Things To Do Near Times Square NYC

Times Square is one of the most iconic and recognizable places in the world. Located in the heart of the city, it is the place to go for entertainment, shopping, and nightlife. It’s a place that attracts thousands of visitors each year and provides them with an incredible selection of activities and experiences. From Broadway shows to world-class restaurants to a variety of tourist attractions, Times Square has something for everyone.

For those looking to explore the area, there are plenty of things to do near Times Square NYC. To make it easier for you to decide which activities to choose from, we’ve put together a list of some of the best activities near Times Square. Whether you’re looking for something to do during the day or something more exciting for the night, this list has something for everyone. So, let’s take a look at what you can do near Times Square.

History of Times Square

Times Square was originally known as Longacre Square, named after the theater district in London. It was developed in 1904 by developer Augustus St. John and was known as “The Crossroads of the World”. In 1912, the building was renamed Times Square and it quickly became one of the most popular places in New York City. In the following years, Times Square became the heart of entertainment and nightlife in New York City.

Today, Times Square is one of the most visited attractions in New York City. It is estimated that over 50 million people visit Times Square every year. It is also home to some of the world’s largest and most famous companies such as Coca-Cola, Disney, and McDonald’s. From Broadway shows to street performers to neon-lit billboards, Times Square is a unique and vibrant area that can’t be matched anywhere else in the world.

Explore Broadway

One of the top things to do near Times Square NYC is to check out a Broadway show. Broadway is world-famous for its theatres, performances, and long-running productions like The Lion King, Hamilton, and Wicked. Whether you’re looking for a drama, a comedy, or a musical, there are plenty of shows to choose from.

For those looking to get tickets to a Broadway show, there are several ways to get them. You can purchase tickets directly from any of the box offices in Times Square, or you can opt for online ticket services such as Ticketmaster or StubHub. It’s important to keep in mind that tickets for popular shows can be quite expensive and may sell out quickly, so it’s best to purchase them ahead of time.

Visit the Museum of Modern Art

For art lovers, one of the best things to do near Times Square NYC is to visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Located just a few blocks away from Times Square, MoMA offers a world-renowned collection of modern art in a variety of styles and mediums. The museum also offers interactive exhibits and special events such as artist talks and film screenings.

The museum is open daily and admission is free on Friday evenings from 4-8pm. For those looking to explore the museum more thoroughly, there are guided tours available as well as audio guides available for rent. No matter what your interest in art may be, MoMA is sure to offer something for everyone.

Go Shopping at Macy’s

One of the top things to do near Times Square NYC is to go shopping at Macy’s. Located in the heart of Times Square, Macy’s is one of the city’s most famous department stores. The store offers an impressive selection of clothing, accessories, cosmetics, home goods, and more. The store also offers discounts on certain items throughout the year, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a good deal.

If you’re looking for something more unique, you can also check out the store’s flagship location at Herald Square. This location offers a more intimate shopping experience with designer boutiques, restaurants, and even its own bistro. No matter what you’re looking for, Macy’s is sure to have something special for everyone.

Take in a View at Top of the Rock

For those looking for an amazing view of New York City, one of the top things to do near Times Square NYC is to visit Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center. Located just two blocks away from Times Square, Top of the Rock offers breathtaking views of Manhattan and beyond. From up here you can see iconic landmarks like Central Park and the Empire State Building in all their glory.

The deck is open daily from 8am to midnight and tickets can be purchased online in advance or at any ticket kiosk located outside the building. If you’re looking for an even more unique experience, you can also opt for a night tour which includes a visit to Top of the Rock after dark. No matter what time of day you visit Top of the Rock, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Visit Madame Tussauds New York

For those looking for a unique experience near Times Square NYC, one of the best things to do is visit Madame Tussauds New York. Located just steps away from Times Square, Madame Tussauds offers an incredible collection of wax figures modeled after celebrities and historical figures. From movie stars to musicians to presidents, there are wax figures representing everyone imaginable at this museum.

The museum is open daily from 9am-10pm and tickets can be purchased online in advance or at any ticket kiosk located outside the building. If you’re looking for an even more unique experience, you can also opt for a night tour which includes a visit to Madame Tussauds after dark. No matter what time of day you visit Madame Tussauds New York, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Take a Tour with Big Bus Tours

One of the best ways to explore New York City is by taking a tour with Big Bus Tours. Big Bus Tours offers double-decker bus tours that cover all of Manhattan’s iconic landmarks from Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge to Times Square and more. The tours include live commentary from experienced guides as well as audio guides in multiple languages for those who prefer to explore on their own.

The tours depart daily from 9am-5pm and tickets can be purchased online in advance or at any ticket kiosk located outside the building. Each ticket includes unlimited hop-on/hop-off access so you can get on or off at any stop along the route whenever you like. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive tour of Manhattan or just want to explore some of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, Big Bus Tours is sure to have something for everyone.

Experience New York City By Night with Night Tours

For those looking for something more exciting than a double-decker bus tour, one of the top things to do near Times Square NYC is take one of Night Tours’ nighttime experiences. Night Tours offers tours that bring you around some of Manhattan’s most iconic landmarks after dark including Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square among others. The tours include live commentary from experienced guides as well as audio guides in multiple languages for those who prefer to explore on their own.

The tours depart daily from 8pm-10pm and tickets can be purchased online in advance or at any ticket kiosk located outside the building. Whether you’re looking for an immersive tour of Manhattan by night or just want to explore some of New York City’s most iconic landmarks after dark, Night Tours is sure to have something exciting for everyone.

Book The Ultimate New York Sightseeing Tour

For those looking for an all-inclusive tour that covers all of Manhattan’s most iconic landmarks from Central Park to Brooklyn Bridge to Times Square and more, one of the top things to do near Times Square NYC is book The Ultimate New York Sightseeing Tour with Viator here. This comprehensive tour covers all of New York City’s top attractions including the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and The Statue Of Liberty among others. The tour includes roundtrip transportation from your hotel plus entrance fees and audio guides in multiple languages for those who prefer to explore on their own.

The tours depart daily from 8am-6pm and tickets can be booked online here. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive overview of Manhattan or just want an all-inclusive tour that covers all of New York City’s top attractions in one day, The Ultimate New York Sightseeing Tour is sure to have something for everyone.

Book The Best Of NYC Tour With GetYourGuide

For those looking for an all-inclusive tour that covers some of Manhattan’s best attractions including Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square among others, one of the top things to do near Times Square NYC is book The Best Of NYC Tour with GetYourGuide here. This comprehensive tour covers all of New York City’s top attractions plus round trip transportation from your hotel plus entrance fees and audio guides in multiple languages for those who prefer to explore on their own.

The tours depart daily from 8am-6pm and tickets can be booked online here. Whether you’re looking for an immersive experience that covers all the best attractions in NYC or just want an all-inclusive tour that covers some of New York City’s most iconic landmarks in one day, The Best Of NYC Tour is sure to have something exciting for everyone.

So there you have it — our list of some of the best things to do near Times Square NYC! From Broadway shows to world-class museums to unique nighttime experiences, there is something for everyone near this iconic area of New York City. Whether you’re looking for something exciting or something more relaxing, these activities are sure to make your visit unforgettable!