Times Square

THEATRE DISTRICT. For nearly a century, the brightest lights, the biggest music, the longest parties and all the star power you could ask for have stemmed from along a few blocks of a street called Broadway. Some of the hardest working performers converge here in the Great White Way for the chance to entertain the world. At one time, this area was a haven for decadence. Seedy sex shops and peep shows infested the area until a successful revitalization effort and the arrival of new tenants like David Letterman paved the way for a new Times Square. Now, it's one of the most influential theater districts in the world. Each year, 26 million tourists walk the theater-laden streets (40 theaters, including 22 landmarks), dine at the various restaurants (over 250 offering everything from fast food to luscious local and international eats) and stay overnight in their choice of 12,500 prime hotel rooms (the hostels are a great experience, too). In addition, Times Square hosts the largest New Year's Eve celebration in the country. Half a million people flock to the square every year to bid the old year goodbye and to welcome in the New Year, New York party style. For discounts on show tickets, be sure to check out the TKTS booth at Duffy Square (where Broadway and 7th Avenue meet) between 45th and 47th Streets. Show availability and seating choices vary, so go early! For more information about the square, stop by the multi-service Visitor's Center at 1560 Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets (only free public restrooms in the area). If you've never been here before, take the subway into the Times Square Subway Station. Walking out of the subway and onto the bustling streets of Times Square for the first time is truly unbelievable and indescribable! TRAIN: 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, N, R to Times Sq-42nd St