We recently returned from New York and cannot express enough our disappointment at how it has changed for the worse. The allowing of pan handling and the smoking of weed everywhere has turned this city back at least 25 years. This was such a disappointment to us as New York used to be a place we visited on a regular basis and loved, but I am afraid this was probably our last visit. The city is dirty, and stinks. We saw many people hanging around shop fronts trying to persuade people to part with their money and although we felt safe on the subway, the same cannot be said about Time Square.

We spent the day walking around Times Square and visiting many of the unique stores like the m&m and pele stores and had a great time. It was crowded and busy, but that is 2 b expected in Times Square. The only thing we were disappointed about was the area was set up for NYE days before blocking access the the red stairs and other landmarks. My kids absolutely loved seeing all the “characters” dressed up and roaming the area. Caution if you try 2 take a photo with them they will want u 2 pay. We decided the life size Dino was worth paying to take a pic with😂

We were staying a two minute walk from Time Square so not only visited it but passed through it many times during the day and night. The only time we saw it quiet was 6.30am on the way to Ellen Stardust, every other time is was vibrant bustling and busy. It was great to be there practically on your own you could see everything and the steam coming up from the grates early morning. Time Square is such an iconic part of New York it is known the world over through films and it is just fabulous to stand in the middle do a 360 and marvel in the fact you are actually there. There is always something going on and lots to see. The place went wild when Argentina won the world cup. There a loads of shops from known brands to souvenirs and places to eat as well as copious street vendor carts. Not sure if it always the case but the NYPD are on every corner, it might have been because it was Christmas or the norm, they are all super friendly and helpful and if you stuck stop and ask them for help, they were brilliant every time we did. You can pick up the subway to other parts of town from here, grab a yellow cab or jump in a pedicab which are super fun. For me it is the hub of the city and a must go to day and night.

It’s a little overrated but it’s certainly a must see in New York City. The light boards are larger than life and it best to see them at night. It is certainly very crowded but makes for an excellent photo opportunity. There’s a lot of good stores in the square and you can’t go to New York City without going to Times Square.

Day before NYE and all the TV crews etc are there getting ready for the main event. How busy is it just like on TV. We even came across Carlo's bakery (cake boss on tv) I was so made up.

On first sight, we were amazed and so excited to be there having grown up seeing it on TV for years. All of life and so colourful, incredible and a must see. However, as our trip went on we found it a bit wearing and tried to avoid it a bit more if we could. One of the cd sellers tried to push a disc into my sons hands but I’d prepped him so he knew not to take it.

We’ve visited New York twice and both times stayed at Times Square so we could be centrally located. It’s such an iconic place and loved it the first time (2012). The second time (Dec 2022) wasn’t as great. Marijuana has been legalized and so there are a couple stores set up that sell it, which is totally fine - each to their own. What we didn’t appreciate was all the people smoking it and us having to walk through and breathe the secondary stinky smoke as we were walking around site seeing. We’re a non smoking family with two teenage daughters and we were a little repulsed by it. Further to that there are a lot more ‘dodgy characters’ hanging around the area with some making inappropriate comments to the girls. If we ever visit again we wouldn’t stay at Times Square. It’s still a must see place to visit when visiting the big Apple, but not a great place to stay.

We visited and walked through Times Square quite a few times during our stay in New York, and definitely, the best time to visit it's at night. The visuals are insane and it feels surreal to be there, the downside it's that it is quite crowded and there are many scammers. During daytime it's not as crowded and it's way more easy to walk around, but you can't really experience the iconic visuals and bright lights. There are a lot of stores around and they're quite stunning, so even if you don't buy anything is just cool to go inside and check them out. We also went to Times Square on Halloween, (around 4pm), to take some pictures with our costumes but after 15 min the vibe and started to feel weird and a bit sketchy, so we decided to leave.

Times Square is an amazing place, it shows you that New York is the city that never sleep. Everything is at 100mph. You do feel like your in the centre of the universe. Your spilt for choice when it comes to food and drinks. It can be a little uneasy late at night as people do mother you to buy things, but I suppose you get that anywhere in any city centre around the world.

At night you can really take some stunning pictures. Remember to use the amazing diversity of lights, the smokey drains, and tall buildings! Shopping is also great, and 5 store Macys is a personal favorite.