Spotlight: New York City - Times Square

Spotlight: My spotlight for May will be New York City. We went there five years ago, and I want to try to keep my spotlights within a five year time frame, so I figured I better spotlight it now. Now I realize that Times Square isn't off the beaten path. In fact, it is the second most visited tourist attraction in the world. But if you go to New York City, it is a must. Besides, it fits my other criterion - you get plenty of bang for your buck because there is no price of admission.

Location: Manhattan, NYC; between Broadway and 7th Avenue; from 42nd to 47th streets: Times Square

Time: Variable

Cost: No admission; but things are pricey

Description: Times Square is most famous for its internationally televised New Year's Eve parties; but it also hosts other major events throughout the year. It is lined with huge neon and LED signs that carry everything from advertisements to election results. And of course, you can see the famous Times Square Ball.

New Years Eve ball

 

- Times Square is a great place to "people watch." At any given time, you can see as wide of a variety of people as anywhere on Earth. And that's not even counting the dozens dressed in superhero and cartoon outfits hoping you'll dole out a couple of bucks to take your picture with them.

Planet Hollywood

- Restaurant Row (46th Street between Broadway and 9th Street) includes world-famous restaurants specializing in cuisines from all over the world. Many are the favorite haunts of Broadway stars, and even some of the chefs are celebrities in their own right. Since we had kids, we decided to eat at Planet Hollywood. The food was good and the ambiance was awesome - particularly if you are a movie buff.
- In addition to restaurants, the streets are lined with stores. These aren't your typical stores either; they've been accessorized with New York glamour and glitz. For example, my girls loved exploring the Toys R Us Store - and riding the Ferris Wheel. Maybe the best way to describe it is Toys R Us on steroids, decked out in bling. Other popular stores include The Disney Store, M&M World, American Eagle, Forever 21, and dozens more.

M&M World

Toys R Us store

- Broadway parallels Times Square, and that means drama. There are dozens of theaters showing many of the world's most popular theatrical productions, both past and present. You can purchase discount tickets at the TKTS booth at the northern end of the square near the statue of Francis P. Duffy.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: Times Square is crowded, attracting about 40 million visitors annually, and about 360,000 pedestrians a day.
- The whole area has been converted into a pedestrian zone.
- Because of the crowds, you want to keep an eye and a hand on all of your valuables - including your kids. The first thing you may want to do is set up a highly visible meeting spot in case someone gets separated from your group.
- Be prepared to pay more if you shop in Times Square. Since it's prime real estate, prices are higher. You can easily find the same things for less even a few blocks away.
- If you like yoga, Times Square hosts an annual yoga event every year on the summer solstice. If you don't like yoga, it might not be the best day to visit since it is extra crowded.

View from the The Rock

- There is a smoking ban (including outdoor smoking) on the whole plaza.

Central Park

Nearby: Radio City Music Hall, the Rockefeller Building, the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Intrepid Air & Space Museum, Carnegie Hall, and Macy's