Times Square
Bustling destination in the heart of the Theater District known for bright lights, shopping & shows.
Times Square is rated 4.7 / 5 from 244,676 Google reviews and sits about 352 m (4 min walk) from Times Sq–42 St station.
General overview
About Times Square
Times Square is a major public plaza and entertainment district in Midtown Manhattan, centered around Broadway and Seventh Avenue from roughly West 42nd to West 47th Streets. Known for illuminated billboards, Broadway theaters, street performers, flagship shops and the annual New Year's Eve ball drop, the district itself is free to visit.
- Iconic illuminated billboards and nighttime cityscape
- Pedestrian plazas along Broadway
- Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters nearby
- TKTS discount-ticket booth beneath the red steps
- Nightly Midnight Moment digital-art presentation
- Annual New Year's Eve ball drop
- Easy walking access to Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center
Things to do here
Explore the pedestrian plazas
Walk through the central plazas, view the electronic signs and take in the crowds and street activity. The brightest and busiest section is around Broadway, Seventh Avenue and West 45th–47th Streets.
See Times Square after dark
The area's billboards are most dramatic after sunset, although they operate throughout the day and night.
Midnight Moment
A coordinated digital-art display traditionally appears on many Times Square screens shortly before midnight, generally from 11:57 p.m. to midnight.
Buy Broadway tickets at TKTS
The TKTS booth under the red steps commonly offers discounted same-day Broadway and Off-Broadway tickets, with availability and discount levels varying by performance.
Climb the red steps
The seating above the TKTS booth provides an elevated view over the plaza and is a popular photo location.
Attend the New Year's Eve celebration
The December 31 ball-drop event is free but extremely crowded, requires very early arrival and involves controlled entry zones, security screening and extensive street closures.
Subway is usually the easiest option. Times Sq–42 St is served by the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W and S trains; 42 St–Port Authority on the A, C and E is nearby. Expect congestion and limited, expensive parking. Keep valuables secure in dense crowds.
No booking is needed for the plaza. Book Broadway shows, tours, restaurants and paid attractions in advance, particularly on weekends and during holidays. New Year's Eve requires separate, detailed planning even though public viewing is traditionally free.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Watch first
Video
Are Tourists Returning to NYC in 2021? (Times Square NYC THEN and NOW) · Jon Barr (YouTube)
Most asked
How to reach
Times Square is about 352 m (~4 min walk) from Times Sq–42 St station on the New York City Subway.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Joe's Pizza Broadway
Restaurants · 1 min walk
★ 4.4
LOS TACOS No.1
Restaurants · 3 min walk
★ 4.8
Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC
Restaurants · 3 min walk
★ 4.5
New York Marriott Marquis
Hotels · 5 min walk
★ 4.4
Bryant Park
Places to visit · 5 min walk
★ 4.7
Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square
Hotels · 7 min walk
★ 4.7
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Times Square from Times Sq–42 St station?
Times Square is about 352 m (roughly 4 min walk) from Times Sq–42 St station on the New York City Subway. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Times Square rated?
Times Square has a Google rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 244,676 reviews.
What's near Times Square?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Joe's Pizza Broadway, LOS TACOS No.1, Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC.
Is Times Square wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Times Square: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Times Square?
Google lists these parking options near Times Square: paid street parking, paid garage parking.
Is Times Square free?
Yes. Walking through the public streets and pedestrian plazas is free. Shows, tours, attractions, restaurants and private events charge separately.
Is Times Square open all night?
The public district is generally accessible 24/7, although businesses have their own hours and police may restrict areas during events, emergencies or construction.
When do the billboards turn on?
Most major electronic signs operate throughout the day and night. They are most visually striking after sunset.
Is the Midnight Moment free?
Yes. It has traditionally been a free nightly digital-art display across participating screens from about 11:57 p.m. until midnight, but the current schedule should be checked before visiting.
Do I need tickets for New Year's Eve?
General access to public viewing areas has traditionally been free and unticketed, but capacity is limited and admission is controlled by police. Arriving early does not guarantee a place. Private venues and organized parties require paid tickets.
Are public restrooms available?
Do not rely on finding a dedicated public restroom in the plaza. Use facilities at a restaurant, store, transit facility or paid attraction where permitted.
Is Times Square safe?
It is heavily visited and has a significant police presence, but normal big-city precautions remain important. Secure phones and wallets, be cautious of unsolicited approaches, and clarify prices before accepting photos, merchandise or services.
Should I drive to Times Square?
Usually not. Traffic is heavy, streets may be restricted and parking is expensive. Subway, bus, walking or a taxi dropped several blocks away is generally easier.
How do tips for costumed characters work?
Characters posing for photographs commonly expect tips, but they are not official Times Square employees. Agree on the amount beforehand, avoid handing over your phone unless comfortable and seek police help if anyone becomes aggressive.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 9, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.