Times Square at Night

candid America tips

 

Why
Times Square at night
is special

Although Times Square in New York City is ordinary by day, it turns into a dazzling universe of flashing neon and huge billboards at night. Yes, Times Square is glitzy, not esthetic, but it's a unique spectacular sight that everyone should experience at least once.

Times Square at night
tips & insights

Layout

In its limited sense, Times Square occupies only the triangle created by the intersections of Broadway, Seventh Avenue and 43rd Street. Most of the awesome signage is in this zone. Most of the Broadway theatres and restaurants lie just outside it.

Signage

Interesting, monstrous, attention-grabbing signs on buildings are prohibited elsewhere in the city, but the edifices in Times Square are mandated to have them in order to maintain the district's character.

Transformation

Times Square once drifted into a seamy neighborhood. It has now been retransformed into a safe, family-pleasing destination. However, be prepared for exceptionally crowded sidewalks, crossings and (if you're driving) streets during peak hours.

New Year's Eve

The world's most famous New Year's Eve celebration takes place every year in Times Square. Some 750,000 revelers pack the space. A billion people around the globe watch the event on TV. One minute before midnight a giant lit ball begins its slow descent down a pole. When it reaches the bottom, it's midnight and the crowd roars while confetti falls and fireworks soar.

Thinking of attending?

Remember that there are no tickets for this mass street party held every New Years Eve. It's a free first-come, first-accommodated affair. You have to arrive by early afternoon to stake out a decent viewpoint. You will be literally corralled in a fenced-in outdoor standing area until midnight in cold winter weather. There are no toilets and drinking alcohol is illegal. If you leave, you won't be allowed to return. Still, for some it will be a memorable experience, one that they would not want to miss.

Personal messages

You can pay to put your photo or message up on a huge digital billboard. Some men use them for surprise marriage proposals.

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