Times Square, New York - Travel Info

The famous Times Square is a popular neighborhood and a prominent commercial intersection in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. It is precisely located at junction of the Seventh Avenue and Broadway which is now a pedestrian plaza. Times Square is regarded as an icon in the global scene and is referred to as ‘Crossroads of the World’, ‘The Great White Way’, ‘The Centre of Universe’ and other names. It is usually brightly illuminated and it is among the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world. Today, it also serves as a major center for entertainment industry in the industry.

According to a survey done by a travel magazine in 2011, the Times Square is the most visited tourist attraction in the world and hosts more than 39 million visitors in a year. An estimated 333 000 people usually pass via the Times Square on a daily basis comprising of people who work around the area and tourists from near and far. Formerly, Times Square was known as Longacre Square and it was named back in April 1904 when the headquarters for The New York Times were moved to the Times Building and is now called the One Times Square. This is the place where the ball drop takes place annually on the New Year’s Eve.

The tradition of the ball drop started on 31 December 1907 and now continues to date and attracts thousands of people from all walks of life the Square during New Years. As the city of New York continues to grow, the Times Square has over the years become a cultural hub and is now characterized by upscale hotels, theatres and music halls. The Times Square was quickly transformed into New York’s agora. Now, it is a place where people gather and await for the great tidings to celebrate them. Ranging from a presidential election to a World Series, you will always find something going on at the Times Square.

In 1910s, many celebrities were associated closely with the Times Square, including the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Irving Berlin and Fred Astaire. The place was nicknamed as The Tenderloin during this period simply because it was Manhattan’s mostly desirable location. Unfortunately, this period also show the area besieged by corruption and crime, largely characterized by prostitution and gambling. A police officer by the name Charles Becker was arrested at the Times Square, an event that drew huge attention and was subsequently executed.

Times Square is one of the world’s busiest intersections of commerce and art. Here, you will be stunned by large scores of advertisements- neon, illuminated and electric signs that will catch your attention. Some of the most notable landmarks in Times Square are TKTS booth, Budweiser, Coca- Cola sign, Times Square Studios, One Astor Plaza, Forever 21, Chevrolet clock, Planet Hollywood and Disney Store among others. Some of the major buildings near or on Times Square include One Times Square, Brill Building, Bertelsmann Building, Bank of America Tower, New York Times Tower and The Orion.