Times Square: The Iconic Heart of New York City
Times Square, located in the heart of New York City, is one of the most iconic and recognizable locations in the world. The area is known for its bright neon lights, enormous digital billboards, and throngs of tourists, all of which combine to make it one of the most exciting places in the world.
Times Square is the center of Manhattan’s theater district and is home to many of the city’s most famous theaters. From the Majestic Theater to the Al Hirschfeld Theater, the area is filled with Broadway shows, concerts, and other entertainment. The famous New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is also held here, drawing millions of visitors from around the world.
The History of Times Square
The area that is now Times Square was once known as Longacre Square. In 1904, it was renamed Times Square after The New York Times moved its headquarters to the newly-built Times Building. The building was soon surrounded by theaters and businesses, and the area quickly grew into the bustling destination that it is today.
In the 1920s and 30s, Times Square was known for its many vaudeville and burlesque shows. It was also home to a number of seedy bars and nightclubs, which gave the area its “Sin City” reputation. This reputation began to change in the late 1960s, when the city began a major redevelopment project to clean up Times Square.
Modern Times Square
Today, Times Square is a much cleaner and safer place. The area is now filled with chain stores, restaurants, and hotels, and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. The area is also home to the famous Naked Cowboy, who can often be found strumming his guitar in the middle of the square.
The area is also home to a number of annual events, such as the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks, and the Broadway on Broadway Concert. These events draw millions of visitors each year, making Times Square one of the busiest places in the world.
Things to Do in Times Square
There are plenty of things to do in Times Square, no matter what your interests are. Here are just a few of the many attractions in the area:
- See a Broadway show
- Visit the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
- Take a ride on the Hershey’s Chocolate World Ride
- Visit the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
- Take a tour of the NBC Studios
- Catch a glimpse of the Naked Cowboy
No matter what you choose to do in Times Square, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. From the bright lights to the bustling crowds, Times Square is an iconic symbol of New York City that should not be missed.