NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, is inviting New Yorkers to take an “NYC-cation” at the Crossroads of the World, in the heart of Times Square. “Now is the time for New Yorkers to re-experience Times Square… for its iconic lights, rich history, hidden gems, world-renowned dining and unique branded retail and attractions. While we can’t travel out, we should seize this moment and take advantage of the Neighborhood Getaway deals to book a hotel and play tourist with an ‘NYC-cation’ at the Crossroads of the World,” said NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon.
“Now is a great time to explore the hidden gems of Times Square and we’re calling on New Yorkers #AllInNYC,” said Tim Tompkins, President of the Times Square Alliance.
Below is a brief selection of staycation ideas in Times Square to enjoy:
• Arts & Culture: Rediscover some of New York’s most famous cultural institutions near Times Square, including The Museum of Modern Art or St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
MoMA is offering free admission for children and St. Patrick’s Cathedral is offering a buy one get one free deal for their audio tours.
Times Square is often home to public art exhibits, with two currently on display. The Plastic Bag Store will be stocked with thousands of hand-sculpted items to show the enduring effects of single-use plastics and the Midnight Moment in Times Square continues as the world’s largest, longest-running digital art exhibition.
A wellkept Times Square secret that few visitors stop to notice is Max Neuhaus’ sound installation, which is a constant “hum” on the triangular pedestrian island located at Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets, representing the constant business of the City.
At Doris C. Freedman Plaza, you can see Sam Moyer’s newest creation Doors for Doris, a Public Art Fund free sculpture exhibit which is made from the same stones that helped build New York City.
• Attractions: Right in Times Square are two favorite attractions of any Manhattan visitor: Madame Tussauds NY, where you can see your favorite celebrities as wax statues, and Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, where you can learn about the “unbelievable and unexplained.”
Take in sweeping views of NYC at some of its most popular and iconic observation decks, Top of the Rock and The Empire State Building.
• Spyscape: Interactive Spy Museum, smack in the middle of Midtown, is a 60,000-square-foot museum featuring fictional characters such as #007 James Bond and educational experiences based on world history including Edward Snowden, the FBI’s hunt for the KGB, and much more.