Best Hotels in Times Square, New York City
Start spreading the news — you’re headed to New York City. What better place to make your debut in the big city than Times Square? From the bright lights to the iconic Theater District, this is just the place to get the full experience.
Possibly the most recognizable location in the world, Times Square is the ultimate epicenter of entertainment. Whether you’re heading to Broadway for a show, snapping pics on the red steps, or just taking it all in, Times Square has plenty to do with hotels to match.
Why We Love Times Square
Known as the tourist capital of the world, the major intersection can be daunting. But nothing beats the magic of Times Square, and we’re here to share our favorite parts.
- Ultimate hotels: You know we got you covered here. Hotels in Times Square couldn’t be more central in New York City. From glossy rooms with marble bathrooms to sweet quarters you can make your home base, the hotels of Times Square come with options.
- Star power: Times Square sits in the Theater District where stars take the stage on Broadway. Musical buffs unite — this is the motherland. Grab tickets to a major production at one of the iconic theatres like the Gershwin or scoot off-Broadway for a more intimate performance.
- Supersized city: Nothing can prepare you for how big everything is in Times Square. From the billboards to familiar institutions, it all gets a New York City upgrade here. Glitzy versions of the Hard Rock Cafe and McDonald's are a must-see for first-timers. And wait until you see the shopping. Bring your walking shoes!
- Family first: Times Square has no shortage of child-friendly attractions. From the ginormous Disney Store overflowing with toys to the incomparable M&M’s World New York, this is the ultimate location to tire out the kids. Statue of Liberty made of chocolate, anyone?
- Photo ops: Not only are there plenty of lights and attractions to capture with a pic, but Times Square is also famous for its array of characters walking around the street. From the legendary Naked Cowboy, who has made a career out of playing guitar in his undies, to the many folks in Disney, Marvel and Sesame Street costumes striking a pose for the kids, you’ll never run out of pose-worthy moments.
Best Places to Stay in Times Square
You'll find tons of hotels in Manhattan near Times Square or right in the heart of the action. Here are the best NYC areas to find a Times Square hotel where you'll always be close to world-class entertainment, museums, restaurants and shops:
- Midtown Manhattan: Midtown Manhattan is home to Times Square, the Theater District and New York City's top attractions. Here you'll find a range of budget-friendly hotels close to Times Square perfect for families or economical travelers. Business travelers or anyone looking for opulent digs can easily find a high-end hotel with stellar views in Midtown. Midtown Manhattan is the perfect neighborhood for first-time visitors who want the full Times Square experience.
- Garment District: The Garment District is the core of New York's fashion world. Once an area filled with textile factory workers, today you'll find fashion designers and students shopping the wholesale fabric suppliers. You'll also find a range of hotels close by whether you're looking for stylish boutique hotels or comfortable mid-range hotels — all within a short distance of Times Square.
- Hell's Kitchen: Hell's Kitchen is a neighborhood west of Times Square and is ablaze with an electric nightlife, innovative eateries and trendy rooftop bars. Here you can fuel up for a day of sightseeing at Burrito Box where they sell burritos bursting at the seams, or Holey Cream for a donut topped with ice cream. Foodie travelers who want to stay in a nice hotel near Times Square won't regret their trip to Hell's Kitchen.
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Where to Eat in Times Square
New York City is famous for its wide thin-crust pizza slices, boiled bagels and hot dogs topped with sauerkraut and mustard — just to name a few of the classics. Whether you want to taste real New York flavors or take a walk on the wild side, you won't have to look too far as a Times Square traveler. We'll help you start your New York food adventure with the following popular spots:
- Carmine's Italian Restaurant: With a convenient location on 44th Street, Carmine's is a top destination for those who want to feast on traditional Italian fare. This is the perfect place for hungry families who want to head to Madame Tussauds or Ripley's Believe It or Not! after lunch. Expect huge family-style portions and save room for dessert.
- Shake Shack: Shake Shack is a chain restaurant that even foodies will enjoy. Here you can take a juicy bite of all-natural Angus beef burgers, dip your spoon into creamy frozen custard, or even pick up dog biscuits for your furry friend. What started as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park is now a Times Square institution where theatergoers can relax with buttery burgers and watch the excitement outside.
- Junior's: Despite being a tourist attraction, Junior's is still one of the best places in the city to try a rich and smooth slice of New York cheesecake. Junior's has been a New York landmark since the 1950s and a favorite place for locals and celebrities. Presidents, famous athletes and movie stars have all relished Junior's magical cheesecake. Though the original Junior's location is in Brooklyn, their spot in the heart of the Theater District is perfect for first-time NYC visitors who want to taste world-famous cheesecake. Junior's also offers sandwiches, salads and more for those who like to eat dinner before dessert.
- Times Square Diner and Grill: Times Square Diner and Grill offers excellent service and delicious American food in a unique modern setting. Here you'll find an upscale touch to diner classics like omelets and pancakes for breakfast or satisfying burgers and wraps for lunch. It's also worth a stop if you're aching for something sweet after a busy day. You can't go wrong with a chocolate peanut butter brownie topped with ice cream and whipped cream.
- Virgil's Real Barbecue: You probably don't think of barbecue when you think of Times Square, but trust us — Virgil's won't disappoint if you're hungry for Southern home cooking. With that said, Virgil's is not your typical barbecue joint. Just like NYC, Virgil's is diverse and offers a mix of barbecue styles. Where else can you get Texas beef brisket, Carolina pulled chicken and Memphis spare ribs all in the same place?
- John's of Times Square: Naturally, you'll want to try pizza while you're in Times Square. With so many worthwhile pizzerias within walking distance, how do you choose? Let us recommend John's of Times Square. All of John's pizza is made to order in a coal-fired oven for a fresh slice that's hard to beat. Top it off with yummy toppings like hot soppressata or breaded eggplant and let the flavors and textures take you away — but not too far!
Do you often travel to Times Square for business or pleasure? You might want to skip the tourist spots and look for more low-key places to enjoy great views, laid-back crowds and of course, outstanding food. Here are a few suggestions for the frequent Times Square traveler:
- Indikitch: Looking for a casual place to build your own biryani? We think you'll be glad to stumble upon Indikitch, where you can enjoy authentic Indian flavors and relax in a chill atmosphere. At Indikitch, you get to choose the ingredients and craft your plate, biryani, kati roll, dosa or salad to your liking.
- The Three Monkeys: Located a few blocks north of Times Square, The Three Monkeys is a comfortable sports bar with a great atmosphere, delicious bar bites and dozens of brews on tap. This is the perfect place to unwind with friends or coworkers after a hectic day.
- Melt Shop: For a quick and low-key dining experience, consider visiting Melt Shop. Here you can enjoy comforting classics with a modern twist like the truffle melt — a grilled cheese sandwich featuring muenster, arugula and truffle oil on country white bread. Whatever you do, don't forget to order a side of tots.
- Margon: If you're looking for a small and inviting Cuban restaurant with counter service, check out Margon. Margon is the place to go in Times Square for a mouthwatering Cuban sandwich or fresh authentic entree — all provided for affordable prices.
Things to Do in Times Square
Time Square, in itself, is a top tourist attraction. Many people think of glitzy billboards, towering skyscrapers and crowds of tourists when they think of Times Square. While you could easily spend an entire day people watching and sipping coffee in Times Square, you might want to check out the following main attractions at least once during a trip to the Big Apple:
- Madame Tussauds: Isn't taking a selfie next to a celebrity wax figure undeniably fun? Although we didn't have smartphones two hundred years ago, people have been flocking to Madame Tussauds for centuries to satisfy their curiosity. No matter your age or background, Madame Tussauds promises a memorable experience for all.
- Ripley's Believe It or Not!: Where can you travel through a black hole, explore relics from an ancient torture chamber, or compare your height to the world's tallest man? You have to see it to believe it, and that's what Ripley's is all about.
- Broadway show: Complete a trip to Times Square by attending a Broadway show. You can buy tickets in advance to see a show in one of the city's Broadway theaters, or you can stop at the TKTS Discount Booth. At the TKTS Booth on 7th Avenue, you can order same-day tickets at affordable prices to catch a Broadway play, musical or dance production on a whim.
- Bryant Park: No matter what you choose to do in Times Square, make sure to set aside some time for rest and relaxation. Bryant Park is a great place to recharge your battery and surround yourself with green. Located a few blocks from the center of the action, Bryant Park is where tourists and locals go to relax, take a free class, or just enjoy each other's company.
- National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey: National Geographic's Ocean Odyssey is an immersive experience that takes you deep into the ocean, and you don't even need to pack your swimsuit. Using cutting edge technology, this exhibit takes you close to stunningly realistic digital sea creatures like a 50-foot humpback whale. This is a fun and educational experience for families or anyone fascinated by the ocean's mysteries.
- M&M's World: If you're a serious M&M's fan, you'll be in paradise in Times Square. M&M's World invites you to explore three levels of exclusive M&M's products. You'll also get the chance to create your own message on an M&M in less than two minutes. You might say something like, "HotelTonight Rules" to remember the moment by.
If you've already seen the top attractions, or prefer more low-key ways to enjoy Times Square, there are plenty of places to check out that are a little less touristy but well worth a visit. Here are a few ideas:
- Midnight Moment: Although you'll be in the city that never sleeps, you can expect a bit more breathing room around midnight, which is also the time of day you can experience Midnight Moment. Midnight Moment is the largest digital art exhibition in the world and is displayed on the billboards throughout Times Square every night from 11:57 p.m. to midnight. So, while you're standing in Times Square as the rest of the East Coast drifts off to sleep, you'll be surrounded by an electrifying art show.
- Gulliver's Gate: Gulliver's Gate is a tourist attraction even the locals check out. At Gulliver's Gate, you can explore a miniature world of over 25 cities crafted by artists and technological gurus. As a visitor, you'll also be given a key to interact with the exhibit and bring the miniature scenes to life. You'll gain a unique perspective of the Big Apple and other cities from around the globe as you immerse yourself in this unforgettable display.
- The Rum House: If you want to take a break from Times Square action, you can sneak into The Rum House and unwind in style. The Rum House is a cocktail bar with a classic New York look and swanky vibe. Here you can have a drink or chill out to nightly live piano and jazz. If you're hungry, pair a cocktail with one of their treats such as an empanada or cheesy pressed sandwich.
- The Paley Center for Media: Many out-of-towners have heard of The Museum of Modern Art, but The Paley Center for Media, located nearby, is also an NYC must-see. The Paley Center explores the relationship between media and society and strives to educate the public through their media collection and events. Here you'll find a collection of over 160,000 programs from around the world spanning nearly 100 years of radio and TV history. From old commercials to comedy shows you thought you'd never come across again, you're bound to find something that takes you back or fulfills your curiosity.
Where to Find the Top Hotels in Times Square, New York City
Times Square is the place to stay for the complete New York City experience. While you're in Times Square, you'll always be steps away from iconic restaurants, top attractions and pic opportunities that sing, "I love New York" loud and clear. When it comes to accommodations, there's no shortage of hotels in the Times Square area.
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