Times Square.

?I always tell people to visit Times Square at night. The energy, the lights, the sheer volume of people! It’s loud, chaotic, and packed with people from all over the world, which is part of the allure (at least I think so).

There’s no denying that Times Square is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City, and while locals might avoid it, it’s still worth seeing. The electronic billboards, street performers, giant stores, and theater marquees are an experience you won’t soon forget!

I like to enter around 46th Street and walk toward 42nd. If I’m showing someone around the city, this usually one of the first places we go. You don’t need to spend a lot of time here though. Just a few minutes standing in the middle of it all gives you a sense of the scale and energy of the city. It’s overstimulating, yes, but also unforgettable.

You might want to read.20+ Epic Things to Do in Times Square (Perfect for First Time Visitors).

Times Square might be overwhelming, but it’s iconic and can’t be missed during your visit to New York City. Easily one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC, Times Square (specifically at night) is something everyone should experience at least once on their trip.

The area draws an average of 50 million visitors a year. The appeal? The famous bright lights of New York. In fact, the buildings in this area are required by law to have a minimum amount of display lights (to live up to the area’s reputation). When you’re ready to escape the blinding lights of Times Square, head over to Los Tacos No. 1, hands down the best tacos you’ll eat in New York City. They melt in your mouth, so good!

Times Square might be overwhelming, but it’s one of the most famous things to do in New York City. As such, seeing Times Square (specifically at night) is something everyone should experience at least once. The area draws an average of 50 million visitors a year. The appeal? The famous bright lights of New York.

In fact, the buildings in this area are required by law to have a minimum amount of lights on display (to live up to the area’s reputation). When you’re ready to escape the blinding lights of Times Square, head over to Los Tacos No. 1, easily the best tacos you’ll eat in New York City.

Helpful Guide. 20 Epic Things to Do in Times Square (Perfect for First Time Visitors)

I know Times Square has a reputation, but at night, with a teen, it becomes an experience they won’t forget. The lights, the noise, the sheer number of people, it’s chaotic, yes, but also memorable. I always recommend going after dark when the billboards at full blast, the energy is high, and street performers are out in full force.

We usually enter from 7th Avenue and slowly make our way toward 42nd Street. Teens get into the visual overload and the fact that it feels like walking through a movie set. It’s one of the few places where the crowds actually add to the experience. I like to set a time limit, walk the stretch, and then dip into a quieter spot for dessert or a drink after.

I brought my mom here on her first visit. She still talks about it.

Times Square is a hub of tourism, bright lights, and Broadway found in Midtown, Manhattan. The iconic tourist attraction is one of the best places to explore in New York City at night, when the lightest are at their brightest.

A lot of the businesses surrounding Times Square are open late, too. The M&M Store, Hershey’s World, Old Navy, American Eagle, H&M, gift shops, and more are all open until 11 PM or later in Times Square. Just be prepared for crowds, this one of the few spots that’s busy no matter the time of day.

Times Square has been the star of more films than I can count, sometimes it plays itself, sometimes it becomes a stand-in for New Year’s Eve magic, alien invasions, or dramatic reunions. I’ve stood in the middle of those flashing billboards, half-expecting Spider-Man to swing overhead or Tom Cruise to come sprinting through, Vanilla Sky-style. It’s chaotic, it’s crowded, and it’s one of the most famous movie locations in NYC.

Even if you’ve never been here, you’ve seen Times Square. From Birdman to The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and of course Midnight Cowboy, it’s been captured in every season and every mood. I’ll admit, as a New Yorker, I rarely linger here unless I’m playing tour guide, but there’s no denying its film legacy. I’ve watched the ball drop in person and remembered New Year’s Eve, and once got caught in a flash mob that reminded me of a rom-com dance sequence. If you’re visiting famous filming spots in New York, Times Square is both unavoidable and unforgettable.

Here’s the deal. Those costumed characters in Times Square, Elmo, Spider-Man, the Statue of Liberty with sunglasses? They’re not part of some official city attraction. They’re freelance street performers who aggressively hustle tourists for tips. If you take a photo, expect to be asked (sometimes demanded) for $10–$20, per person. It’s one of the most common New York City tourist traps, and unfortunately, it catches a lot of first-timers off guard.

I’ve watched this go down so many times. a family poses for a cute picture, then suddenly five costumed characters swarm, palms out. It can get tense fast. There’s nothing illegal about it, but it’s not exactly the charming NYC welcome most visitors expect. My advice? Skip the photo. Times Square is already chaotic, and this just adds stress. If you really want a souvenir, take a picture of the signs, the lights, or the red steps instead. You’ll get a more authentic memory, and save yourself an awkward moment.

I want to be honest with you.Times Square is overwhelming and very touristy. Most folks I take here end up telling me they expected something different (ha!). I think the majority of people visiting New York City for the first time have a vague idea of Times Square based on what they’ve seen in movies but the reality is often less …. romantic.

However, there’s no denying that it’s one of the most famous attractions in Manhattan. Times Square swells with tourists all hours of the day, but especially at night. You’ll find yourself sympathizing with sardines in no time flat.

Also, brace yourself for whiffs of marijuana, it comes with the territory. Take your time soaking in the massive screens and head to Los Tacos No. 1 when you’re ready to escape the blinding lights of NYC.

Check out our guide for navigating the chaos that is Times Square. Short on time? Check out these exciting things to do in Manhattan the next time you’re in Times Square.