Times Square sits right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City, positioned at the major intersection where Broadway, Seventh Avenue, and West 42nd Street meet. It stretches continuously from West 42nd Street up to West 47th Street, forming a bustling commercial and cultural hub.
If you're trying to pin down its exact geographical footprint, the area spans several blocks between Sixth and Eighth Avenues east-to-west, and 42nd to 47th Streets north-to-south. It's often called the Crossroads of the World because of its massive pedestrian crowds, neon billboards, and central role in the city's transit and entertainment network.
Exact Boundaries and Major Intersections
Understanding the exact layout of Times Square helps you navigate the dense crowds without getting turned around. The area isn't a traditional symmetrical square; rather, it's a bowtie-shaped plaza formed by the angled slash of Broadway cutting across the orthogonal grid of Seventh Avenue.
The southern anchor is West 42nd Street, where Broadway and Seventh Avenue intersect outside the historic Times Square Building. Moving north, the plaza opens into Duffy Square between 46th and 47th Streets, famous for its red glass staircase above the TKTS booth.
- Southern Boundary: West 42nd Street
- Northern Boundary: West 47th Street
- Eastern Boundary: Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas)
- Western Boundary: Eighth Avenue
How to Get There Using Public Transit
Navigating to the area via the New York City Subway is straightforward because the massive Times Square–42nd Street station serves as one of the busiest transit hubs in the entire metropolitan system.
You can reach the square directly using multiple subway lines. The 1, 2, 3, 7, and S (Shuttle) trains stop right underneath the square at 42nd Street. Additionally, the N, Q, R, and W trains run through the same station complex. If you're arriving via the A, C, or E lines, you can use the underground pedestrian passageway from the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 8th Avenue and 42nd Street to walk straight into the station without braving street-level traffic.
Navigating the Surrounding Neighborhoods
Times Square functions as a bridge between several distinct Manhattan districts. Knowing what borders the area lets you transition smoothly into calmer parts of the city when the neon lights and crowds get overwhelming.
To the west lies Hell's Kitchen, a neighborhood renowned for its dense concentration of diverse restaurants, cozy bars, and residential brownstones. Walking east brings you toward Bryant Park and the New York Public Library main branch, offering a quieter green space just blocks away from the noise. Midtown South stretches directly downward toward Herald Square and the Empire State Building, while the Theater District envelops the square itself, packing dozens of historic playhouses into the surrounding blocks.
Common Mistakes Visitors Make
First-time visitors often fall into predictable traps that waste time and drain energy. Avoiding these missteps ensures a much smoother trip.
- Driving into the area: Bringing a car into Midtown traffic is a quick way to lose hours. Always use public transit or walk.
- Confusing Times Square with the Theater District: While they overlap, not all Broadway theaters sit directly inside the pedestrian plaza; many are tucked away on West 44th through 50th Streets between Broadway and Eighth Avenue.
- Eating at tourist-trap chain restaurants: The immediate blocks feature dozens of massive corporate eateries. Exploring side streets in Hell's Kitchen or walking toward midtown side streets uncovers far better local food options.
- Standing still in the middle of pedestrian walkways: The square moves fast. If you need to check a map or take a photo, step off to the side to avoid blocking the heavy foot traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Times Square called Times Square?
The area was originally known as Longacre Square. It received its current name in April 1904 after The New York Times moved its headquarters to the newly built Times Building (now One Times Square) at the intersection of 42nd Street, Broadway, and Seventh Avenue.
Is Times Square open 24 hours a day?
Yes, the public pedestrian plazas are open to the public 24/7, 365 days a year. While retail shops and ticket booths close at night, the illuminated signs, street performers, and crowds remain active around the clock.
Which subway station is closest to Times Square?
The Times Square–42nd Street station is directly underneath the area. It connects the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S shuttle trains, making it accessible from almost anywhere in the city.
Where can I find discounted Broadway tickets?
The official TKTS Booth, operated by the Theatre Development Fund, sits under the red glass steps at Duffy Square (Broadway and 47th Street) and offers heavily discounted tickets for same-day performances.
