5 Reasons to Never Stay in Times Square

The DL – Staying in Times Square: Times Square might seem like a great option on paper when it comes to staying in New York, close to transportation and Broadway shows, but it is usually the cheapest place to stay in New York for a reason. Here are 5 reasons why I never recommend staying in Times Square. 

It’s a Tourist Trap.

It is a tourist trap, everything is overpriced and you can easily be taken advantage of. There are many people that dress up in costumes and charge for pictures, homeless people begging for money, and stores and restaurants that are up charging prices on everything that’s already New York expensive because they know the tourist knows no different. 

It Can be Dirty, Loud, and Bright.

It gets dirty quick, with millions of people coming through Time Square on a weekly basis there is no way to prevent this from happening. With it attracting so many tourists, it is a loud place to stay at all hours of the night something is going on and on top of that, bright electronic billboards are playing at all times. When visiting New York, it’s ideal that your hotel is a place to relax and recharge for the next day’s adventure and many find it hard to do in Times Square. 

The Crowds.

It is very crowded and can be difficult to maneuver around. On average there are around 400,000 people that pass through time square a DAY. Most people come at night for the experience or broadway shows so just trying to maneuver suitcases or running back to your hotel to get something can be very frustrating because of the crowds. 

So Many Chains.

There are many chain restaurants and stores in Times Square which make it hard to really experience New York in its entirety. It’s like when I grew up in Orlando and people said oh I have been to Orlando many times, and then I ask where and they say Disney World… there is so much to do, see, and try outside of the Times Square bubble. By staying somewhere else more local, you force yourself to immerse in the New York culture.

Everyone should visit Times Square at least once on their NYC trip, I just don’t recommend staying there. If this area is convenient to what you want to do on your trip look in other areas of Midtown or by Columbus Circle/bottom of Central Park.