It’s loud. It’s bright. Honestly, it smells like a mix of roasted nuts and bus exhaust. Most New Yorkers will tell you they avoid the Times Square of New York like the plague, yet somehow, we all find ourselves standing under those massive LED screens at least once a year. There is a weird, kinetic energy there that you just can't find in a quiet park or a Brooklyn coffee shop. It's the "Center of the Universe," or at least that’s what the marketing teams want you to believe. But if you strip away the Elmos and the overpriced comedy club hustlers, what’s actually left?
You’ve probably seen the photos of the deserted streets during the 2020 lockdowns. It was eerie. Seeing those screens flashing for nobody felt like a glitch in the matrix. Now, the crowds are back with a vengeance. We’re talking nearly 300,000 people crossing those bow-tie-shaped intersections every single day. If you aren't careful, you’ll get swept away by a sea of selfie sticks.
The Long Road from Longacre Square
Before it was the neon heart of the city, it was just Longacre Square. It was mostly horse stables and carriage houses. Not exactly the pinnacle of glamour. Everything changed in 1904. Adolph S. Ochs, the publisher of The New York Times, moved the newspaper’s headquarters to a new skyscraper on 42nd Street. He convinced the city to rename the area. It was a brilliant PR move.
The first New Year’s Eve celebration happened that same year. They didn't have a ball yet; they just used fireworks. The ball didn't drop until 1907 because the city banned the fireworks. That first ball was made of iron and wood and weighed 700 pounds. Compare that to the current Waterford Crystal behemoth that weighs nearly six tons. It’s a literal glowing planet of light.
But let’s get real about the 1970s and 80s. That’s the version of the Times Square of New York that people talk about in hushed, nostalgic tones—the "gritty" era. It was dangerous. It was filthy. It was filled with peep shows and grindhouse theaters. Some people miss that edge, claiming the "Disneyfication" of the 90s killed the soul of the neighborhood. Rudy Giuliani and the Disney Corporation basically teamed up to scrub the place clean. They turned 42nd Street into a family-friendly outdoor mall. Is it safer? Absolutely. Is it a bit sterile? Maybe. But you can't argue with the revenue it generates for the city.
The Math of the Megawatt
The lights never turn off. Ever. In fact, there are zoning ordinances that actually require building owners to display a certain amount of signage. You literally aren't allowed to be subtle here.
The "Big Kahuna" is the screen at 1535 Broadway. It’s eight stories tall and almost the length of a football field. Advertising on a screen like that can cost millions of dollars a month. It’s not just a billboard; it’s a digital landmark. If you’ve ever wondered why the air feels warmer in the middle of the square, it’s not just the bodies. It’s the sheer heat coming off millions of LED bulbs.
Surviving the Tourist Traps
If you’re going to visit the Times Square of New York, you need a strategy. Otherwise, you’re just a target.
First rule: never, ever take a picture with a costumed character unless you are prepared to pay. Those guys in the faded Mickey Mouse suits aren't city employees. They are independent contractors, and they can get aggressive if you don’t tip. It’s a hustle. The same goes for the guys handing out "free" CDs. Nothing is free. They will take your name, Sharpie it onto the disc, and then demand twenty bucks. Just keep walking.
Where to actually eat?
Most people end up at the Olive Garden or the Red Lobster because it feels safe. Don’t do that. You’re in one of the culinary capitals of the world. Walk ten minutes west to 9th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen. You’ll find incredible Thai food, authentic Italian, and half-decent dive bars for a fraction of the price.
If you must stay in the immediate area, Joe’s Pizza on 1435 Broadway is a legit slice. It’s fast, cheap, and tastes like New York. Junior's Cheesecake is another classic that actually lives up to the hype. Their cheesecake is dense enough to be used as a structural building material, but it's delicious.
The Broadway Connection
You can’t talk about this place without the Theater District. The Times Square of New York is the front porch for Broadway. The TKTS booth—the one under the big red glass stairs—is a genuine lifesaver for budget travelers. They sell same-day tickets for up to 50% off.
Pro tip: don't just stand in the main line. There is often a shorter line for "Play Only" tickets (non-musicals). If you don't mind missing a kickline, you can get into a high-end drama for the price of a fancy steak dinner.
The red stairs themselves have become a destination. They offer the best vantage point for people-watching. If you sit there long enough, you’ll see everything: marriage proposals, breakups, dance crews, and probably a few confused pigeons. It’s a free show that never stops.
The Midnight Moment
Hardly anyone knows about this, but it’s one of the coolest things in the city. It’s called the Midnight Moment. Every night from 11:57 PM to midnight, the digital billboards across the Times Square of New York synchronize.
For three minutes, the advertisements disappear. Instead, they show a coordinated work of contemporary art. It’s organized by the Times Square Advertising Coalition and Times Square Arts. Seeing those massive screens display high-concept video art instead of Coca-Cola ads is surreal. It’s the one time the square feels intentional and peaceful. Then, at 12:01 AM, the commercial chaos returns.
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Getting Around Without Losing Your Mind
The subway station here is a labyrinth. The Times Square–42nd Street station is the busiest in the entire system. It connects the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S lines. Plus, you can walk underground to the A, C, and E at Port Authority.
It is loud. It is confusing. There are street performers in the tunnels that will blow your mind and others that will make you want to plug your ears. If you’re trying to catch a train, don't stop in the middle of the stairs. New Yorkers have a specific "commuter walk"—a fast, predatory glide. If you break their flow, they will let you know.
What People Get Wrong About New Year's Eve
Let’s talk about the big night. Millions of people watch it on TV, and thousands fly in to experience it. Here is the reality: it’s an endurance sport.
If you want a good spot, you have to get there by noon. You are then penned into a metal barricade. You cannot leave to use the bathroom. If you leave, you lose your spot. There are no portable toilets. People literally wear adult diapers. It’s cold, you’re standing for twelve hours, and you aren't allowed to bring alcohol.
Most locals watch the ball drop from a bar in Queens or a house party in Brooklyn. If you really want to see the ball, go on December 30th or the morning of the 31st. You can see it sitting there, waiting. You can even visit the "Wishing Wall" in the weeks leading up to the event and write a wish on a piece of confetti that will actually be dropped over the crowd at midnight.
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Actionable Advice for Your Visit
To get the most out of the Times Square of New York without the headache, follow these steps:
- Go Late: The square is at its most magical after 11:00 PM. The crowds thin out slightly, the lights seem brighter against the dark sky, and you can actually hear yourself think.
- Look Up: Most of the interesting architecture is above the first floor. The Knickerbocker Hotel and the old Paramount Building have incredible details that most people miss because they’re looking at their phones.
- Use the "Pedestrian Plazas": Since 2009, large sections of Broadway have been closed to cars. Use the tables and chairs. It’s much safer than trying to dodge yellow cabs on the side streets.
- Find the Sound Installation: There is a hidden permanent sound art installation by Max Neuhaus. It’s located under a subway grate on the pedestrian island between 45th and 46th Streets. It’s a deep, resonating hum that most people walk right over. Stand there and listen; it's like a secret frequency of the city.
- Visit the Church of St. Mary the Virgin: Just a block away on West 46th Street. It’s known as "Smoky Mary’s" because of the incense. It’s a stunning Gothic Revival church that offers a silent, incense-scented sanctuary from the neon madness outside.
The Times Square of New York is a paradox. It’s a commercial wasteland and a cultural landmark. It’s a place where you can see a $100 million musical or a guy playing a bucket like a drum set. It’s exhausting, but it’s the heart of the city for a reason. You don’t go there for peace and quiet; you go there to feel like you’re in the middle of everything. Just remember to keep your wallet in your front pocket and your eyes on the horizon.