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Things to Do at Night in Times Square

Updated: November 1, 2023

Times Square at any time of the day is a fun place to spend time and visit many attractions. When the sun sets, Times Square lights up and the energy is electric!

You can be at the center of it all by staying at one of the great hotels in Times Square. Below are our picks for fun things to do in Times Square at night.


1. People-Watch

Times Square is a perfect spot to enjoy this popular New York pastime.

Sit down on the famous red steps in front of the TKTS Booth that sells discount Broadway tickets.

TKTS stairs

Find out more about getting discounts on Broadway tickets.


BE GUIDED BY AN AUDIO TOUR

We are proud to provide you with a self-guided audio tour of Times Square, recorded and produced by Katie, a tour guide with us, Free Tours by Foot.

Listen to a sample.

Here is how it works:

  1. Purchase an audio tour ($2.99)
  2. Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map
  3. Enjoy the tour(s).

Our Times Square audio tour is one of 15 NYC audio tours available for download, including one for all of Midtown Manhattan.


2. Experience The Midnight Moment

Midnight Moment is the world's largest and longest-running digital public art program.

Every night from 11:57 pm to 12 am, over 92 digital displays in Times Square are synchronized to display thematic imagery created by contemporary artists.

See the Midnight Moment themes for each month here. Also, there is always interesting installation art in Times Square.

Find out what else is happening in Times Square.


3. Go To A Broadway Show

Seeing a Broadway show is one of the very best things to do in New York City if the theater is your thing.

Broadway shows are more affordable than you may realize! This video explains how you can get great deals on tickets.

And be sure to read our post on the 35 current Broadway Shows.

See these in-depth posts on finding discount Broadway tickets:


4. See Amazing Views From A Rooftop Bar

Times Square has several rooftop lounges where you can take in great views of the lights on Broadway.

Most are located in hotels in Times Square but you don't need to be a guest to stop by for a drink.

One of the best is St. Cloud located above one of the best luxury Times Square hotels, the Knickerbocker.

The view of the Times Square lights is something special!

St Cloud Rooftop Bar

Some other great rooftop bars in hotels in Times Square hotels are:

See our list of other NYC rooftop bars with great skyline views.

If you want to skip the drink and just enjoy the view, see our post, Best New York Skyline Views.


5. Dine On Historic Restaurant Row

Restaurant Row is a New York institution.

On West 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, there are more than 20 long-time restaurants like Barbetta, the oldest Italian restaurant in New York City!

Restaurant Row restaurants offer Broadway showgoers pre-theater prix-fixe menus so you can make your show in time on a full stomach.

You'll find fare from around the world including Italian, French, Brazilian, Japanese, Spanish, American, Chinese, Thai, Middle Eastern, and more!

See the official Restaurant Row website for restaurant listings.

For other dining options, see our list of where to eat in Times Square.


6. See A Comedy Show 

Carolines is where comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Billy Crystal, and Rosie O’Donnell got their start. 

Shows at Broadway Comedy Club last from 90 minutes to two hours long with at least four nationally known headliners.

carolines Comedy Club

LOL Times Square is a casual comedy club that offers a variety of lineups and even has a family option since as we know, New York-style comedy can be a bit raunchy at times. 

Save some money by using the tips from our post, Stretching Your Dollar at the Best NYC Comedy Clubs.


7. Take A Horse and Carriage Ride 

Horse and Carriage rides are not exclusively for Central Park!

Some rides have expanded itineraries that include Times Square. 

There is at least one tour that covers Times Square, Central Park and Rockefeller Center.

Find out about other NYC horse and carriage rides.


8. Hear Live Music

Skip the Broadway show and head to one of these venues and hear live music.

You can find just about every genre in Times Square! 

Jazz club in Times Square

Here are some of the spots where you can find top-notch live performances. Some of these venues also serve food.


9. Visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

The world-famous wax figure museum has over 200 wax figures of famous musicians, A-list stars, sports legends, world leaders, and more.

The Marvel Super Hero 4D ultra-sensory superhero film is fantastic as is the Ghostbusters Dimension Hyper Reality Experience.

Then again, chillin’ next to your favorite celebs is pretty cool too!

See our post on Madame Tussauds to find discounts on tickets.


10. Go Bowling

Bowlero Times Square is a uniquely-themed bowling lounge with different spaces designed around famous NYC places during different eras.

Bowlero

In addition to bowling, you can play video games in the arcade, play billiards, or hang out in their sports bar. 

Bowlero is at 222 W. 44th St. and is open from Monday to Thursday 12 pm - 11 pm; Friday/Saturday 12 pm - 2 am; Sunday 12 pm - 12 am.


11. Relax At A Piano Bar

If you are seeking a cozy bar to enjoy a cocktail and some live music, a piano bar is for you.

Some are mellow and some have a party-like atmosphere, especially those with dueling pianos!

The Rum House

Here are a few great piano bars in Times Square:


12. Shop Late

Stores in Times Square stay open late, many until 10 or 11 pm. See a full directory here.

Disney Store

Three stores that kids -- and the inner kid in you -- will love are:

You might be interested in reading our post on where to get souvenirs in NYC.


13. Take A Nighttime Midtown Manhattan Tour

Times Square is located near so many other of New York City's iconic sights and if you join our pay-what-you-wish Midtown Manhattan Night tour you'll see many of them.

grand central terminal

Stop by the Grand Central Terminal, the Empire State Building, the New York Public Library, the Chrysler Building, and more!

We also offer daytime walking tours of Midtown Manhattan.


More Things To Do In Times Square

Times Square is a hub of activity at all times of the day and night. Find out about all the fun things to do in Times Square.


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About The Author

Courtney Shapiro

Courtney is a lifelong New Yorker fascinated with the city’s history, culture and cuisine. She loves exploring the world, as well as sharing her travel expertise with others. She joined the Free Tours by Foot team in 2011, first as a guide and then as a writer. She has a law degree, a teaching degree and a worn-out passport. Her motto is “Have backpack, will travel”. READ MORE...
Updated: November 1st, 2023
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