Times Square is one of the most iconic places to visit in New York City. Located in Manhattan, Times Square is the area between 40th and 53rd street and 6th and 9th avenue. Tourists from all around the world flock to this area of Manhattan just to see the bright billboards, see a Broadway show and get their shopping done! The streets of Times Square are filled with people year-round. Rain and snow won’t stop visitors from experiencing the city that never sleeps! While we are all familiar with Times Square today, it hasn’t always been called by that name. The history of this area of New York City is both complex and intriguing.
Times Square History
Times Square is such a historic part of New York City that it’s hard to imagine it being any different than how it is today. However, Times Square didn’t start out as such an iconic spot. In the early 1800’s, the area known today as Times Square was called Longacre Square and it was a bustling commercial and residential area. However, at the end of the 19th century, its reputation took a nosedive. It became a hub for illegal activity. That all changed when the New York Times constructed the Times Tower on 43rd street in 1904. Longacre Square was quickly renamed to Times Square. The New Year’s tradition of the glass ball dropping at midnight on January 1st was started by the New York Times in 1907. This is what initially attracted crowds to Times Square.
In the early 20th century, Times Square was famous for being near the theatre district. While many visitors passed through, they came for these shows. Due to its proximity to the theatre district, companies began constructing billboard advertisements. Unfortunately, following the second world war, the theatre district took a hit. Not as many people were paying for shows. Soon, Times Square became an area known for drugs and crime; it was no longer a safe place for tourists.
However, Times Square made a comeback in the 1990s. At this time, Disney opened a merchandise store in Times Square, which began to attract more tourists. Stores, theatres and restaurants aimed at the tourist market then opened in the area. Today, there are several attractions, entertainment options, restaurants and shops lining the streets in Times Square.
Shops in Times Square
Times Square is a fascinating area of NYC for several reasons. One of these reasons is for the mix of shops one can find in the area. Most areas of New York City are very easily classified as areas for the rich, middle class or poor. However, in Times Square, there are shops that cater to a wide variety of people. There are toy stores, candy stores, jewelry stores, makeup stores- you name it and you can find it in Times Square. In fact, many visitors who come see the area end up leaving with arms full of shopping bags- whether they planned on a shopping spree or not! Here are a few categories of shops and specific stores that can be found in Times Square:
Makeup
• Sephora
• Mac
• Inglot
Toys
• Disney Store
Jewelry
• Swarovski
• Swatch
• Martinique Jewelers
Clothing
• Forever 21
• H&M
• LIDS
• Steve Madden
• Charles Tyrwhitt
Candy
• Hershey’s Chocolate World
• M&M’s World
Things to do in Times Square
There is so much to do and see in Times Square that you could spend a week exploring the area and still not experience everything! Whether you’re a foodie, adventurer or museum-lover, there is something for you in Times Square. While the area has a plethora of restaurants- ranging from inexpensive cafes to high-class restaurants- it also has its fair share of attractions. Here are some of the most popular attractions in the area:
• Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
• Broadway Shows
• The Tonight Show
• Ripley’s Believe it Or Not Museum
• Big Bus Tours
While the attractions listed above are all permanent attractions in Times Square, the list is by no means exhaustive. In recent years, there have been several pop-up temporary attractions in Times Square that are fun for the whole family! Some of these attractions, such as Gulliver’s Gate and the National Geographic Ocean Odyssey are both affordable and family-friendly. If you’re traveling to New York City with kids in tow, you may be worried that there won’t be much for them to do. That couldn’t be further from the truth! While they may not enjoy more adult activities like shopping or the big bus tour, there are plenty of museums and kid-friendly attractions in Times Square. And these kid-friendly attractions can be enjoyed by adults, too! The Madame Tussauds and Ripley’s museums are interesting for everyone and the candy stores, like M&M World, are a delicious stop!
Times Square is what tourists imagine all of New York City is like. The bright lights are kept on 24/7 and there are always interesting people wandering the streets. Each section of New York City has a different personality and Times Square is no exception! It is busy, boisterous and eclectic. If you have never been to Times Square, then what are you waiting for? When you visit the big apple, you would be doing yourself a disservice if you passed up Times Square. Whether you visit to pop into the tourist shops, take a big bus tour or eat some delicious food, Times Square must be a stop on your NYC bucket list.