Times Square, New York City

Favorite thing: It's one of those places that defines New York City. Times Square. THE center of the big city. Thoughts of New Year's Eve, the Evening News, etc.

Be prepared to share this NYC spotlight with thousands of friends, no matter what hour you choose to visit. And even though you're one of thousands, you'll still feel special standing in the very heart of the Greatest City in the World.

Times Square is located at the intersection of 42nd street and 7th Avenue/Broadway.

Fondest memory: ...one of my best memories is going to Times Square and just standing there. Sometimes, I needed to pinch myself to think aloud.... "damn, I'm in Times Square".

A very enjoyable area to just browse and walk. Enjoy.

Favorite thing: Be sure to visit the Times Square Information Center as they can provide you with access to mail (maybe only Yahoo mail), information on where and how to get cheaper tickets to Broadway shows and free walking tours. If you want to get cheaper tickets to show you should also check out the Tkts booth on Times Square (www.tkts.com). Apparently you can show up here and get tickets for the evening shows to a reduced price…but remember to bring cash :-). We didn’t go to see any shows so I can’t really give much info about the subject. But we did go to the movies a couple of times in the Times Square area. We tried out both AMC25 and Loews Cineplex and they were both excellent movie theaters with great sound. The movie tickets cost about 10$ per person by the way.



We went for one free walking tour arranged by the Times Square Alliance. The tour lasted about 2 hours and the lady that took us around also did other tours that she informed us about during the walk. In this walk we were taken around in the Times Square area and we got information on how the theatre district has developed to what it is today, how Longacre Square has turned into Times Square, how the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin fits into the Times Square area etc. It was a pretty good tour but maybe a bit long (it lasted a bit more than 2 hours). It was at least clear to see that our guide enjoyed what she was doing and she was knowledgeable.

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Favorite thing: Times Square is a symbol for the vibrancy of Manhattan. With 27,000 residents and an estimated 26 million annual visitors each year, Times Square has changed a lot since it's inauguration 100 years ago. The theaters of Broadway and the huge number of gaudy animated neon and television-style signage have long made it one of New York's iconic images, and a symbol of the intensely urban aspects of Manhattan.

Fondest memory: Times Square is the only neighborhood with a zoning ordinance requiring tenants to display bright signs. One notable example is the NASDAQ sign which cost $37 million to build. The sign is 120 feet high and is the largest LED display in the world. NASDAQ pays over $2 million a year to lease the space for this sign. This is actually considered a good deal in advertising as the number of "impressions" the sign makes far exceeds those generated by other ad forms.

Directions: 42nd Street, Brodway & 7th avenue
Website: http://timessquare.com/

Favorite thing: There are various webcams around Times Square, but the one at the 47th St Digital Store is only 10 feet above the pavement, so the people on line can have a clear view of what's happening. There are phone boxes right beside it, so it's good fun to ring home, tell them to log on and they can see you! If you're lucky, they'll print and save the screen so you can see it when you get home. Try it, it's fun!http://www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/timessquare/livefridays.html

Favorite thing: Street performers in New York, as elsewhere come in all shapes and sizes.

Only in America however could a street entertainer become a 'brand' with his own website, merchandise, and for all I know franchise agreements as well.

I am of course talking about the 'Naked Cowboy' who struts around Times Square with only a pair of workers boots, some clean white underpants, a guitar and a strategically placed vegatable to his name.

He must make a fortune from posing with tourists for photographs, and I presume he gets plenty of offers to keep him busy at night as well.

I just worry what he will do in years to come - the prospect of the 'Naked Grandad' doesn't appeal too much.

See his website at : www.nakedcowboy.com

Favorite thing: Times square when I first visited was a shrine to tackiness - a melting pot of the more shady side of life that is the underbelly of American society.

But times they are a' changing - and the new Puritianism is sweeping this corner of New York along with the rest of the city.

The dirty bookstores and cimema are fewer in number and not clustered together, smoking is virtually impossible and the vagrants get moved on in the blink of an eye.

Fondest memory: One of my favourite theologians was the German writer Paul Tillich. He wrote brilliantly on the human condition in such books as 'The Courage to be'. His family escaped to America before the second world war, and he ended up as a professor in New York.

Sadly, however he ended his days wandering around the porn cimemas of New York - I'm not sure he would have approved of the new Times Square born out of the puritanical, literalist, fundamentalist approach of the city fathers.

Favorite thing: Watching thousands of people from different parts of the world who gathered in that very colourful touristic spot is very enjoyable..
You notice the similarities,the differences between cultures,people...
Most people have smiling faces which is a positive thing :-)

Fondest memory: Find that naked cowboy and tip him for a picture together..

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Favorite thing: Times Square at night draws people from everywhere, most nationalities would be present each evening. The abundance of colourful neon lights injects sparkle into the district and everyone is there for a good time.

The New York Police department have a strong contingent on duty, both men and women officers and the few times we visited Times Square during our short stay we felt safe and secure.

Favorite thing: Times Square Visitors Center

This center is located at 1560 Broadway (between 46th and 47th Sts.)

You can get lots of important information including maps, tourist information, shows and exhibits going on, and many more tidbits.

Ask about special events or sightseeing tours which might be available.

(212) 768-1560

Favorite thing: The Times Square area contains 40 Broadway theaters, 50 supersigns, 27 hotels and over 250 restaurants, food counters, and everything in between.

Most of the theaters are on West 44th and West 45th Street, but they go on right up to 53rd Street.
The photo here is along Shubert Alley.

The supersigns dazzle you with their brilliant neon lights.

Fondest memory: Between Eights and Ninth Avenues on West 46th there is a total of 22 restaurants.

Are you hungry? You have everything to choose from. From Sardi's to the Times Square Brewery take your pick.