Times Square, a commercial district in Midtown Manhattan, runs from West 42nd to 47th Streets. The place is known for its glitzy billboards, iconic landmarks, luxury shopping at premium outlets, and endless entertainment opportunities. It offers a wide variety of things to do, see, and eat. You can explore the museums and galleries, enjoy street performances, dine at one of the high-end restaurants, or head to a rooftop bar to enjoy the breathtaking views. One of the reasons why Times Square is so famous is the number of theatres along Broadway offering entertainment for all ages. If you are planning a trip to this busiest area in New York City, enjoy the following things to do in New York Times Square.
1) Watch an Iconic Play at Times Square’s Broadway District
The only reason to visit Times Square is to see one of the best original plays celebrated worldwide for almost decades. Heading towards the Majestic Theatre at 44th Street and 8th Avenue, you will see the exciting “Phantom of the Opera” that has been thrilling the audience for around 30 years. Take the kids to watch the emotional “Lion King” at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway Avenue and 45th Street, to enjoy with family.
2) See the World Miniature at Gulliver’s Gate
If you like to travel or are interested in artistry, this will be one of your favorite things to do in Times Square. You can see the whole world in just two hours at this superb collection of replicas of major world sites. You will also witness the architecture of ancient worlds of the Middle East, Europe’s greatest cities, Asia’s landmarks, the natural wonders of South America, and as you would expect, New York City as well. The New York City miniature includes skyscrapers brightened with lights, detailed New York’s iconic buildings, and small yellow cabs. It is worth the visit just to see the artistry of incredibly complex models, and it also adds an educational element to the lesser-known visitor, which is a must in Times Square. Gulliver’s Gate is at 44th Street and 7th Avenue. Seeing this place is indeed one of the fun things to do in NYC.
3) Step into a Chocolate Oasis at Hershey’s or M&M Chocolate Stores
The three floors of chocolate virtue are a heaven’s paradise. Both are located right across from each other at Broadway Avenue and 48th Street corners. Both stores have three floors filled with chocolate memorabilia that a true chocolate lover will pursue. The store also offers you the chance to personalize your chocolates, and it has branded clothing, mugs, and stuffed toys.
4) Be Amazed at Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a museum with weird and mysterious artifacts and exhibits. There are numerous displays, featuring scary exhibits like Medieval Era torture instruments and shrunken human heads in jars. Walk through the museum’s trippy Black hole or check out the Megaladon’s jaws, a meteor, and more. Kids will enjoy visiting the room that comprises figures made from Cheetos and a dark tunnel game with laser beams.
5) Click a Photo with your favorite Celebrity at Madame Tussauds
Visitors to Times Square can meet their favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds. The life-sized wax statues appear to be very realistic. Here, you are allowed to click pictures with them. Marvel at the artistry of artists that have created these sculptures and make them look so real. Kids go crazy watching the sculptures of pop stars Justin Bieber, Beyonce, and Taylor Swift.
6) Admire the City from the Top of the Rock
The “Top of the Rock” observation deck, located on the top of the Rockefeller Center, occupying the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors, provides visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the foreboding skyscrapers dotting the Manhattan skyline. You can view famous landmarks like the Empire State Building, Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Central Park.
7) Laugh out Loud on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”
Some of your favorite television shows are filmed in New York City. The “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” is one of the things to do in Times Square for free. But you need to book your time slot online. There is a waiting list for the shows; therefore, it is better to book tickets as early as possible to avoid missing the date you want. If your late-night host is Jimmy Fallon, then you may get free tickets for “The Tonight Show”.
8) Relax at Bryant Park
Bryan Park is a green oasis in the middle of 40th and 42nd street. It’s a food hall and pop-up bar serving hot drinks and refreshments. During summer, you can enjoy a cold beverage under an umbrella or relax while reading a book. Films are shown on a large screen for free.
9) Enjoy a Match at Dave and Buster’s
Dave and Buster’s, a sports bar serving traditional American food and hundreds of arcade games. Guests can watch their favourite team play on the massive HDTVs with stadium-quality surround sound. The menu includes crispy chicken, chicken and waffle sliders, sweet and campfire sauce, and applewood smoked bacon
10) Experience the Midnight Moment
Times Square at night looks beautiful with neon lights, and one of the things to do in Times Square at night includes experiencing the Midnight Moment, the world’s largest and longest-running digital art exhibition, synchronized on electronic billboards throughout Times Square every night from 11.57 pm till midnight.
One of the best time to travel to New York is in the last week of December. Throngs of people gather in Times Square from around the world to watch the most iconic Ball drop on New Year’s Eve. On your next trip to the United States of America, do visit the inimitable Times Square to see the cultural and commercial heart of New York City.
