Things to Do in Times Square

Bright lights, big city: gaze up at the ever-changing neon billboards and soak up that iconic New York energy.
By Kirsten McCroskrie

From technicolor adverts to enigmatic street performers, Times Square is a great place to get acquainted with the razzle-dazzle of New York City.

With its larger-than-life billboards, scrolling ads, flashing lights, and bustling crowds, it's no wonder Times Square is one the top attractions in NYC.

Times Square is a great place to start your trip to New York City. There’s a ton of fun things to do in Times Square, so right off the bat, if you're wondering what to do you’ll get to see some of the city’s most popular attractions right here in the Square.

Be sure to take a souvenir photo right in the heart of Times Square with the flashing billboards and advertisements in the background – you might just have to wait for a crowd to pass to get a good shot. As such a busy hive of city action, Times Square a popular spot for street performers to set up shop as well, so you’ll get to see some of the most talented performers while you’re there, too.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Times Square, and these top attractions on your New York Pass should be top of your bucket list!

Big Bus Tours

 

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is one of the best things to do when you arrive in New York City. Start your city tour in Times Square and get a professionally-narrated overview of all of Manhattan.

Stay on for the whole tour and hop back off in Times Square to explore the area more or hop off at another location you want to explore more.

Your onboard tour guide will direct your attention to lots of top landmarks you’ll see along the way, including the Empire State Building, Chinatown, the Broadway Theatre District, and more, depending on which route you take from Times Square.

Madame Tussauds

The world-famous wax museum chain is one of the most popular things to do in Times Square - it’s a must-see and the only way to guarantee a “celebrity sighting” in the city!

Pose with all your favorite TV and movie characters, sports heroes, superheroes, musicians, and more – all under one roof. Walk through themed rooms and check out some of their featured exhibits, too, including King Kong, Ghostbusters, MARVEL Super Heroes 4D, and more.

In addition to seeing some of your favorite celebrities, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the labor-intense artistry and skill that it takes to create these lifelike wax figures.

The Ride

See the streets of New York City transform into multiple stages on this entertaining and interactive moving theater experience.

Sit back as your two comedian hosts narrate your bus ride and take you to see several street performances around the city. You’ll have unobstructed views from the custom bus design’s stadium-style, sideways-facing seats that offer panoramic views of the streets below through the bus’ large windows so there are plenty of things to see.

Tip: be sure to arrive early as tickets are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and often sell out.

Why limit yourself to seeing only a few of New York attractions? With New York Pass you get the above and much more, so the more you see, the more you save!

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New York skyline
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Things to Do in New York City for Adults and Couples

Whether you’re interested in going on guided tours of the city, going museum hopping, or getting out on the water, there are tons of fun things to do in New York City for adults and couples on vacation - the hardest part is choosing which to do!
Casey Makovich
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Cab Etiquette In NYC: All You Need to Know

We’ve all been there. You stayed out a little later than you planned, and you’re a little worse for wear. You need to go to bed, but the city’s unfamiliar to you. The public transport maps might as well be Jackson Pollock paintings. So you do what every single person does in films and TV shows based in New York. You raise your hand, and within seconds a yellow cab’s pulled up beside you. Hopefully you’re on your way in seconds and home safe and sound, but if anything seems off or you need help and advice, read on. Here’s what you need to know about cab etiquette in NYC. Can a cab driver ever refuse me service? Yes, but only if the trip is more than 12 hours long, or if their ‘taxi’ light is off. 12 hour+ journeys are against the law in the US, and only taxis with their lights on are currently working. If you’re staying far out of the city centre, perhaps get in the cab before telling them where you’re going. It might seem sneaky, but once you’re in their cab they are legally obligated to take you to your destination. Crazy, right? My taxi is loud and uncomfortable. What can I do? A lot, thankfully. Riders have rights too, after all. If your driver is on a call or using their phone, they’re being super illegal. Feel free to remind them. If the cab is too hot or cold, depending on the time of year, you can also request they put the air con/heating on. And if their music is too loud, by all means, politely ask them to turn it down or off. Just don’t berate their choice of genre. However, if the driver refuses these, or any reasonable requests, you have the right to get out at any time. And remember to take down their medallion number if you want to make a complaint. It’s on their licence plate, the hood of the taxi, and on your receipt if you request one. What if I’m being loud, and making the driver uncomfortable? Firstly, why...would you... do that? Secondly, while drivers have no legal grounds to ask you to keep it down, have some respect for them. And for yourself. Driving a taxi all day is exhausting, and navigating the hectic streets that never sleep requires concentration. Cab etiquette in NYC, or anywhere works both ways. Be respectful, and you’ll likely earn their respect. And a safer and quicker journey home, too. Should I stare at them creepily through the rear-view mirror? No. No, don’t. Why would you even...? How much should I tip? Tips are big business in New York, as they are in the rest of the US. But sadly you’ll be expected to pay over the odds in the Big Apple. 20% of the fee is the recommended amount. If you’re paying with card instead of cold hard cash, the amount of gratuity will automatically be added to the charge. It could go as high as 30%, so keep that in mind if you’re squeezing pennies. Of course, if you’re an out-of-towner and they’ve been helpful with info or recommendations, why not be a nice little human and show them your gratitude with money? Tipping’s the best way to thank them, but if you want to go above and beyond because they did, hop on the nyc.gov website and leave a glowing review, you selfless beauty. If the driver asks for cash, is it OK to use my card instead? Yes. Every taxi in NYC is required by law to take card, so if your driver says they don’t have a machine or that it’s broken, it’s a ruse. Persist, and victory will be yours. Drivers may also mention they’ve selected ‘Cash’ instead of ‘Card’ and that they can’t reverse the decision. This, too, is a ruse. Stay strong, and wait for the card machine. It’s simply a case of them pressing a single button to make it happen. Also get your receipt - it contains lots of vital information like their medallion number which you’ll need if you lose something in the cab, or want to make a complaint. That’s what you need to know about taxi etiquette in NYC. We hope these tips help. Of course, we’re always open to suggestions, so if you have any other top tips you’d like to add, let us know in the comments below! Stay safe, travelers. Has this cab etiquette in NYC blog satisfied your itch for all things New York? No? Still prefer public transportation? Sure thing, here's more about the metro system in NYC.
Dom Bewley
Blog

Best Things To Do In NYC In Summer 2019

The sun is out, and the only snow you'll see will be dolloped on cones. Yes, summer is finally, finally upon us — time to hang up your windbreakers, hip shakers. If you're looking for something wild to do this weekend, or taking a vacation to the Big Apple, we've got some suggestions that should keep you more than occupied. Here are some of the best things to do in NYC this summer. Starting with... Central Park Bike Tour There's never a better time to take a ride around NYC's most famous park than in summertime. Bring your own bike or rent one onsite, and take a tour around the park's most famous landmarks like the Cherry Hill Fountain, and Strawberry Fields. Ride with a guide for a more educational experience, or go your own way. Whichever you choose, you're bound to have a blast. Gay Pride Celebrate diversity and equality by attending Gay Pride. While events are happening all throughout June, the climax is the NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 30. This year is special as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, a huge turning point for queer rights, so you can be sure it'll be unmissable. Expect performances from LGBTQ icons like Madonna, a huge parade, and plenty to eat and drink. Bryant Park Movie Nights Make the most of the sunshine, grab a few friends, and find the perfect spot in Bryant Park to watch some classic movies. Bryant Park Movie Nights is back, and if you've ever been before you know what to expect. If you've not, don't miss out. There's lots to eat and drink, and you'll have the chance to watch award winners like Goodfellas, as well as cult comedies like Anchorman and Coming To America. Macy's Independence Day Fireworks What better way to get lit this Fourth of July than attending one of the greatest fireworks displays in the country? Macy's annual bang bonanza returns to the Brooklyn Bridge this year. Nothing screams freedom like 75,000 fireworks being set off over the course of a half hour. And while you're there, make the most of your 11% discount at Macy's Herald Square. Coney Island Why not add a little sand and sea to your summer by heading over to Coney Island? Over two and a half miles of beach are at your disposal, so you should definitely find a spot for you and some friends to lay some towels and relax. Go for a swim, or simply soak up some rays under the sun. It's a convenient alternative to an expensive beach holiday, and it's only a train ride away. And if you want to make an evening of it, Brooklyn boardwalk's got restaurants and bars to keep you busy, and then of course there's Luna Park if you fancy some exhilarating rides. Definitely one of the best things to do in NYC this summer! Shakespeare In The Park If you fancy getting a bit of culture, stop by the Delacorte Theater in Central Park for a show. It's open-air, so it's the perfect place to watch some of the world's most famous plays, courtesy of the world's most famous playwright. And you might even catch performances by some of the world's most talented stars! Acting juggernauts like Al Pacino, Denzel Washington, and Meryl Streep have all graced the stage in the past. Summer Streets NYC If you've had a little too much to eat and drink this summer, and you're feeling a little soft around the edges, try your hand at lots of free activities at this year's Summer Streets event. Get your blood pumping with a spot of rock climbing, or ride the huge, breathtaking zipline. You'll also find walking tours, pop-up shops, and plenty more to do once you've burnt off some of those calories. And best of all, seven miles of the city are car-free, so you don't need to worry about breathing in fumes or back-flipping into traffic. US Open Sorry golf fans, this is the other US Open. But in that case, tennis fans - rejoice! The greatest stars in the ball-hitting world will be congregating at Corona Park this August for the US Open. Nets will be skimmed, grunts will echo, and eyes will dart back and forward. As usual, expect plenty of choices when it comes to food and drinks, and music performances too. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise Get a different view of the city's beautiful skyline while making the most of the dwindling summer months by taking a Downtown Sightseeing Cruise. You'll glimpse all of NYC's most iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, and during the hour-long cruise, your tour guide will keep you entertained and educated. 29Rooms Ever wanted to enter the mind of your favorite celebrities and artists? You won't want to miss 29Rooms. As you will gather from the name, 29Rooms is a collection of 29 interactive exhibits designed by celebrities, creatives, and brands for you to get lost in. This year, the theme is 'human connection', so expect politically charged and thought-provoking experiences. Taste Of New York at Brooklyn Brewery If you're out and about, why not stop by the Brooklyn Brewery for a beer to quench your thirst? Brooklyn is world-renowned as the birthplace of the craft beer revolution. And where better to take shelter from the beating sun, and enjoy a nice, refreshing beer than in the establishment that started it all? And if you want, stay for a few more? No judgments here! Diner En Blanc Fancy a colossal picnic where everyone's wearing white? Strangely, we actually have you covered. Diner En Blanc is a little elusive. It takes place in different areas every year, but if you find it, you'll be treated to great food, refreshing drinks, and a night under the stars. A great way to end the summer with a bang. These are just some of the best things to do in NYC this summer!
Dom Bewley

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