A more fabled area does not exist. Once called Longacre Square, the name was changed in 1904 in honor of the New York Times. Referred to as “the Crossroads of the World,” by Times Square Alliance President Tim Tompkins, This neighborhood offers a unique combination of creativity, energy and edge that attracts visitors from across the globe, and have made it an icon for entertainment, culture and urban life for over a century.”
This area goes from West 40th Street to W. 53rd Streets and from the middle of 8th avenue to almost 5th Avenue. Times Square is actually not in the shape of a square at all, but rather it is in the shape of a bow tie formed by the intersection of 7th Avenue and Broadway in Midtown Manhattan. There is little that is not available in this fabled area. From Broadway theatres, restaurants, clubs, to the location of the famous New Year’s Eve Ball drop, you could spend days just in this small area.
Restaurants:
No matter what your palate Time Square has something for you. From Sushi to Sandwiches, time square has it all.
Restaurant Row is one of the areas to definitely check it. On 46th Street from Broadway to 9th Avenue, these 3 blocks contain some of the most delicious, eclectic and memorable restaurants the city has to offer. Some of the best are:
- Joe Allen – American, Traditional - 326 W 46th Street
- Brazil Brazil – Brazilian Steakhouse – 330 W. 46th Street
- Pomaire – South American / Nuevo Latino - 371 W. 46th Street (between 8 & 9)
- Broadway Joe Steakhouse – American / Traditional - 315 W 46th St (between 8 & 9)
- Bourbon Street Bar & Grill – Cajun, Creole - 346 W 46th St (between 8 & 9)
Some of the Top Restaurants in Time Square:
Carmines – Italian – 200 W. 44 Street (btw 7&8)
Tony di Napoli – Italian – 147 W. 43rd Street (Between 6&7)
Blue Fin – Seafood, Sushi – 1567 Broadway @ 47th Street)
Bobby Vans – Steakhouse / Seafood - 135 W. 50th Street (between 6 & 7)
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. – Seafood/Southern/Soul - 1501 Broadway @ 44th Street
Dallas BBQ – BBQ/Chicken Wings - 241 W. 42nd Street (between 7&8)
Esca – one of Mario Batalli’s Restaurants – Italian/Seafood – 402 W. 43 St @ 9th Ave
Juniors – Cheesecake/Diner/Coffee Shop - 1515 Broadway @ 44th
Maxie’s Delicatessen – Deli/Diner - 723 7th Ave @ 48th Street
Ruby Foo’s – Pan Asian/Sushi - 1626 Broadway @ 49th Street
Shake Shack - Burgers/Hot Dogs/Desserts - 691 8th Avenue @44th Street
Thalia – American/Seafood - 828 8th Ave 50th Street
Shopping
Part of what makes the New York shopping experience so much fun is that the stores that you can find in any suburban shopping mall have been transformed into super-sized, colorful and bright doppelgangers of their rural cousins. There are also some stores that you can only find here in NY. In Time Square, everything is just a little brighter, a little bigger and a whole lot more of an experience. Be sure to check out these stores in Time Square.
Toys R Us
This shopping experience will turn even the oldest amongst us into a definite kid again! Completely with a fully functioning Ferris wheel in the store, this Toys R Us experience is truly like no other.
Hershey’s Time Square
It begins by entering through a 16 story candy creation into a world of complete and utter chocolate bliss, and it finishes off with your very own name or message broadcast in bright lights on Broadway! Even the music they play is all candy inspired. Here, you are in charge of what sweet treats you eat or give as gifts. You can personalize your own Hershey’s kisses and create your own chocolaty mix.
M&M World
This three story M&Ms dream come true is complete with a kids play area, a #38 Ford Fusion NASCAR® and a 17 foot green M&M dressed as the Statue of Liberty. It is hard not to get swept up in this miniature chocolate wonderland.
Souvenir Shops
Time Square is literally dominated by NYC gift shops. No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to find it in Time Square—AND with I Love NY written all over it! These shops are a true love letter to the ultimate in souvenir bliss.
Events
With all of the things to do in Time Square, it is hard to believe that at just about any time there are dozens of events going on, most of them completely free. Here are some events that, if you are in town for them, you must check out!
Solstice in Time Square
On June 21, the Summer Solstice, thousands of yoga enthusiasts gather in Time Square (arguably the most energetically charged place on Earth) and meditate with salutes to the sun.
Taste of Time Square
The Taste of Time Square has been going on for 17 years and includes over 50 of the best restaurants in Time Square. Participants than vote on their favorites. Be sure to come hungry and be a part of this amazing celebration of food.
Time Square Kiss In
On the anniversary of the end of WW II couples celebrate the iconic victory kiss of the sailor and the nurse back in 1945. Couples of all ages dress in costume and compete for the best kiss to win NY themed prizes. It is a day that is filled with fun and history, certainly something that is not to be missed!
New Year’s Eve in Time Square
At no time of the year are there more eyes on NY than at this moment. The infamous “ball drop” has become a world tradition. Billions of people look to this ball to say good bye to one year and look to the upcoming year with hope and anticipation.
Broadway
Broadway is quite literally the wide avenue that runs the length of Manhattan from Inwood in the North to Bowling Green in the South. But oh, how much more this famed avenue has meant to the world! “The Great White Way” is the famous nick name for the section of Broadway in Midtown where all of the bright lights of the Broadway theater houses are located. Broadway plays and musicals have to come to be known as the pinnacle of its form in all the world. Attending a Broadway show is to be a part of an event, an experience that will forever change the way you see the world. Whether you prefer plays or musicals, your options are seemingly endless on this wide strip. Click here for shows information.