Herald Square New York City
Iconic NYC hub centered around Macy's, famous for holiday magic, historic charm, and bustling city life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better shopping
Herald Square New York City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better shopping
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic NYC hub centered around Macy's, famous for holiday magic, historic charm, and bustling city life.
"Experience the magic of Macy's holiday windows and historic wooden escalators in this bustling NYC square."
⏳ Beat the Holiday Rush
Visit Macy's holiday displays early in the season or on weekdays to avoid peak crowds.
🕰️ Ride a Piece of History
Don't miss the chance to ride the historic wooden escalators inside Macy's!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Macy's Herald Square
151 W 34th St
Iconic flagship store, famous for its holiday windows and historic wooden escalators.
Wooden Escalators
Macy's Herald Square
Ride one of the last operating wooden escalators in NYC for a unique historical experience.
Greeley Square Park
Between 32nd and 33rd Streets on 6th Avenue
A charming urban oasis perfect for a quick break amidst the city bustle.
Herald Square Monument
Herald Square
Admire the historic monument featuring owls with glowing green eyes, a nod to the old newspaper.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Crowds
Beyond the Department Store
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Beat the Holiday Rush
Visit Macy's holiday displays early in the season or on weekdays to avoid peak crowds.
🕰️ Ride a Piece of History
Don't miss the chance to ride the historic wooden escalators inside Macy's!
🌳 Relax in Greeley Square
Take a break in Greeley Square Park, a peaceful spot with seating and public art.
🦉 Discover the Owl Monument
Seek out the unique monument with green-eyed owls, a quirky piece of Herald Square history.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Beat the Holiday Rush
Visit Macy's holiday displays early in the season or on weekdays to avoid peak crowds.
🕰️ Ride a Piece of History
Don't miss the chance to ride the historic wooden escalators inside Macy's!
🌳 Relax in Greeley Square
Take a break in Greeley Square Park, a peaceful spot with seating and public art.
🦉 Discover the Owl Monument
Seek out the unique monument with green-eyed owls, a quirky piece of Herald Square history.
🛍️ Explore Holiday Markets
Check out the festive holiday markets that pop up around Macy's during the season.
🚶♀️ Enjoy a City Stroll
Herald Square is a great starting point for exploring Midtown Manhattan on foot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Herald Square is a vibrant and iconic New York City hub, primarily known for the flagship Macy's store and its festive holiday displays. Visitors appreciate the historical elements like the wooden escalators and the lively atmosphere. However, the area can become extremely crowded, especially during peak shopping seasons and holidays, which can detract from the experience for some.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Herald Square is easily accessible via the NYC Subway. The 34th Street–Herald Square station serves multiple lines, including the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W trains.
It's also a major bus hub, making it convenient to reach from various parts of the city.Yes, Herald Square is a short walk or one subway stop away from Penn Station. You can easily reach it by walking west on 34th Street or taking a quick subway ride.
Walking is the best way to explore Herald Square and its immediate surroundings. For longer distances, the subway is efficient. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available but can be subject to traffic delays.
Parking in this area of Manhattan is notoriously difficult and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation rather than driving. If you must drive, look for parking garages, but expect high fees.
While there isn't a direct ferry stop at Herald Square, you can take a ferry to Midtown Manhattan and then transfer to the subway or walk. The closest ferry terminals are typically further downtown or in Brooklyn.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Herald Square itself is a public space and does not require tickets for entry. However, attractions within the square, like Macy's, have their own entry policies.
Herald Square is always accessible as it's a public square. However, individual businesses and attractions within the square, such as Macy's, have their own operating hours, which vary.
There is no entrance fee to enter Macy's Herald Square. You can browse the store freely, though purchases will naturally incur costs.
Macy's typically unveils its famous holiday windows in mid-November and they remain on display through early January.
The holiday markets themselves are free to enter and browse. You only pay for any items you choose to purchase from the vendors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond Macy's, you can admire the historic monument with its owl statues,
relax in Greeley Square Park, enjoy street performers, and experience the unique wooden escalators inside Macy's.Yes, there are public restrooms located in Greeley Square Park, offering a clean and accessible option for visitors.
The green-eyed owls are part of a monument dedicated to the founder of the New York Herald newspaper, reflecting a historical connection to the area.
Yes, Herald Square and the adjacent Greeley Square Park feature various public art installations and monuments, adding to the area's character.
Absolutely! Herald Square is a bustling intersection of commerce and transit, making it a prime spot for observing the diverse flow of New Yorkers and tourists.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Herald Square offers a wide range of dining options, from quick bites within Macy's to numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding blocks. You can find various cuisines to suit your taste.
You'll find everything from fast food and casual eateries to more upscale dining. Many international options are available, reflecting the diverse culinary scene of NYC.
Yes, there are many affordable options, including delis, food carts, and fast-casual restaurants. Exploring the side streets can often lead to hidden gems with reasonable prices.
Absolutely. Numerous coffee shops, bakeries, and snack vendors are located throughout Herald Square and within Macy's, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
While not a traditional large food court, Macy's itself has various dining options, and the surrounding blocks host numerous eateries that offer a similar variety of choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the grandeur of Macy's facade, especially during the holidays,
the historic monument with its owls, and the lively street scenes. The wooden escalators inside Macy's also make for unique shots.Yes, Herald Square is a vibrant area with plenty of photo opportunities. Be mindful of crowds, especially during peak times, and respect personal space when taking pictures.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. However, the square is also very photogenic at night when illuminated by city lights and holiday decorations.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, professional photography or videography may require permits, especially within Macy's or for commercial purposes.
Macy's offers unique photo ops with its iconic holiday windows,
the historic wooden escalators, and the sheer scale of its flagship store. The Thanksgiving Day Parade finale also provides a spectacular backdrop.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a break, Greeley Square Park provides a safe space for kids to stretch their legs. Public restrooms are available in the park, which is a convenient amenity for families. While the area can get crowded, especially during peak seasons, planning your visit during weekdays or off-hours can make it more manageable.
🛍️ Shoppers & Bargain Hunters
The holiday markets that pop up around Macy's offer a chance to find unique gifts and artisanal products. While Herald Square is known for its major retailers, exploring the side streets can sometimes reveal smaller boutiques or discount stores. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking and standing.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The monument with the green-eyed owls offers a quirky and distinctive element for your photos. The lively street scenes and potential for street performers add to the photographic opportunities. For the best light, consider visiting during the golden hours or at night when the square is beautifully illuminated.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Macy's Herald Square
The store is world-renowned for its elaborate holiday displays, including the iconic Thanksgiving Day Parade finale and the breathtaking Christmas windows that draw crowds from around the globe. During the holiday season, Macy's also hosts special holiday markets, transforming the area into a festive wonderland.
Exploring Macy's Herald Square is an experience in itself, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of retail history and the festive spirit of New York City. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the iconic shopping and holiday traditions of Manhattan.
Herald Square's Historical Roots
Beyond its newspaper origins, Herald Square has evolved into a major commercial and transportation hub. The iconic Macy's department store, which opened its flagship location here in 1902, has been a cornerstone of the square's identity. The wooden escalators within Macy's are a tangible link to the early days of mechanized retail.
Today, Herald Square continues to be a vibrant public space, blending historical landmarks with modern urban life. It serves as a gateway to Midtown attractions and a testament to New York's enduring ability to preserve its past while embracing the future.
Seasonal Spectacles and Events
In addition to the window displays, Herald Square hosts vibrant holiday markets in partnership with Urban Space Markets, offering unique gifts and festive treats from a variety of vendors. These markets, often set up just outside Macy's, create a lively atmosphere perfect for holiday shopping and soaking in the festive spirit. The area also plays a significant role in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, serving as the grand finale location where Santa Claus officially kicks off the holiday season.
Beyond the winter holidays, Herald Square is a dynamic public space that often sees street performers and community events, adding to its lively character throughout the year.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit