When in the United States a visit to the Big Apple is a must on your itinerary. New York has several popular hotspots such as the Times Square, Manhattan Chinatown, Rockefeller Center, Broadway theater productions and more that are teeming with tourists. Mottled with brownstones and 19th-century buildings, Minetta Street is perfect for taking vibrant Instagram-worthy pictures. Foodies will love a visit to Pietro NoLita, where you can savor quality Italian dishes and cocktails. Shopaholics should head to Barneys New York where they can find designer items from popular brands such as Chanel, Prada and more. New Year’s Eve celebration is one of the most popular events at Times Square and thousands of tourists dream to be physically present here at least once in their lifetime. Check out some of the most popular things to do at Times Square in New York City.
1. Catch a show at LoL Times Square Comedy Club
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We’re getting ready for our awesome line up of shows tonight... #nycnights #newyork #newyorkcity #timessquare #lolcomedyclub
Posted by LOL Times Square Comedy Club on Saturday, October 19, 2019
Is comedy your thing? How about magic and illusions? If the answer is yes, then you definitely should stop by LoL Times Square Comedy Club. Relatively new in the comedy scene, LoL Times Square Comedy Club initially started as a project that was part of Roy Arias Stages. Eventually, it became a club of its own, and in just two years, it’s now an attraction in the heart of Times Square, attracting all kinds of audiences.
LoL Times Square Comedy Club offers more than 30 shows a week, including a family show every day, so you’ll have many to choose from. There are also magic shows featuring magicians from famous television series, such as America’s Got Talent and Masters of Illusion.
LoL Times Square Comedy Club
Address: 336 West 46 Street, Between 8th and 9th Avenue, New York City
Website: LoL Times Square Comedy Club
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 7pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 7pm - 1:30am
Price: from 20 USD
2. Grab a drink from The Rum House
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Take a break from the bustling nature of New York City and grab a drink from The Rum House, a premier cocktail bar in Times Square. This bar is decorated with a vintage theme, and with the live piano and jazz music, you’ll truly feel transported to a different time.
The bar’s menu is also quite extensive — there are classic cocktails, rum cocktails, house originals, and many more. With these many choices, you can opt for a drink you’re familiar with or go out of your comfort zone and order something new. The Rum House hosts live music as well, featuring local artists, so be sure to enjoy the show when you’re stopping by.
The Rum House
Address: 228 West 47th Street, New York City
Website: The Rum House
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 4pm - 1am; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 2am
3. Buy souvenirs from Grand Slam New York
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Grand Slam New York on Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Before you go back home, you need to have something to remember New York by. To do this, you should stop by Grand Slam New York, the gift shop that boasts the city’s largest selection of NYC souvenirs and gifts.
Since this brick-and-mortar store has three floors, you can definitely find the souvenir — or souvenirs if you want more than one — that you’d like to bring home with you. Their bestselling products are the I LOVE NY ones, but you can find other souvenirs that commemorate other well-known NYC attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.
If you’re a big fan of the NYC sports teams, you’ll be delighted to know that this store also offers merch items from several leagues, such as NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS.
Grand Slam New York
Address: 1557 Broadway (46TH & 47TH), New York City, NY 10036
Website: Grand Slam New York
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 12am
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Enjoy playing games and eating good food at Dave & Buster's New York City
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Eat your fill and participate in exciting games at Dave & Buster’s New York City. This family-friendly restaurant features a sports bar-style setting, giving a lively ambiance. Here, you can watch football with the other patrons or play a variety of games — from arcade machines to virtual reality games.
As for food and drink, you can find an extensive menu. There are salads and wraps if you want a light yet satisfying meal. But there are also burgers, pasta dishes, and many more entrées if you prefer something more filling. If you’re traveling with your little ones, they can choose whatever they want from the kid’s menu.
Dave & Buster's New York City
Address: 234 West 42nd Street, 3rd Floor, New York City
Website: Dave & Buster’s New York City
Opening hours: Sun - Tue: 10am - 12am; Wed - Thu: 10am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 10am - 2am (closed on Mon)
Times Square Tour Guide
Hiram Jacobs
I am a licensed New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Tour Guide and a native New Yorker. Over the years, I acquired considerable experience organizing solo tours of the major European and East European capitals of the world, Canada's largest cities and Australia's most popular cities, Washington, DC, Atlanta, New Orleans, and San Francisco. During my international travels, I participated in tours organized by private tour companies to China, Russia, South America, India, the Canadian Rockies, Israel, Japan's major cities; USA: Alaska, Arizona and Utah's scenic national National Parks . I received my Master of Arts in Political Science (Urban Administration) from the State University of New York, College at Brockport, Brockport, New York in 1978. Since my recent retirement from the MTA, New York City Transit Authority, after 39 years of service as an Associate Transit Management Analyst, I hope to share with my fellow Travelers my observations, insights and personal experiences relating to Manhattan’s iconic neighborhoods, landmarks and popular attractions that make New York City such a vibrant and dynamic city to visit. I will strive to make your New York City Experience memorable. Tour Cancellations - Please provide at least 24 hours notice prior to the tour date in order to cancel your booking and to receive a full refund.
Tours by Hiram
5. Meet your favorite cartoon character
Meet your favorite cartoon characters at Times Square and enjoy a lovely time with family and kids. Hug Elmo, say hi to the Statue of Liberty and pose with Elsa, Mario and Minnie Mouse, and create life-long memories. Children, as well as adults, will undoubtedly have an enjoyable time meeting cartoon characters in real life. Tip well to interact or take pictures with them as they do not pose or work free and they are not employed by the city.
Times Square
Address: Time Square, New York City
6. Check out unusual things at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium holds an interesting collection of shrunken heads, unusual stuffed animals and other curious items. Walk through Ripley’s courtyard and see some interesting things that you’ll never see anywhere else. Immerse yourself amid the unbelievable, unusual and unexpected environment and discover some of the incredible exhibits owned by Robert Ripley. With thrills, fun-filled galleries, the Black Hole, the Torture Chamber, the Smash Dash, the Music Gallery and the Ripley’s Relic stationed here, it is a must visit place for all those planning a trip to New York City.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
Address: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday 10 am to 11 pm, Thursday to Saturday 10 am to 1 am
Website: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
Price: Adult 26 USD, Child 20 USD
7. Get a caricature of yourself
Times Square is bustling with many street artists. You can also get a caricature of yourself, which is one of the unique things to try here take home as a souvenir. The caricature artists normally take a fee of USD 5 to 10 to make funny caricatures of their customers in their own style. Drawn Together NYC produces custom hand-drawn and computer-generated cartoons, and offer those to guests as a special gift.
Drawn Together NYC
Address: 645 E 26th St, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 24 hours
Website: Drawn Together NYC
Price: USD 5 - 10
8. Shop till you drop at the shopping malls
Times Square is the ultimate shopping destination for those interested in branded items. A number of shops are open till midnight or even till 1 am, which allows buyers to browse at their leisure. From Swarovski, Citizen Watch, Aldo Shoes, M.A.C Cosmetics, and many others, you’ll have a gala time shopping here. Apart from popular and top-brands, you’ll also find many small retailers selling local or non-branded stuff at an affordable price. You can visit the Manhattan Mall, which houses a wide range of retailers and a food court.
Manhattan Mall
Address: 100 West 33rd Street, New York, NY 10001
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 9:30 pm, Sunday 10 am to 8:30 pm
9. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Hersheys or M&M chocolate stores
Chocolate lovers will love a visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World and calm their sweet tooth. This chocolate shop in Times Square is always stocked with sweets, chocolates, collectibles, and gifts. Customers can check out the candy machine and mix and match various Hershey’s products, personalize their chocolate wrappers and go on a trip to the bakery filled with brownies, cookies, and many more yummy items. Enjoy the journey in this place and see for yourself how the cocoa beans are transformed into Hershey’s Chocolates.
Hershey's Chocolate World
Address: 20 Times Square Building, 701 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9 am to 12 am
Website: Hershey’s Chocolate World
Price: 40 USD
10. Watch a movie at AMC or Regal
Regal Cinemas E-Walk 13 & RPX and AMC Empire 25 are luxurious movie theatres in Times Square boasting plush seating. Plan a date night with your loved ones to one of these places and watch a movie with your friends and family. Both the cinema theatres boast multiple screens where you can find the latest movie. Both the theatres in Times Square are must-visit places for movie lovers.
Regal Cinemas E-Walk 13 & RPX
Address: 247 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Website: Regal Cinemas E-Walk 13 & RPX
Average Price for two: 35 USD
11. Enjoy Italian food at Carmine's Restaurant
If you are interested to experience a Southern Italian family feast, take a short walk from the Times Square 42nd Street subway station to reach here. Carmine’s Italian Restaurant is bustling with tourists and locals gorging over traditional Italian dishes, which are served in enormous portions. The menu is extensive ranging from appetizers, pasta, chicken dishes, seafood delicacies, to beef platters and yummy desserts. This restaurant is a great place to sit back and enjoy lunch or dinner at Times Square.
Carmine's Italian Restaurant
Address: 200 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Opening hours: Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday 11 am to 12 am, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 11:30 am to 12 am
Website: Carmine’s Italian Restaurant
Price: 11 USD – 30 USD for two
12. Watch a play at Broadway
Posted by The New Victory Theater on Friday, 9 November 2018
The Broadway Theater district is a famous hotspot among all interested in hit musicals and classic modern dramas, which are showcased in multiple theaters. With stores, restaurants, clubs, and bars lining up the street, this would be an ideal place to visit when in New York City. The New Victory Theater is the only full-time performing arts theater, offering opera performances, dance shows, circus, and puppetry. Featuring architectural structures like a large dome with lyre-playing cherubs, this theater opened its first season with the play Sag Harbor with Lionel Barrymore.
The New Victory Theater
Address: 209 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Website: The New Victory Theater
Price: 22 USD
13. Visit Madame Tussauds Museum
A popular tourist attraction in the heart of Times Square, Madame Tussauds Museum was established in 2000. Wax figurines of world-famous musicians, movie stars, sports legends, world leaders and other personalities are housed here, which attract a large number of tourists from all around the globe. Spread over 85000 square feet (7897 square meters), this five-storied museum is also home to interactive exhibits including the Marvel Super Hero 4D Experience and the Ghostbusters: Dimension hyper-reality experience.
Madame Tussauds
Address: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9 am to 10 pm
Website: Madame Tussauds
Price: 30 USD
14. Pose with the Naked Cowboy
Robert John Burck, or popularly known as the Naked Cowboy rises the temperature on the streets of Times Square as tourists and locals gather around to click pictures with him. Dressed in tight and white undies, along with cowboy boots and a cowboy hat, he can pose with you a number of times to capture Instagram-worthy photos. Hailing from California, this famous Naked Cowboy strikes the chords in his guitar to play his country tunes and places the guitar over his body in such a way in order to give the illusion of nudity.
Naked Cowboy
Address: Time Square, New York City
Website: Naked Cowboy
Check out Times Square in NYC
New York City offers a perfect opportunity to fill your memories with pictures and stories of neon lights, Brooklyn brownstones, and downtown cobblestone streets. Pay a visit to the Grand Central Terminal, which has elegant architecture and featured in movies like The Avengers. Don’t forget to watch a delightful Broadway performance when in New York City!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to