Times Square, an energizing New York landmark
A short history of Times Square
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Times Square was originally called Longacre Square. It wasn't until 1904 that it was renamed: the headquarters of the New York Times moved there and, a few months later, the subway station - and the square - were renamed Times Square.
In the 1910s and 1920s, the place was associated with art and culture: music, theater, all the artists went there. By the 1930s, however, it had become an infamous, even dangerous place: lots of crime, prostitution, delinquency... it's not a fashionable place at all: it's really the place to avoid.
Times Square only became fashionable again in the 1990s, when Mayor Rudolph Giuliani decided to implement a zero-tolerance policy. Since then, the district has been renovated and restored to its former glory: it's one of New York's must-see squares. The gloomy stalls have closed to make way for huge, brightly-lit boutiques.
Times Square is New York's most important gathering place: major sporting events, presidential elections, New Year's Eve... On August 14, 1945, two million people came here to celebrate the surrender of Japan. Since then, the biggest crowds gather on New Year's Day, when the clock counts down to midnight: a truly magical moment.
A place not to be missed
For many New Yorkers, Times Square is the symbol of the city: the neon lights, the crowds, the noise, the cabs, the urban fervor... even if you prefer quieter places, Times Square is a must-see. Not to do so would be a bit like visiting Paris without taking a tour of the Champs-Élysées!
The square looks very different depending on the time of day. Early in the morning, it's almost deserted, but the neon lights still shine, and it offers a truly astonishing, almost poetic panorama. If you want to store in New York, this is the place to go. The biggest names stretch over entire floors, hidden behind huge illuminated billboards: gigantic!
But it's at night that Times Square is undoubtedly at its most impressive: neon lights twinkle, yellow cabs honk, New Yorkers gambol from one end of the square to the other without ever bumping into you: it's quite a choreography! Stores are open late into the evening, and numerous restaurants are scattered around the square: you'll never forget your evening in Times Square!
Why did Times Square become so famous?
The extent of Times Square' s renown is no coincidence. Its strategic location in the heart of Manhattan has unquestionably contributed to its renown, and it's a must-see on a 5-day long weekend in New York.
This famous intersection links Broadway and 7th Avenue, two of New York's most important thoroughfares. Formerly known as Longacre Square, Times Square takes its current name from the famous newspaper The New York Times, which made its home here in the early 20th century.
Much more than just a crossroads, this place is the scene of a multitude of grandiose events. Who hasn't dreamed of ringing in the New Year with the traditional Times Square Ball Drop? This worldwide event put Times Square on the international map and continues to maintain its popularity to this day.
Times Square is also a gleaming showcase for American excess. Its vertiginous buildings, adorned with immense advertising hoardings, offer visitors a permanent spectacle. Fascinating and dizzying, the sheer volume of energy and light gives the place a unique atmosphere of almost palpable vibrancy.
Finally, let's not forget that Times Square is above all the entertainment district, with its many theaters, including the famous Broadway. The magic of live entertainment is an integral part of the very essence of Times Square, contributing to its artistic and cultural influence.
