Times Square Shopping in NYC — A Complete Guide
General Shopping District Information
| Official Name | Times Square Shopping District (managed by Times Square Alliance) |
|---|---|
| Address | Centered at Broadway & 7th Ave, from 42nd to 47th Streets, New York, NY |
| Borough | Manhattan (Midtown / Theater District) |
| Inauguration | Evolved over the 20th Century; major retail boom in the late 1990s. |
| Operator | Times Square Alliance (Business Improvement District) |
| Number of Floors | Varies by building (street-level to multi-story flagships) |
| Total Number of Stores | 100+ stores, restaurants, and attractions |
| Cinema Information | Yes. Features two major multiplexes: AMC Empire 25 (25 screens) and Regal E-Walk 4DX & RPX. |
| Parking | No dedicated parking. Numerous private garages are available but are extremely expensive. Public transit is essential. |
| Pet-Friendly | Sidewalks are public and pet-friendly, but extremely crowded. Individual stores only permit service animals. |
| Sustainability | Managed by the Times Square Alliance, focusing on public space sanitation, pedestrian flow management, and public recycling. |
| Architectural Style | A dense cluster of modern commercial buildings, famous for their digital and neon billboard facades. |
| Main Access Routes | Times Sq-42nd St subway station (1,2,3,7,N,Q,R,W,S lines) and 42nd St-Port Authority (A,C,E lines). |
| Official Website | timessquarenyc.org (Times Square Alliance) |
| Operating Hours | Varies; stores are often open late (e.g., 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM or later). |
10 Nearby Shopping Centers & Districts
| Shopping Center / District | Approximate Distance | Internal Link |
|---|---|---|
| Bryant Park Shops | 0.3 miles | Bryant Park Shops |
| 5th Avenue Shopping District | 0.3 miles | 5th Avenue Shopping |
| 34th Street Shopping District | 0.7 miles | 34th Street Shopping |
| Rockefeller Center Shops | 0.5 miles | Rockefeller Center Shops |
| Macy’s Herald Square | 0.7 miles | Macy’s Herald Square |
| The Shops at Columbus Circle | 1 mile | The Shops at Columbus Circle |
| Diamond District | 0.3 miles | Diamond District |
| Manhattan Mall | 0.7 miles | Manhattan Mall |
| The Shops at Hudson Yards | 1.2 miles | The Shops at Hudson Yards |
| Theater District Shops | 0 miles (you are in it) | Theater District Shops |
Approximate distances from Times Square (42nd & 7th) by walking. Times may vary.
5 Featured Stores & Attractions
25 Relevant Stores and Services
- M&M’s World
- Hershey’s Chocolate World
- Disney Store
- Krispy Kreme Flagship
- Line Friends Store
- Hard Rock Cafe Rock Shop
- Sephora
- H&M
- Gap
- Old Navy
- Levi’s Store
- Foot Locker
- Lids
- Skechers
- Pelé Soccer
- Miniso
- Grand Slam New York (Souvenirs)
- I Love NY Gifts (Various)
- Sunglass Hut
- AMC Empire 25
- Regal E-Walk 4DX & RPX
- Madame Tussauds (Gift Shop)
- RiseNY (Gift Shop)
- TSX Broadway
- McDonald’s
Store directory changes frequently in this high-turnover area. Check official brand websites.
Dining Options (Featured Restaurants)
Times Square is famous for its large, themed, family-friendly chain restaurants.
Pet-Friendly
The Times Square district is a public, outdoor space, so leashed pets are permitted on the sidewalks and pedestrian plazas. However, it is an extremely crowded, loud, and overstimulating environment that may be stressful for many animals. Individual stores, restaurants, and theaters do not allow pets, only certified service animals.
Sustainability and Environmental Policy
The Times Square Alliance (BID) is responsible for the district’s public spaces. Their key environmental initiatives include:
-
- Sanitation: A dedicated sanitation team works 24/7 to clean the streets and remove trash.
- Public Recycling: The Alliance manages numerous public recycling bins throughout the district to divert waste from landfills.
* Pedestrian Flow: By managing the public plazas, they promote walking and reduce vehicle congestion within the “bowtie.”
Useful Tips for Visitors
-
- Be Prepared for Crowds: This is the most crowded place in New York City. Be patient and keep your belongings secure.
- Stores Open Late: Many flagships in Times Square stay open until 11:00 PM or midnight, making it a great spot for late-night shopping.
- Costumed Characters & Scams: Be aware of costumed characters who will demand a “tip” for photos, as well as CD sellers and ticket scalpers. You are not obligated to pay them.
* Best for Tourist Goods: This is the epicenter for “I Love NY” t-shirts, souvenirs, and brand-heavy gifts (like M&M’s and Hershey’s).
- See a Show: The district is home to Broadway. Buy tickets in advance or visit the TKTS booth in the red steps for same-day discounts.
Fun Facts
- Times Square is named after *The New York Times*, which moved its headquarters to the Times Tower (now One Times Square) in 1904.
- One Times Square is the building where the famous New Year’s Eve Ball Drop happens. It is now almost entirely vacant, serving only as a platform for its billboards.
- It is often called “The Great White Way” due to the brilliant illumination from its billboards, which began in the 1920s.
- The Krispy Kreme flagship features a 24-hour “hot light” and a doughnut-making theater.
District Rules and Procedures
-
- Times Square’s pedestrian plazas are public spaces, but commercial activity (like street vending) is highly regulated.
- Do not block pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks.
* Costumed Characters: While they are legally allowed to be there, they must stay within designated “Activity Zones.”
- Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the pedestrian plazas.
Other Services and Infrastructure
- TKTS Booth: The famous red steps in Duffy Square, offering same-day discount tickets for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.
- Times Square Visitor Center: Provides tourist information, maps, and a public restroom.
- Broadway Theaters: The district is home to over 40 professional Broadway theaters.
- Public Plazas: Numerous seating areas and tables are available for pedestrians to rest and people-watch.
Related Guides
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Sights & Attractions
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Shopping Guide for NYC & Surrounding Areas
Manhattan
Malls & Shopping Centers
- Brookfield Place
- East River Plaza
- Fulton Center Shops
- Macy’s Herald Square
- Manhattan Mall
- Manhattan Village Shops
- Manhattan West Plaza
- The Oculus Plaza Shops
- The Seaport
- The Shops at Columbus Circle
- The Shops at Rockefeller Center
- The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards
- Time Warner Center Shops
- TurnStyle Underground Market
- Westfield World Trade Center
Markets & Food Halls
Shopping Districts & Famous Streets
- Fifth Avenue Luxury Stores
- Herald Square Retail District
- Madison Avenue Shops
- Meatpacking District Boutiques
- SoHo Shopping District
- Times Square Retail Hub
Brooklyn
- Atlantic Terminal Mall
- Gateway Center Brooklyn
- Industry City Shops
- Kings Plaza Shopping Center
- Liberty View Industrial Plaza
Queens
The Bronx
Staten Island
Surrounding Areas
Long Island
- Americana Manhasset
- Broadway Commons
- Green Acres Mall
- Roosevelt Field Mall
- Roosevelt Raceway Center
- Sunrise Mall
- The Source Mall
- Walt Whitman Shops
Westchester & Upstate NY
- City Center White Plains
- Cross County Shopping Center
- Crossgates Mall
- Palisades Center
- Palisades Village Shops
- Ridge Hill Shopping Center
- Shops at Nanuet
- The Galleria White Plains
- The Westchester
New Jersey
- American Dream Mall
- Bridgewater Commons
- Brunswick Square Mall
- Freehold Raceway Mall
- Garden State Plaza
- Hackensack Commons
- Hudson Mall Jersey City
- Livingston Mall
- Livingston Town Center
- Menlo Park Mall
- Monmouth Mall
- Newport Centre Mall
- Newport Centre Shopping Complex
- Newport Plaza
- Paramus Park Mall
- Paramus Towne Square
- Plaza at Harmon Meadow
- Riverside Square Mall
- Rockaway Townsquare
- Short Hills Mall (The Mall at Short Hills)
- Westfield Garden State Plaza
- Westfield Trumbull
- Willowbrook Mall
Popular Outlets (NY & NJ)
- Jersey Gardens (The Mills at Jersey Gardens)
- Tanger Outlets Deer Park
- Tanger Outlets Riverhead
- The Outlets at Bergen Town Center
- Woodbury Common Premium Outlets











