Things to Do in Times Square

Snag a Photo on the Famous Red Steps

Address. Broadway at, W 47th St, New York, NY 10036

Located above the TKTS ticket booth at 47th Street and Broadway, the famous 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.

Visit the Drama Book Shop

• Website— Drama Book Shop
• Address. 266 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018

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.

Customize Your Own Chocolate at M&M’s World

• Website— M&M’s World NYC
• Address. 1600 Broadway, New York, NY 10019

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.

Get Tacos at Los Tacos No.1

• Website— Los Tacos No.1
• Address. 229 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036

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!

Catch a Broadway Show

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.

Grab a Cream Puff From Bibble & Sip

• Website— Bible & Sip
• Address. 253 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019

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.

Further reading. Curious what else I recommend for sweet-toothed New Yorkers? Check out 15 Irresistible New York City Desserts Worth Pausing a Diet Over.

Enjoy a Treat From Hershey’s Chocolate World

• Website— Hershey’s Chocolate World
• Address. 20 Times Square, 701 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036

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 a must-do.

Enjoy cookies, s’mores, cupcakes, and frozen goodies like Reese’s Peanut Butter milkshakes. This 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.

Visit the Yankee Clubhouse Shop

• Website— Yankee’s Clubhouse
• Address. 245 W 42nd St SP1, New York, NY 10036

If you’re traveling with a baseball fan then be sure to swing by the Yankee’s Clubhouse in Times Square. This 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 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!

Grab a Coffee From Ten Thousand Coffee

• Website— Ten Thousand Coffee
• Address. 1410 Broadway Unit 105, New York, NY 10018

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.

Check Out Urbanspace (Food Hall)

• Website— Urbanspace
• Address. 152 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
• Market Hours. Monday- Friday | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

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.

Local tip. Pro tip that most travel blogs won’t tell you. visit on a weekday afternoon for the most authentic experience.

Grab a Slice of Cheesecake from Junior’s

• Website— Junior’s Cheesecake
• Address. 1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

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!

Take in the Views From a Rooftop Bar

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 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 Rooftop— Cocktails 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.

Sign Up for a Live TV Show Taping

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)

Sing Along to Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville

• Website— Margaritaville
• Address. 560 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018

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?

Shop Your Way Through Times Square

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

Try Your Luck at the Broadway Tickets Lottery

Website— TKTS Ticket Booth

The TKTS booth in Times Square (and Lincoln Center) is operated by a non-profit that strives to make theater more accessible by selling (legitimate) discounted same-day tickets to Broadway shows in NYC. Simply show up in person (you can check availability in advance online) to see which performances have last-minute tickets available.

Local’s Advice. Ticket availability is updated throughout the day, so I suggest downloading the TKTS App. While you can’t purchase tickets online (all sales must be done in-person), you’ll be notified whenever tickets becomes available, so you can get in line ASAP.

People-Watch at Times Square

With over 50 million visitors annually, you can bet your bottom dollar Times Square has seen it all. People come from all over the world to experience the bright lights in person. With such plenty of humans and interactions, I’m convinced Times Square has to have some of the best people watching in the world.

You’ll hear all sorts languages completely unbeknownst to you and you’ll see folks in all seasons of life enamored and repelled by the sights, sounds, and smells.

Grab Drinks at R Lounge in The Renaissance Hotel

• Website— R Lounge at The Renaissance
• Address. 714 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036

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.

Take a Selfie With Your Favorite Celebrity at Madame Tussades

• Website— Madame Tussades
• Address. 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036

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

More Things to Do Near Times Square

While Times Square is one of the most visited attractions in the world, people quickly realize it’s a tad over-romanticized and – dare I say – overrated (shocker, I know). That’s not to say it’s not worth the trip, because it’s too famous of a place to be skipped and everyone should see it (in person) at least once.

With that said, Times Square is conveniently located in Midtown and within walking distance to other epic NYC sites. In that spirit, here’s a quick list of things to do near Times Square.

Bryant Park

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.

The New York Public Library

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.

She still talks about it.

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.

Grand Central Terminal

A 10 minute walk or 6 minute subway ride from Times Square will take you to one of the most famous 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 has 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.”

Address. 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017

Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock

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 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.

Also Worth Visiting Near Times Square

• 5th Ave. 15 minute walk from Times Square
• Empire State Building. 15 minute walk from Times Square

Times Square Attractions (Post Summary)

In summary, these are the things to do in Times Square.

Did you know you’re a short subway ride away from Central Park?

After you finish exploring all the fun things to do in Times Square, hop on the train and continue the adventure!

Map of Popular Things to Do in Times Square

And there you have it, our list of things to do in Times Square! Let us know if you think we missed anything.

Cheers!

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