Times Square is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. It’s home to numerous attractions, such as the iconic Broadway theaters, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and the famous New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. Other popular attractions include:
The Empire State Building Observation Deck
The Museum of Modern Art
The Rockefeller Center
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Hidden Gems of Times Square
While the main attractions draw huge crowds, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover in Times Square. Here are some of our favorites:
The High Line – an elevated park built on a former railway line
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – a museum located on an aircraft carrier
The Morgan Library & Museum – a beautiful museum featuring rare manuscripts and books
The Tenement Museum – a museum that tells the stories of immigrant families who lived in the Lower East Side
Food Scene in Times Square
Times Square has a bustling food scene with something for everyone. From classic New York pizza to international cuisine, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some popular spots include:
Shake Shack – a classic burger joint
Junior’s – famous for their cheesecake
Katz’s Delicatessen – a classic Jewish deli
Ippudo – a popular ramen spot
Budget-Friendly Tips
Times Square can be an expensive area, but there are ways to save money while still enjoying all that the neighborhood has to offer. Here are some tips:
Visit during the off-season (January to March) when hotel rates are lower
Eat at food trucks and street vendors instead of restaurants
Take advantage of free activities, such as walking tours and outdoor concerts
Buy discounted tickets for Broadway shows at the TKTS booth in Times Square
Outdoor Adventures
Although Times Square is known for its bright lights and crowds, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had in the area. Here are some of our favorites:
Central Park – a large park located just a few blocks north of Times Square
The Hudson River Greenway – a bike path that runs along the Hudson River
The Brooklyn Bridge – a historic bridge that offers stunning views of the city
Historical Landmarks
Times Square is rich in history and is home to several important landmarks. Here are some to check out:
The Flatiron Building – a historic skyscraper that is now a landmark
The New York Public Library – a beautiful building with a vast collection of books and manuscripts
The Woolworth Building – a neo-Gothic skyscraper that was once the tallest building in the world
Family-Friendly Activities
Times Square is a great destination for families. Here are some activities that the whole family can enjoy:
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square – a museum featuring bizarre exhibits and oddities
The National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey – an immersive experience that takes visitors on a virtual underwater adventure
The LEGO Store – a store featuring LEGO sets and interactive exhibits
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little different in Times Square, here are some off-the-beaten-path experiences to check out:
The Museum of Sex – a museum dedicated to the history and cultural significance of sex
The Algonquin Hotel – a historic hotel that was once a gathering spot for literary luminaries
The Grand Central Oyster Bar – a classic seafood restaurant located in Grand Central Terminal
Natural Wonders
While Times Square is known for its concrete jungle, there are still natural wonders to be found in the area. Here are some to check out:
The New York Botanical Garden – a beautiful garden featuring a variety of plant species
The American Museum of Natural History – a museum featuring exhibits on natural history and science
The Bronx Zoo – a large zoo featuring a variety of animals from around the world
Vibrant Nightlife
Times Square is home to some of the best nightlife in the city. Here are some spots to check out:
The Rooftop at The Knickerbocker Hotel – a rooftop bar with stunning views of Times Square
The Rum House – a classic cocktail bar located in the Hotel Edison
The Iridium – a jazz club featuring performances by famous musicians
Local Markets
For a taste of local flavor, check out these markets in Times Square:
The Chelsea Market – a large indoor market featuring a variety of food vendors and shops
The Union Square Greenmarket – a farmers market featuring fresh produce and artisanal goods
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market – a holiday market featuring handmade crafts and artisanal goods
Beaches and Mountains
While Times Square is located in the heart of the city, there are still beaches and mountains within easy reach. Here are some options:
The Rockaways – a beach located in Queens that is easily accessible by subway
The Catskill Mountains – a mountain range located a few hours north of the city
The Jersey Shore – a popular beach destination located just a short drive from the city
Cultural Immersion
For a deeper understanding of the city’s diverse cultures, check out these cultural institutions in Times Square:
The Museum of Chinese in America – a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Chinese Americans
The National Museum of the American Indian – a museum featuring exhibits on Native American history and culture
The Irish Arts Center – a cultural center featuring performances and exhibits on Irish culture
Art and Music Scene
Times Square is home to some of the best art and music in the city. Here are some spots to check out:
The Museum of Modern Art – a museum featuring modern and contemporary art
The Whitney Museum of American Art – a museum featuring American art from the 20th and 21st centuries
The Apollo Theater – a historic theater that has hosted some of the biggest names in music
Walking Tours
For a unique way to explore Times Square, consider taking a walking tour. Here are some options:
The Times Square Alliance Walking Tour – a free tour led by a local expert
The Ghosts of New York Walking Tour – a tour that explores the city’s haunted past
The New York City Architecture Walking Tour – a tour that explores the city’s iconic architecture
Architectural Marvels
Times Square is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the city. Here are some architectural marvels to check out:
The Chrysler Building – a historic Art Deco skyscraper
The New York Times Building – a modern glass skyscraper
The Flatiron Building – a historic triangular-shaped skyscraper
Historical Sites
For a deeper understanding of the city’s history, check out these historical sites in Times Square:
The Statue of Liberty – a famous landmark located on Liberty Island
The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration – a museum dedicated to the history of immigration in the United States
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum – a museum dedicated to the memory of the September 11th attacks
Biking Routes
For a unique way to explore the city, consider taking a bike ride. Here are some biking routes in Times Square:
The Hudson River Greenway – a bike path that runs along the Hudson River
The Central Park Loop – a bike path that circles around Central Park
The Brooklyn Bridge – a historic bridge that offers stunning views of the city
Wellness Retreats
Red Paw Technologies Midtown Manhattan/Times Square from redpawtechnologies.com
