Times Square and Broadway Complete Guide 2025 | Homejourney

Times Square and Broadway Complete Guide 2025 is your definitive, expert-backed resource for experiencing the heart of New York City’s theatre and entertainment district. Whether you’re a first-time tourist, a repeat visitor, or a Singapore-based investor exploring global lifestyle and property opportunities, this guide covers everything you need to know about Times Square, Broadway shows, NYC theatre, Midtown Manhattan, and Broadway musicals.

Written with the same attention to detail and user safety that Homejourney brings to Singapore property decisions, this guide combines practical, on-the-ground insights with strategic thinking for international travellers and investors. We’ll walk you through the best times to visit, how to get tickets, where to stay, what to eat, and how to stay safe and comfortable in one of the world’s most iconic urban environments.

For Singaporeans and international investors, we’ll also explore how experiences in global cities like New York can inform decisions about property in Singapore, including diversification, currency considerations, and lifestyle planning. Homejourney’s mission is to create a safe, trusted environment for all property and lifestyle decisions, and that starts with reliable, verified information.

Why Visit Times Square and Broadway?
Best Time to Visit Times Square and Broadway
Getting There from Singapore
Currency and Exchange Tips for Singaporeans
Top Attractions and Experiences
Broadway Shows and Tickets: A Singaporean’s Guide
Practical Travel Tips for Singaporeans
Accommodation Guide: Best Areas to Stay
Food and Dining in Times Square and Broadway
Itinerary Suggestions
Connecting to Singapore: Property and Lifestyle Insights
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps with Homejourney

Why Visit Times Square and Broadway?

Times Square and Broadway are more than just tourist spots—they’re cultural landmarks that define New York City’s energy, creativity, and global influence. For Singaporeans, visiting this part of Midtown Manhattan offers a powerful contrast to our compact, orderly city: a place where lights, crowds, and stories collide in a way that’s both exhilarating and overwhelming.

Times Square, often called “The Crossroads of the World,” is the epicentre of New York’s tourism, advertising, and entertainment. Its towering digital billboards, constant foot traffic, and street performers create an atmosphere that’s uniquely New York. For many Singaporeans, it’s a bucket-list destination, especially when combined with a Broadway show.

Broadway, or “The Great White Way,” is the heart of American theatre. Home to world-class musicals and plays, Broadway shows attract millions of visitors each year. Seeing a Broadway musical in its original New York setting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, and it’s a key reason why so many Singaporeans plan trips to New York around a theatre schedule.

From a lifestyle and investment perspective, understanding global cities like New York helps Singapore property buyers and investors think about diversification, currency exposure, and lifestyle options. Homejourney believes that informed decisions start with real experiences, and this guide is designed to help you make the most of your trip while thinking strategically about your property journey in Singapore.

Best Time to Visit Times Square and Broadway

Timing your visit to Times Square and Broadway can make a big difference in your experience, budget, and comfort. For Singaporeans used to a tropical climate, New York’s seasons are a major factor to consider.

Seasonal Overview

New York has four distinct seasons, each with its own pros and cons for visitors:

Spring (March–May): Temperatures range from 10–25°C. March can still be chilly, but crowds are smaller and prices are often lower. April and May are ideal for outdoor activities and people-watching in Times Square. Broadway launches many new productions in spring, making it a great time for theatre lovers.
Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with temperatures often above 30°C. This is peak tourist season, so Times Square is extremely crowded, and hotel and flight prices are at their highest. If you visit in summer, plan for early mornings or late evenings in Times Square to avoid the worst crowds and heat.
Fall (September–November): Comfortable temperatures (15–25°C) and fewer crowds make fall a popular time for Singaporeans. Broadway’s fall season brings new shows and the start of the awards season, including the Tony Awards.
Winter (December–February): Cold, with temperatures often below 10°C and occasional snow. Winter is peak season for holiday-themed Broadway shows (like The Lion King, Aladdin, or holiday musicals) and festive decorations in Times Square. If you don’t mind the cold, winter offers a magical atmosphere, but be prepared for higher prices and crowds around holidays.

Best Days and Times for Times Square

Times Square is busiest during:

Weekends (Friday evening to Sunday)
Evenings (5 PM to 10 PM)
Holidays and special events (New Year’s Eve, concerts, promotions)

For a more relaxed experience, visit:

Weekday mornings (before 10 AM)
Late evenings (after 10 PM)
During off-peak months (January–February, September–October)

Insider tip: If you want to see Times Square without the crushing crowds, arrive before 9 AM on a weekday. The lights are still on, the energy is there, but you can actually move and take photos without being jostled.

Getting There from Singapore

For Singaporeans, getting to Times Square and Broadway involves a long-haul flight and a short transfer in Manhattan. Here’s what you need to know:

Flights from Singapore to New York

Direct flights from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to New York JFK Airport are operated by Singapore Airlines. The flight time is approximately 18–19 hours, depending on winds and routing.

Key details:

Flight duration: ~18–19 hours
Typical departure: Evening from SIN, arrival in the morning at JFK
Time difference: New York is 12 hours behind Singapore (UTC-5, UTC+8)
Jet lag: Expect 1–2 days to adjust, especially if you’re used to Singapore’s schedule.

Alternative options include connecting flights via hubs like Tokyo, Seoul, or the Middle East, but direct flights are usually more comfortable for long-haul travel.

From JFK to Times Square

From JFK Airport to Times Square, you have several options:

AirTrain + Subway: Take the AirTrain from JFK to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the E, J, or Z subway line to Manhattan. From there, take the subway to Times Square–42nd Street (1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W lines). Total cost: ~USD 10–15 per person. This is the most budget-friendly option.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing: A taxi or Uber/Lyft from JFK to Times Square takes 45–90 minutes depending on traffic and costs ~USD 70–100 plus tolls and tip. This is more convenient, especially with luggage.
Private Transfer: Pre-booked private cars or shuttles offer door-to-door service and are ideal for families or groups. Prices start from ~USD 120–150.

Insider tip: If you’re arriving early in the morning, consider checking in early at your hotel or storing luggage so you can explore Times Square and Broadway without carrying heavy bags.

Currency and Exchange Tips for Singaporeans

Understanding currency and exchange is crucial for budgeting your trip. For Singaporeans, the Singapore dollar (SGD) and US dollar (USD) are the main currencies involved.

Current Exchange Rate (Approximate)

As of late 2025, 1 USD ≈ 1.35–1.38 SGD. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so always check the latest rate before your trip.

Key costs in Times Square and Broadway (per person, approximate):

Broadway show tickets: USD 35–300+ (SGD 47–415+)
Restaurant meals: USD 15–80 (SGD 20–110)
Hotel per night: USD 200–600+ (SGD 270–830+)
Subway ride: USD 2.90 (SGD 4)
Souvenirs: USD 5–50 (SGD 7–69)

Money-Saving Tips

For Singaporeans used to careful budgeting, here are practical ways to save:

Use a multi-currency card or credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
Book Broadway tickets in advance online for better prices and seat selection.
Use the subway instead of taxis for short trips in Manhattan.
Eat lunch at food trucks or casual restaurants instead of dinner at upscale places.
Look for free activities in Times Square, like the Red Steps, window shopping, and street performers.

Homejourney supports multiple currencies, including SGD and USD, so you can easily compare property prices and costs across markets. For those considering property investment in Singapore, understanding currency conversion and exchange risk is an important part of financial planning.

Top Attractions and Experiences

Times Square and Broadway offer a mix of iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and local favourites. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

Must-See Landmarks

Times Square itself: The heart of the district, with its flashing billboards, giant screens, and constant energy. Best experienced at night, but also worth a morning visit to avoid crowds.
TKTS Booth: Located in Duffy Square, this is the official discount ticket booth for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. A must-visit for budget-conscious theatre-goers.
Shubert Alley: A narrow alley between 44th and 45th Streets, historically associated with Broadway’s golden age. It’s a quiet contrast to the chaos of Times Square.
Broadway Theatres: Iconic venues like the Majestic Theatre (The Phantom of the Opera), the Gershwin Theatre (Wicked), and the Richard Rodgers Theatre (Hamilton) are worth seeing, even if you’re not attending a show.

Cultural Experiences

Broadway Up Close Tours: Small-group walking tours led by working actors and stage managers. These tours offer behind-the-scenes stories, historical insights, and personal anecdotes from the world of NYC theatre.
Secrets of Broadway & Times Square Walking Tour: A 2-hour tour that covers the history of Broadway, Vaudeville, and Times Square, with stories of famous performers and theatrical legends.
Times Square Digital Art Walk: A new 2025 feature with 12 interactive digital installations between 42nd and 47th Streets, operating daily from 6 AM to midnight.

Hidden Gems and Local Favourites

Bryant Park: Just a 5–10 minute walk east of Times Square, this park offers a peaceful escape with free Wi-Fi, food trucks, and seasonal events.
Grand Central Terminal: A 10–15 minute walk east, this historic train station is an architectural masterpiece and a great place to grab a quick bite.
Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway shows: Smaller, often more experimental productions that can be more affordable and equally impressive.

Broadway Shows and Tickets: A Singaporean’s Guide

For many Singaporeans, seeing a Broadway show is the highlight of a New York trip. Here’s how to plan it wisely.

Understanding Broadway vs. Off-Broadway

Not all New York theatre is “Broadway.” The key difference is theatre size and location:

Broadway: Theatres with 500+ seats, located in the Theatre District (roughly 40th–54th Streets, between 6th and 8th Avenues). These are the big-budget musicals and plays.
Off-Broadway: Smaller theatres (100–499 seats), often with more experimental or niche productions.
Off-Off-Broadway: Very small venues, often non-profit or fringe productions.

For first-time visitors, a Broadway musical is usually the goal, but Off-Broadway shows can be a great alternative if you’re on a budget or want something different.

How to Get Broadway Tickets

There are several ways to buy tickets:

Online in advance: Book through official websites (e.g., Broadway.com, theatre websites) for the best seat selection and guaranteed prices.
TKTS Booth: Offers same-day discounts of 20–50% off for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. Best for flexible travellers.
Lottery and Rush Tickets: Many popular shows (like Hamilton) offer lottery or rush tickets at deeply discounted prices. These are usually available through official apps and require early registration.
Hotel Packages: Many hotels in Midtown Manhattan offer Broadway ticket packages, which can include show tickets, dinner, and sometimes transportation.

Insider tip: If you’re set on a specific show (e.g., Hamilton, Wicked, The Lion King), book as early as possible. For more flexibility, use TKTS or lotteries.