Visiting Times Square: Crowds, Scammers, and Plenty of Energy

Soooooo cool you can see all the ads from BIG Brads and eat a nice hotdog and I really recommend to to wear a I ❤️ NEW YORK (you will get scammed bad)

I don't know why everyone raves about Times Square, it's hugely crowded, stinks of weed and full of scammers of all varieties. Non the less, we found ourselves staying within a 1 minute walk of it.We were well aware of it before visiting, having been before, but should it be your first visit, you'll need your wits about you. Visit early and it's empty, pleasant and a good chance to see all the billboards. We were with young children and its completely overwhelming and overcrowded for them later in the day. You have to be rude to get by, people are pushing past, and the smell of weed is over powering. You'll find scammers such as: character costumes, pestering if you have children with you, trying to interact with your children infront of you to get them to have a photo so they can force you to pay for one. Luckily my children did not respond to them, even when they were being persistent. (The Elmo guy the most annoying of the lot).Fake Monks, trying to give you a bracelet that they end up wanting money for - do not make eye contact, just keep walking and firmly say no.The CD guys - who haven't moved with the times, who buys CD's anymore anyway. Do not respond, do not interact, and do not look at them. They'll try and give you a CD and then demand you pay for it. These are probably the most aggressive of the lot.Half naked cheap women in just a thong and body paint trying to get a photo, predominantly with the males, again to get money out of you for the photo.At night times square gets loud and even more crowded, with performers putting on dance type shows to get donations. Police are everywhere in TS, and despite the obvious scammers accosting people, the police do not seem to do anything. All we saw them do was stand there. It's ok for a quick visit, but otherwise i would not bother.

The place itself was definitely wonderful with a sea of digital billboards that stretch along the street. The busy-ness of Broadway makes you pause there and look around and open your mouth in awe. But while in the middle of that, two women then started to flirtatiously entice me to take a photo of me with them, and I politely declined, and they started showing their "behind" to me (they were wearing New York-themed bikinis with thongs). I almost had to yell out "No" before they finally left me alone. If you accept their offer to take their picture, they will ask for hefty tips like $50 to $100. Maybe to cover their plastic surgery? No idea. But don't fall for scammers and pickpocketers.If your companion is lost, go up the steps at the observation area for a vantage point, and you'll be able to see them. Do not go to the Olive Garden if you're looking for authentic NYC cuisine, and don't shop along the area for NYC outfits! But the theatre merchandise can be found there or near there.

Excellent for photos in the day and at night but unfortunately the area itself is filthy, smelly and full of dodgy characters, my teen daughters were approached by men with disgusting inappropriate comments while they were walking with myself and husband. Seems like the local homeless use it as a toilet as the place stinks of urine, weed ( it’s legalised with plenty of shops selling it) and generally just not a nice area to be in especially when it’s very busy. I wouldn’t stay in the area or recommend even though there are some great hotels to stay in, NYC needs to clean up the area and look after the homeless better.

I was very excited to see Times Square after all these years of seeing it on TV. Completely different in person. It was a horrible experience. My main concern was our group felt VERY unsafe. No police or security anywhere in sight. You are on your own. Had a gang of black men CD Sellers confront us. There were 4 of us and 9 of them. They got in between us and super close to our faces demanding money and accusing of us being racist if we didn't hand over at least $20 each. They try and steal from your pockets when you refuse and some people got threatened to be beat up. It was hard to get away from them but we were able to get close enough together and back out into the street. The sidewalks smell so bad of urine and weed that it's overwhelming. The fake monks and costume people weren't as intimidating they backed off when you said no and kept walking. There are hundreds of people trying to approach you for money. I couldn't wait to be out of the area. The streets have trash thrown all over the place. Homeless people laying drunk in the middle of sidewalks that you have to walk over them. Very disturbing and depressing place. The stores are not worth it. All cheap junk. The food places and carts are filthy. First thought was I'd probably get diarrhea if I ate at them. If you go. My Tips to stay safe are: Don't take cash. Don't leave a wallet inside your pocket where they can tell it is a wallet. Don't make eye contact or walk too close to store walls where they can box you in. Use a fanny pack and not a purse or anything easy to steal. Dress like a bum so you fit in with the rest of them. Don't want them to think you have money. Walk really fast and keep up with crowds walking if able.

If in NYC, you have to take a walk through Times Square. It's the epicenter of the city, full of all of the hustle, bustle, excitement and noise you would expect. It's worth a quick visit, then venture out further to see more of the city. Lots of great Broadway shows to see nearby!

Times Square is one of a kind spot in the world! People from all over the world congregate to this place. The neon signs and advertising turns night into day. Street entertainers, hustlers and tourists make this a busy, fun and exciting place to visit.

Having been visiting NY for the past 15 years it changes every time I come…. and usually for the better. It’s the first time I have come with my wife and kids and its terrible! Time square has increased its pedestrian space but like the other reviewers I agree it’s not a great place to be with the family, especially young kids. Being early risers, we explored it during the morning before 10am and it was ok. However in the evening it’s totally different with the smell of weed and homeless as well as people begging, drunk drugged up. I was pushed face in by some random guy who looked psychotic. Looks like a scene out of the living dead!

Absolutely visit - this is one of the most unique places in the US - indeed in the world. Especially recommend visit at night when lighting is incredible. .If possible, visit both during the day and at night.Square is named for the New York Times, which has its hq on 43rd Street, 1/2 block from the square.

A place of joy - incredible energy at all hours of the day and night; unity, diversity - just an indescribable place and experience!

Wonderful place to go and see, but be careful of street scammers and prices very over priced, if you want gifts and food and drink step away first.

A definite must see but during the day it is extremely crowded, and look out for scammers! At night, or more so very early morning, it is a lot less crowded and the lights are very impressive.

Awful. I had dreamed of seeing Times Square since I was practically a toddler and in under 5 minutes of being there I couldn't wait to leave.Stinks of weed, full of very mentally unwell people screaming, people trying to scam you - my husband got boxed in by the CD sellers and I genuinely thought he was going to get mugged. Basically felt incredibly unsafe the whole time and it's not much to look at anyway.

Picture opportunities for teens and fast food galore. The smell of weed can be a little overpowering at times. If you're staying close to Times Square it is very central for subway lines but don't bother with taxis.

What a melting pot! Fun times just people watching and soaking in the sounds of NYC! The shopping and dining are great too!

Being here in person was incredible. Having watched New Year's Eve programs several times; things look somewhat familiar, but the excitement has to be experienced first hand. All the various people and activity makes for a great adventure. Many people were decorated in costumes for photo ops.

This square is probably the most iconic in the whole world. It is pulsating, crowded, noisy and energetic. Friday evening is the time to be there. As one of the tennagers said; «I feel alive as never before»It is also quite smelly. The odour of cannabis was very present. Sadly

This place during the night is filled with bright lights and digital billboards. It's a place which is to be visited during the night time. The views were amazing. It's a magical place. The place always has huge crowd. It was a great experience.

Have to agree with other reviewers…the smell of weed is overwhelming everywhere ( believe me I am no prude) Flashy lights and advertising hype can not make up for a distinct lack of soul InTimes Square.Overcrowded (March) and very much overpriced. (Decent Breakfast x2 ( nothing flash)..$50 plus tip @20% .evening meal x2 $120 plus tip)Having done a fair bit of of travelling I was surprised I found Times Square so intimidating…maybe just the volume of people, or the signs on lampposts reminding people it is a gun free zone..worth a visit…but not an extended one.

The whole area is great at night and illuminated from all directions. It gets busy are there are always some sort of street entertainers performing.

Unexpectedly uneventful. Not actually a square, more of a lot of buildings with lights on. It was busy dirty and there was nothing to do.

Best seen at night. Lots of digital billboards and lots of people. There are hawkers and all sorts of street entertainment. Significant police presence as well. Gotta see it if just for a few minutes

First trip to NYC. Times Square is full of life and vibrant day or night. Party atmosphere at night. There are people selling stuff and others dressed up as characters where they tempt you to pay for photos with them. Easy to brush them off and a firm but polite No thanks works. A must see.

A tourist hub of hive and activity. Touristy it is, in every sense. But it’s where tourists go to admire the numerous flashy colourful digital screens. For me, this place tells me I’m in iconic New York, I’ve arrived! Loads of theatres, restaurants, bars, clothing shops, souvenir shops, and the famous theatre tickets booth for cheap tickets here. On and off filming and loads of police. A Centre piece of Manhattan. A essential visit. If only once.

I think it’s a place to visit once in a lifetime. It’s overwhelming for a person from the county. There are a lot of people and you have to be careful not to take pictures with the “characters”. I heard they will charge outrageous prices for the picture on your phone. There are billboards playing advertisements on many buildings.