Times Square
When you are in Manhattan you are not thinking about anywhere else in the world. It is the only place that exists because you have everything you need or could possibly want. But if you really want to go to the center of it all then you need to go to Times Square. Spanning between sixth and eighth Av. and west 40th and west 53rd st., it is known as the crossroads of America, the epicenter being at the intersection of 7th and Broadway.
Formerly Longacre square, Times Square has been doing it bigger, better, and usually first for over 100 years. You could see a Broadway play or musical there before they were popular. Times Square hosted names like Fred Astaire and Charlie Chaplin before they were household names. As the birthplace of Vaudeville, MTV and the Naked Cowboy, there is always something for everyone in Times Square.
Times Square boasts a lot of world's bests. World's best coffee is debatable but few outside of Chicago would debate that the world's best pizza can be found right here in Times Square. Try John's pizzeria, a local favorite. You're in the world's most famous play district. If you want to see a Broadway play for half price and don't mind standing in line, go to the famous TKTS booth and you can get tickets for a show on the same day. It's not the only place in Times Square you will see people gathering in a large crowd. If you happen to walk past 1515 Broadway at the right time you will see hundreds of pop culture fanatics outside MTV studios trying to get in on a taping of Total Request Live.
Going to a chain store in Times Square is an experience in itself, it may not be the only Quicksilver, Sanrio or Toys R Us but you can bet that it is the biggest. Think you have been to a Toys R Us before? This multi-level kid's paradise is more like a carnival complete with a 60 ft. high ferris wheel. You can't come to Times Square without seeing Madame Tussauds wax museum, dare I say the worlds' best. Here you can take a picture with the president or your favorite movie star and nobody can tell that he/ she is made of wax. I am not alone in having the opinion that Dale & Thomas Popcorn make and sell the world's best popcorn. Walk by their store in Times Square and you hear people screaming it.
The streaming lights, intoxicating smells, and loud noises of Times Square can be a sensory overload for some but you are never at a loss for something to do, eat, drink, or see. You want to know how the stock market is doing? Just look at the 34 feet high NASDAQ screen. The largest LED sign in the world. There is a wealth of information streaming across LED screens at the intersection of 7th and Broadway. Need a football score or the latest breaking news, no need for an iPhone if you're in Times Square. There is so much to see and do in Times Square you don't even need to have a plan. Just get off the subway at the 42nd st. Times Square stop (served by four lines) and let your eyes, ears, and nose lead you in the desired direction.
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