If there’s one place that never sleeps, never quiets down, and never dims its lights, it’s Times Square. This iconic intersection in the heart of Manhattan isn’t just a tourist hotspot or the world’s flashiest billboard space – it’s a living organism, pulsing with lights, sounds, and people from every corner of the globe.
And while it’s been featured in thousands of articles, there’s still something magical about it that makes you stop, look up, and forget you’re standing in the middle of one of the busiest spots on the planet.
What Times Square Is – and Isn’t
It’s not your classic square with benches and fountains. Times Square is a massive intersection where Broadway meets 7th Avenue, stretching roughly between 42nd and 47th Streets. It used to be called Longacre Square, but everything changed in 1904 when The New York Times built its new headquarters there. Along with the building came a new name.
But Times Square isn’t famous just because of a newspaper. People know it as the “Crossroads of the World” – and that’s no exaggeration. Up to 460,000 people pass through it daily. That whirlwind of cultures, languages, and energies is exactly what gives it such a magnetic pull.
What Really Happens Here
Reading about Times Square is one thing. Standing there is another. Even for just five minutes. The visual explosion of digital billboards and LED screens is almost overwhelming – in the best way possible. Advertising here isn’t just allowed – it’s mandatory. The bigger and bolder, the better.
Just look at the One Times Square building – the site of the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. It’s covered in four massive LED screens with a combined surface area of over 13,000 square feet. Add Coca-Cola, Samsung, Disney, and other giants, and you realize that advertising here is pure art.
Faces, Sounds, and Unforgettable Moments
Every day brings a new wave of street performers, film characters (yes, Deadpool might wave at you), musicians, and even activists. Times Square is a stage – whether you’re celebrating a sports victory or voicing a protest. The energy is electric, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
And speaking of celebrations – New Year’s Eve here is legendary. Since 1907, the Ball Drop ceremony has drawn in over a million visitors to the square and over a billion viewers worldwide. It’s more than tradition – it’s a cultural event that makes Times Square a truly global symbol.
From Fame to Darkness – and Back Again
Throughout the 20th century, Times Square transformed more than most New York neighborhoods. Once a hub of entertainment and Broadway glamour, it fell into decline in the ’70s and ’80s, becoming infamous for crime, drugs, and sex work. Definitely not the kind of place you’d want to wander alone at night.
But New York is a city of change – and Times Square got its second act. In the ’90s, Mayor Rudy Giuliani spearheaded a massive cleanup and redevelopment. The area was revitalized, welcoming businesses, restaurants, hotels, and theaters. From a zone of fear, it became one of the safest and most vibrant spots on Earth.
Must-See Highlights
Day or night, these are the places and moments that make Times Square unforgettable:
- George M. Cohan Statue – Located in Duffy Square, it honors the man behind iconic American songs like “Give My Regards to Broadway.”
- Shops that Feel Like Theme Parks – M&M’s World is a chocolate galaxy, and Disney Store will make any adult nostalgic.
- Broadway Theaters – This area has more Broadway stages than anywhere else in the world. Shows like The Lion King or Hamilton are unforgettable – even if English isn’t your first language.
- Street Performers and Cosplay Characters – Spider-Man, Minnie Mouse, Pikachu, or a Transformer? Totally normal here.
💡 Pro Tip:
If you’re booking your trip online—whether it’s hotels, flights, or even Broadway tickets—use a VPN to switch your virtual location. Platforms like Booking.com or Expedia sometimes show different prices depending on your country. I’ve personally saved money just by browsing as if I were in Germany or Canada instead of the US.
My go-to VPNs for travel deals? NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost. All of them let you switch locations in seconds, and they’re super easy to use—even on your phone. Try comparing prices with and without the VPN active. You might be surprised.
Billboards That Are an Experience
You could write a whole article just about the billboards – and someone probably has. But a few deserve special mention:
- Coca-Cola 3D Billboard – It actually moves. Panels shift and slide to make the logo look like it’s popping out.
- ABC SuperSign – This massive screen broadcasts Good Morning America and engages with viewers via social media.
- Nasdaq LED Screen – The tech and finance world gets its own digital palace.
- HBO’s 3D “House of the Dragon” Billboard – A dragon literally bursts out of the screen. Grown adults gasp.
Why Times Square Is Truly Iconic
Because it’s not just a place – it’s an experience. A mix of lights, sounds, history, technology, chaos, and wonder. Whether you’re there to shop, see a show, or grab a burger at Planet Hollywood, you feel like you’re part of something bigger.
And there’s always something happening. Protests, premieres, live broadcasts, flash mobs, giant ad campaigns… You never know what surprise the square has in store.
Fun Facts You Might Have Missed
- Lincoln Highway – The first road across the U.S. starts right here.
- Be the Billboard – You can sign up to appear for a few seconds on one of the digital billboards.
- Historic Camel Billboard – It once blew “smoke” onto the street. A vapor effect, but still legendary.
Times Square is like a digital kaleidoscope that pulls you in and won’t let go. It’s not the place for peaceful meditation or quiet reflection – but if you’re looking for energy, inspiration, and a bit of American madness, this is where you’ll find it.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Times Square
Where exactly is Times Square located?
Times Square is in Midtown Manhattan, right where Broadway intersects with 7th Avenue, between 42nd and 47th Streets. It’s the beating heart of New York City—you can’t miss it.
What’s the easiest way to get to Times Square?
Definitely by subway. The Times Sq–42nd Street station is a major hub where nearly every subway line stops (1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, S, 7…). Step off the train and boom—you’re in the middle of it all.
Is it safe to visit Times Square at night?
Absolutely. Thanks to major redevelopment and constant police presence, Times Square is now one of the safest areas in the city—even after dark. Just keep an eye on your belongings—pickpockets love crowds.
When’s the best time to visit Times Square?
For less crowded photos, come early in the morning. But if you want the full neon spectacle, visit after sunset. New Year’s Eve is an epic experience, but brace yourself for cold, crowds, and tight security.
What can I actually do in Times Square besides looking at lights?
Catch a Broadway show, shop at candy-themed mega-stores like M&M’s World, meet costumed characters, snap pics by the George M. Cohan statue—or simply soak up the wild, electric atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a live performance or TV filming.
How much does it cost to appear on a Times Square billboard?
It’s not cheap. A short ad can cost from $5,000 to several hundred thousand dollars—depending on size, screen, and time of day. But fun fact: some campaigns (like Coca-Cola’s or Disney’s) let you appear for free for a few seconds via mobile apps.
