Times Square

"The Crossroads of the World," where giant LED screens flash day and night, and the 41 Broadway theaters nearby make it a global hub for musicals.

Times Square is the triangle formed where Broadway crosses Seventh Avenue between 42nd and 47th Streets. It got its name in 1904, when the New York Times moved its headquarters there. Today more than 300,000 people pass through each day, making it the "Crossroads of the World." Its signature sights include the huge LED screens, the red steps on top of the TKTS booth (climb them for a free panoramic view), and costumed cartoon characters on the street. At night, the square is as bright as day, and it is busiest between 8 and 11 p.m. The square itself is free to visit, and the best time is after dark.

The 41 Broadway theaters cluster between 41st and 54th Streets, and catching a musical is a must-do in New York. Long-running shows include The Lion King, Hamilton, Wicked, Chicago, and the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. Tickets cost $80 to $300.

Ways to save: TKTS booths sell same-day discount tickets for that evening's shows, starting at 3 p.m., at roughly half price, though you'll need to queue. You can also try digital lottery tickets from individual show websites or TodayTix, which cost $10 to $40. Wednesday matinees are usually cheaper.

Nearby highlights include 42nd Street's theater row, the M&M's and Disney flagship stores, Madame Tussauds wax museum, Bryant Park (with a free ice rink and Christmas market in winter), and the New York Public Library.

Getting there: the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, or S trains stop at Times Sq-42 St, and nearly every line passes through.

Note that costumed characters will ask for a $5 to $20 tip for photos, and you should ignore people selling "comedy show tickets" or "rap CDs." Restaurants around the square are overpriced for what they serve. Walk a few blocks to Hell's Kitchen (Ninth Avenue) for better food. On New Year's Eve, the square has no restrooms, and you cannot leave once you're inside.

Times Square / Broadway

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Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby