Times Square is the world's most famous iconic location in New York City. It's the favorite tourist destination and visitor's paradise for things to do in Times Square at night. It's a crowded intersection, busy with the hustle and bustle of traffic and visitors, illuminating LED screens on the top of the tallest towers decorated with sparkling billboards and hoardings, crowded casinos and clubs, exclusive restaurants and bars, hotels, theaters, shopping spots, and gaming zones.
It has exclusive and luxurious hotels and restaurants but affordable options as well. Everyone can find the best entertainment and incredible things to do in Times Square. It's a very attractive and touristy place, but you may need to be well aware of a few things to consider avoiding any frauds and scams at this busiest location in NYC.
- Avoid Costume Character Figures and negotiate for a tip or donation before clicking photos with them to avoid disruptive behavior and surprising demands.
- Be careful with your handbags, purses, and travel bags.
- Be ready to deal with crowds and busy streets.
Time Square tourist attractions can be accessed easily from the subways, cabs, yellow taxis, or public buses. It's better to visit at night as the daytime is too quiet, and all the fun things to explore with friends and exciting activities are available in the area at night.
List of Exciting and fun things to do in Times Square
Here are the most fantastic and fun things to do in Times Square. Walk on the sparkling streets, play exciting arcade games and casino pinballs, taste the world's delicious dynamic cuisines, watch a show on Broadway theater, shop from the exclusive stores, and enjoy the best things to do in NYC at this fantastic location.
1. Stroll at the Times Square Illuminating Streets
Times Square is at the intersection of popular streets and Broadway location. It has the NYC tallest buildings and towers illuminated with electric hoardings and billboards reflecting ads. The towers have giant LED screens displaying ads at the top of the towers. Take a stroll in the sparkling streets and enjoy window shopping while meeting amusing Disney characters wearing costumes and dancing in the streets. Get stunning photo ops and Instagram-worthy clicks and share incredible pictures with the world at the Time Square places to visit. It's one of the best entertainment activities for first-timers in NYC.
However, the costume characters are the street performers and expect some tips, but sometimes they ask for unexpected amounts from the visitors. You may negotiate a certain amount before any activity or get any clicks with them.
2. Enjoy the Tacos at the Mexican Restaurants at the Times Square
Visitors love the Mexican Tacos, Burritos, Churros, Nachos, Tortillas, and delicious meals at Times Square. You can visit famous Mexican restaurants such as Los Tacos No. It’s one of the best Times Square New York things to do. One Mexican Restaurant, Dos Caminos Mexican Restaurant, and Chipotle Mexican Grill Mexican Restaurant, and enjoy Latin and Mexican flavors at the heart of NYC.
3. Visit the Chocolate World at the Times Square
Visiting M&M's Outlet at the Broadway, in the Heart of Times Square, is a fantastic blast for chocolate lovers and one of the most amusing things to do in NYC with kids. You can grab your favorite chocolates, delicious milky and peanut candies, chocolate gift packs, awesome T-shirts, key chains, and coffee mugs with printed M&M tags and colorful posters. Explore the paradise for sweet treats and grab souvenirs for your little ones and loved ones from this large candy store.
4. Watch a Legendary Broadway Show
New York City has various theaters and entertainment spots, but the Broadway theaters offer one-of-a-kind spectacular live entertainment, musicals, comedy, kids' magic, mystery, and thriller shows. The fascinating costume designs and characters, remarkable stage decors, orchestra and music, and stunning performance make it stand out on the list of live entertainers in New York City.
Visit the Amsterdam Theater on Broadway to watch the famous Aladin show, where you can feel the ghostly presence of the late actress Olive Thomas around the main stage. It's one of the weirdest places in NYC, renowned for the ghost presence on the stage.
Broadway Theaters are pricey options for entertainment, but you can get some budget-friendly opportunities like a ticket lottery to win free tickets and exclusive discounts. Check out the official website of Broadway theaters to grab a lottery or off-price offer on your favorite shows. The latest famous shows are A Beautiful Noise, The Notebook, How to Dance in Ohio, Chicago, And Juliet, Sweeney Todd, Here Lies Love, and Moulin Rouge Musical Show.
5. Play an Immersive Escape Game at the Times Square
Escape Games are Mystery and thriller immersive gaming experiences to awaken your intelligence and problem-solving skills. It's one of the most unique things to do in NYC, where you can become a detective and sort out the mysterious objects and the hidden chambers, find out the way out from the Escape Rooms, and win prizes and various deals at the end. The latest Escape Rooms available are Train Through the Time Escape Room, Prison Break Escape Room, The Depths Escape Rooms, Mysterious Market Escape Room, The Heist Escape Room, Gold Rush Escape Room, and the Playground Escape Room.
6. Enjoy Loud Laughter at The Comedy Shows on Times Square
Enjoy loud laughter waves and excellent stand-up comedy at the Broadway Comedy Club and The LOL Comedy Club at Times Square. Whether it's a friend's party or a date night out, it's awesome to hit the comedy club before having dinner and drinks. It's a perfect spot to laugh, cheer, and forget the unpleasant moments within this comedy hour. Enjoy the exclusive live comedy performances on weekend late-night shows. It may be a little pricey, but the time you spend with cherished vibes is priceless!
7. Grab Some Sports Gear at the Times Square
Sports lovers never miss the sports gear at the Yankee's Store on Times Square. It's the world-famous Yankee Team's favorite sports gear with a lovely Yankee tag on it, whether it's a coffee mug, a cap, a beer mug, a key chain, a T-shirt, a baseball bat, a Tote bag, or more souvenirs for gifts to your loved ones.
8. Get a Few Stunning Clicks with Favorite Celebs at the Times Square
Get some stunning clicks with your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Times Square. It’s the most popular tourist destination in Times Square, where you can meet and greet your favorite celebrities and get some stunning clicks to share with the world! This unique museum has several wax statues of living persons for celebrities, politicians, musicians, pop artists, and comic characters. Visit this unique spot and save the best memories you have ever had with your camera at Times Square.
Celebrities and top stars are usually seen at the popular spots in NYC, but it's not ethical to catch them for a click anywhere. You can get stunning clicks with your favorite celebrities, comic characters, Disney Characters, and more at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Times Square, NYC. The ticket prices depend on the tour and package. All the wax figures and statues look alive and real. You can get the most famous Avengers, Megan the Stallion, Indiana Jones, Loki the Norse God, Selena Gomez, and the Kardashians.
9. Name A Chocolate Bar at Hershey's Chocolates in Times Square
Dive into a Chocolate world where you can find roasted marshmallows and name a chocolate bar dedicated to your loved ones. Hershey's Chocolate World has Lovely, Sweet treats, smores, baked goodies, cakes, milkshakes, ice creams, coca coffee, and several delicious options filled with chocolates. The unique thing is to 'Create your candy bar.' Yes, kids can choose the yummy fillings and toppings, even choose the wrapper design and colors and name them.
10. Play the Outstanding Arcade Games at Dave & Buster's Sports Bar
Teens and kids love to play arcade games while shopping for their favorite sports gear and win awesome prizes. It's a gaming and sports-themed American Restaurant that serves delicious wings, steaks, hamburgers, wines, beers, and more. It has giant LED screens and gaming-themed stuff with sparkling lights. Parents can enjoy yummy food and cocktails while teens and kids have fun with millions of Arcade games.
11. Get a Sweet Treat of Cheesecakes at Junior's in Times Square
Cheesecakes are the most delicious dessert in New York City. Everyone loves it, and if you desire a range of signature cheesecake flavors, visit the Junior's Cheesecakes at Times Square. Whether it's apple, cherry, chocolate, lime, raspberry, or blueberry flavors, it's the yummiest delight of NYC at the exclusive location of Times Square.
12. Grab a Cocktail with Stunning Views at the Magic Hour
Various luxurious and affordable hotels are in Times Square. The Moxy Hotel is one of them. You can enjoy the night scene from the famous rooftop bar, 'The Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge' at the Moxy Hotel. It is a luxurious bar lounge with elegant interiors and a premium variety of wines, champagnes, beers, and cocktails with snack bites and brunch. Grab a lovely cocktail with a light snack bite while enjoying the live music and stunning views around Times Square. It’s one of the best Times Square things to do at night.
13. Shop Exclusive at the Times Square
Do you want to buy more gifts or add more items to your packing list? Heading to Times Square for dinner and drinks, but no more time for shopping. No worries about what to wear in New York because you can shop for exclusive outfits, casual clothes, jewelry, handbags, or anything you want at Times Square. Walk around the area, and you will find the world's leading brands' stores and exclusive items to shop for more. Go to Levis and find the best jeans or grab some iconic Disney figures at the Disney stores for gifts; get exclusive beauty products or fragrances from the Sephora outlet, and you may get some trendy wear, shoes, and accessories from the American Eagle grand outlet at Times Square. It’s one of the best things to do in Times Square.
14. Grab a Cocktail at The Rum House Bar Lounge
Step into a traditional-style bar lounge that offers premium wines, whiskeys, beers, and rums. The Rum House is an exclusive old-school bar lounge in the Edison Hotel at the heart of Times Square, where you can get a tempting and relaxing ambiance with elegant decors and a premium rum collection in NYC. Enjoy the overnight live music performance and sensational jazz rhythm with exclusive rum and cocktails. It’s one of the most exclusive and fun things to do in Times Square at night.
15. Dine in at the Stardust Diner Restaurant on Broadway
Times Square is connected to Broadway, and both locations are bursting with crowds and fascinating restaurants, bars, and hotels. The Stardust Diner Restaurant is a superb kids-friendly restaurant decorated with fascinating neon lights, sharp, colorful decors, live music performances of Broadway singers, and delicious food in a lively and cherished atmosphere. It’s one of the most famous Time Square New York attractions
16. Enjoy the Merry Tunes with Dinner at the Friedmans Restaurant
The Friedmans Restaurant and Dinner Lounge is in the Edison Hotel at Times Square, where you can enjoy sweet melodies and merry tunes, live music, and entertainment from top performers. It's not as popular as Stardust, but it's still the best family restaurant in NYC. It has a soft ambiance, delicious meals, and great entertainment while dining in the lounge.
17. Explore The Superhero Film Area in Times Square
Times Square is the world's most popular location where most hit films and TV series were shot in the past and will continue in the future. It's the iconic location where the famous TV series The Hulk and thrilling scenes of the popular Marvel Films The Avengers, Captain America, and Spider-Man were shot. The visitors and tourists will love to explore the buildings and the Superhero Film Location, the fantastic tourist attraction in Times Square, NYC.
18. Visit the Stranger Things Store at the Times Square
Visit the Stranger Things store at the Times Square location in NYC. The store is dedicated to the Popular Netflix Series' The Stranger Things'. It has all the items that belong to the show and are displayed in the famous series. If you're a fan of Stanger Things, you can collect souvenirs and accessories presented at the show with the tag printed on each item.
19. Comic Lovers can Grab the Colorful Comics at Midtown Comics;
Comic lovers can dig out their favorite superheroes and popular characters in the latest colorful comic books at the heart of Times Square in Midtown Comics. It's a three-story building fully crowded with bookworms and teens rushing at the comic stories. The store has all the latest and vintage comic collections, colorful comic character figures and action hero statues, printed posters, graphic novels, and toys for little ones.
20. Take a Helicopter Ride at the Times Square
Take a Sky Ride, a helicopter tour over Times Square, and explore the world's classic location. The sparkling towers and enlightened streets rise from the sky. Get the most luxurious and classic journey to expand Manhattan's skyline and the most memorable moments of life. Make a video clip up from the clouds down to giant skyscrapers to save unforgettable memories and share it with your loved ones.
21. Late Night Talk Show with Jimmy Fallon at Times Square
Enjoy the exclusive tonight show with Jimmy Fallon in NYC. The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon is New York's most popular late-night talk show. Its oldest TV show restarted in 2014, and several people got free audience tickets to enjoy the live telecast of the famous TV talk show.
Get free entry as an audience at the popular late-night talk show with Jimmy Fallon at Times Square, NYC. It's a top-rated talk show with the most popular celebrities, politicians, and pop stars making guest appearances for promotional tours. These public talkies covered all the topics like social, cultural, entertainment, media, and politics and invited renowned celebrities for further talks. It's the most impressive activity to do in New York City at Times Square.
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22. Grab the Tickets for Radio City Music Hall at Times Square
Music lovers can explore as much as they can at Times Square. The Radio City Music Hall is a live entertainment hub where the sparkling stage, excellent decors, fascinating costumes, and remarkable live musical and dance performances from the popular Rockettes present their outstanding performances.
23. Get Some Relax at Bryant Park
Times Square is great for nightlife, but in the daytime, you can relax in the lush greenery in Bryant Park, which is near Times Square. It's about a maximum ten-minute walk from the billboards of Times Square. You can enjoy free movies in the summer at the open-air night cinema while enjoying the exciting ice skating rink in winter. You will get your favorite snacks, food and drinks, live street performers, candies, ice creams, and more fun for everyone at the park,
24. Watch a Movie at the Cinema in Times Square
Watching the latest movies on the giant screen in the cinema at an affordable price is the best entertainment at Times Square. There are several live entertainment options, but the new film in the cinema has no competition at all. Grab a large popcorn or snack bite with a large drink and go side by side with your friends to enjoy the movie together at the cinema hall. The Regal Cinema Theater and the AMC Empire Cinema are the most famous Times Square locations. It’s one of the most awesome things to do in Time Square at night.
25. Grab A Krispy Kreme Donut at Times Square
Krispy Kreme Donuts Cafe at Times Square is the world's largest outlet of this brand, and you can taste the yummy, sweet delights of its soft and delicious flavors with fresh hot donuts anytime. The main specialty of this outlet is the Big Apple Donut, which looks like a big red apple with a mouth-watering sweet apple taste, representing the grand city as the Big Apple.
26. Watch a Scene of the Ball Drop on the New Year's Eve in Times Square
Every New Year's evening at the Times Square premier location, there's the most exclusive and popular Ball Drop event in NYC. The giant ball dropped from the highest peak of the skyscraper to celebrate the new year, and this event is live telecast on TV channels to display the live scene where thousands of New Yorkers stay to celebrate New Year's night. Visitors can get stunning photos and record video clips of this memorable, fascinating scene to share with their friends and family.
27. Explore the Awe-Inspiring Artifacts at Ripley's Believe it or Not in Times Square:
Ripley's Believe It or Not is a unique exhibition that presents unusual and weird artifacts on display for the public, like werewolves, human heads, two-headed goats, old traditional torture chambers, and other weird stuff. Explore the strange collection and quirky stuff and have fun with friends and family at this unusual experience.
28. Enjoy the Drinks and Music at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square
The Hard Rock Cafe is another club and cafe in Times Square. Enjoy the drinks, delicious food, fantastic rock music, and dance performances at the cafe. Book a table to dine at, grab a drink, and chit chat with your friends and enjoy the rocking music in the dim light atmosphere.
29. Explore the Times Square’s Great Attractions on a Bus Tour
Times Square is the most renowned tourist destination, and visitors can explore the location by car, on foot, and hop-on-hop-of bus tours. It’s a double-decker bus that is open from the roof, and passengers can explore the city for sightseeing and a closer look from the rooftop seating while enjoying the informational commentary on the bus about the locations and landmarks of the city.
30. Explore the Historic Town Hall Theater at The Times Square NYC
The New York City Historic Town Hall Theater is an iconic landmark and famous attraction for all visitors. The building has remarkable architecture and design. It has outstanding chambers, classic staircases, and elegant structures, creating a historical monument for significant and grand events in the city.
31. Visit the Famous Lids Store for Sports Apparel at the Times Square
Sports lovers can grab the best sports apparel for the trademark of their favorite team players like the Knicks, Mets, New York Rangers, Islanders, Yankees, or Jets. You can get the best gear and hats at the sports league and represent your favorite teams at the game.
32. Enjoy the Delicious Dinner at The Olive Garden at the Times Square
This Italian Three-story chic restaurant offers stunning views of Times Square while dining the delicious Cheesy Italian meals. Whether you are leaving the last Broadway show or a comedy theater, you can choose this exclusive restaurant for a yummy dinner. Explore the sparkling lights of this iconic location and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the sparkling streets of Times Square.
33. Enjoy the Superb Kids Performance at The New Victory Theater, Times Square
You can enjoy the best Broadway kids’ shows and excellent kids' live performances at this entertainment spot with the collaboration of students and their families. Here, you will find rising stars and exclusive kids' talent at the show with offbeat performances at the classics like Beauty and the Beast and more. It’s an affordable, fun option and a one-stop entertainment for kids and teens with their classmates.
34. Enjoy the 5-star luxuries at the Knickerbocker Hotel, Times Square
Are you looking for the premium classics, spacious interiors, and high-end luxuries at Times Square? The Knickerbocker Five-star Hotel is the ideal option for you. Here, you can get the high-end luxuries and the best amenities and services in NYC. However, it’s the most expensive hotel near the famous location of Broadway and Bryant Park, where you can enjoy the high-end luxuries and sophisticated lifestyle.
35. Get Panoramic Views from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Times Square, NYC
The Top of the Rock Observation deck is a short distance from Times Square. You can get breathtaking views of the tallest skyscrapers and panoramic views of New York City while walking in the clouds. Enjoy the awe-inspiring views of Central Park, Downtown Manhattan, and the Empire Estate Tower from above 853 feet up in the sky. Walk on the glass floor of the outdoor terrace of the deck and feel like you are walking in the sky. However, you must hold your breath from this point while looking down at the city.
Recommendations for Restaurants in Times Square, NYC
Here, we have a few more recommendations for Times Square NYC restaurants. There are various other cafes and luxurious hotel lobbies, but these are authentic dining spots for delicious and flavorful meals at the best prices and great ambiance for families.
1. Carmine’s Family Style Restaurant, Times Square, NYC
It’s an excellent Italian restaurant for a family feast. They offer indoor and outdoor dining areas, lavish decors, and the perfect ambiance for occasions, weddings, and family events. Their famous tasty meals are Fried Calamari, Spicy ScarpaRiello Wings, Portobello Parmigiana, Rigatoni w/ Sausage and Broccoli, Bolognese Meat Sauce, Italian Cheesesteak, Fresh Mozzarella and Prosciutto Junior's Mango Martini, and Very Italian Manhattan wine.
2. Tony’s De Napoli-Midtown Restaurant, Times Square, NYC
Tony’s De Napoli Midtown is a Southern Neapolitan Restaurant that serves traditional dishes and meals for large family platters and flavorful food. Their famous dishes are Chicken Marsala, Ravioli di Napoli, Rigatoni Bolognese, Tony's Shrimp, Prosciutto and Burrata, Peppers and Onions, Nutella Torta, and Italian Cheesecake. The food is excellent and has a great ambiance for family events.
3. STK NYC Midtown Restaurant, Times Square, NYC
STK NYC restaurant is a steakhouse and exclusive lounge with fabulous decor and an excellent ambiance. This chic lounge gives you a premium dining experience with a separate bar, and in summer, they offer the best patio setting for outdoor dinner parties. Their famous menu includes Tuna Tartare, Steak Fries, Denver Steaks, Crispy Calamari, and wines.
4. Pink Taco Restaurant, Times Square, NYC
Pink Taco Mexican Restaurant is fabulous for Instagram worthy clicks for its neon lights, dazzling decors, and chic vibes. They offer delicious Mexican flavors for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Their famous menu includes quesadillas, nachos, taquitos, chili peppers, Mexican bread pudding, French toast, pink churro pancakes, house margaritas, and beer buckets.
5. Virgil’s Real Bar-B-Que-New York City Restaurant, Times Square, NYC
This BBQ restaurant is available for indoor and outdoor dining for family feasts and events. Try some smoked beef briskets or spicy meat BBQ flavors; try the tasty dishes at this incredible BBQ restaurant in Times Square. Their famous menu includes BBQ Nachos, Texas Chili, Catfish Bites, Beer Battered Onion Rings, Trash Ribs, BBQ Chicken Wings, Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Rib and Wing Combo, Korean BBQ Glazed Ribs, Banana Pudding, Key Lime Pie, Beers, and Whiskey.
6. Mermaid Oyster Bar Restaurant, Times Square, NYC
It’s a great Seafood Restaurant in Times Square. They offer elegant decor, remarkable ambiance, and tasty seafood for spicy and delicious flavors of American Cuisine. Their famous menu includes Salmon Tartare, Mini Mermaid Fish Taco, Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Slider, Grand Platter, Cocktails, and Wines.
Conclusion
Times Square is the busiest and most crowded area in Manhattan, NYC. It has various hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, sports and gaming spots, casinos, stores for shopping, comedy clubs, theater shows, cinemas, chocolates, donuts, ice creams, and many more interesting things to do in the day or night. You will get the best places to stay in NYC in Times Square.
Times Square New York is known for the excellent tourist places, iconic views, shimmering lights, and fun and exciting activities. It's a costly option to dine in or shop anything at this prime location, but it has affordable options, and you may find various better things for a budget-friendly option, like reasonable hotels, restaurants with discounts and happy hours, and prize winnings, and gifts at the stores and gaming zones.
