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One Times Square

4.7
·901 reviews·New York, United States

The iconic heart of Times Square, now offering a preview experience with the legendary NYE Ball and stunning city views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Lights and billboards are dazzling

CrowdHigh
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One Times Square - Image 1

One Times Square

Best Time

Evenings

Lights and billboards are dazzling

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The iconic heart of Times Square, now offering a preview experience with the legendary NYE Ball and stunning city views.

4.7
(901 reviews)

"One Times Square, the iconic heart of Manhattan’s Times Square, is a must-see for anyone visiting New York City."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Preview Tickets Early

Limited preview tickets are available for the One Times Square experience. Book in advance!

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to take in the sights.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic NYE Ball

The Iconic NYE Ball

One Times Square

Get up close to the legendary New Year's Eve Ball and even take home a commemorative crystal piece.

TikTok+2
360° Observation Deck

360° Observation Deck

One Times Square

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Times Square from a unique vantage point.

TikTok+2
Glass Elevator Ride

Glass Elevator Ride

One Times Square

Ascend in a glass elevator offering dynamic views of the bustling Times Square below.

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Planning Your Visit

Unlock the Icon: One Times Square Preview

After decades, One Times Square is finally open for a preview experience! Get up close to the legendary NYE Ball and enjoy 360° views. Tickets start at $28, but book ahead as dates are limited before the full 2026 opening. TikTok+2

Navigating the Spectacle

While the exterior is a dazzling spectacle, the interior offers a unique perspective. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak times. Consider visiting just before midnight for a less crowded experience with synchronized animations. Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Lights and billboards are dazzling
Crowd
High
When
Just before midnight
Why
Less crowded, cool screen animations
Crowd
Medium
When
Select dates before/after NYE
Why
Exclusive access to the ball experience
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

✨ One Times Square has opened its doors to the public after decades! ✨ Be among the first to explore exclusive preview l🎉🎆 @One Times Square 💖 I highly recommend getting both experiences! The NYE Ball is even bigger and more stunning up close than you’d imagine! ✨ Are you planning to visit? Drop a comment below! 👇 #thingstodoinnyc #onetimessquare #timesquare
@raysa_explore_nyc
215 likes • 8K views

🎯 Book Preview Tickets Early

Limited preview tickets are available for the One Times Square experience. Book in advance! TikTok+1

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to take in the sights. Reddit

One Times Square is now welcoming guests to a preview experience like no other. Snap views from every angle, get up close to the iconic NYE Ball, and take home a sparkling Crystal. ✨ Tickets now available at the link in bio #OneTimesSquare
@onetimessquarenyc
682 likes • 46K views
Are you planning to visit One Times Square ? 🪩🎉 📍One Times Square 🗓️ now open 🎟️ starting at $28
@sincerelymaureen
201 likes • 4.7K views

📸 Capture the Lights

The billboards are mesmerizing, especially at night. Get your camera ready! TikTok

💰 Budget for Extras

Consider the Crystal Gift experience for a unique souvenir. TikTok+1

✨ The time has come to finally adventure to the One Times Square Preview Experience - opens tomorrow! Thank you @One Times Square for hosting me to a sneak peek of this one of a kind NYC experience that will be a must visit! Starting at just $28, you’ll be able to take a scenic elevator ride above @Times Square NYC and enjoy a 360-degree viewing deck. For additional add-ons, you can also see the N...
@adventurous_anders
66 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Preview Tickets Early

Limited preview tickets are available for the One Times Square experience. Book in advance! TikTok+1

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to take in the sights. Reddit

📸 Capture the Lights

The billboards are mesmerizing, especially at night. Get your camera ready! TikTok

💰 Budget for Extras

Consider the Crystal Gift experience for a unique souvenir. TikTok+1

🚇 Easy Subway Access

One Times Square is conveniently located above major subway lines. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(901 reviews)

Reviews Summary

One Times Square is a must-see for its iconic status and dazzling billboards, offering a unique preview experience with close-ups of the NYE Ball and panoramic views. While the surrounding area can be overwhelmingly crowded and touristy, the attraction itself provides a memorable glimpse into a global celebration hub. Reddit

"I can understand why the locals avoid Times Square.

It's way too crowded. On every corner, there are self-proclaimed street artists (not) demanding $10+ for a photo. The shops and restaurants are all tourist traps. I even wouldn't book a hotel near Times Square either.

Tip: Come to Times Square just before midnight. It's much less crowded then, and there's a cool synchronized animation on all the screens in the square.

Otherwise, it's best to avoid it."

Mike

"I will say, coming from Seattle, I felt a lot safer walking through Times Square at 2am than I do walking Seattle in the daylight. We were not bothered at all and it was quite the experience any night of the week!

There are they people that try to sell you photos of you they just took very Vegas vibes but they don't hound you, just display your photo as you walk by!"

Shauna Toretto

"One Times Square, the iconic heart of Manhattan’s Times Square, is a must-see for anyone visiting New York City. Located at the bustling intersection of Broadway and 42nd Street, this 25-story building is less about its architecture and more about its electrifying presence. Covered in dazzling LED billboards and neon signs, it’s a visual spectacle that pulses with advertisements and news tickers, embodying the city’s relentless energy. The building’s historical significance shines through its role in the New Year’s Eve ball drop, a global tradition that draws millions to its doorstep annually.
While the building itself isn’t open to tourists (it’s mostly commercial office space), its exterior is the real star, transforming Times Square into a glowing media hub. The massive digital displays are mesmerizing, especially at night, though the crowds can feel overwhelming. Accessibility is a plus—right above major subway lines—but don’t expect serenity; this is NYC at its loudest. For a quick visit, it’s unbeatable for capturing the essence of Manhattan’s vibrant chaos. Just snap a photo, soak in the lights, and move on to quieter corners of the city 🏙️"

Shahzad Saeed

What People Like

Iconic NYE Ball experience
Stunning 360° views
Dazzling billboards

What People Dislike

Overwhelming crowds
Tourist trap perception

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

One Times Square is centrally located at the intersection of Broadway and 42nd Street. It's easily accessible via multiple subway lines, including the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, 7, and S trains, all stopping at Times Square-42nd Street station. Reddit

Yes, One Times Square is extremely well-connected by public transport. The Times Square-42nd Street subway station is a major hub, making it very convenient to reach from anywhere in the city. Reddit

The most common approach is via subway to the Times Square-42nd Street station. From there, you'll emerge directly into the heart of the action. Walking from nearby areas is also an option, but be prepared for crowds. Reddit

While there are parking garages in the vicinity, they can be very expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation to avoid parking hassles and costs. Reddit

Yes, One Times Square is impossible to miss! Its iconic billboards and central location make it a landmark that's easily identifiable. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for the preview experience start at $28, with options for the Crystal Gift experience. Prices may vary depending on the specific package and date. TikTok+2

Tickets are available for purchase online through the official One Times Square website. It's recommended to book in advance, especially for limited preview dates. TikTok+1

The preview experience generally operates daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM with scheduled entry times. However, hours can change based on the season or specific events. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

Currently, only a preview experience is available, offering access to specific areas like the observation deck and the NYE Ball exhibit. The building is primarily commercial office space. TikTokReddit

To access the specific preview experiences, such as the observation deck and NYE Ball exhibit, a ticket is required. The exterior of the building and Times Square itself are publicly accessible. TikTok

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

The preview experience allows you to get up close to the iconic New Year's Eve Ball, walk on a glass floor, and enjoy 360-degree views of Times Square from a unique observation deck. TikTok+2

You'll get stunning 360-degree views of Times Square, offering a unique perspective of the vibrant billboards and bustling streets below. TikTok+2

The visual spectacle of the billboards and the experience of seeing the NYE Ball up close can be exciting for children. The glass elevator ride also offers a unique thrill. TikTok+1

Yes, photography is encouraged to capture the unique views and the New Year's Eve Ball experience. TikTok+1

The Crystal Gift experience allows visitors to take home a commemorative piece of the iconic New Year's Eve crystal ball. TikTok+2

📸 📸 Photography

The observation deck offers unparalleled 360-degree views for capturing the entire Times Square panorama. Getting close to the NYE Ball is also a prime photo opportunity. TikTok+2

For photography enthusiasts, the unique perspectives and the iconic New Year's Eve Ball make it a worthwhile visit, especially for capturing the essence of Times Square. TikTok

While daytime offers clear views, nighttime is when the dazzling billboards and lights truly come alive, creating a vibrant and iconic New York City photo backdrop. TikTok

Yes, the observation deck provides a unique angle to photograph the massive digital billboards that define Times Square. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always good to check for any specific signage or guidelines provided by the venue on the day of your visit. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

One Times Square offers a visually stimulating experience that can captivate children. The dazzling billboards and the chance to see the New Year's Eve Ball up close are definite highlights. The glass elevator ride also adds an element of fun and excitement. TikTok+1

While the area can be crowded, the preview experience provides a more structured and engaging way to experience this iconic location. Consider visiting during off-peak hours if possible to manage crowds. The interactive elements, like touching the NYE ball, make it memorable for younger visitors. TikTok+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, One Times Square is a dream. The 360-degree observation deck offers unparalleled views of the entire Times Square panorama, perfect for capturing the iconic cityscape. The chance to photograph the New Year's Eve Ball up close is also a major draw. TikTok+2

Nighttime is particularly spectacular, with the vibrant LED billboards creating a dynamic and colorful backdrop. Experiment with different angles and settings to capture the energy and scale of this unique urban environment. TikTok

✨ Budget Travelers

While Times Square itself is free to experience, the preview attraction at One Times Square has an entry fee starting at $28. TikTok+2 However, for those looking to truly immerse themselves in the iconic New Year's Eve Ball experience and get unique views, it can be considered a worthwhile splurge. TikTok+1

To save money, focus on enjoying the free spectacle of the billboards from street level and consider visiting just before midnight for a less crowded, yet still impressive, experience of the area. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Evolution of One Times Square

One Times Square, originally the New York Times Building, has a rich history dating back to 1904. Designed by Cyrus L. W. Eidlitz, it was once the headquarters of The New York Times and gave its name to the surrounding area. For decades, its exterior has been a canvas for iconic billboards and advertisements, making it a globally recognized symbol of New York City's vibrant commercial energy. TikTokReddit

While the building itself is now primarily commercial office space, its significance as the site of the world-famous New Year's Eve ball drop cannot be overstated. Millions tune in annually to watch the descent of the glittering ball, a tradition that has cemented One Times Square's place in global culture. The recent opening of a preview experience allows visitors to connect with this history in a tangible way, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of this iconic landmark. TikTok+1

The transformation of One Times Square from a newspaper hub to a dazzling advertising facade and now a tourist experience reflects the dynamic evolution of Times Square itself. It stands as a testament to the area's enduring appeal as a center of entertainment, media, and celebration. TikTok

Experiencing the New Year's Eve Ball Drop

The New Year's Eve ball drop at One Times Square is a globally recognized tradition, drawing millions to witness the iconic descent of the glittering ball. This event has become synonymous with ringing in the new year and is a bucket-list item for many. TikTok+1

The preview experience at One Times Square offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the actual New Year's Eve Ball. Visitors can marvel at its intricate design and even have the chance to take home a piece of its history with the Crystal Gift experience. This provides a more intimate connection to the tradition than simply watching from afar. TikTok+1

While the full spectacle of the ball drop happens on New Year's Eve, the preview experience allows you to appreciate the ball's grandeur year-round. It's a chance to understand the craftsmanship and the cultural significance behind this beloved annual event. TikTok+1

The Visual Spectacle of Times Square Billboards

One Times Square is perhaps most famous for its colossal, dazzling LED billboards that dominate its exterior. These ever-changing displays of advertisements and news tickers are a defining feature of the Times Square landscape, creating a vibrant and electrifying atmosphere, especially at night. TikTokReddit

The sheer scale and brightness of these digital screens are a visual feast, embodying the energetic pulse of New York City. For visitors, it's an immersive experience that surrounds them with light and motion, making them feel at the very center of the city's buzz. TikTok+1

From the observation deck at One Times Square, you gain a unique perspective on these billboards, seeing them from above and appreciating their intricate integration into the urban fabric. It's a chance to witness the power of advertising and media on a grand scale. TikTok