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The Best of New York · See and do · Landmarks and history

The best things to do in Times Square.

Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 21 places.

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.

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

Best things to do in Times Square, 2026

  1. Bryant ParkPark · MidtownMy favorite season to visit Bryant Park is summer because of the free movies hosted on the lawn.
  2. Grab a Cream Puff From Bibble & SipBakery · Times SquareThis fusion of French confectionery with Asian inspired flavors at Bibble & Sip is downright delicious.
  3. Grand Central TerminalLandmark · MidtownStepping into one of the main entrances to Grand Central Terminal never fails stops me dead in my tracks every time.
  4. Hershey’s Chocolate WorldStore · Times SquareIf you’re visiting Times Square with kids, this a must-do.
  5. Junior’s CheesecakeRestaurant · Times SquareTheir 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.
  6. Los Tacos No.1Restaurant · Times Square
  7. Madame TussaudsMuseum · Times SquareWith ticket prices ranging from $40-$80, you’ll have access to nine floors of wildly realistic wax figures and over 80,000 sq.
  8. MargaritavilleRestaurant · Times SquareWhether you’re a Jimmy Buffet fan or not, Margaritaville is an experience and a half.
  9. R Lounge at The Renaissance HotelBar · Times SquareHome 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.
  10. Rockefeller Center & Top of the RockLandmark · Midtown
  11. Shop Your Way Through Times SquareStore · Times SquareSo it only makes sense to add shopping to your list of things to do in Times Square (even if that just means window shopping!).
  12. Snag a Photo on the Famous Red StepsLandmark · Times Square
  13. Take in the Views From a Rooftop BarBar · Times SquareOne 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!).
  14. Ten Thousand CoffeeCafe · Times SquareAfter the first sip of coffee I can attest, they’ve put in the time.
  15. The New York Public LibraryLandmark · MidtownBut the wait was worth it.
  16. TKTS Ticket BoothOther · Times Square
  17. Urbanspace (Food Hall)Market · Times SquareTo 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.
  18. Visit the Drama Book ShopStore · Times SquareSpeaking for myself, a visit to the serene Drama Book Shop is always a welcome respite from the commotion of Times Square.
  19. Catch a Broadway ShowTheater · Times SquareI’ve been to more than a dozen shows and have yet to leave one feeling like it wasn’t worth it.
  20. Customize Your Own Chocolate at M&M’s WorldStore · Times SquareIt’s not only a memorable Times Square activity (especially for kids) but also a great spot to pick up some edible souvenirs.
  21. Sign Up for a Live TV Show TapingEvent · Times Square

On the map

Where they are.

Times Square and Midtown.

Times Square

Midtown

Best things to do in Times Square, 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 27 Epic Things to Do in Times Square (Local’s Guide).