The Best Stuff to do in Times Square: 35+ Ideas

Before I moved here I loved visiting New York City. And like every tourist, I had to visit TImes Square to see it all lit up. Times Square is often among the first places that people go when visiting New York City, especially the first time.

Usually when we have guests visit, we pop in for a brief moment so they can take it in. So, here’s a round-up!

Times Square at night with a dark sky and brightly lit buildings

The Best Stuff To Do In Times Square: Over 35+ Ideas

While Times Square is a place most locals avoid due to the crowds, it’s absolutely an iconic spot to check off your list when visiting the city. I’m not one to ever shame someone for doing something “touristy” because it’s popular for a reason, and there are some actual fun things to do in Times Square.

Plus, there are many popular destinations within a short walk. And there is no shortage of things to do anytime of the year – it’s especially magical during the holiday season!

What Is Times Square Famous For?

Times Square is famous for its bright lights with massive 24/7 digital advertisements, being home to the Theatre District with Broadway shows and more entertainment including hosting the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop televised to tens of millions of viewers in addition to the many, many people shopping, sightseeing and strolling through its streets.

What To Do In Times Square New York

Fun Things to do in Times Square

See the Caricatures at Sardi’s Restaurant

Sardi’s is an institution that has been around for over 100 years in the Theater District. They serve Italian meals and each night they’re serving 400 to almost 1000 folks for their pre-show meal.

The cast and crew of Broadway shows will regularly host their opening night celebrations here and many famous folks have spent time here or even worked here.

Lining the walls you’ll discover caricatures of famous movie and theater stars. It’s fun to try and guess who everyone is while you’re dining and take in the storied history.

Address: 234 W 44th St., New York, NY

Sing Your Heart out at RPM Underground Karaoke

Right near Times Square you’ll find the perfect place for a fun night out. RPM Underground offers a cool, underground, neon-lit space with well-decorated private karaoke rooms, multiple bars and a reliable pub menu.

We celebrated a birthday here actually – and everyone had a blast!

Address: 246 W 54th St, New York, NY

Russian Samovar Restaurant and Piano Bar

The Russian Samovar Restaurant was actually featured in Sex and the City! When Carrie is dating “the Russian,” Aleksandr Petrovsky, he invites her for a late-night dinner date here.

While you likely won’t run into Carrie, you can expect a really fun night here. They offer over a dozen infused vodkas, many are fruit flavor, but if you’re brave, venture into the more herbal, spicy options like horseradish and garlic. You sip them straight without any mixers which you truly don’t need – but be careful moderating yourself because they taste so good!

Additionally, there’s live music, typically the piano and dancers with lots of fun energy. It’s another great spot to spend a few hours celebrating a birthday.

Address: 256 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

Go to a Broadway Show

A great NYC trip includes a show of some kind, and being in Times Square puts you right by the Theater District. Enjoy a broadway show – they have something for everyone.

I need to see more, but here’s what I’ve seen and would recommend:

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Romeo + Juliet
An Enemy of the People
Merrily We Roll Along
Sweeney Todd

I suggest downloading the Today Tix app for discounted tickets and lottery tickets.

Take in the view from a rooftop bar

A rooftop bar in New York City is just chefs kiss! There’s no better way to start the evening on your trip to NYC with a cocktail high in the sky taking in the the bright lights and iconic buildings of the city. You can find quite a few options for NYC rooftop bars right in Times Square.

Some popular spots include:

St. Cloud Rooftop Bar at 6 Times Sq 17th Floor, New York, NY 10036
Starchild Rooftop Bar and Lounge at 305 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar at 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018
Dear Irving Bar on Hudson Rooftop Bar at 310 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018

Go Shopping

Times Square is also a great shopping hub. Depending on where you’re from you might find stores you don’t have back home and it’s just convenient to have so many concentrated in one spot.

Here’s some shopping to check out in the area:

Christmas in New York
American Eagle / Aerie
The Disney Store
Forever 21
H&M
GAP
Levi’s
Line Friends Store
Midtown Comics
Old Navy
Sephora
Swarovski

Drunk Shakespeare

Now, if you’re looking for a different kind of Broadway experience, head off-Broadway over near Bryant Park to see Drunk Shakespeare.

How it works is that five professional actors are performing each night and one of them has to take 5 shots of whiskey – it varies each show. Then they attempt to perform a major role in a Shakespeare play. The sober actors have to keep the script on track and things running smoothly.

The show runs 90 minutes and given that it’s off-Broadway and, well, includes a drunken actor, the dress code feels more casual than a typical Broadway show.

Drunk Shakespeare: 35 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018

See a show at the Town Hall theater

The Town Hall Theater is one of my favorite theaters – I’ve been here a few times now to see various comedians and authors. The theater has wonderful acoustics and great seats no matter where you’re at. I highly recommend checking out their lineup for a show that might suit your interests.

The Town Hall Theater: 123 West 43rd St, New York, NY 10036

Free Things to do in Times Square

Take in the Scenes from the Red Steps

The Red Steps are an iconic part of Times Square. The are located smack dab in Midtown Manhattan at Father Duffy Square and millions of people all across the world gather here every year.

The Steps are the perfect spot to take in the action of Times Square and watch the world pass by.

See The Lights at Night

It’s a must to visit Times Square during the evening to take in all the bright lights in all their glory!

Be Part of a Live Studio Audience

One of the funnest activities to do in NYC and near Times Square is to be a part of a live studio audience. It’s really a bucket list item and I’ve had a blast at the Seth Meyers show and Saturday Night Live.

I’ve heard wonderful things about the Stephen Colbert show and it’s high on my list to check it out soon.

Here’s the shows you can attend that tape in and around Times Square with links to tickets:

Cheap Things to do in Times Square

Get a slice of cheesecake from Junior’s

Junior’s is known for being the best cheesecake you can get in New York City, and conveniently enough, they have a location right in Times Square. It’s a rich, creamy cheesecake with a spongecake crust and one of the must-try desserts in NYC.

Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery: 1626 Broadway at, W 49th St, New York, NY 10019 and 1515 Broadway, W 45th St, New York, NY 10036

Window Shop

Set a small budget or a budget of zero and just window shop around the area taking in all the sights and New York attractions.

Check out any brand pop-ups

Often times brands will have pop-up events in NYC and specifically in Times Square. Over the summer they had a giant hot dog that would shoot out confetti every day at noon. These silly events sometimes have freebies for visitors so it’s worth checking it out if you’re nearby.

Bibble & Sip Bakery

For an inexpensive treat, stop in to Bibble & Sip Bakery. They have all the fancy coffees and teas with house made syrups and a really nice selection of baked goods. I love the matcha cream puff and and always like to try something new here every visit.

Bibble & Sip Bakery: 253 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019

Cool Sips soda shop

NYC has it’s own cutie soda shop now too! This is a block over from Times Square in the Rockefeller Center, but a very short walk and an inexpensive, yet very fun treat to enjoy.

You can choose from their best of soda mixes or make your own concoction with your favorite soda. I personally love the Dr. Diet Pepper with coconut cream. Yum!

Cool Sips Soda Shop: Rink Level, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112

Things to do in Times Square with Kids

There’s no shortage of fun things to do with kids in NYC as well as in Times Square. It is, of course, crowded here so be mindful when walking and try to keep everyone close together. There is also a Madame Tussauds in Times Square if your family enjoys visiting them.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner

Ellen’s Stardust Diner is a big, multi-level diner with loads of memorabilia gracing the walls and lots of classic American diner dishes. But most important of all, is they have singing servers!

It will likely be one of the most entertaining meals you have in NYC! The menu might be basic diner, but they do the classics right with juicy burgers and crispy waffle fries. I’d also suggest splurging on a sundae for dessert.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner: 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019

Make a Mega Stuffed Reese’s Cup (and more)

Hershey’s Chocolate World is home to the custom, mega-stuffed Reese’s cup. A very tasty stop if you and your kids have a sweet tooth. You can find truly indulgent milkshakes here, melty chocolatey s’mores, loads of candy to purchase and sample and more.

And, of course, you can make your very own Reese’s Stuff Your Cup which is a one-pound Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup stuffed with your choice of mix-isn and fresh peanut butter filling.

Hershey’s Chocolate World: 20 Times Square, 701 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Get Custom M&Ms

If you want to continue the sweets crawl, head one block north on 7th ave to M&M’s New York. Here you’ll find two stories of thousands of M&Ms in all their colors and flavors. You can shop for exclusive NYC M&M merch and make your very own customized M&Ms which, in my opinion, makes for a very sweet and unique NYC souvenir.

M&M’s New York: 1600 Broadway, New York, NY 10019

RiseNY

RiseNY is a one-of-a-kind experience here in NYC. It’s part interactive museum and part immersive amusement ride.

When you first enter, you’ll be transported back into the older days of NYC via an immersive experience that takes you back in time on the first subway ride. Then you’ll enjoy a self-guided journey through NYC history in their museum.

Lastly, you’ll take a ride that’s similar to Soarin’ in Disney. You’ll be in chairs and lifted so that you’re “flying” over New York City taking in a visual screen plus city sounds and smells. It’s so fun!

Before you leave there are even more photo opportunities, plus the gift shop.

RiseNY: 160 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036

SPYSCAPE Museum

The SPYSCAPE Museum is SO MUCH FUN! I went to one in D.C. and loved it. You can easily spend hours here. There’s also an interactive factor where you get to take on a spy persona during your visit and so many fascinating exhibits about the history of espionage.

The spy gadgets alone will get everyone talking about this experience!

SPYSCAPE Museum: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019

The Escape Game

Another fun experience for families in NYC is the The Escape Game! This location is more towards the East side of Midtown Manhattan, but still a short 10 min walk from Times Square so I figured it would be helpful to add to this list.

The Escape Game has the absolute most immersive escape rooms. I have completed most of their rooms and each time it’s been a blast. They’re so fun and they have options from easier to more challenging. My favorite room was The Playground and this location also has a special themed “Only Murders in the Building” room that I absolutely need to check out.

The Escape Game: 295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017

Unique Things to do in Times Square

Museum of Broadway

This museum is a must-visit for anyone is a fan of the theater. It’s a self-guided museum with various artifacts and loads of history and knowledge. There are plenty of photo opps, videos with experts on theater, props to enjoy and more.

Museum of Broadway: 145 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036

McGee’s Pub aka McLaren’s Pub

McGee’s Pub is a large Irish pub with 3 floors offering lots of draft beers, cocktails and pub grub. But, the best part, is that this bar inspired the fictional McLaren’s Pub in the How I Met Your Mother TV show. The creators of the show would visit here regularly as they worked on the show.

If you’re a HIMYM fan, then it’s a must-visit as they’ve added many HIMYM themed items on the menu and memorabilia throughout the bar.

McGee’s Pub: 240 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019

Non Touristy Things to Do in Times Square

The Drama Book Shop

If you like to visit book shops when traveling to new cities then you’re my kind of person! The Drama Book Shop is one-of-a-kind and offers a lovely space for readers and writers who enjoy the theater.

You can find plays and scripts along with other various books. They also have a regular lineup of events including authors, speakers and entertaining shows.

The Drama Book Shop: 266 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018

Enjoy the Over-the-Top Seasonal Decor at Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

Lillie’s Victorian Establishment is always decked out in seasonal decor, and they especially shine during the Halloween and holiday season.

They have a reliable menu of pastas, steak, loads of appetizers and fresh salads and more. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and the cocktails are really fun too.

Lillie’s: 249 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019

Romantic Things to do in Times Square

For a romantic night out in Times Square I’d absolutely recommend going to a broadway show or another show of any kind, then grabbing a nightcap afterwards.

Rum House for a rum cocktail and live music

One of my top recommendations for a fun, lively experience and drink in Times Square would be the Rum House. It’s a cozy, candle-lit piano bar that serves, you guessed it, loads of rum cocktails. Whatever rum you like, I’m sure they’ve got it.

And, even better, they offer some lively entertainment with a jazz band. It’s a perfect spot to cozy up in during the winter months.

The Rum House: 228 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036

Things to do in Times Square for Birthday

These aren’t suggestions that are exclusive to birthday celebrations, but ones that I thought would be extra fun when celebrating a birthday. Have fun!

Margaritaville

Sometimes you just need that kitschy, chain restaurant vibe of the early 2000’s. Like a big plate of Alfredo pasta and a massive margarita to wash it down with. And you’ll get that here! In the summer months you can also enjoy their outdoor rooftop pool for the day.

Margaritaville: 560 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018

The Woo Woo Speakeasy

This speakeasy is a must visit if you’re in the area. It’s giving 80’s New York City vibes. You’ll need a password which you can find on their website. Go for drinks and the music – it’s a really fun immersive experience.

The Woo Woo: 266 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036

Swing 46

This jazz restaurant is tucked away on W 46th Street just a short walk from Times Square. When you walk in it’s like taking a step back in time to a 1920’s jazz club.

They have live music with two performances per night and in between there is a nightly swing dancing lesson.

Swing 46: 349 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036

NOTHING REALLY MATTERS Speakeasy

Nothing Really Matters is another fun speakeasy in NYC. It’s located under street-level right off the subway on 50th Street. In addition to the very cool location, you’ll enjoy friendly service, unique cocktails and a truly unique vibe.

NOTHING REALLY MATTERS: 210 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019

More Things to Do Near Times Square

Times Square is walking distance to many other amazing attractions in New York City. Here’s a few more worth visiting!

Grand Central

Head East from Times Square on 42nd Street and you’ll walk straight to Grand Central Terminal. The ceiling in the Main Concourse and architecture alone is worth visiting for, but while here you can also visit gorgeous, cozy Campbell Bar for martinis, and the Oyster Bar for the nicest meal you’ll have at a train station.

During the holidays you can even find an additional seasonal market and other pop-up events.

Bryant Park

The Winter Market opens October 26 – March where you can enjoy holiday decoration, food stalls and shops, and an ice skating rink. It’s a great spot to find holiday gifts or souvenirs while supporting small businesses.

New York Public Library

Right by Bryan Park you’ll also find the New York Public Library. The NYPL has been featured in some of your favorite movies like, “Ghostbusters,” “Sex and the City,” and “The Day After Tomorrow.”

It is also the second largest public library in the United States! You’ll want to see the Rose Main Reading Room, McGraw Rotunda and Astor Hall.

Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center is such a short walk from Times Square that it makes sense to visit both at the same time. And some of the items I listed above are technically closer to the Rockefeller Plaza.

Here you can enjoy attractions like:

The Tour at NBC Studios to go behind the scenes of how some of your favorite shows come to life
Top of the Rock for amazing views
Radio City Music Hall for a variety of shows, especially the Christmas Spectacular

Times Square Tours to Consider

Since Times Square is a popular base for attractions, there are plenty of tours that will pick you up here or nearby. Including:

Woodbury Common Bus Tour

If you’re coming to NYC to shop and really want some deals, consider taking a private bus to the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.

Here you’ll find over 220 stores so you can shop ’til you drop on brand name and designer merchandise like Nike, Puma, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and more.

Big Bus 1-Day Downtown & Uptown Hop-on Hop-off Tour

The Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour is a great way to get situated in the city at the start of your trip. I love that they have the open top so you can really take in the sights from above the crowds.

The RIDE

The RIDE is an interactive bus tour that’s truly one-of-a-kind. It’s both a theatrical show and immersive tour. During the tour you’ll get to be front row for spectacular performances and classic New York City sights, from the comfort of a very high-tech motorcoach.

Tea Around Town Tour

The Tea Around Town Tour is so fun and cute! You take a tour bus around the major sights in NYC while enjoying a variety of freshly made teas along with a tier of sweets and savory finger foods.

Times Square Restaurants to Try

All’Antico Vinaio

A very popular sandwich shop in Italy has graced us with it’s presence here in NYC. You can enjoy massive Italian sandwiches at All’Antico Vinaio. It’s oven-baked fresh bread that smells so good and they take these massive slices of bread and top them with loads of fresh meat, veggies and spreads.

All’Antico: 729 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Ichiran

A very popular ramen spot that specializes in Tonkotsu ramen in a pork bone broth. It’s creamy and delicious! Plus, they have private booths for seating, so it’s a unique experience and works well if you’re solo or with just one other person.

Ichiran Ramen: 152 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020

Los Tacos No. 1

These are some of my favorite tacos in the city. They’re super fresh, but affordable, authentic street tacos. It’s a small, simple set-up inside with standing tables only.

Los Tacos No. 1: 229 West 43rd St, New York, NY 10036

Urban Hawker

Urban Hawker lets you find something for everyone as it’s a food hall featuring Singaporean and Asian food.

You can get sushi, curry, kebab rolls, bento boxes, noodle dishes, teas and more. I suggest going with a group so you can all grab something and sample tons of dishes.

Urban Hawker: 135 W 50th St, New York, NY 10020

Joe’s Pizza

Pizza, of course! This is a must have in NYC whether it’s your first or 500th visit. No trip is complete without a slice or two. Joe’s Pizza is a popular chain and some consider it the best. You can be the judge for yourself but getting a few slices right near Times Square.

Joe’s Pizza: 1435 Broadway, New York, NY 10018

Raising Canes

For crispy fried chicken tenders, buttery toast, salty french fries and the delicious Cane’s sauce. This is the casual spot I always visit when I’m in Times Square and need a quick meal before a show or a late night snack.

Sometimes the line gets long, but it always moves quick and makes for a cheap, but tasty bite in Times Square.

Raising Canes: 1501 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

Is Times Square Safe?

Yes, Times Square is very safe, for tourists and locals alike. But you should still always practice caution and take steps for your personal safety when visiting.

Be mindful of pickpockets by always keeping a close eye on your personal items, especially your cell phone and consider wearing a cross-body purse that zips close. Give a wide berth to anyone behaving erratically.

There is a clear police presence in the neighborhood and there are even canine patrols, so just know the city works to ensure safety for all visitors.

This post is all about stuff to do in Times Square. I hope you have a wonderful visit to NYC and let me know if you have any questions below.