Things to do in 42nd street times square

If you want to be in the center of everything, better spend some time in Times Square.

Encompassing the general area of midtown Manhattan, from 40th to 53rd Streets, finding stuff to do won’t be hard for you.

And as you’re in the City that Never Sleeps, boredom will be the last thing on your mind.

So enjoy the thriving things you can do during the day and go wild at night.

Can’t wait for your dream vacation here in Manhattan?

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Times Square, NY, to get you started on your planning.

1. Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour

hop on hop off sightseeing tour

723 7th Avenue
New York, NY 10019

The Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour takes you all over the Manhattan area of New York City.

There are different loops to choose from to get the most out of your trip.

Why You Should Go

This sightseeing tour helps you maximize your time in NYC, whether you want to go downtown or uptown because you can choose where to go.

It’s as easy as stepping down the bus when you like the stop or staying on to get to another one.

What to Do

If you have a lot of time, try staying on the bus for long to really catch the sights of the Concrete Jungle today.

Get seats at the open-air upper deck to get unobstructed panoramic views of the city.

Related: Best Things to Do in NYC

2. Madame Tussauds New York

madame tussauds new york

234 W 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 512-9600

Madame Tussauds is a wax museum known for its wax figures of famous people.

Its branch in 42nd Street was opened in 2000.

Why You Should Go

The easiest way to meet your favorite celebrities, characters, and even public figures is in this wax museum.

The life-like wax sculptures are some of the top attractions in Times Square.

Though the figures may not be real-life people, their likeness is so uncanny that they’ll still look impressive in pictures.

What to Do

Make sure your phones and cameras are fully charged so that you can take as many photos as you want.

Posing with your fave stars inside this museum is a great way to pass the time when it’s raining or cold outdoors.

3. Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Times Square

ripley’s believe it or not! times square

234 W 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 398-3133

Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a novelty museum that focuses on mysterious and weird artifacts and exhibits.

It is located in the building where Madame Tussauds is housed.

Why You Should Go

Fans of mind-boggling phenomena and general weirdness will enjoy walking around the exhibits inside this museum.

There are over 500 curious artifacts here for you to discover, from shrunken heads and instruments of torture.

What to Do

Have the thrill of your life and walk through the museum’s trippy Black Hole.

Or check out curiosities like a Megalodon’s jaws, a real meteor, and more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: SIXTY SoHo

4. Top of the Rock

top of the rock

30 Rockefeller Plaza,
New York, NY 10112
(877) 692-7625

Top of the Rock is an observation deck on the upper levels of the Rockefeller Center.

You can either go up to the 67th, 69th, or 70th floors.

Why You Should Go

The fastest way to make it to the top of New York is by riding up 70 floors of Rockefeller Center through its fast elevator.

When the doors open, there is an indoor and outdoor viewing area that provides 360-degree panoramic views of New York City,

What to Do

Make a game out of your visit by looking for all the iconic landmarks in the Big Apple, like One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: 1 Hotel Central Park

5. Museum of Modern Art

museum of modern art

11 W 53rd Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 708-9400

The Museum of Modern Art is an art museum on 53rd Street that is well-known for being among the most influential modern art museums in the world. It was founded in 1929.

Why You Should Go

With an extensive and iconic collection of contemporary artworks, MoMA is one of the top places to visit in Times Square if you are a lover of art.

Some of the works you’ll see here are from artists like Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and more.

What to Do

Explore the exhibits indoors to get a glimpse of famous works like van Gogh’s Starry Night, Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, and more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York

Related: Best Places to Visit in New York

6. Radio City Stage Door Tour

radio city stage door tour

1260 6th Avenue
New York, NY 10020
(212) 465-6000

Radio City Music Hall is an iconic performing arts theater often called ‘The Showplace of the Nation.’

It was opened in 1932.

Why You Should Go

The behind-the-scenes tour of one of the country’s most famous theaters provides you with the history of this landmark.

You’ll be able to exclusively explore rooms of this art-deco building, including the secret apartment inside the theater.

What to Do

Make the most of the 75-minute guided tour by listening to your guide and immersing yourself in the beauty of this incredible performing arts venue.

You might even meet a Rockette, so don’t forget to take a photo.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Williamsburg Hotel

7. Rockefeller Center Tour

rockefeller center tour

45 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10111
(877) 692-7625

Rockefeller Center is a building complex located between 48th and 51st Streets in midtown Manhattan.

It became a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

Why You Should Go

Why go to only one building in the complex when you can tour more of them?

With the tour, you’ll be visiting iconic spots in NYC like Radio City, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Rockefeller Plaza, and more.

What to Do

Take the self-guided tour if you prefer to go about the complex on your own time.

But if you really enjoy learning in-depth facts about this depression-era complex, a guided tour is the way to go.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The William Vale

8. THE RIDE

the ride

42nd Street & 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10018
(212) 221-0853

The Ride is an interactive sightseeing attraction housed in a bus in New York.

Why You Should Go

This 75-minute tour takes you all over midtown Manhattan and Times Square in a custom-designed bus.

You’ll be seated on side-facing seats with floor-to-ceiling glass windows to help you appreciate the Big Apple’s bigger-than-life city views.

It’s definitely among the unique, fun things to do in Times Square, New York.

What to Do

Take the tour if you don’t have a lot of time to see all the Manhattan sights.

Get to see Times Square, Bryant Park, 42nd Street, and other spots without having to go down the bus.

It

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Kimpton Muse Hotel, an IHG Hotel

Related: Best Restaurants in Times Square

9. Woodbury Common Shopping Trip

woodbury common shopping trip

498 Red Apple Court
Central Valley, NY 10917
(845) 928-4000

Woodbury Common is a premium outlet center located in Central Valley, just 55 minutes away from Times Square.

Why You Should Go

Shopping just got an upgrade with the many great discounts and promos you can avail in this outlet center.

With over 250 famous brands like Kate Spade, Valentino, Dior, and more, the shopping spree of your dreams is within reach.

What to Do

Step away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan this weekend and indulge in a bit of retail therapy in these premium outlets.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Harriman Woodbury

Also See:
Stuff to Do in The Adirondacks
Top Brooklyn Activities
Fun Things to Do in Queens, New York

10. Self Guided Walking Tour

self guided walking tour

112 Suffolk Street
New York, NY 10002
(646)-450-6831

Self-guided walking tours around New York City are great if you want to walk around midtown Manhattan on your own time.

Why You Should Go

When it comes to free things to do in Times Square, a self-guided tour is always on top of the list because customizing your trip allows you to see all the spots you want to see.

You won’t feel hurried as you’re in charge of your own itinerary.

What to Do

Before your trip, make a list of all the spots in Times Square that you want to see.

Don’t miss out on Madame Tussauds, Bryant Park, Broadway, and more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

11. Times Square Church

times square church

1657 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 541-6300

Times Square Church is an interdenominational church located in the Theater District of Manhattan.

It was founded in 1987.

Why You Should Go

The church is found inside a former moviehouse and looks incredible with gold-painted interiors, red velvet seats, carpeted floors, and chandeliers.

It adds another ethereal feeling while listening to the sermon.

What to Do

Head on over to the church and listen to their gospel choir.

It’s among the outstanding ones in the city.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Benjamin

Also See:
Catskills, New York Things to Do
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Nyack, NY Things to Do

12. Bryant Park

bryant
park

6th Avenue & W 40th Avenue
New York, NY 10018
(212) 768-4242

Bryant Park is a 9.6-acre public green space located between 40th and 42nd Streets in midtown Manhattan.

It was built in 1985.

Why You Should Go

The small green space looks like a relaxing oasis nestled between towering skyscrapers.

It’s a cheap yet relaxing location for adorable park dates, making it a top choice for your list of things to do in Times Square for couples.

What to Do

Go Parisian and enjoy dining al-fresco in this park.

You can do picnics on a basket, sit on the lawn chairs, or even lounge in the park’s cafe.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Marmara Park Avenue

13. Dave and Buster’s Times Square

dave and buster's times square

234 W 42nd Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10036
(646) 495-2015

Dave and Buster’s is a family-friendly sports bar and local arcade located in Hilton Times Square at 42nd Street.

Why You Should Go

It might look like a casino, but this fun place is definitely kid-friendly as it houses tons of arcade games.

Some of the games are air hockey, Super Mario Kart, and Dance Dance Revolution.

Of course, it helps that it also serves greasy comfort food.

What to Do

After playing to your heart’s content, take a break and chow down on burgers, wings, and lots of tater tots.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ink 48 Hotel

14. OMEscape at Times Square

omescape at times square

325 W 38th Street, Store 2
New York, NY, 10018
(212) 631-7876

OMEscape is a 3-floor escape room center located on 38th Street with 16 rooms to choose from.

Why You Should Go

A fun way to bond with your friends and family is to put yourselves in a stressful, super puzzling, and challenging situation like an escape game.

From busting out of military prisons to getting stuck in a time continuum, escaping the rooms are just some of the top things to do in Times Square with kids.

What to Do

Make the most of your 70 minutes and scour the entire room to solve puzzles, get clues, and ultimately win or lose the game.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue

15. Majestic Theatre

majestic theatre

245 W 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 239-6200

Majestic Theatre is among the largest Broadway theaters,world’s with a seating capacity of more than 1,600. It was opened in 1927.

Why You Should Go

Besides the incredibly fancy facade, this theater is most known for housing the longest-running Broadway musical, The Phantom of the Opera.

What to Do

Make sure to get seats inside this theater and watch the Phantom lure Christine live on stage.

The musical is definitely a must-add to your list of things to do in Times Square tonight.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York

Also See:
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16. Broadway Theatre

broadway theatre

1681 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 239-6200

Broadway Theatre is the collective name for over 41 professional theatres in Manhattan’s Theater District.

Why You Should Go

A stroll along the streets of Broadway will show you the beautiful facades of many famous theaters like Shubert, Ambassador, Eugene O’Neill, and Gershwin.

The famous theaters are some of the things to see in Times Square because of their history and the shows they house.

What to Do

Choose the play or musical you want to see the most and get the unforgettable experience of watching it live on a Broadway stage.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Iroquois New York Times Square

one times square

1 Times Square
New York, NY 10036
(212) 768-1560

One Times Square, or 1475 Broadway, is the iconic New York Times Tower in the middle of Times Square. It was opened in 1904.

Why You Should Go

The signature picture of Manhattan is taken facing this famous building, with busy streets, towering skyscrapers, and ever-illuminated billboards.

What to Do

Stand in the middle of the pedestrian space facing One Times Square and take in the iconic New York City vibes.

Simply taking photos in the middle of the street is a must-have for your list of best things to do in Times Square, NY.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Lotte New York Palace

Related: Best Hotels in Times Square

Map of Things to Do in Times Square, NY

List of image sources

Times Square Things to Do: The 17 Best Activities for 2022

best things to do in times square
  • Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour
  • Madame Tussauds New York
  • Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Times Square
  • Top of the Rock
  • Museum of Modern Art
  • Radio City Stage Door Tour
  • Rockefeller Center Tour
  • THE RIDE
  • Woodbury Common Shopping Trip
  • Self Guided Walking Tour
  • Times Square Church
  • Bryant Park
  • Dave and Buster’s Times Square
  • OMEscape at Times Square
  • Majestic Theatre
  • Broadway Theatre
  • One Times Square

17 Best Things to Do in Times Square,
NY — Top Activities & Places to Go!

What is famous in 42nd Street New York?

The street is known for its theaters, especially near the intersection with Broadway at Times Square, and as such is also the name of the region of the theater district (and, at times, the red-light district) near that intersection.

Is Time Square and 42nd Street the same?

Times Square is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment hub, and neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It is formed by the junction of Broadway, Seventh Avenue, and 42nd Street.

Why do they call 42nd Street the deuce?

The term “the Deuce” is jargon for the section of 42nd Street near Times Square that became swamped with triple-X theaters and up to 1,200 hookers on weekend nights before civic leaders later cleaned up the area.

Is Time Square worth visiting?

Times Square is one of New York City's most popular tourist attractions, as it's the epicenter for all things media and a famous New Year's Eve venue. A stroll through the area—with its bright lights and skyscrapers plastered with digital billboards—is pretty impressive.