Times Square at any time of the day is one of my favorite spots to hang out.
That said, when the sun sets, the signs light up and the energy is electric!
I'm a tour guide for New York Tours By Foot, and I've spent a lot of time in and around this unique area of New York City.
So, I decided to write this article covering some of my favorite activities after dark.
You can be at the center of it all by staying at one of the great hotels in Times Square.
Below are my picks for fun things to do in Times Square at night.
But first, let Katie, a fellow tour guide of mine, take you on a virtual walking tour of Times Square.
Since it is a major intersection in New York City, Times Square almost never closes, although there will sometimes be film shoots that you might need to be aware of or move around.
This area of the city services both vehicle and foot traffic 24/7.
However, some of my personal favorite things to do after dark aren't open all day, so you'll have to factor that into your trip.
If you're just visiting to take photos and experience Times Square from the outside, it's probably just as good to come later at night as it is to come in the morning.
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 reduced price 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, New York Tours by Foot.
Listen to a sample.
Here is how it works:
- Purchase an audio tour
- Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map
- 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.
Experience The Midnight Moment
If you've ever wondered "what happens in Times Square at midnight?", wonder no more!
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.
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 how to get discounted tickets to Broadway shows.
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!
Some other great rooftop bars in hotels in Times Square hotels are:
- Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge at the Moxy
- Bar 54 at Hyatt Centric
- cloudM at citizenM
- Haven Rooftop at Sanctuary
- 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar at Margaritaville Resort
- Dear Irving on Hudson at Aliz Hotel
- The Terrace at Times Square EDITION
- High Bar New York at DoubleTree By Hilton Times Square West
See our list of other NYC rooftop bars with great skyline views.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Find out about other NYC horse and carriage rides.
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!
Here are some of the spots where you can find top-notch live performances. Some of these venues also serve food.
- The Iridium - jazz
- Birdland - Jazz
- Swing 46 - swing music and jazz plus swing dance lessons
- Victor’s Cafe - Cuban music
- Haswell Green’s - various genres
- Sony Hall - various genres; advance tickets required
- 54Below - swing music, Broadway tunes, and more; advanced tickets are required.
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 deals on tickets.
Go Bowling
Bowlero Times Square is a uniquely-themed bowling lounge with different spaces designed around famous NYC places during different eras.
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.
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!
Here are a few great piano bars in Times Square:
- The Rum House is at the fabulous Hotel Edison.
- Bar Nine has dueling pianos as well as other types of music.
- Shake Rattle N’ Roll also has dueling pianos.
- Don't Tell Mama NYC is a piano bar that also has two cabaret showrooms and a restaurant.
Shop Late
Stores in Times Square stay open late, many until 10 or 11 pm. See a full directory here.
Three stores that kids -- and the inner kid in you -- will love are:
- Hershey’s Chocolate World - 20 Times Square building at 701 Seventh Ave.
- M&M's World - 1600 Broadway at W. 48th Street
- Disney Store - 1540 Broadway between W. 45th & 46th Sts.
You might be interested in reading our post on where to get souvenirs in NYC.
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 Midtown Manhattan Night tour you'll see many of them.
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.
Does Times Square Have a Night Life?
Things tend to remain active in this neighborhood throughout both the day and the night, but if you're visiting on a weekday at 3 am, you might find it a bit quiet.
That said, especially during weekends and most warmer months, you'll find that Times Square is pretty lively well into the night.
If you're wondering what there is to do in the area late at night, here are a few ideas:
- Go to a Comedy Club
- Some shows don't even start until 11 pm
- Go Bowling
- Bowlero is open til 2 am some nights
- Get a Meal on Restaurant Row
- Some of these locations accept reservations until 11:30 pm
- Visit a Rooftop Bar
- Most of these bars are open relatively late
- Go Clubbing
- There are plenty of bars and clubs in the area
Overall, Times Square isn't typically viewed as a location with an amazing night life, but there are some fun and interesting things to do here even after midnight.
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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