A complete guide to visiting Madame Tussauds New York

What do Taylor Swift, Elon Musk, RuPaul and Pennywise the scary clown have in common? That’s right: you’ll find all of them immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds New York.

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: November 10, 2025
Anna Wintour in the Glow Gala at Madame Tussauds

You’ve seen them on stage, on screen, in the latest copy of Marie Claire and pretty much all over your socials. Now here’s your chance to meet some of the planet’s most famous faces in real life. Well, kind of. Tay-Tay, Timothée Chalamet, Gaga, Bieber, the Kardashians: they’re all here at Madame Tussauds New York. Or, at least, their wax doppelgangers are.

We’ve got the lowdown on...
 

  • What to expect when you visit this Times Square landmark
  • Must-sees in each of the different zones
  • Interactive fun with your fave A-listers
  • Where it is and how to get in
  • The VIP add-on options

Ok, gimme the backstory…

Everybody knows Madame Tussauds, the famous London waxworks museum that’s been producing and showcasing wax effigies of the rich, famous and infamous for nearly 200 years. But did you know it now operates in a further 19 locations across four continents? Well, now you do.

Opened in 2000, New York’s Madame Tussauds outpost is located smack bang in the heart of Times Square and boasts a collection of some 200 figures over five floors. We’re talking Hollywood giants like Audrey Hepburn, Angelina Jolie and The Rock, pop icons Drake, Beyoncé and Dua Lipa and sporting heroes Vini Jr and Yao Ming. And that’s just for starters. You can also take a seat in the Oval Office, strut your stuff on the catwalk and enter the Hunger Games with Katniss.

Give me five good reasons why I should visit…

Groot at Madame Tussauds

In our humble opinion:

  1. Glow Gala: For party-time A-list selfies with megastars including RuPaul, Priyanka Chopra, Anna Wintour, Kim Kardashian, Tom Cruise and Katy Perry (dressed as a chandelier, obvs).
     
  2. MARVEL Hall of Heroes: Say hey to Groot, Hulk, Loki and the gang.
     
  3. Seasons of New York City: Because who doesn’t want to go walking in a winter wonderland with Queen of Christmas Mariah Carey?
     
  4. Warner Bros. Icons of Horror: Are you brave enough to face off with Pennywise the clown, creepy doll Annabelle, a demonic nun, or Regan from The Exorcist with her cute lil’ head-rotating trick? Well, are you?
     
  5. The Oval Office: See that big red button under the desk? Whatever you do, don’t press it…

How do I find the place?

Easy. It’s on 42nd Street right in the heart of Times Square, between 7th/8th Avenues. 

Bus: take the Downtown route to Stop 1 or the Uptown route to Stop 20.

Subway: hop off at Times Square 42nd Street, 42nd Street Bryant Park or Grand Central 42nd Street.

How do I get in with my New York Pass?

No need to book in advance. Just pitch up, flash your pass at entrance staff and take the elevator straight up to the A-list rooftop schmooze-fest.

Ok, tell me a bit more about what I can see and do there…

Mariah Carey at Madame Tussauds

Sure. There are several zones included with your New York Pass, plus a few add-ons that will cost you extra. Here are the main areas you can expect to encounter…

Glow Gala

Rub shoulders with Hollywood’s brightest stars for the ultimate Insta bragging rights. Grab a drink at the bar and – oh! – is that Kris Jenner over there? This rooftop shindig gets the party started in style with a strictly A-list guest list that includes Anne Hathaway, Johnny Depp and Katy Perry trapped in a chandelier, all set against a glittering Manhattan skyline backdrop.

Star on Broadway

Dance on a giant piano, accompanied by none other than Andrew Lloyd Webber, before diving into scenes from two of the maestro’s most beloved musicals: Cats and Phantom of the Opera. There’s also a chance to recreate several iconic Hollywood moments here: enter the Hunger Games arena with Katniss and take to the skies on E.T.’s magic flying bicycle.

Guest Star on the Tonight Show

Grab selfies with Oprah and Good Morning America’s Michael Strahan, before sitting down to a grilling from the big kahuna: Jimmy Fallon himself. Well, wax Jimmy Fallon. The good news is he’s likely to go easier on you with the questions – and patiently suffer more selfies – than the real deal would. 

Sit in the Oval Office

Meet the current POTUS which – at time of writing – is Donald Trump. Ponder just how the waxperts managed to color-match that trademark mahogany tan, before taking your seat at the massive Resolute Desk and signing executive order after executive order with a sharpie.

Warner Bros. Icons of Horror

Buckle up for the next section, in which horror fans can board a freaky-looking subway car to enter the terrifying world of Hollywood’s most-feared characters. We’re talking shapeshifting clown Pennywise from IT, head-spinning sweetie-pie Regan from The Exorcist, and Annabelle and the utterly demonic Nun from The Conjuring universe. Accordingly, this one is recommended for ages 13+. Indeed, anyone of even a vaguely nervous disposition might want to consider giving this frightfest a wide berth.

Seasons of New York City

There’s Insta gold to be had here, where you can pose for selfies beneath pink cherry blossoms with Selena Gomez, perform with the famous Radio City Rockettes, hail a classic yellow cab with Drew Barrymore, have breakfast with Audrey Hepburn and – surely the pièce de résistance – hang out with Mariah in her winter wonderland. It’s all you ever wanted for Christmas… and then some.

MARVEL Hall of Heroes

Meet your favorite Marvel superheroes and some of the bad guys, too.  Get smash-happy with the Hulk, go barking up the wrong tree with Groot, and strike a selfie pose or six with Spidey, Loki and Captain Marvel. Marvelous.

Walk the Runway

Ready for your close-up? Strut your stuff on the catwalk as flashbulbs pop just for you. Bit camera shy? Fear not: Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio is there to boost your confidence with fashion tips and runway knowhow. Your catwalk strut will be captured for posterity on video, meaning you can share it with your thousands of adoring Insta followers or, y’know, quietly delete it and pretend it never happened.

Music

Your dream festival line-up is right here at Madame Tussauds. Well, it is if your dream festival line-up includes Beyoncé, Harry Styles, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Bad Bunny and Megan Thee Stallion which, quite frankly, why wouldn’t it? Dazzle with Dua, dance with Drake and shake it with Shakira: the stage is yours.

Anything else to see? 

Of course. With over 100 figures in the collection there’s always something or someone else you can goggle at. Presidents, Hollywood royalty, actual royalty, moon landers, sport stars and giants of art and science: they’re all here. You can even take a deep dive into the life and times of Madame Marie Tussaud herself, complete with death masks and the story of how she first discovered her aptitude for wax art (and nearly got herself beheaded) during the French Revolution.

What other facilities are there? 

Shop at Madame Tussauds
  • There’s a bar in the Glow Gala zone, and you can get snacks and drinks with Leo DiCaprio at the Park Corner Café and Bar in the Seasons of New York City area. There are also a couple of other concession stands inside the attraction.
     
  • The gift shop carries a veritable treasure trove of (mainly) I Love NYC products – everything from socks to keychains and tumblers. You can also stock up on NYC apparel, backpacks, ornaments and more here.

I’m done here, where should I go next? 

The Times Square location puts you handily close to several other Big Apple big-hitters. Not only does your New York Pass get you into Madame Tussauds, it also grants you access to the following (very) nearby attractions:

You mentioned optional extras…

Jimmy Kimmel at Madame Tussauds

Wait, all that wasn’t enough for you? Ok, here are some of the add-ons you can book…
 

  • Photo Pass: buy this for unlimited digital downloads at Madame Tussauds photo kiosks. You can download straight to your mobile and share your celeb selfies right there on the spot.
     
  • Wax Hands: Incurable souvenir hunters, rejoice! For here’s a chance to immortalise your fingers (and thumb) in wax. Simply stump up the required $18 (per hand), select a colour, strike your favorite hand pose (peace sign, devils horns or clenched fist for the win) and hey presto: your own fair hand, perfectly preserved in wax for all eternity.

Enjoyed this little slice of New York? 

Take your trip to the next level with our complete guide to using The New York Pass or check out our local expert's NYC must-sees, all filled with visitor hacks and money-saving tips. 

With The New York Pass®, you can skip the stress and save big on Empire State Building tickets plus dozens of other must-see attractions, all with one easy-to-use pass. 

🗽 Don't explore the Big Apple without this 
💰 How much can you really save in NYC?

 

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

Build your unique New York itinerary with our trip planner

Who's going?
Adult
1
Child (3-12)
0
How many days?
What do you want to see?

Continue reading

People at a crosswalk in NYC
Blog

New York City tourism: how safe is NYC for tourists?

TV, news and social media might have you wondering, 'how safe is NYC for tourists?' But we're here to put your mind at ease: the truth is that New York City is one of the safest big cities in the world, meaning you're free to enjoy the very best New York attractions the city has to offer! Visitors are constantly under the protection of the city's vigilant police force. Having said this, that doesn't mean that you don't need to be cautious to stay safe. If you're visiting New York and you're wondering if New York City is safe, do some research to prepare yourself for your trip. Familiarizing yourself with the city's hazards, and being pragmatic, and prepared is all you need to ensure peace of mind. How safe is NYC for tourists? The crime rate is relatively low in New York City. When crimes occur they usually don't take place in tourist-heavy areas around Manhattan. For example, most sightseers are unlikely to visit Harlem, the Bronx, or other boroughs where crimes are most likely to occur. That being said, there are a few things a tourist in New York City should be wary of. Is Central Park safe at night? As any local will tell you, it's never a good idea to go through Central Park at night. While Central Park is an iconic tourist attraction during the day, it is technically supposed to be closed late at night and in the early hours of the morning. The vast majority of cases of crime and violence in the park occur at night. It may seem tempting to take a stroll in Central Park after dark, but it's safer to wait for the sun to come up. Generally speaking, you want to stay away from areas of the city when they are empty and deserted. Is the Financial District safe? Many commercial areas of the city like the Financial District tend to become deserted after business hours. The fewer people there are in an area, the less safe it's likely to be in a big city. Is the New York subway safe? It's especially important to be vigilant on the subway in New York, and avoid taking the train late at night if possible. If you're riding the subway, try to stay in cars where there are many people rather than choosing a vacant car. Being in an empty train car isn't a safe option for tourists, particularly if you look lost (or are actually lost) or are new to the city.  Probably the biggest threat in New York is pickpocketing. Protect yourself by wearing a wallet on the inside of your clothing and staying away from panhandlers. Tips for staying safe in NYC ❗Try to look like a local. When you're dressing for sightseeing, try to take note of what the locals are wearing and emulate that if you can. If there's a thief or pickpocket around, they're going to target those who seem unfamiliar with their surroundings. Don't openly wander around with your head buried in a map - familiarize yourself with NYC's grid system, and plan your movements over breakfast or brunch. Soon you won't need a map to travel. ❗Keep your valuables well hidden. To avoid pickpockets, always make sure that your valuables are hidden. Be discreet when you're using your smartphone or a digital camera. Showcasing any valuable possessions regularly could prove to be dangerous and make you a prime target for mugging. ❗Travel in groups when you're unfamiliar with an area. If you're not familiar with the city and you're vacationing in a group, try not to go off by yourself. Being alone and obviously from out of the area could make you a target if you have the misfortune of finding yourself around the wrong people. There are plenty of tours available with The New York Pass® ❗Research destinations before you go. The more research you do, the better able you'll be to find what you're looking for. The nyctourism.com website is a great place to start for researching essential information to help you feel like a local before you get there. ❗Ask police officers for help. During your stay in New York City, you're probably going to see many of the ubiquitous NYPD cars and officers. You can expect New York City police officers to be very helpful when it comes to providing directions, and addressing any concerns you have about safety or dangerous situations. ❗Take extra precautions in touristy places like Times Square. Never leave your valuables unattended - and don't put your purse on the floor or hang it off the back of your chair while dining. Remember, asking if NYC is safe doesn't matter if you disregard all precautions, so just because NYC is considered one of the safest cities in the world to travel to, you still need to be careful in any city that is considered safe to visit. Experience everything New York City has to offer with The New York Pass®  Planning your New York trip? With The New York Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. So go grab a New York attraction pass and go see all the city's best bits!  ✈️ Buy The New York Pass® ✈️ 
Go City Expert
RiseNY exterior
Blog

A complete guide to visiting RiseNY

Have a blast with NYC’s storied past and experience an immersive, high-flying grand finale.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
New York skyline with the Statue of Liberty in the foreground
Blog

Most Popular Tourist Attractions in New York - Top 10

No one could ever accuse The Big Apple of lacking bite when it comes to world-beating tourist attractions. From Brooklyn Bridge to the bright lights of Broadway, Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, MoMa to The Met, and the Empire State Building to Edge, there’s something for everyone here, and then some! Dive in for our guide to 10 of New York’s most popular tourist attractions… Central Park NYC icons don’t come much bigger than Central Park. Explore 843 acres of manicured gardens, rocky ravines and pleasant glens but, fear not, if that sounds like a lot of hard work there are over 9,000 benches on which to rest weary legs. And, you know, you can also just leave your adventurer hat at home and potter around a few key Central Park attractions instead. We’re talking the peaceful, elm-shaded Strawberry Fields memorial to John Lennon, the romantic Bethesda Fountain, the meandering path that snakes around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Belvedere Castle, a fairytale folly that doubles as a weather station. Hire a bicycle to see the sights at a leisurely pace or – why the heck not – strap on your roller skates and cruise the broad leafy avenues in style. The Statue of Liberty Believe it or not, the Statue of Liberty isn’t even one of NYC’s most-visited attractions, despite being indisputably its most iconic. That’s because the majority tend to view it from Manhattan observation platforms (more on these later), or perhaps from the Staten Island Ferry, rather than disembarking at Liberty Island itself for the real deal. But in fact nothing beats getting right up close with a roundtrip to Ellis Island, where you can visit the Immigration Museum and even set foot inside sections of the Green Goddess herself. Those with a head for heights will likely thrill to the idea of getting right to the heart (or indeed crown) of the definitive emblem of American freedom, with a 354-step climb up the internal staircase and into the famous headgear. A positively regal experience. MoMA If you’re only going to visit one art museum in New York, make it MoMA, the most popular and arguably the best. Here, over 200,000 pieces of 20th and 21st Century art occupies some 700,000 square feet of prime Midtown Manhattan real estate. Dive in for some of the most famous modern masterpieces on the planet, including Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory, Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, to namecheck just a few. In a word: wow. Natural Highs New York has more sky-high observation decks than you can shake a very large stick at, many of which feature regularly in lists of the most popular tourist attractions in town. It’s not hard to see why. Just zip to the top of the One World Trade Center, Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center and let those far-reaching views across the iconic Manhattan skyline do the talking. You can even (gulp) take an al fresco stroll across the top of the 30 Hudson Yards building at relative newbie Edge, an experience for which only those with nerves of absolute steel need apply. Check out our comparisons between some of the biggest hitters here and here. American Museum of Natural History Who doesn’t love a natural history museum, am I right? And this one’s a doozy. Set inside a purpose-built 19th-century Romanesque Revival building on the edge of Central Park, its labyrinthine interiors showcase millions of ancient relics that chart the entire story of life on Earth. Highlights of this mind-bogglingly vast collection include a 122-foot-long titanosaur skeleton, a 34-ton section of the 200-ton Cape York meteorite, an Easter Island head statue, and an epic butterfly vivarium with around 1,000 of the free-flying critters.  Times Square It’s a fact universally acknowledged that no one leaves Manhattan without first bagging a selfie amid the dazzling lights and iconic yellow cabs of Times Square. Heck, you can even have your beautiful face beamed onto the huge digital billboard – your 15 seconds of fame for a mere $40. Bargain. Grand Central Terminal It takes a special kind of train station to make it into any city’s top 10 most popular attractions, let alone somewhere like NYC, but then the Grand Central Terminal is no ordinary station. Insta addicts flock to this Beaux-Arts beauty for its epic architecture and features that include a massive astrological ceiling mural (2,500 stars, fact fans), glittering chandeliers, the famous four-faced information-booth clock, and a fun whispering gallery. So good, in fact, that you’ll probably miss the train you rushed here to catch. 9/11 Memorial and Museum Built on the former site of the World Trade Center, this stunning memorial and museum tells the human stories behind the tragic events of September 11, 2001, combining moving personal testimonies and memorabilia with multimedia presentations to provide a real insight into the day's events. The courageous stories told by survivors and first responders are frankly awe-inspiring, and twin reflecting pools – each almost an acre in size – provide serene spots for quiet remembrance. Coney Island Unleash your inner child in the birthplace of the theme park. There have been rides at Coney Island since the late 19th Century and the oldest ride still operating here – the 150-foot-tall Wonder Wheel in Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park – has been thrilling kids young and old for well over 100 years now. For more modern kicks, hit up the revived and revamped Luna Park, where 21st-century coasters with names like Cyclone, The Tickler and Thunderbolt are every bit as nerve-jangling as they sound.  Broadway Yes, Broadway shows can be a little pricey, but there’s really no better place on the planet to take in a spot of high-end drama or musical theater. Here’s where the likes of Meryl Streep, James Earl Jones, Julie Andrews and Idina Menzel cut their teeth. And where you, dear reader, can see the stars of today (and tomorrow) singing their lungs out at huuuge shows like Chicago, Hamilton, Wicked and The Lion King. Indeed, an evening of musical theater on Broadway might just be the quintessential Manhattan night out. Save on New York’s most popular tourist attractions Save on admission to New York attractions with the New York Pass. Check out @NewYorkPass on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Empire State Building Observatory
Edge

Have a 5% discount, on us!

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

One World Observatory
Top of the Rock Observation Deck