Post-lockdown, its neon lights and frenetic vibe have become a welcome reminder of why we love this city so much.
get laid it or detest it , everybody knows of this 5 - block stretch sometimes bear on to as the “ Crossroads of the World”—and that ’s what make it so legendary .
Throughout its history , Times Square has undergone many transformations . But in our current post - lockdown time , where many patches of the metropolis continue to stay empty since the start of the pandemic , the blinding neon lights and frenetic energy of Times Square have become a go - to place that dish up as a reminder of why we bang New York City so much .
Whether you ’re heading here for the iconicNew Year ’s Eve ballock dropor are just in need of a world-wide temper boost , here ’s what to eat , see , and do in Times Square in NYC .
Times Square|Sam/Flickr
Spend hours in this pedestrian-friendly zone while taking selfies and basking in street entertainment
Thanks to year of city provision with the goal of lessen vehicular dealings , Times Square has become a pedestrian ’s paradise .
The area is littered with out-of-door furniture like mesa , chairs , and benches — along with the iconicTKTS red stair — that boost limitless chilling and people - watching . Get ready to easily expend hours here , and at any given time of twenty-four hour period or nighttime , chances are , there are street execution and clear - air entertainment of some variety materialise as well .
Be indisputable to try out different selfie backdrops with both the Union and Dixie of Times Square in the background . And when it comes to all of those superheroes and costume character hanging around , be monish : tip are highly encouraged when train a exposure with them ( aka it is not free and they will take it ) .
Dan Perez/Flickr
Experience world-renowned culture via Broadway musicals, comedy clubs, and more
Beyond the vibration and people - watching of Times Square , there are by all odds more ways to surcharge in some culture .
One quintessential experience is standing in line at theTKTS Boothto secure dismiss tickets to the live Broadway musical theater and show . Some additionalhacks on snagging cheap Broadway tickets includelining up at nearby box offices for standing elbow room go past . After you ’ve observe a show , be certain to check out the newly - openedMuseum of Broadway .
For some laughs , head to the prime minister comedy nightclub , Carolines on Broadway , before it closes its doors at the end of the class . Madame Tussauds New Yorkis home to five floors of wax figure and the largest animatronic exhibit in NYC , front Off with King Kong . For a good - hearted screech , RiseNYoffers full - motion , 180 - stage simulation rides and more . And for bowling , arcade , billiards , and synergistic game , there ’s the 90,000 - foursquare - footBowlero .
Hadestown on Broadway|Photo by Matthew Murphy
Dine at sole Big Apple locations of chain restaurants alongside chef-driven eateries and hot dog carts galore
When it comes to iconic NYC street food for thought , there ’s perhaps no place better for tell from a raging dog cart or enjoying some pretzel or roasted nuts . But for a bit more sustenance , choose from an array of eating place that showcase both big - named chemical chain and chef - driven carte .
For local initiation , the area is home to branches ofCarmine’sfor heapings of Southern Italian looker imply for sharing andJunior’sfor their key signature cheesecake and diner grub .
Times Square also has the onlyBubba Gump Shrimp Coin townsfolk and the soleOlive Gardenwithin Manhattan . The democratic Filipino fast food chain , Jollibee , recently debut their flagship location here as well , andEllen ’s Stardust Dineris a classic must - examine known for their telling waitstaff .
Mermaid Oyster Bar|Photo by Alex Staniloff
When it get along to menus endorse by far-famed restaurant groups and names , Mermaid Oyster Baris a seafood favourite ( be sure to check out their felicitous time of day deals);Los Tacos 1is pop for their Mexican offerings within a profligate - casual setting;Lagos Restaurant & Loungeserves Nigerian fare in a gamey - energy , multi - level space;The Lambs Clubwith contemporary American cuisine from chef Michael White propose a classic leather - banquette experience;NYY Steakis a leading steakhouse with a baseball game and Yankees theme;Ichiranis large for slurp ramen and solo - eating within their Ramen Focus Booths;Peachy Keenis top-notch fun and playful with a ‘ 70 concept;Café d’Avignonat The Moxy Hotel accomplish any coffee and baked bread needs ; and the newGordon Ramsay Fish & Chipsfrom the notable chef is a British pub with seafood , chips , and nostalgic milkshakes .
If you ’re open to exploring nearby neighborhoods , the exciting restaurant lineup atRockefeller Center has become one of the hottest new food destinationsin townspeople , and there ’s always pre- and post - show dining option within theTheater District .
When it comes to grab a boozing , head to the Irish pub , Connolly’sfor a pint;RT60 Rooftop Baratop the Hard Rock Hotel New York for drinks and sky - high views ; the nose dive , Jimmy ’s Corner;O’Donoghue’sfor beer on water tap and flat screen televisions ; and theR Loungeat the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel for a front - row seat of the essence of Times Square .
Hershey’s Chocolate World (Times Square)
Shop for I❤️ NYsouvenirs and unnecessarily big (and over-priced) candy bars
Being in a Times Square State Department of mind means drop some buck on over - price souvenirs that you could tie , “ I bought it in Times Square , ” when endow .
Along with general gift shops and outlets of big retail chains like Muji , H&M , and Sephora , there are multi - story , decked - out locales of theDisney Store , Hershey Chocolate World , M&M World , and more for a Time Square - centric experience .
