Looking for the best things to do in Times Square at night? Well, you’re in the right place!
As the sun goes down New York City at night is another beast. Times Square transforms into a neon wonderland with giant billboards, dazzling LED displays, and lights galore that seem to make this historic hub brighter than daytime.
Beyond the bright lights, Times Square continues buzzing with crowds flocking to shows, restaurants, entertainment, and attractions that stay open late into the night.
Keep reading for 13 amazing things to do in Times Square once the city lights up!
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1. Take in a Broadway Show
Seeing a Broadway musical or play is a quintessential Times Square nighttime activity.
Hot shows like The Lion King, Aladdin, and many more run along the Great White Way between 41st and 53rd Streets.
Make sure you catch the high-energy performances of Hamilton or Hadestown after the marquee lights come on!
Some theaters offer discounted rush tickets right before the show. So keep an eye out!
NOTE: Keep in mind that the availability of shows and specific details can change over time.
2. Dine at a Times Square Restaurant or Bar
Times Square’s restaurants and bars deliver amazing people-watching views perfect for an evening out.
For pre-theater dining, book a table at modern spots like Junior’s, Margon, or Carmine’s, boasting patios with views of the iconic billboards.
Landmark classics like Sardi’s Restaurant, just a short walk from theaters, are also great choices.
Lively bars like Jimmy’s Corner, Rum House, St. Andrew’s, and Playwright Tavern provide the perfect setting to enjoy cocktails and the neon-lit scenery.
3. Shop the Neon Stores
Times Square’s bright shops stay open late for souvenir hunting.
Hershey’s and M&M’s World sell sweets and logo gear under flashy signs, while the Disney Store offers character events and light displays.
Other unique stores include I Love NY, Official NYC, and Manhattan Mall shops.
With so many lively, only-in-New York stores, shopping in glittering Times Square is a nighttime attraction in itself.
4. Take a Nighttime Pedicab Ride
Experience Times Square’s huge billboards and brilliant lights up close via an exciting open-air pedicab ride after dark.
Friendly drivers navigate bustling blocks, offering fun facts and photo ops at illuminated attractions. M
any tours include live guides, blankets, and glow sticks to enhance the magic.
For budget travelers, pedicabs provide an affordable way to explore Midtown at night compared to pricier cabs or Ubers.
5. Attend a TV Show Taping
Join the studio audience for popular morning or late-night TV shows filmed in Times Square.
Start your day at Good Morning America’s studio on lively 44th Street, or apply for tickets to The Morning Show with Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies next door.
Don’t forget to cheer on Stephen Colbert at the Ed Sullivan Theater for the Late Show.
Taping a show surrounded by Times Square’s lights is an experience you’ll never forget.
6. Grab Dessert at Junior’s, Milk Bar, etc.
Satisfy sweet cravings into the night at Times Square’s famous dessert spots.
Share an oversized cheesecake from the Theater District staple Junior’s Cheesecake.
Indulge in soft serve ice cream cones at Milk Bar or warm cookies from Schmackary’s. For a sweet souvenir, build a customized chocolate bar at M&M’s World.
For a sweet souvenir, build a customized chocolate bar at M&M’s World.
With sweet treats available late, Times Square tempts at every corner after Broadway shows end.
7. Stay at a Times Square Hotel
For the most immersive Times Square experience, book a room at a hotel right within the lights and action.
Branded spots like Hotel @ Times Square, Crowne Plaza Times Square, and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Times Square put you steps from musical theaters.
For dramatic views, suites at sleek high rises like the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel and Hyatt Centric Times Square New York guarantee front-row views of the billboards.
Spend the night surrounded by the excitement at the center of it all!
As with any hotel booking, always confirm availability, rates, and amenities directly with the hotels, as details can change.
8. Take a Guided Night Tour
Get insider perspectives on Times Square with guided bus, walking, or bike tours after sunset!
Knowledgeable guides share the area’s history and architecture amid the dazzling lights. Tours include photo stops at top illuminated attractions, so bring your camera!
With an expert guide, Times Square’s sights and stories truly come alive!
9. Visit Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum
Rub elbows with eerily lifelike celebrity wax figures at Madame Tussauds New York!
This iconic museum lets you mingle with over 225 wax doppelgängers of A-listers, historical figures, and pop culture icons.
Pose for selfies with realistic statues of Rihanna, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Audrey Hepburn, and many more in themed exhibits.
Located just off Times Square, it’s a one-of-a-kind nighttime activity for families and friends.
As attractions and exhibits can sometimes change, it’s recommended to check with the museum for the latest information before planning your visit.
10. See a Movie Premiere at AMC Loews
See the brightest stars walk the red carpet at glittering movie premieres held right in the heart of Times Square.
AMC Loews is known for hosting major Hollywood premieres where crowds gather behind barricades to spot celebrities.
Recent premieres at AMC Loews have included hits like Spiderman: No Way Home and The Batman, with star-studded arrivals.
With theaters right on bustling 42nd Street, Loews provides front-row access to the exciting buzz of a Times Square movie premiere at night.
11. Explore Glowing Billboards and Signs
Looking up at Times Square’s towering electronic billboards is one of the best sights after dark.
The bright, color-changing LED and neon advertisements promote Broadway shows, TV programs, products, and more in the world’s most expensive advertising space.
Iconic signs like the Nasdaq screen, Reuters ticker, Times Square Ball, and Disney storefront will captivate you.
The glowing signs create a sensory overload, making you feel like this is where dreams are made of!
12. Take Photos with the Iconic Red Steps
First installed in 2008, these glowing ruby stairs offer a perfect selfie backdrop amid Times Square lights.
The bleacher-style seating provides a great vantage point to watch the bustling streets below and admire the panoramic views of giant billboards.
For an only-in-New York shot, the TKTS red stairs capture Times Square magic perfectly!
Times Square at night is a must-see spectacle bursting with energy, lights, and excitement around every corner.
From taking in a Broadway show to riding pedicabs to grabbing desserts at late night eateries, Times Square offers endless ways to experience its neon lights after dark.
If you’re looking for things to do in the city with your family, you might want to check out our article on the best family-friendly things to do in NYC for suggestions.
With these guides, you surely won’t miss out on all the fun!