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General Web
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Location : 42nd Street and Broadway The location is considered by many to be the centre if not the heart of New York. It is probably the busiest place in New York day or night. Towering up from the street are the huge bill boards and posters trying to grab your attention as well as multitude of ticker tape displays all competing to give the latest news and stock market results. Times Square was named in 1904 after the New York Times newspaper tower that stood there. The Times moved in on New Year's eve with a fireworks display and this tradition has continued each year since with the famous countdown to midnight. Thousands jam the Square every New Years eve to watch the lighted ball descend to mark the New Year. In 1928, the Times posted election results on the world's first moving sign around the base of the building. The newspaper has since moved to a new location but the news wire that it established still remains, even if it has been upgraded over the years.
It is estimated that over one and half million people pass through Times Square everyday and is almost always throbbing with crowds of people that include tourists, residents, hustlers, preachers and others. Beware that since Times Square is such a drawcard for tourists it is also a drawcard for those that make their living from tourists. Therefore beware of pick pockets and scam artists, remember to keep a tight grip of your purse and don't carry your wallet in your back pocket.
Times Square is also one of the major entertainment centres of the city. You'll find a variety of entertainment for both adults and the family. There are a number cinema complexes located here including Sony theatres inside the Virgin Mega Store. Down some of the side street you will also find more of the entertainment that Times Square used to be famous for, Adult and XXX rated theatres. However as Times Square is being promoted more and more as a tourist and family location, so these venues are being pushed further and further out.
Time Square is also a hub of shops and merchandise, but beware that the prices that you pay here are considerably more expensive that you would expect to pay in some of the better known discount areas of the city. In and around Times Square you'll find the Virgin Mega store, with one of the largest selections of CD's and music in the world, The Disney store ( corner 42nd & Seventh Ave ) and plenty of places selling New York souvenirs.
TKTS
Booth Here you are able to purchase discount tickets for plays and musicals on the day of performance. Discounts range from 25% - 50% but the price also includes a small handling fee and must be paid with cash or travellers cheques. You may have to wait in a long queue before you can actually purchase tickets so beware. There are other TKTS booths located around the city.
New York Tourist &
Information Centre This is an essential stop for any visitor to New York City. Here you will find a wealth of information to assist you better experience the city. Make sure that you take any brochures that are of interest and pick up bus and subway maps. There is also a free walking tour at noon every Friday.
Also here in Times Square you'll find some good, if a little expensive, places to eat. They range from the up market All-Star cafe for the sports minded to the simpler ( and heaper ) Howard Johnson's Diner. There is something for everyone here in Times Square.
Come day or night, you'll find the place a hive of activity both on and off the streets. Make sure that you come and see it both during the day and at night. Times Square is one of the must see places in New York just be prepared for some jostling on the sidewalk as you mix it with people from New York and all over the world !
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