Times Square | Manhattan

Times Square is one of the most iconic and vibrant locations in New York City, known worldwide for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and non-stop energy. Situated in Midtown Manhattan, Times Square serves as a major commercial, entertainment, and tourist hub.

Location and Layout

Boundaries: Located at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, stretching from 42nd Street to 47th Street.

It is not a "square" in the traditional sense but rather a bowtie-shaped plaza formed by the intersection of two major thoroughfares.

Historical Background

Originally called Longacre Square, it was renamed Times Square in 1904 when The New York Times moved its headquarters to the newly constructed Times Tower (now One Times Square).

The newspaper famously inaugurated the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop that same year, which has since become a global tradition.

Throughout the 20th century, Times Square evolved from a center of culture and glamour to a more troubled area in the 1970s–80s, known for crime and adult entertainment, before undergoing a major revitalization in the 1990s and 2000s.

Key Features and Attractions

Digital Billboards and Lights

Times Square is famous for its massive electronic billboards and neon signs, creating a 24/7 glow visible from blocks away.

Advertising space here is some of the most expensive in the world due to its high visibility and constant foot traffic.

Broadway Theater District

Times Square is at the heart of the Broadway theater scene, with dozens of world-renowned theaters nearby, such as the Majestic, Lyceum, and Shubert.

Many major musicals and plays, including The Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, and The Lion King, have premiered or run here.

One Times Square

The building where the New Year’s Eve ball drop occurs. While mostly empty inside today, it functions as one of the most valuable advertising properties in the world due to its prominent billboard displays.

Pedestrian Plaza

Since 2009, large parts of Times Square have been closed to traffic and converted into pedestrian plazas, filled with red seating areas for people to relax and take in the atmosphere.

Street performers, costumed characters, and vendors add to the sense of spectacle.

TKTS Booth

Located beneath the red steps in Duffy Square (part of Times Square), it offers discounted same-day tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.

Famous Businesses and Studios

Numerous flagship stores, such as M&M’s World, Disney Store, and Hard Rock Cafe.

Major news and entertainment networks, like ABC's Good Morning America, broadcast from studios overlooking the square.

Annual Events

New Year’s Eve Celebration: Attracts over a million people annually, with millions more watching on TV around the world. The ball drop from One Times Square marks the beginning of the new year.

Other events include product launches, live performances, and public art installations, often held right in the plaza.

Cultural and Global Significance

Known as "The Crossroads of the World" due to its global recognition and the diverse mix of people it attracts.

It symbolizes the fast-paced, media-saturated, and high-energy culture of modern urban life.

Appears frequently in films, TV shows, music videos, and literature as a symbol of New York City.

Foot Traffic and Tourism

One of the busiest pedestrian areas in the world, with around 300,000 to 400,000 people passing through daily.

A top destination for tourists visiting NYC, with countless dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Times Square represents both the historical transformation and the pulsating spirit of New York—chaotic, dazzling, commercial, and always alive.