What to Know About Visiting Times Square?

Whether you are a tourist, a local or someone passing through, Times Square is one of those places that you simply must visit at least once in your life. Situated right in the heart of world renowned New York City and one of the most economically important cities in the United States, Times Square is as close to a must-see as you can get! Filled with neon signs, bright lights, top-notch bars, theatres and music venues – it’s sure to make you never want to leave! But if you are looking to get the best out of Times Square itself, you should definitely bring along a few must-have items. The following is a guide of what to keep in mind for your Square experience.

Things to Bring

The first thing that necessarily comes to mind is money. With so many stores in the area, whether you’re looking to buy souvenirs or eat out – you will definitely need to have some cash on you. You should also make sure to bring a camera – it is a must-have item when in such a breathtaking place such as Times Square. Whether you get lost in the crowds of tourists or decide to explore the area by foot, dress comfortably and make sure you wear well-fitting shoes. Although there are many attractions nearby where you can go for food, snacks or drinks, it may be a good idea to bring with you your own bottle of water (one for each person in the party). Additionally, the streets and neon lights of Times Square can be quite blinding on the eyes. To prevent any eye strain and accidental injuries, consider bringing sunglasses and even ear plugs. Absolutely necessary items include tickets to any theatre show you might want to attend, as well as a printed guide of events and known locations within the area.

Where to Go

First and foremost, enjoying the atmosphere of Times Square should be at the top of your list. Walking (or jogging… or running) through massive crowds, admiring flashing lights and taking photos of everything around you is nothing less than a jaw-dropping experience. On the other hand, there are many popular activities such as theatre shows that take place around Times Square and could surely make for an incredible evening. The Apollo Theatre is renowned for its productions so it could be your first stop on this journey. If attending shows is not what you have in mind, there are plenty of other things which you can do such as go top-notch shopping for souvenirs or brands or quality. Another fascinating activity could be visiting some of the attractions situated around the area. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is located mere minutes from the flashing neon lights and popular Broadway Theatre shows – something worth checking out just for fun if you ask us! For example, for those fascinated by aviation and air travel, the “I Fly Jets Flight Simulation Center’ is right up your alley! Fly various planes over the most recognizable cities virtually – all in one night while exploring Times Square! If your party is one that loves catching some fresh air while admiring incredible architecture, the Highline Park, though not situated in Times Square area itself – is not more than a 10 minute walk away from the bright streets of midtown Manhattan. If that isn’t enough, MOMA’s sculpture garden is only another 15 minutes walking away.

Where to Stay

In recent years, Times Square has seen some of its hotels and lodgings receive extensive upgrades, as well as new establishments opening up. Generally speaking, lodging can get a bit pricey around this area; nonetheless there are still affordable rooms in the area if you book ahead of time on websites such as HotelsCombined. There are also luxury lodgings such as the Empire Hotel New York, or for something special if you’re able – The W Hotel – both of them boasting exceptional customer service and cozy rooms.

Leaving Times Square

In order to make sure your departure from Times Square is swift and hassle-free while avoiding crowds – make sure you leave enough time prior to your departure prior to your final destination (e.g airline / train / ship). This is especially important if you plan on taking public transportation such as busses or metro lines. If you’re going by bus – make sure not to miss your stop – NYC gets quite confusing after dark! Planning out your last few hours in Times Square can result in an exciting and fun-filled evening. Whether it’s shows at popular venues or catching up with some culture – it’s all within reach! Of course one will always remember and adore Times Square long after they leave!