Times Square

Amazing things to do in Times Square, NYC

Times Square in New York City is one of the most iconic and bustling places on Earth. This area, located at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, is home to some of the world's largest billboards and signs, making it a must-see destination for any traveler or tourist. But Times Square isn't just about sightseeing - it also has a wide variety of entertainment options that draw people from all over the globe.

As the commercial and cultural heart of New York City, it's home to everything, from street performers and protesters to family-friendly restaurants and attractions. It's possible to fill an entire vacation in just this one neighborhood - and you can see it all with Go City®!

Our list of things to do in Times Square covers:

  • Big Bus 1-Day Downtown & Uptown Hop-on Hop-off Tour
  • Madame Tussauds Admission + MARVEL Universe 4D
  • Woodbury Common Bus Tour
  • THE RIDE

And many more!

💰 >>  See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions 

🗓️ >>  Check out our example New York itineraries 

Times Square metro station

What to do in Times Square

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

Exploring New York - with its five boroughs and epic attractions, can be daunting - but Big Bus make it easy peasy. Explore uptown and downtown Manhattan on this super convenient and fun bus tour. You can relax while listening to informative narration and learning about the sites you're driving past, then hop off at any place that piques your interest.

Major landmarks and neighborhoods you’ll see on this bus tour include all the big hitters: Times Square, Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, Chinatown, the Broadway Theatre District, and much more. Another fun option from Big Bus is the 2-hour nighttime tour, which showcases the city after dark.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is available on all Go City® New York passes.

 

Broadway & Times Square Walking Tour

See the bright lights of Broadway and Times Square on this glittering tour. Over an hour and 45 minutes, you'll be taken around the key theatrical sights and history of the area by an experienced actor and director (who you will find carrying an orange flag). They'll take you behind the velvet rope, and spill the tea on the local showbiz gossip, trivia, and history.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is available on all Go City® New York passes.

Madame Tussauds + MARVEL Universe 4D

Are you ready to step into a world of glamour and fame? Look no further than Madame Tussauds New York, the ultimate celebrity experience in the heart of Times Square. This world-renowned wax museum offers visitors over 200 lifelike replicas of some of the most famous people in history.

But it's not just about posing for selfies with your favorite stars - this museum takes things to the next level with its interactive exhibits. Ever wanted to fly alongside Iron Man or battle villains with Spider-Man? Now you can, thanks to Madame Tussauds' thrilling virtual reality experiences. Sports fans won't be disappointed either - challenge NBA star Carmelo Anthony to a game of basketball or practice your boxing moves with Muhammad Ali. And don't miss out on the chance to sing your heart out with Taylor Swift or dance alongside Michael Jackson.

But Madame Tussauds New York isn't just about celebrities - it also celebrates the spirit of New York City itself, and showcases iconic figures from the city's rich history, including Alexander Hamilton and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Learn about their incredible lives while getting up close and personal with their incredibly detailed wax figures.

👉 Don't miss: their New York-specific experiences and exhibits.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is available on all Go City® New York passes.

Take the Woodbury Common Bus Tour

Depart from Times Square and head out to the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, a place where you can find New York City style for much less than New York City prices. Shop major label stores like Burberry, Coach, Prada, NIKE, Lacoste, and many more with your VIP coupon booklet in hand for even more potential savings. Your admission includes round-trip transportation and several hours to shop at your leisure.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is only available on the Go City® New York Explorer pass.

Food and entertainment in Times Square 

Live music adds to the Times Square atmosphere. You'll see many talented musicians playing their instruments throughout the day, along with street performers doing stunts or dancing routines. There are usually several stages set up throughout the square where bands will play for passersby to enjoy while they explore the city sights nearby.

In addition to the live music and theater shows, Times Square also offers exciting interactive experiences such as virtual reality (VR) arcades - some of which also offer multiplayer games, giving players the chance to compete against each other or work together to complete virtual challenges. It's a great way for friends and family to bond over something fun and unique.

Feeling brave? Many restaurants have open mic nights so visitors can try out their own musical skills! We hear those places serve food as well... check out Times Square's official website for tips on where to eat.

Things to do near Times Square

Top of the Rock Observatory

Discover unparalleled 360-degree views of the New York City skyline from one of its most iconic buildings at the Top of the Rock observation deck -  a photographer's paradise and an absolute must-see.

Located at the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza in the Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock offers visitors an unforgettable experience from the moment they step into its stylish lobby. The building itself is a piece of history, constructed during the Great Depression as a symbol of hope and prosperity for all Americans. Its intricate motifs and stunning murals serve as a reminder of that era's elegance and sophistication.

From the observation deck, enjoy breathtaking views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Lady Liberty - all captured from three different viewing decks set on some of New York City's highest levels.

Top of the Rock has earned high praise from locals and tourists alike for its unique perspective on the city. Here, you can escape from the hustle and bustle down below, and look out over what feels like the center of the world.

So whether you're looking to capture stunning photographs or just want to experience one-of-a-kind views of New York City's skyline, Top of The Rock near Times Square is an ideal destination for anyone looking for something truly special.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is available on all Go City® New York passes.

Rockefeller Center Tour

Featuring 19 commercial buildings in the area between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Rockefeller Center is home to major landmarks. Explore the Rink at Rockefeller Center (popular for skating in winter), Radio City Music Hall, Top of the Rock, the Comcast Building, and more. A tour of this compact but diverse little corner of midtown Manhattan is a chance to learn a little bit more about NYC culture.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is available on all Go City® New York passes.

Radio City Stage Door Tour®

Theater buffs, rejoice! Now is your chance to go behind the scenes at one of America’s most famous theaters. With the comprehensive, 75-minute Radio City Stage Door Tour®, you’ll get in-depth looks at major areas and special objects. Discover what makes this amazing place such an important cultural destination. You’ll even get to take a photo with a world-famous Rockette!

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is available on all Go City® New York passes.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

In a city with so many stellar art museums, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. The Museum of Modern Art (or MoMA), however, does just that.

Their vast collections of modern and contemporary art showcase everything. See art from the best of world-famous artists to the newest offerings of up-and-comers. Come here to be inspired.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is available on all Go City® New York passes.

THE RIDE

If you’re looking for a unique tour of NYC, look no further than THE RIDE. It's a delightfully interactive experience that feels more like a theatrical performance than a simple sightseeing tour. This 75-minute excursion is hosted by two professional comedians who will escort you past the city’s top sites. See landmarks like Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library, Central Park, and of course, Times Square itself.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is available on all Go City® New York passes - but you'll need to book in advance.

See the best of Times Square and New York

Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

So grab a New York attraction pass and save while you sightsee!

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Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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New York City Explorer Pass Review - My Exciting 3-Day New York City Sightseeing Itinerary

This New York City Explorer Pass review was submitted by Ryan C, as part of our Blog Ambassador Program – a fun way to visit top New York City attractions for free, share your experience and be featured on our blog. [clear-line] This year, I was really excited to be able to try out the New York City Explorer Pass for myself. I’ve been reading reviews and product comparisons for a while, and finally decided to go for it. I chose a 5-attraction New York City Explorer Pass because I was going to be in the Big Apple for a three-day weekend. The pass allows you to visit your choice of the 70+ attractions included in their program, which encompasses an amazing selection of top attractions like museums, observation decks, and fun tours. The best part? I saved a ton on admission to the best attractions in New York. It was easy to use, convenient, and even eco-friendly if you choose to go digital (which is something that also matters a lot to me when I travel). Read on to find out why I highly recommend the New York City Explorer Pass. My 3-Day Itinerary DAY 1 Top of the Rock NFL Experience, Times Square As a major football fan (go Pats!), this recently opened attraction in Times Square (just a short walk from Top of the Rock) was at the top of my list of things to do in New York City. I ended up spending about 2.5 hours doing all of the activities, like measuring the speed and accuracy of my long throw up against some of the best players in the NFL and practicing some of the major combine events, in addition to checking out all of the authentic memorabilia (my favorite was the collection of every Super Bowl ring to date). My New York Explorer Pass' NFL Experience ticket included the 4D theater/thrill ride experience, which I felt made it worth a visit to the NFL Experience alone--highly recommend, it was one of the coolest experiences if you've ever wondered what it's like to be a pro NFL athlete. Afterwards, I headed back towards Rockefeller Center to enjoy the sights and take in some people watching. It’s also by plenty of shopping, so there was ample opportunity to indulge in some sartorial fun. DAY 2 Metropolitan Museum of Art Madame Tussauds New York After lunch, I decided to re-visit Times Square and experience the hype of Madame Tussauds New York. I had even more fun than I expected checking out the fun and interactive exhibits on display, particularly the ones themed around Film & TV because I got to pose with my favorite late-night host Jimmy Fallon and other icons, including Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games, Jennifer Anniston from Friends, and more--but my favorite pic was definitely a posing with all the members of the Spice Girls, such a fun throwback. If you're in Times Square, a visit to Madame Tussauds is definitely worth it! DAY 3 9/11 Memorial & Museum My Tips for Planning with Your New York City Explorer Pass I would absolutely recommend downloading the Go City Card app – it makes it a lot easier to enter attractions and you don’t need to keep track of any bits of paper. While none of the attractions I visited require reservations, some of them do (especially cruises), so be sure to check on what you want to do to see if you need them. The guidebook is super helpful, and the New York City Explorer Pass even more so. Check it out before your trip to help you decide which attractions you want to see. I would also recommend checking out the websites of the museums, etc., you want to visit, so you can see what kind of special exhibits or events are going on during your visit. To get the most out of your New York City Explorer Pass in terms of budget, I highly recommend planning in advance. If you choose pricier attractions, for example, you’ll save more overall. I would also be sure to budget a lot of time for attractions like museums – you never know how long it will actually take you to see what interests you, and many NYC museums are top-notch. Although you can find food at most museums, etc., in New York, it’s pretty expensive and often doesn’t have much variety. I recommend eating before or after your attraction visits to be sure you’ll find something tasty. And obviously, you don’t have to choose the attractions that I chose for my vacation! There are many cruises and tours, for example, which are great introductions to the city and are exciting to boot. With nearly 75 attractions to choose from, you’re sure to find plenty to love. With my itinerary, I would have saved over $40 with the 5-Choice New York Explorer Pass when you compare the cost of purchasing tickets at each of the attractions I visited in this itinerary. I hope this New York Pass review is useful to those of you who want to see NYC without busting the bank. I saved money, time, and energy with the New York City Explorer Pass, and I’m sure you will, too.
Katie Sagal

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