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Known as the busiest crosswalk in the world, Times Square is the most visited tourist attraction in New York with 360,000 people passing through it daily. Such a high volume of traffic means big business of course, but being such an iconic place means there are lots of interesting things about it.
Endless Sightseeing
From wacky street performers trying to outdo each other for attention, to old historical buildings, the sights of Time Square are overwhelming and constantly changing. Times Square is famous for its constant barrage of advertising billboards illuminating the city streets thus earning it the name, “The Great White Way”, for all its shiny signs that have become its signature look since its Broadway days. With the number of people constantly passing through, it’s no wonder that this is the place people and brands desire to be noticed. Thanks to that though, there’s also a lot of things to do like people-watching, taking a guided bus tour, viewing street performances, and visiting museums.
Incredible Food Experiences
Pizza might be New York’s most iconic dish, but around Times Square you have a choice of nearly every cuisine you can think of! From Turkish food carts, massive chain restaurants, to fancy French bistros- from taste to atmosphere this is the location to be! The Marriott Marquis’ “The View” restaurant offers a panoramic view of the city and is pegged as a tourist destination for being the only revolving restaurant in the city. There’s also Ellen’s Stardust Diner where you can enjoy your meal in the presence of singing waitstaff. Whether you have a low or high budget, food is everywhere and it’s torture to have to choose which one you’ll be eating at.
Free to Enjoy
Times Square is smoke-free since legislation passed in 2011, but that’s not the only thing that’s free, Time Square features its own Visitor Center and Museum which is open free to the public. There you can learn about the historical changes Times Square has gone through, see costumes from New York’s most famous broadway shows, and view a simulation of the New Year Eve’s Countdown by the hour, recreated with the 2007 New Year Ball.
Impressively Large Hotels
You would think fitting so many people in such a small amount of space in New York is a challenge, but the hotels around this area have taken the challenge and turned it into an artform. There are six very impressive and grand hotels in this area. W Times Square is one of the most expensive, offering fantastic views of city life and modern decor. Sheraton New York Times Square renovated its facilities and some room rates includes breakfast. The Doubletree Guest Suites is composed entirely of suites and boasts 460 rooms which come with complimentary cookies. Crown Plaza Times Square has a staggering 800 guest rooms. Marriot Marquis Hotel is known for its 45-story lobby, and finally we have the Renaissance Hotel Times Square, where rates begin at around $279/night and yet is still one of the cheaper hotels in the area.
Entertainment Galore
You can never run out of things to do in Times Square. ‘ABC’s Good Morning America’ is broadcast in front of a live audience from its office at 44th and Broadway and even MTV’s headquarters is located here. The massive 100,000 sq. ft flagship store of “Toy’s R Us” contains a 60ft indoor ferris wheel, a 20-ft high mechanical T-Rex, and a 2-storey dollhouse. Broadway shows are everywhere, just like street buskers who have amazing tricks and endless variety. You may even see it’s most famous street busker: the naked cowboy, who became famous for performing in Times Square with nothing but cowboys boots, a ten-gallon hat, his underwear, and his guitar.
New York is an incredibly large and even intimidating city. It might not be possible to go everywhere you want to go while you’re there. If you do get a chance to visit New York, you must definitely want to at least pass by this iconic and historical part of the city.
