Times Square is often the first stop for first-time visitors of New York City, and a popular one with return visitors too, thanks to its convenience and reputation as a commercial and entertainment hub. But it’s much more than just billboards and Broadway. (Yes, New Yorkers, we’re talking to you too; here’s some evidence, just in case you haven’t been in a while.)
There’s plenty of fun to be had here: big and bold attractions, a few classics from a bygone age and quirky street-level (and below-street-level) surprises. Read on for a list of activities in one of Manhattan’s most famous districts.
Sardi’s. Photo: Malcolm Brown
See the caricatures at Sardi’s
Anyone looking to have a quintessential Broadway experience should have Sardi’s on their list. This 100-year-old establishment is known for its many caricatures of famous faces (particularly actors) adorning the walls and for the part it has played and continues to play in the lore of Broadway—it’s a favorite pre- and postshow hangout for theater types and, in particular, an essential stop on opening nights.
Max Neuhaus, Times Square sound installation. Photo: Molly Flores
Discover the hum of Times Square
This unmarked art installation below the sidewalk has stumped New Yorkers with its humming noise, coming up just from below the subway grate. Reminiscent of the sound of a finger running along the rim of a glass, the installation Times Square was created by Max Neuhaus in 1977 and can best be heard during the early morning between 45th and 46th Streets on the pedestrian plaza.
Score a table at Jimmy’s Corner
Beloved former owner Jimmy Glenn, who boxed, trained fighters and served as a cutman, died a few years ago at the start of the pandemic. His son Adam now runs the bar, where the walls are festooned with boxing memorabilia, the jukebox is loaded with great soul songs and the drinks are refreshingly affordable. It has character to spare.
Museum of Broadway. Photo: Darren Cox
Check out theater memorabilia at Museum of Broadway
One of the newer museums in town, this series of galleries documents theater history in New York City through a timeline, a video projection and a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into producing a show. You’ll see costumes, art and props, as well as whatever rotating exhibit is on, all bringing the theater world to life.
Locate subway speakeasy Nothing Really Matters
What’s a trip to New York if you don’t hit at least one secret bar inside an old subway station? Enter the City’s latest speakeasy, Nothing Really Matters, at the 50th and Broadway 1 train stop (on the downtown side), between the entrance and the turnstiles. The facade is that of the old barber and newsstand, but inside this subterranean hotspot has a decidedly below 14th Street feeling right in Midtown, complete with a disco ball and NYC-themed cocktails. Note: the owners have recently opened a next-door slice shop, See No Evil Pizza.
Andrew Ondrejcak, Screen Test: Isabel, Midnight Moment. Photo: Michael Hull for Times Square Arts
Stay out late for the Midnight Moment
Times Square has plenty of nightlife, but one of its best primetime attractions is this art display, taking place each night between 11:57pm and midnight. During that time, nearly 100 digital billboards sync up to show the work of a contemporary artist. The multimedia show changes monthly.
Courtesy, Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Catch a song at Ellen’s Stardust Diner
You may have seen quite the long line of people queuing for Ellen’s Stardust and wondered, is it really worth it? YES. If you are a lover of Broadway and musical theater, sit down for some all-day breakfast at this retro-themed diner and enjoy the musical stylings of their “world-famous singing waitstaff”—up-and-coming performers who might one day grace the marquees of the Great White Way.
Courtesy, Hershey’s Chocolate World Times Square
Be a kid in a real candy store
Because there’s always room for chocolate, be sure to check out both Hershey’s Chocolate World and M&M’s World right in the middle of Times Square. Make an afternoon of your chocolate extravaganza; print out custom images on a chosen mix of M&M’s to give as souvenirs and then sit down at Hershey’s Chocolate World for made-to-order s’mores and leave with a mix of your favorite candies.
Red Steps. Photo: Brittany Petronella
Take a breather at the Red Steps
This 27-row platform rises above the TKTS booth in Duffy Square. It’s a great spot to take in the surrounding buildings—including One Times Square, a thrum of activity below, which occasionally includes something going on at the plaza right below.
Eat a Cuban sandwich at Margon
There are a few old stalwarts in the neighborhood, where you can feel like not much has changed over time. This Cuban breakfast and lunch spot (it closes at 5pm) is one of them. It’s a friendly, bustling place to fill up on specialties like roast chicken, shrimp ceviche and the impeccable pressed Cuban sandwich, filled with roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles and mustard.
Enjoy a posh cocktail at the Rum House
The bustle of Times Square disappears when you step into the Rum House, a Jazz Age–inspired piano bar and cocktail lounge where you can sample rum from all over the world. In addition to having a good happy hour, it’s a great place to go after a show, ending your night with one of their famous daiquiris.
Uncover manuscripts at the Drama Book Shop
This 100-year-old shop was given a new lease on life (and a new lease in general) when Lin-Manuel Miranda and a few other partners from Hamilton bought the struggling drama bookstore. Known as a haven for creatives in the performing arts world where manuscripts were workshopped and colleagues would congregate for coffee, it has been revived as a place to browse the shelves, enjoy a beverage and strike up a conversation with another creative about your work. Check for events and workshops.
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment. Courtesy, Simmer Group
See the seasonal decorations at Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Yes, this bar features mirrors, paintings and carvings that offer a very vintage 19th-century vibe, but visit on, say, Halloween, you’ll find much more: over-the-top ghoulish figures and decorations, with seasonally appropriate outfitting during the December holidays as well.
RiseNY. Photo: Jeremy Daniel and Angela Cranford
Pretend to fly at RiseNY
Somewhere between thrill ride and history museum is this interactive experience, which includes a simulator that places you above the City—letting you envision what it would be like to swoop around its parks, water and skyline.
Have an izakaya experience at Sake Bar Hagi
A favorite of locals just north of Times Square on 51st street, this authentic izakaya brings the old-school Tokyo vibes with records and Japanese movie posters on the walls, small bites and a large range of sake on a spectrum of prices.
Times Square. Photo: Lucia Vazquez
Sure, take in a show on Broadway
You are in the center of the theater world, after all. The district has 40-plus Broadway stages, where stars and soon-to-be stars perform every night. You’ll find long-running hits, revivals, adaptations and inventive debuts among the many plays and musicals. Get your tickets and go.
