27 Best Things To Do in Times Square, NYC (2025)

These things to do in Times Square include the best attractions, restaurants, stores, and shows in and around Times Square, so you can make the most out of your time in the area.

For me, no visit to NYC is complete without a visit to Times Square; one of the best places to visit in NYC. Its bright lights and busy atmosphere make it a popular tourist spot. But what are the best things to do in Times Square?

Time Square is one of the best things to do in New York City and should be on your itinerary for your NYC trip. We share the best things to do in Times Square, including free things to do in Times Square and where to eat in Times Square. 

Best Things To Do In Times Square

1. The Ride

One of the best things to do in Times Square, is THE RIDE is a unique way to explore NYC. This is an interactive experience hosted by professional comedians who escort you around Manhattan on a side-facing bus. This is a 75-minute trip and expect to see Grand Central Terminal, Central Park, New York Public Library, and more.

Website: experiencetheride.com ○ Phone: +1 (212) 221-0853

2. Madame Tussaud’s Times Square

Pose with your favorite celebrity wax model and get your wax hand! This popular attraction is found on 42nd Street and includes wax figures of Barak Obama, Donald Trump, Helen Keller, the British Royal Family, Whoopi Goldberg, Taylor Swift, and Justin Beiber; just to name a few.

This is one of the fun things to do in Times Square with kids but head here in the evening for a quieter, more romantic experience.

Prices start at $37 and the attraction is open from 10 am to 9 pm most days.

3. Meet your Favorite Cartoon Character

Whether it’s Captain America, the Statue of Liberty, or Elmo, you will see many characters around Times Square. Stop and say Hi and take a photo if you wish, just remember to top these street performers.

Just note that these street performers do this as a side hustle and tipping or paying for photographs is often expected.

4. See a Broadway Show

Whilst in NYC, a Broadway show is a must and is on many USA bucketlist! We have been fortunate to see quite a few shows in New York when exploring the things to do in Times Square and I always say, the classics are better. But if traveling with family, there are some great choices such as The Lion King, STOMP, Aladdin or Wicked.

TKTS Box Office is the number one place to buy discounted tickets for the top Broadway shows. Ticketmaster is also perfect if you have a specific show that you must see. This Box Office can be found in the heart of Times Square but head here early to beat the long queues.

Read our post to find out the different ways to get tickets for Broadway!

5. Radio City Stage Door Tour

If you love the theatre then you will love this 75-minute Radio City Hall backstage tour, taking you behind the scenes of America’s most famous theatre. You can even get a photo taken with a famous Rockette.

Tickets are also included in the New York City Explorer Pass or can be booked online for $42, located in one of the most famous skyscrapers in NYC.

6. Omescape at Times Square

If you are visiting with family or friends, OMEscape is a fun group activity and one of the best family-friendly things to do in Times Square. These are hi-tech escape rooms complete with laser security systems and immersive themes.

The rooms are available to book from 11 am to 11 pm every day and cost $31 per person. 

7. The New Victory Theater

The New Victory Theater is NYC’s only full-time performing arts theatre for children. The shows are aimed at children from 1 1/2 to 12 years old. See the full calendar and book tickets if you are visiting with family; shows include plays, dance performances, circus acts, puppets, and more.

Even if you haven’t got tickets, head to the theatre lobby to see the props from the current show or take part in one of the performance skill workshops.

8. Bowlero Times Square

This 48-lane bowling alley is a great place to relax and unwind in the evenings when looking for fun things to do in Times Square. Complete with an arcade, billiards, and different themed lounge areas, this is an ideal place to chill out, dine and bowl.

Bowlero Times Square is located at 222 W 44th St between 8th Avenue and Broadway, opening from 2pm to midnight each night of the week whilst staying open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

9. Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

If you are short on time, we highly recommend a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to not only see the best things to do in Times Square but also in NYC. These buses start and end in Times Square but will drive you past major landmarks and neighborhoods such as Madison Square Gardens, Chinatown, Broadway, Empire State Building, and more. 

10. Visit a Comedy Club

Check on Groupon for deals at one of the Comedy Clubs in Times Square. Broadway Comedy Club on West 53rd Street shows headline performances throughout the year whilst the LOL Times Square Club is more casual.

Carolines is a legendary comedy club with famous comedians like Billy Crystal and Jerry Seinfeld started their careers. 

11. Midtown Comics

Midtown Comics is a fun comic book and toy store that is open to late and a fun way to spend some time in NYC. You will find new releases along with vintage issues in this colorful store. 

The store is open from 8 am to midnight on Monday to Saturday and then from Noon to 8 pm on Sundays. 

12. The Red Steps

Climb the famous red steps in Duffy Square, offering the perfect vantage point to soak in Times Square’s energy. It’s also a prime location for snapping photos of the massive digital billboards surrounding you.

13. National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey

This immersive, interactive exhibit takes you on an undersea journey without getting wet. Cutting-edge technology and storytelling bring ocean wildlife and ecosystems to life in an educational yet entertaining way.

14. The Museum of Broadway

Dive into the history of Broadway with this museum dedicated to its past, present, and future. Exhibits feature costumes, props, and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic productions.

Free things to do in Times Square

15. Hear a Gospel Choir

Head over to the Times Square Church at 234 West 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenue, to watch a free, fun Gospel service. It is worth noting that these services last around 2 hours, with 60 minutes of the service praising. Services run throughout the day on a Sunday: 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 6 pm.

Check the church’s website for more details.

16. Midnight Moment

Every evening, at 11.57pm, you can watch the midnight moment – the world’s largest digital art exhibition comprised of the huge Time Square billboards synchronizing to create whimsical images.

There is a different art display theme each month.

17. See the Tonight Show

There are lots of free TV tapings in and around Times Square with the Tonight Show being one of them. The show tapes from around 5.30 pm to 7 pm and tickets can be requested on the website for the Late Show.

You can also request tickets for the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and The Daily Show With Trevor Noah.

18. Self-guided Walking Tour

Download the Free Tours By Foot app to explore Times Square in your own time. The app doesn’t offer audio but it does talk you though the important buildings and places in Tims Square, giving detailed descriptions of the history and significance of Time Square attractions. 

Things To Do In Times Square With Kids

19. Dave & Busters

Eat, drink and play. Dave and Buster’s is a family-friendly chain bar and arcade, with lots of fun activities to try.

It is essentially a Sports Bar with traditional American food and hundreds of arcade games to choose from. The Times Square venue is colorful and fun, with a premium bar and creative cocktails available.

Website: www.daveandbusters.com    Phone: +1 (646) 495-2015

20. Hershey’s Chocolate World

A great shop for chocolate lovers, head to Hershey’s. This store has lots of fun merchandise, with even the option to customize a chocolate bar. Make sure to try the free samples!

21. The Disney Store

For families or big kids, The Disney Store is an experience in itself. Check out your favorite characters and the detailed decor around the store. There are lots of things to do in NYC with kids and for a big kid like me, seeing the interactive areas of this store is definitely one of them!

Note to self: bring plenty of $$$$

22. M&M’s World

M&M’s World is a candy lover’s paradise. Spread over three floors, it offers custom M&M printing, colorful displays, and a vast assortment of merchandise. It’s a treat for all senses and perfect for kids and adults alike.

Where to eat in Times Square

Times Square has some great restaurants to visit. Hakkasan is a firm favorite, serving Chinese food as well as the Red Lobster and Gallagher’s Steak House for delicious seafood and a hearty steak.

The Wasabi Sushi & Bento is perfect for a Japanese fix and Ellen’s Stardust Diner is one of the most popular and fun restaurants with theatre students and actors singing whilst they wait at your table! (think Glee!!)

Best Restaurants in Times Square

Cheap Eats in Times Square

Cheap options ($5 – $15)

• Shake shake – Counter service for burgers
• Chipotle – Fast-food Mexican chain restaurant with some space to sit
• Maoz Falafel & Grill – Middle Easter vegetarian restaurant with salads and sandwiches
• Patzeria Pizza – NYC Pizza to go; pay by the slice
• Xi’an Famous Foods – Fresh handmade noodles and stewed pork burgers

Affordable restaurants in Times Square

• Piccolo Cafe – Counter service for breakfast items as well as salads and paninis
• Times Square Diner – Endless food options, open 24 hours a day
• Pongsri Thai – Authentic Thai food at affordable prices

Moderate restaurants in Times Square

• John’s Pizzeria – Coal-oven pizza; known as the best in NYC
• Carmine’s – Italian-American styled family portioned meals
• Virgil’s – Best barbeque meals in the neighborhood
• Sake Bar Hagi – A Japanese eatery for the young and cool

Pre-theatre Prix-Fixe menus – On West 46th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenue, is restaurant row. This is a block of around 20 restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisines. They also offer pre-theatre set menus at decent prices and are timed so that you don’t miss your performance. Make sure you book ahead and check out some of the best restaurants such as Hourglass Tavern and Becco.

Things to do Near Times Square

23. Bryant Park

Located just one block from Times Square, Bryant Park is a calming green oasis in the heart of Manhattan. There are activities here throughout the year, live music, board games and ping-pong tables but also an open library, allowing you to take a book and read during your ‘chill-out in the park’ time.

The park is between 40th and 42nd Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues.

24. The Edge Observation Deck

Located at Hudson Yards but just a short distance from Times Square, The Edge offers breathtaking views of New York City. Its unique glass floor and outdoor sky deck create a thrilling experience for anyone wanting panoramic views of the skyline.

25. Top of the Rock Observatory

Head to the top of Rockefeller Center to enjoy panoramic, uninterrupted views of New York City. The famous building is under a 5-minute walk from Times Square and we recommend heading here for sunset. 

26. Gulliver’s Gate

This captivating exhibit is a miniature world that showcases intricately detailed models of cities and landmarks from around the globe. It’s a fun, family-friendly stop that offers a unique perspective on architecture and culture.

27. Museum of Modern Art

MoMA is a stand-out art museum in New York City. They have a vast collection of contemporary art from world-renowned artists. The museum is around a 12-minute walk or you can catch subway lines F, R, or E. 

Times Square Travel Guide

Getting to Times Square?

Times Square is not a square but four quarters created on the intersection where 7th Avenue and Broadway meets Midtown Manhattan. However, most people refer to the larger neighborhood as Times Square, from 40TH St. to 52nd St. and 8th Ave to 6th Ave.

Many subway stations will get you to the neighborhood. 

For those catching the subway, you can get off at 42 Street Station, Rockefeller Ctr Station, 49 Street Station, and 50 Street Station. 

The hop-on-hop-off buses tend to start and end in this area too. 

Visiting Times Square F.A.Q

How to spend a day in Times Square?

There are lots of things to see and do in Times Square, so you can easily spend a day here. Take a walking tour, visit Madam Tussauds, and enjoy plenty of great food in the area. You can also jump on a sightseeing bus tour, with most beginning and ending here. 

Is it worth visiting Times Square?

Yes, this is considered to be one of the best things to do in New York and is a landmark in the city. 

What is Times Square famous for?

Times Square is famous for its bright digital billboards and advertisements as well as being one of the world’s busiest pedestrian areas. 

What are the best times to visit Times Square?

The best time to visit Times Square is early morning, before the TKT Booth opens and lines begin to form, or late a night. Most things are closed later though but you can enjoy a quieter visit at these times. 

Is it safe to walk around Times Square?

This is one of the busiest areas in the city but there is plenty of NYPD patrolling the area too. Yes, you need to be careful of your belongings as pickpocketing isn’t uncommon in any touristy area, but generally Times Square is a safe place to visit. 

What is your favorite thing to do in Times Square? Let us know in the comments!