Times Square is one of the places to see in New York and, for us, a perfect day in Times Square begins with breakfast at the Theatre Row Diner(opens in a new tab). This classic American diner on 42nd Street has the best pancakes in town!
Bryant Park
From there, walk to Bryant Park. In the winter, Bryant Park hosts an ice skating rink and a holiday market. During warmer weather, Bryant Park is home to the ‘Summer Stage’, which presents performances(opens in a new tab) ranging from Broadway shows to weekly outdoor movies, and even an accordion festival! Next door to the park is the main branch of the New York Public Library, where you can walk past the famous lion sentries from ‘Ghostbusters’ to visit the teddy bear that originally inspired Winnie the Pooh.
The Red Steps on Broadway
From here, head up to 47th Street and Broadway, to the giant red steps. Underneath these steps is a discount ticket booth – the TKTS Booth. If you are looking to see Broadway on a budget, this is where you want to buy your ticket. You will be in line with the most die-hard theatre fans. Feel free to ask them if you have any questions!
After acquiring your tickets, climb the Red Steps for the greatest views of the hub that is the Times Square center, great people-watching opportunities, and fabulous photo-ops! Across the street is Grand Slam, which many claim is the best souvenir store in NYC. It is especially famous for its dollar bins where, yes you guessed it, everything costs just a dollar!
If you have extra time, jump into some of the museums near Times Square: Ripley’s Believe It or Not(opens in a new tab) or Madame Tussaud’s(opens in a new tab). Sure, these attractions may be super touristy, but that doesn’t stop them from being fun! Madame Tussaud’s has even opened up a brand new Broadway-themed exhibit.
Food on Ninth Avenue
Once you’ve had your fill of crowds, head over to Ninth Avenue. This is where real New Yorkers eat! You will see tons of restaurants lining the street, each trying to outdo the others with dazzling pre-theatre menus. Find one that makes your mouth water, (one of our favorites is Mom’s Midtown, which has giant milkshakes), then head over to your Broadway show!
After being awed by the glittering costumes and superhuman talent on Broadway, head over to Junior’s, which has what many would consider to be the best cheesecake in New York City! You can sit down and eat in the restaurant, or, get the cheesecake to-go. If the weather is nice, we like to return to the red steps for a nighttime glimpse of all the twinkling lights framing the ‘Crossroads of the World’.