Times Square - What exactly is the big deal?

Question

I just got back from Midtown Manhattan this afternoon. So what is the big whip about Times Square anyway? It's jammed packed with people, cheesy gift shops, bright lights, too many commercialized shops and restaraunts (Red Lobster? Come on, how tacky is that??), and burnt pretzels. All the places to eat in Times Square they have here in Columbus, Ohio. I didn't need to go to Manhattan to get that food.

I found the best places to eat were off the beaten path (Spanky's BBQ was awesome). If you ask me Times Square is a bunch of hype. If you're a teenager it's cool, but what else is there to do? Where are the hot clubs that you hear about? Someone help me see the light, please!!!

I'd like to add that yes, it is something everyone should see because it really is fantastic, but after the first 30 minutes or so it's old. Yeah, I was a tourist, but I got bored really quick and had nothing else to do becasue I didn't know where to go. Didn't really want a club, but a local joint to sit and have a frosty mug. Know what I mean, Vern?

Answer 1

the problem chief is that you re an outsider. NYers dont go to Times Square unless you have to like work or otherwise. I usually dont go past 14th Street when I m in Manhattan. But anyway, your prob is that locals dont want to hangout with outsiders because of the whole rube factor. So rubes go to Times Square and see the bright lights. Really, if you want to do the things a NYer does, you gotta get on a subway pick a direction and a destination. Where? WHo cares? If you get lost, hail a cab. Go eat, drink and aw man I suck at this. I ve been the tour guide for my cousins when they came here from Detroit but you know they know NYC better than me(although I live here). I take them to the West Village. They decide to go on their own way the next day. What do they do? They go to the WWF restaurant in Times Square. What the f/uck? Thats why i dont do that tour guide s/hit no more. Best of luck to you bro. BTW I ve been to Columbus, Ohio, and uhmm, I ll say a prayer for you.

Answer 2

To best describe the THING that is Times Square
you've got to first understand that it is not the bricks and mortar
nor is it the particular businesses there----it is the Place Itself
It is one of the world's six primary hub points that it is said that something like one fifth of the world's population will travel to or thru within their lifetime........ At any given minute there you can run into ANYONE from ANYWHERE on the planet.....
On one on my several trips to New York CIty ---in that very place one night I met Andy Warhol just standing on the street with about five of his friends waiting on a cab----
Another trip in ---I was sitting in a little coffee joint and Meg Ryan and Woody Allen came into the place and just sit down at the freaking counter and had coffee until the people there started pressing them for autographs and stuff and they wisked away with the excuse that they were late for a meeting-----------

In short---it's the possibles and the probables about the place that are like no other place on the planet !!! If you were looking to be awed by the scenery and the ambiance of the place---you just missed the entire deal !!!! You can see better scenery and architecture in almost any other place on earth---it's the fact that the place is a hub point for the absolute anything at anytime that is the thing about TIMES SQUARE !!!!

Answer 3

Dunno if you're still in town, but get a pint at 'the Ginger Man' great pub. 30 beers on tap.

Times Square is intense at 2am...the energy is still pouring through... and the lights are pretty. Spankys isnt that great, try RUB (real urban bbq) or Blue Smoke (expensive).

There is no good food in Times Square proper (but there are some good place as you've found a block away on either side)

TimeoutNY.com or buy a copy of timeout on a newstand.
Chowhound.com to find food food food.

The hot clubs are nowhere near times square and they never were. They're mostly right now in the 'meat packing district'.

If you like jazz checkout "fat cat" and "smalls" or the basement of Blue Smoke.

For an insanely good soul food breakfast check out 'pink teacup' (sleazy little place)

Times Square blows.

>email if you want more<

Answer 4

Yeah, I can see what your saying. From my perspective (teenager), Time Square is like a happen place, with all the flashing lights, TRL, etc. But if you take the time to just look around it's just one big advertisment. I went to New York City last spring break and also thought that the historic areas were a lot more intresting then the places like Time Square. Oh, if you ever take another trip NYC, try the steak sandwich at Edwards.

Answer 5

You are dead on in your description. However, some like it that way.
Get off the beaten path, ask the locals where to hang. They're not going to suggest Times Square. Also, you could pick up New York City for Dummies, and learn where to go and who hangs there.

I highly suggest the Meat Packing District for clubs.

Answer 6

I live in the city, and even I realize that Times Square has too much hype surrounding it. Going once in a while with my friends is definitely fine, but more for the sights and bustling atmosphere than anything (and also to play Lazer Tag, but I doubt you're interested in that).

However, I think you're being a little too critical. Times Square is definitely unlike any other city.

Answer 7

It's for tourists -- the most unadventurous kind.