A new viewing platform at One Times Square offers a fresh look at the crossroads of the world and lets visitors get up close to the famous ball.
- A new attraction at One Times Square allows visitors to see the famous New Year's Eve ball up close year-round.
- The first ball drop in 1907 was a publicity stunt for the newspaper after fireworks were banned.
- Tickets for the new viewing experience currently range from $28 to $78, with prices expected to rise.
3...2...1...Happy New Year!
OK, you're probably not actually reading this at midnight on New Year's Eve, but a new destination in New York lets you live the magic of the Times Square ball drop year-round.
One Times Square, the building with the ball on its roof, recently completed a major renovation that allow guests a new view on the crossroads of the world, along with exhibits on the neighborhood's history and, most excitingly, the opportunity to get up close to arguably the most famous ball in the world. You can even touch it if you're willing to pay for a deluxe ticket.
Why Times Square matters
A lot of people think Times Square got its name from the fact that the country's most famous New Year's Eve celebration takes place there, but the name is really more of a happy coincidence. The area was originally called Longacre Square, but was renamed when The New York Times moved its headquarters to the building that is now home to the ball.
In fact, the ball drop itself started as a sort of publicity stunt for the newspaper. When the Gray Lady first moved to Longacre Square in 1904 (the area was renamed shortly after the move) the paper's publisher wanted to stage a fireworks show to ring in 1905. The tradition continued but the company wanted something bigger a few years later, and the first ball drop happened in 1907, after the city banned fireworks in the square.
But up until now, even the New Year's Eve revelers have been kept dozens of storeys away from the ball.
"We have never allowed the public to come visit the ball," Delfin Ortiz, general manager of One Times Square, told USA TODAY. "We're taking New Year's Eve and making it a year round a year-round experience."
The viewing deck at One Times Square is still in previews, meaning all of the exhibits at the building are not yet fully open, but Ortiz said it will be completed in 2026. For now, tickets to the lower viewing deck, which is already open, cost $28, and tickets to the platform with the ball, which is also already open, cost $78. Prices will likely rise when the full experience is finished.
What to see and do
- One Times Square viewing deck - This newly-opened attraction gives visitors to New York an all-new way to see one of the world's most famous intersections. "I want to send a note to my fellow New Yorkers: Give Times Square another chance. Come to One Times Square," Ortiz said. "Beautiful views, incredible immersive experiences. You're going to love it."
- Broadway shows - Times Square isn't just where the world rings in the new year; it's also the heart of Manhattan's famous theater district.
- Rockefeller Center - Just a few blocks from Times Square is another New York media and holiday landmark. If you’re in town during the festive season, pop over to check out the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree before or after seeing the Times Square ball to get the best of both holiday icons.
Local hidden gem or a trendy spot
New York City is full of trendy spots, and just a few subway stops away is Madison Square Park, where you can relax if the weather's nice and grab a bite at the original Shake Shack.
Best time to visit
There's no wrong time to visit Times Square, but whenever you go, be prepared for crowds. It's one of the most popular spots for tourists in the city. The One Times Square viewing deck is open year-round.
Travel tips
- Times Square is the heart of New York City in many ways, and it's best accessed on foot or public transit.
- If you don't want to pay for the One Times Square viewing deck, the TKTS stairs on the other side of the square are a nice, free alternative.
- The neighborhood is also especially impressive at night when you can really get a better sense of the bright city lights.
If you go
Getting there:
The 42 Street-Times Square subway station is served directly by the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R and W lines, as well as the shuttle to Grand Central during most of the day. The station is also linked for free transfers to the A, C and E lines at 42 Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal at all times, and the B, D, F and M lines at 42 Street-Bryant Park during most of the day. Pennsylvania Station, Grand Central Terminal and the Port Authority Bus Terminal are also all nearby.
According to Google Maps, Times Square is about an hour by public transit from all three of New York's major airports, and driving time can range from about 30 minutes to an hour and a half or more, depending on traffic.
Where to stay:
There are nearly unlimited hotel options at different price points in Manhattan.
Nearby add-ons:
Other nearby viewing decks include the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center and The Edge at Hudson Yards.
The reporter on this story received access from One Times Square. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.