The Times Square Visitor's Center

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can't Get There from Here?

Every day, Counselors at the Times Square Visitor's Center assist vistors to Times Square with a variety of issues. Below please find a listing of the questions we're most frequently asked, along with the answers.

1. What festivals or events are taking place in and around New York City?

Anything and everything is happening in the Big Apple, all night and all day, every night and every day. For a look at what's going on in Times Square, check out our homepage, our What's New/What's Hot page, and our Events page. For events throughout New York City, websites like www.nycvisit.com are a great place to start. While you're in town, please be sure to stop by the Times Square Visitor's Center.

2. How do I get a message (marriage proposals, birthday wishes, etc.) put up on a giant billboard in Times Square?

Around these parts, we like to call those giant electronic signs or billboards "spectaculars." Both Toys R Us Times Square and Hershey's Times Square do offer visitors the chance to see their faces or messages on the large screens on their respective stores.

Please check out our guide to Advertising in Times Square for detailed information on renting space on the neighborhood's big screens.

3. Where and when can I see the ball lowered on New Year's Eve?

Visit the New Year's Eve section of this website for the answers to all your New Year-related questions.

4. What kind of family-friendly activities are available in Times Square?

For starters, check out Toys R Us, Mars 2112, MTV's Total Request Live (TRL), Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, The Hard Rock Cafe and many of the Broadway Shows. Other family-friendly New York City attractions located near Times Square include the Children's Museum of Manhattan, American Girl Place, the The Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum and the Build-a-Bear Workshop.

5. What are some good places to dine in Times Square?

There are a multitude of restaurants in Times Square, catering to all tastes and all budgets. Restaurant Row, on West 46th Street between Broadway and 9th Avenue, contains some of the City's most famous eateries. For a comprehensive listing of Times Square restaurants, check out our Interactive Map and Guide.

6. How can I receive information (maps, guides, etc.) prior to my arrival in Times Square?

First of all, Sign Up for regular Times Square email updates. You can also contact the Times Square Visitor's Center for additional information.

7. What are the locations and hours of the TKTS booth for the sale of theater tickets?

You can go to www.tdf.org to get information on the TKTS booths, which offer same-day discounted tickets to dozens of Broadway and Off Broadway shows.

The TKTS booth at Duffy Square, at 47th St. and Broadway, offers discounted tickets to same-day performances for Broadway, Off-Broadway, dance and music events. Tickets are discounted at either 50%, 35% or 25% off the full price (plus a $3.00 service charge); payment is by cash or traveler's check only. Availability can change hourly, as cooperating theaters supply tickets. Hours: Monday-Saturday 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday & Saturday matinees 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to closing.

Don't want to wait on line? TKTS also has a second booth located at South Street Seaport (at the corner of Front and John Streets), open Monday through Friday, 11am - 6pm, and Saturday from 11am - 7pm. In addition to shorter lines, this location offers day-of-performance tickets as well as a limited number of matinee tickets sold one day prior to performance date. TKTS accepts only cash or travelers checks.

For more information on getting tickets to Broadway shows, click here.

8. What are the key shopping areas in New York City?

There are numerous shopping areas located throughout New York City. See our Interactive Map and Guide for some of the most popular shopping spots in Times Square. You can also visit the Times Square Vistor's Center to receive an Official NY City Guide or a New York Shopping Guide brochure.

9. What's the best way to see New York City?

We suggest a walking tour, like the one that begins at the Times Square Visitor's Center every Friday at 12pm.  You can also take a Circle Line Cruise or travel like a true New Yorker via mass transit.