Midtown / Times Square

Times Square is home to the glowing lights, New Year's celebration and larger than life advertisements that many tourists picture when they envision New York City. Home to a supersized Toys R US, MTV, CNBC, and numerous other notable landmarks seen in television and movies, Times Square provides overwhelming visual stimulation throughout its crowded arteries. Its theme restaurants and great shopping make Times Square an absolute must-see for all New York visitors as its dramatic, modern capitalist scenery provides photo opportunities to last a lifetime. First time visitors should note that select locals occasionally use phone booths as makeshift urinals or outdoor hotel rooms for discrete prostitution, making it imperative to bring and use a personal cell phone while in the city. Despite these minor drawbacks, in addition to the crowded streets that aren't conducive to claustrophobic travellers or those who value personal space, Times Square is a tourist trap that is well worth all the negatives when compared to the experience of "being there."