5077Times Square

Times Square

Neighborhood

We know that you all LOVE Times Square.  And while there are parts of it that locals love, we usually avoid it unless we are there for Broadway shows.

About Midtown

Times Square is one of the most iconic places in the world, known for its blazing LED billboards, central Midtown location, nonstop energy, vibrant crowds, and buzzy atmosphere. It’s where New York’s “city that never sleeps” personality comes alive, especially at night when everything lights up.

Avoid: Many stores and restaurants are chains rather than local gems, so food and shopping here can feel generic compared to other NYC neighborhoods.

Street Characters & Solicitations –People dressed as characters (e.g., “statues”) might ask for tips after photos; STAY AWAY

Be Careful: Pickpockets & Busy Streets –With crowds and distracted visitors, watch your belongings. Times Square is a high-traffic area.

What to Do

Good Restaurants Near Times Square

We are not putting chain places here, only ones with a higher standard!

Guantanamera: A lively Cuban restaurant known for its flavorful sandwiches, classic Cuban dishes, and strong mojitos. Favorites include the vaca frita (crispy skirt steak) and their famous Cuban sandwiches. Live Cuban music is performed nightly, making it a fun post-show stop.
Address: 939 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 262-5354
Good to Know: Mojitos are especially popular (and strong), with weekly drink specials.

BKK New York A modern Thai restaurant offering creative takes on Bangkok street food. Expect bold flavors and inventive dishes like Chiang Mai sausage hot dogs, savory doughnuts, and spring rolls with everything-bagel crusts.
Address: 238 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (914) 491-4289
Vibe: Fun, casual, and great for adventurous eaters

Donburiya: A favorite late-night Japanese spot in the Theater District. The menu features comforting bowls, ramen, pork katsu curry, and classic izakaya dishes. Great for a relaxed meal before or after a show.
Address: 253 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 980-7909
Best For: Affordable Japanese comfort food, lunch or late dinner

Yakitori Torishin: A refined Japanese yakitori restaurant specializing in charcoal-grilled chicken skewers. Guests can choose a tasting menu or order à la carte. The experience is traditional, elevated, and reservation-recommended.
Address: 362 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 757-0108
Best For: A high-end dining experience near Times Square

Victor’s Cafe: A classic Cuban restaurant with a vibrant, old-school atmosphere. Known for excellent ropa vieja, lechon asado, empanadas, and live Latin music. A longtime favorite for pre-theater dining.
Address: 236 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 586-7714
Vibe: Elegant, festive, and full of history

Gallagher’s Steakhouse: An iconic New York steakhouse dating back to the Prohibition era. Famous for dry-aged steaks cooked over hickory coals, classic cocktails, and an old-school steakhouse atmosphere.
Address: 228 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 245-5336
Don’t Miss: Ribeye, prime rib (call ahead), and Key lime pie

Broadway!

Best known for Broadway Shows.  There is nowhere in the world like Manhattan when it comes to theatres.  The best places to buy discounted tickets are:

Broadway Direct

Museums

  • Museum Of Broadway – An Interactive look at Broadway’s history and productions.
  • RiseNY – Immersive flying theater ride with cinematic and interactive exhibits.
  • Madame Tussauds New York – Wax figures + interactive displays (including Marvel 4D).

Bars with Best Night Time Views

  • Bar 54: One of the highest rooftop bars in NYC on the 54th floor of the Hyatt Centric Times Square. Sleek cocktails and panoramic skyline views, including Midtown skyscrapers and city lights at night.
  • Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge: Iconic rooftop bar atop Moxy Times Square with both indoor and outdoor spaces.
    Known for great Empire State Building views and vibrant nighttime energy — plus fun touches like themed décor and DJs later in the night.
  • St. Cloud Rooftop: Stylish rooftop bar at The Knickerbocker Hotel right by Times Square. Offers comfortable outdoor seating and beautiful city views — ideal for sunset drinks or a relaxed evening under the lights.
  • The Skylark: Sleek high-rise cocktail bar with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious outdoor terrace. Great for panoramic night views of Midtown, including the Empire State Building and near-Times Square skyline.
    Corners of New York
  • Haven Rooftop: Rooftop lounge with Midtown skyline views and an open, airy vibe. A bit more casual but beautiful for evening drinks and pictures with city lights.
  • Starchild Rooftop Bar & Lounge: A rooftop bar with good views near Times Square and casual vibes.
  • RT60 Rooftop Bar & Lounge – Rooftop at the Hard Rock Hotel with great skyline ambiance.
  • Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar – Classic rooftop cocktail bar with sweeping views of Midtown & Empire State Building.
  • The View – Revolving lounge atop the Marriott Marquis with panoramic Times Square lights — great for night views while sipping a drink.

Stores and Shops

  • Hershey’s Chocolate World – Sweet treats and themed merchandise.
    20 Times Square, 701 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10036
  • M&M’s World – Three floors of candy, apparel, and collectibles.
    1600 Broadway, New York, NY 10019 (at West 48th Street)
  • Disney Store (Times Square) – Characters, toys, and immersive Disney experiences.
    1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036 (between West 45th and West 46th Streets)
  • American Eagle – Large flagship store with casual apparel and accessories.
    1551–1555 Broadway, New York, NY 10036 (at West 46th Street)
  • H&M – Multi-level fashion store popular with visitors.
    1472 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
  • Gap – Classic clothing retailer with a Times Square location nearby.
    1472 Broadway / surrounding Times Square area, New York, NY 10036
  • Friends “Central Perk” Pop-Up (seasonal/temporary) – Café and retail experience inspired by the TV show.
    Typically located near 701 7th Avenue, Times Square (location and dates vary)

Hotels that We Like

  • Aura Hotel Times Square
  • Hard Rock Hotel New York
  • Hampton Inn by Hilton New York Times Square
  • Hampton Inn Manhattan Times Square Central
  • Hilton New York Times Square
  • Home2 Suites Times Square
  • Hotel Edison
  • Hyatt Centric Times Square New York
  • Hyatt Regency Times Square
  • InterContinental New York Times Square
  • Kimpton Theta New York – Times Square
  • Margaritaville Times Square
  • Millennium Broadway Times Square
  • M Social Hotel Times Square
  • New York Hilton Midtown
  • New York Marriott Marquis
  • Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
  • Sanctuary Hotel New York
  • Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square
  • The Knickerbocker
  • The Muse New York
  • The Times Square Edition
  • W New York — Times Square

Gaming and Digital Experiences

  • The Escape Game NYC – Classic, highly rated escape room experience with multiple themed rooms in the Brill Building at 1619 Broadway — solve puzzles and race the clock with friends, family, or groups.
  • OMEscape – High-tech escape game venue with interactive story-driven rooms in Midtown near Times Square (W 38th St).omescapeus.com
  • Exit Escape Room NYC – Very popular escape room center with multiple themed experiences a short distance from Times Square on West 36th St.
  • Mission Escape Games – Well-reviewed escape game location with challenging puzzles and team gameplay in Midtown Manhattan.
  • Escape TSQ – Small escape game experience located right on West 42nd St near core Times Square attractions.
  • EscapeGames.NYC – Augmented reality and GPS-driven outdoor puzzle games based in Times Square for a mix of real-world exploration and “escape” mechanics.

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