Times Square
The blazing billboard canyon — costumed characters, the TKTS steps, and a wall of humanity.
The call
Worth it for the right traveler.
Why
- 01
A sensory assault that is, for five minutes, genuinely thrilling — then it's elbows, hawkers, and overpriced everything.
Our read - 02
Worth a single look-up; locals route around it on purpose.
Our read - 03
For a certain kind of traveler it's a can't-miss first-trip stop — the Big Apple at its biggest and most audacious — a culture-filled crossroads that rewards exploration.
afar.com - 04
It's the literal epicenter of Broadway, with a star-studded season featuring A-listers, so most theater nights begin or end right here.
timeout.com
Is it a fit?
Think twice if
You are watching the budget
On a budget, skip Times Square — the spend outweighs the payoff.
You only have one day
Short on time? Times Square can wait.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, give Times Square a miss.
History and culture matter to you
For history & culture, look elsewhere.
Worth-it spots in the area
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free to gawk
- Timing
- After dark for the full neon effect; weekday afternoons are marginally calmer than weekend nights.
- Booking
- No ticket to enter; book Broadway shows ahead and consider TKTS in Father Duffy Square for same-day discounts.
- Allow
- 20–30 min
- Getting there
- Times Sq–42 St is one of the busiest subway hubs in the system (1/2/3, 7, N/Q/R/W, S shuttle).