Times Square

A cultural hub packed with theaters, music halls, and posh hotels illuminated by bright, high-voltage neon lights, Times Square perfectly captures New York City’s “city that never sleeps” attitude.

History of Times Square 

Times Square was originally called Longacre Square and was once the site of New York City’s horse and carriage industry. In the late 1880s, Longacre Square was simply a large open space peppered with rundown apartments. It was electricity powering street lights and theater advertisements that made the area safer and more appealing to visitors. Moreover, the construction of the first paid transit system, the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT), accelerated mobility in the city.

Adolph S. Ochs, owner and publisher of The New York Times sought a highly visible location to build the Times Tower which was renamed “Times Square” in 1904. The following year, Times Square moved into its new headquarters, situated between Broadway and Seventh Avenue and 42nd and 43rd Streets. As The New York Times moved in, a slew of impressive theaters were constructed, rebranding the area with its burgeoning nightlife scene. 

At the turn of the century, Times Square and Broadway became the country’s most popular entertainment district. With its central location that sits on top of a newly constructed subway, Times Square earned the nickname “Crossroads of the World,” while Broadway became synonymous with American theater.

However, as the 20th Century progressed and the Great Depression deepened, Times Square took a seedy turn and became the center for adult entertainment. By the 1940s, the sex industry dominated Times Square. Its resurgence took place in the 1990s when Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s advocacy along with The Walt Disney Company’s investment paved the way for more tourist-friendly stores, theaters, and restaurants. Eventually, posters were replaced by bright neon lights and massive HD LED screens. Today, Times Square is one of NYC’s most vibrant neighborhoods and one of the world’s most visited locations.

Housing in Times Square

Living close to the non-stop chaos surrounding Times Square is not for everyone. But for thrill-seekers who can’t resist its infectious energy and electric glow at night, it can be an ideal place to call home. While NYC is known for expensive real estate, the area surrounding Times Square offers a wide range of apartments, condos, and co-ops for every budget. The price range for renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Theatre District is between $2,459 and $6,073, and the median home price in Midtown Manhattan—where Times Square is situated—is $1,337,923. 

Restaurants 

A bustling hub such as Times Square offers a plethora of dining options for locals and visitors. And while one could easily fall prey to large restaurant chains, some hidden gems within the neighborhood will cater to every discerning palate.

Chef Lidia Bastianich and her restaurateur son, Joe Bastianich, turned a former Restaurant Row townhouse into a refined eatery serving superb Italian cuisine. Chef Lidia prepares antipasto and serves three kinds of pasta with unlimited servings nightly. 

701West is Chef John Fraser’s imaginative restaurant that introduces a unique dining experience with a deep wine focus. His a la carte and three-course prix fixe menus that are conceived with the Old World wine list in mind and personally selected by his team of sommeliers, was awarded three stars by The New York Times.

Virgil’s offers some of the city’s best barbecue. Its crowd-pleasing menu includes Memphis ribs, dry-rubbed beef brisket, Carolina pulled pork, and smoked chicken wings. Portions are generous, and they have a full bar with an extensive cocktail list.

The Chelsea Market favorite, Los Tacos No. 1, set up shop in The New York Times building and serves the same roster of inexpensive and authentic Mexican treats, including carne asada and spit-roasted pork sandwiched between a pair of  cheese-filled soft flour tortillas, served with salsa and chile on the side.

Things to Do in Times Square

For those who love staying in the heart of the action, Times Square is the place to be.

Catching a Broadway show is part of the ultimate New York City experience. Ads for current shows decorate Times Square, and one has to simply stop by the TKTS booth on Duffy square for tickets. Theaters around the area include the Ambassador Theatre, Brooks Atkinson Theatre, and Circle in the Square Theatre.

After getting in on all the action on the streets, one can literally elevate their NYC experience by getting the best views at the Top of the Rock, which is Rockefeller Center’s observation deck. Open from 8 am to midnight daily, Top of the Rock offers sweeping views of the city’s top landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge. 

Located between 5th and 6th Avenues and 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park is the perfect place to seek refuge from all the big crowds and bright lights. The 9.6-acre park has scenic gardens, generous green spaces, and a merry-go-round. In the summer, locals and visitors can enjoy movie nights or other year-round activities such as Pilates classes and Tai Chi sessions.

To truly experience the “city that never sleeps” as well as to get a dose of art therapy, visitors can catch the Midnight Moment –the world’s largest, longest-running digital art exhibition that is synchronized on electronic billboards throughout Times Square from 11:57 pm to midnight nightly.

Plastic Surgery Services in Times Square 

Double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller is considered one of the country’s leading experts in rhinoplasty and facial rejuvenation. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America for the past 10 years and Top Doctor of New York City. He offers patients customized solutions that help achieve their aesthetic goals and yield natural-looking results.

Dr. Miller provides customized treatments at his NYC plastic surgery clinic, such as with NatraLook. The NatraLook process was designed to optimize the patient’s overall experience by ensuring their journey yields the most rewarding results. It creates a safe and collaborative environment for patients to explore their aesthetic confidence. It helps create a unified vision of the patient’s desired results.

Treatments Offered:

• Facelift
• Rhinoplasty
• Blepharoplasty
• GI Jaw

Schedule a Consultation with a Plastic Surgeon in Times Square

If you are located in the Times Square neighborhood and would like to rejuvenate your facial appearance through a cosmetic procedure, consult with Manhattan’s best plastic surgeon. He can create custom treatment plans using the most advanced techniques to help you achieve the best version of yourself. Contact Gotham Plastic surgery today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Miller. 

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