16 Amazing things to do in Times Square, NYC

UPDATED APRIL 2025
By Katie Sagal
Times Square

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.

Museum of Broadway

A somewhat new addition to New York’s museums, the Museum of Broadway is a must-see for theater lovers. You can see what it takes to produce world-class shows, from the different props used to the various costumes performers wear, even their socks.

🎟️ 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.

Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

Lillie’s Victorian Establishment is a fantastic bar and restaurant that pays homage to the Victorian era. It is well-known for great decorations during seasonal events, so if you do decide to check it out, consider going during this time.

M&M’s World

You can surround yourself with chocolate by visiting M&M’s World, which is located right in the center of Times Square. Not only can you choose from M&M’s massive selection, but you can also print custom images on the chocolate, perfect for gifts.

Margon

Known for its impressive Cuban sandwich, Margon is a popular destination when it is time to grab something to eat. The menu is quite extensive, so there should be something to suit your tastes.

Midnight Moment

Midnight is a very special time in Times Square. Just before the clock strikes 12 am, all the billboards come to life to showcase a new artist. This is a truly an unforgettable moment that is well worth the watch.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner

Do you like all-day breakfast? What about Broadway and musicals? If so, Ellen’s Stardust Diner is a no-brainer. The diner is known for new performers that may be one day headlining some of the biggest shows Broadway has to offer.

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!

Share your adventure with us 

Woman taking selfie in NYC

Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Blog

Williamsburg Experiences You’ll Love

Explore the heart of Brooklyn’s creative scene with these Williamsburg favorites.
Blog

New York in September   

There’s no doubt about it - September is the absolute best time for crunching through leaves in Central Park, visiting fun outdoor attractions, and cozying up in the museum café. If you’re looking for the ultimate Autumn in New York experience, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! For those who are thinking about making the visit, plan ahead with our comprehensive guide for the best things to do in the area. We hope you find many of our tips useful for the future. Take in the Fall Vibes   The weather in September is still warm and balmy, making it one of the best times to visit some outdoor New York attractions. Situated between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan, Central Park is easily accessible and offers a wide array of fun activities. Attracting over 25 million visitors each year, this is easily one of the most popular public parks in the world – and with good reason. Whether you’re looking to visit the zoo, see the conservatory garden, or just take a relaxing stroll, there’s plenty to do here.   The light autumnal weather also provides ample opportunity for some great outdoor events. Taking place every Wednesday of the month, Jazz at Pier 84 combines stunning live performances with beautiful evenings. Totally free and set along the waterfront of the Hudson River, we couldn’t think of a much cooler way to relax on vacation. So, pack some blankets and snacks and get ready to watch the sunset over the skyline! Is there any better way to enjoy the outdoors than by watching a movie under the stars? All throughout the month, you can catch free outdoor screenings right in the center of Bryant Park. Showing on Monday and Tuesday evenings, the festival features everything from critically acclaimed dramas and black and white classics to laugh-out-loud comedies and cult indie flicks. While the park provides food and wine concessions, it’s up to you to bring a blanket, since there is no seating area. In addition, there are also music, dance and theater events produced in partnership with a varied lineup of the city’s performing arts institutions. Find Fun Activities   Whilst you might be thinking that summertime is peak festival season, we’re here to tell you that you're wrong. A total treat for music lovers, Governor’s Ball is one of New York’s most respected, hyped and talked about cultural events. A total musical extravaganza, the affair features an impressive and exciting lineup with a mixed bag of genres, including hip-hop, rock, pop and electronic. With previous performances from Miley Cyrus, Drake and Stevie Nicks, this one is a sure winner! New York City has never failed to impress us with its delicious culinary offerings. To grab a slice of the action head down to Smorgasburg fest, where you can try out different specialities from dozens of local vendors. Billed as ‘’the Woodstock of eating’’, the event offers a broad variety of dishes, as well as cocktails and high-quality beers on tap. With plenty of vegan and gluten-free options to choose from, we promise nobody will go hungry!   Another one of our favorite places to go in September is Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Situated at the northeastern edge of Prospect Park, this 52-acre stretch is home to thousands of plants and trees, as well as a discovery garden with butterflies, bees and chipmunks. Attracting nearly a million visitors each year, this stunning urban landscape encourages its visitors to explore the world of plants whilst promoting a sense of responsibility for the environment. Including a number of speciality "gardens within the Garden", the Steinhardt Conservatory that houses the C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum, and an art gallery, there’s a little something for everyone here. Magical and swoon-worthy, this place makes the perfect day trip. Get Cultured One of the greatest things about New York is that the city is a total melting pot for more cultures than any other place in the United States. To experience how residents have been shaping and contributing to the culture of the city is an experience in itself – and definitely one which we recommend. If you're interested in exploring the area through its food, we suggest heading down to the San Gennaro Festival. Initially a one-day religious holiday, the event was brought over by Italian immigrants who wanted to continue the tradition they had followed in their home country, celebrating Saint Januarius, the Patron Saint of Naples. Today, the festival is a magnificent flourish of delicious food, live music, and colorful parades which is held annually in the Little Italy district of Manhattan. Soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine in the city, and definitely don’t miss the world-famous cannoli eating contest!   New York is well-recognized as the art capital of the United States. Those who are interested in exploring the city’s creative side should definitely look into booking a street art tour. Along the route, you’ll be guided through the vibrant works of many big contemporary street artists, as well as some interesting lesser-known names. In addition, you’ll get to learn more about the different styles and techniques which have been developed throughout the history of street art. Extremely Instagram-worthy and incredibly fascinating, too, you won’t want to miss this one! Those who are visiting during the anniversary of 9/11 should consider checking out the Tribute in Light installation. First introduced six months after the attacks, this piece seeks to commemorate the thousands of lives that were lost whilst celebrating the enduring strength of New York City. From the roof of the Battery Parking Garage, two beams of light are projected into the Manhattan skyline, where the passenger planes were once hijacked by terrorists and crashed into the World Trade Center buildings. We suggest going at nighttime since the lights are best appreciated after dark. New York is great all year round, but fall is especially magical– the leaves turn golden, the air is crisp, and the city offers a wide array of fun activities and events. Whether you’re ambling through the winding pathways of Central Park, enjoying jazz right beside the Hudson River, or catching a sunset movie, it's impossible to be bored. To make the most of this fleeting season, be sure to check out our New York attraction pass options as you can use an All-Inclusive pass or an Explorer pass to see more for less with Go City.
Sarah Harris
Blog

Things to do in Harlem

Steeped in African American history and culture, Harlem has much to offer for the inquisitive traveler. Today, the area thrives with fantastic museums, world-renowned theaters and amazing little hidden gems. Whether you’re an artsy type, a foodie, or a music lover, you’ll find that there are many reasons to love the neighborhood. With so many things to see and do in the area, we’ve put together a list of our favorite attractions. Keep scrolling to read about the best things to do in Harlem! Get to Know the Area Whilst other neighborhoods are noted for their towering buildings and modern structures, Harlem is home to many important historical landmarks. Founded in 1808, the Abyssinian Baptist Church is one of the oldest African American Baptist churches in the United States and an unmissable stop if exploring Harlem. Visitors can come to enjoy beautiful sermons and admire the building’s striking interiors. The church welcomes guests from all walks of life, though we recommend wearing modest clothes as a mark of respect. Another one of our favorite things to do in Harlem is visit the Hamilton Grange National Memorial. Situated at St. Nicholas Park, the property is recognized as the only home that founding father Alexander Hamilton ever owned. Today, the National Historic Site offers an inside look into Hamilton’s extraordinary lifestyle and career which foregrounded the United States as it is known today. Visitors can take guided tours to view the well-preserved interiors, interesting films, and a small museum exhibiting the American patriot’s greatest achievements. A total must-see, this historic site provides fantastic insight into the establishment and early development of the United States. New York City has always been recognized for its powerful sway within the art world, with Harlem presenting some fantastic hidden treasures. For those interested in art history and Harlem street culture, the Graffiti Hall of Fame showcases impressive pieces which changed the landscape of the urban art scene forever. In particular, these bright, expressive murals display the development of graffiti writing from the 1980s up until today. Don’t forget to take your phone or a camera to capture some shots of this fascinating historic site! Get Cultured Looking for a world-class entertainment experience right in the center of Harlem? Well, look no further. Giving status to some of the East Coast’s top entertainers for decades, the Apollo Theater is recognized as one of Harlem’s most notable attractions. The venue is well known for hosting Showtime at the Apollo and its legendary Amateur Night, featuring undiscovered artists performing across all art forms. But if that’s not quite your cup of tea, there’s no need to worry; you can see everything from live jazz to classical music performances here. With its interesting history and lively atmosphere, there’s no better place to catch a show. A well-recognized cultural and creative hub, Harlem presents some of the best art galleries in the city. Founded in 1968, The Studio Museum in Harlem seeks to display, preserve, and interpret art created by African Americans. Though the repository is smaller than say, that of MoMA, it works to paint a profound and accurate portrayal of a community which sees less focus in the mainstream art world. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to enjoy a captivating collection spanning over 200 years of history and across all disciplines. Presenting beautiful and historically-relevant pieces within an intimate space, this place makes for the perfect quiet afternoon out. Those looking to learn more about the background of the area should consider checking out the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. A great stop for music lovers and history buffs alike, the institute offers a deep dive into the East Coast artists who contributed to the genre. Amongst its holdings, you’ll find Duke Ellington’s piano and Eddie ‘Lockjaw’ Davis’ sax, along with old photos, letters and recordings. In addition, the facility holds regular live performances – so don’t miss out! Take in the Atmosphere One of the best ways to experience the local culture of a neighborhood is through its markets. Located just off of Malcolm X Boulevard (and named after the famous activist’s grandson), the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market reflects the community it's in through presenting a fantastic array of local vendors. Open daily, the market is known for purveying everything from traditional African clothing and jewelry to streetwear and original artwork. Dive into the crowds, pick up a souvenir, and take it all in. We couldn't think of a better way to spend a lazy New York afternoon! Do you want to meander through fantastical botanical displays and draping foliage right in the middle of the concrete jungle? Well, as it turns out, you can! Situated near the East Harlem district of Manhattan, Central Park’s Conservatory Garden offers the perfect retreat from the city. Constructed in 1937, the garden is made up of three separate areas, each with a unique design: the French-style Garden, the Italianate Garden, and the English-style Garden. Enjoy the fresh air, have a picnic, and watch the sunset – what could be better than that? Anybody who comes to Harlem looking for great eateries will not be disappointed! Whether you’re craving fresh grilled catfish or creamy lobster risotto, the area presents the perfect bite for every occasion. Those who are interested in fine dining should look into Renaissance Harlem for its creative menu and laid-back atmosphere. If soul food is more your style, head to Sylvia’s for the perfect chicken and waffles. We also recommend checking out Harlem’s restaurant row, for those who just cannot make the final decision! Diverse and bustling with life, Harlem is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in New York to explore. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Whether you’re looking to taste some of the best soul food in the city, catch a first-class performance at the Apollo Theater, or get in touch with your spiritual side, it’s impossible to be bored here. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon