Things to do in Times Square, New York

When one think of New York the first thing to pop up is Times Square! One of the iconic tourist spot people die to see it in real. Even if you hate crowds I suggest braving the horde just to be in the center of it all. It's very surreal to just stand there, surrounded by towering stacks of flickering neon billboards, the sounds, sights and smells of thousands of people all around you. This experience is available any day of the week. It's maniac, a bit frightening, and weirdly wonderful. The vibe of Times Square is actually quite similar to Fremont Street (Las Vegas), Piccadilly Circus (London), or Shibuya (Tokyo).

Before 1904, Times Square was called Longacre Square. The name was changed when the New York Times moved into the square (more like “hourglass” in shape, rather than a square). This was also the building where the tradition of the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop was started. It was in the roaring 1920s when famous performers such as Charlie Chaplin and Fred Astaire regularly paid a visit to the gorgeous stages in Times Square.

Few facts are worth learning that Times Square is not a square area but a triangle or rather two triangles, where Broadway cuts through the grid and the became smoke free in 2011. The photograph of the famous kiss between a soldier and a nurse occurred in Times Square at the end of WWII and was documented by Alfred Eisenstaedt with NASDAQ sign the largest LED sign in the world which is 37 feet high making.

THINGS TO DO IN TIMES SQUARE

DUFFY SQUARE

The northern triangle of the square is actually called Duffy Square, dedicated to Chaplain Duffy of the “Fighting 69th” Infantry Regiment. At Duffy Square you’ll find the TKTS booth under the famous red steps. Sit on the red stairs to get a great view of the hustle and bustle in the square, or take a seat at one of the public chairs at the pedestrian plaza to be right in the middle of it all and enjoy people watching.

MONUMENTS IN TIMES SQUARE

Get clicked with famous monuments in Times Square, Francis P. Duffy, who, according to Wikipedia, was “the most highly decorated cleric in the history of the United States Army.” He was chaplain for New York’s 69th infantry, and served in the Spanish-American War and World War I.

A statue of George M. Cohen can be found nearby in Times Square as well. Once known as “The Man Who Owned Broadway,” he wrote well-known songs like “Give My Regards to Broadway” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”

ACTIVITIES WITH KID

For the kids, there’s also plenty to see and do when it comes to shopping in Times Square. The Disney Store and the Toys R Us store, complete with a Ferris wheel, are both big hits with the kids, as are the Hersheys Store and the M&Ms store to the north of the square.

FOR SHOPHOLIC

For shopping you are never out of option here. I am more into makeups and visited Sephora a lot many times. For clothes they got every brands H&M, Forever21, GAP, Old Navy etc including Swatch, Swarovski and Pandora for watch and jewellery lovers.

RIDE IN REVOLUTION RICKSHAW

Though i will not suggest rickshaw ride in New York since it very pricey say $7 per minute. So it is best you either negotiate or walk or just ride two three blocks only. It is just for fum sake and not meant for long distance ride hence don't get robbed.

LED FLAG

Look out for massive American Flag on two sides of the building which shine brightly from the LED lights inside the glass panel. Located in the corner of Broadway and Seventh Avenue in the heart of Times Square it is a U.S. Armed Forces Recruiting Office that opened in 1946.

On clear sky day you can sit under the umbrella shades here and relax with food trucks lined at one corner. We were lucky to enjoy live music show. You don't need a ticket to sit and enjoy music here. It all comes for free except food.

TAKE PICTURE WITH MASCOTS

Keep an eye out for an opportunity for a photo with the Naked Cowboy or to see Good Morning America being filmed at Times Square Studios.

WATCH THE STREET ARTISTS PERFORM

SEE A BROADWAY SHOW

Watch a broadway show. Wild as the jungle and colorful as the forest leaves the show was an eye opener. The stage changed in a blink from day to night from mountain to land it was worth believing. More beautiful was the characters dressed and painted in animal skins. I loved the sarcasm of Pumba and Timon and the entry of ravenous Hyneas. If you are looking for great deals on more premium Broadway show tickets, get them from TKTS

DRINK AT HARD ROCK CAFE

You’ll find New York City’s Hard Rock Cafe on the corner of 43rd street & 7th Avenue. If not in mood for drink and food just take out a minute to have a look inside. It is worth a visit to see the amazing temple with Indian goddess Saraswati in center.

PLACES TO EAT

If you are looking something cheap the best and favourite is busy Halal Guys cart at 53rd Street & 6th Avenue. I cant keep a record how many times i have come to times square just to eat the gyro and rice combination with some blaring hot pepper sauce. For a real American Diner experience, try Junior’s on 44th Street & 7th Avenue. For something with a little more spice, Bubba Gump offers seafood and southern cuisine with an amazing view of the square.

If you’re looking for a truly special experience, pay a visit to The View on 45th Street & 7th Avenue. The restaurant has a buffet and a rotating floor, which means you’ll get a different view of Times Square without having to walk around! Book well in advance to ensure you get a table by the window.

HOW TO REACH

When you’re in New York City and want to visit the square, you can easily catch a subway to the massive Times Square subway station. The 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q and R trains all stop at Times Square.

OTHER THINGS TO DO

-Relax in Bryant park

-Visit the New York Public library