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800.ELLIMAN

5.5 out of 10

West 42nd St, Times Square

Ranked 2nd best street in Times Square
40.7576697823147 -73.990827207207
Great for
  • Public Transport
  • Nightlife
  • Shopping Options
  • Eating Out
  • Internet Access
Not great for
  • Parking
  • Cost of Living
  • Lack of Traffic
  • Peace & Quiet
  • Clean & Green
Who lives here?
  • Tourists
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Reviews

2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
2yrs+

"People everywhere"

42nd starts its run in Times Square at 8th Ave on the west. This particular intersection was quite the to do back around the early 20th century for picking up males of the night, if you will. Tennessee Williams used to pick people up right here and Montgomery Clift was arrested for doing as such. The corner at 42nd and 8th is taken over by big commercial buildings with lights all over them. It's kind of exhausting how many lights, cars and people there are right here at any given time of day. There are two movie theatres on this block: Loews and AMC. I'm sure they're both just fine as far as theatres go, but I don't go to either of them because this area I have an anxiety attack just thinking about 42nd street. There's also a Hilton Hotel and a bunch of chain restaurants catered to tourists. It's a really tourist street aside, I guess, from the cinemas (who would go on a trip to New York and go to the movies?) The west end of the block used to be sort of glorious and sometimes scary artsy kind of area that is now completely usurped by the grossest of all tourism mechanisms. The American Airlines theatre is a gorgeous old theatre that used to be the Selwyn. The interior is still the same and it's beautiful but the plays are very vanilla nowadays. The Pax food place used to be a seedy bar where Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg were all the time. Across the street used to be a restaurant where the likes of Diane Arbus and co and it is now a Wax Museum and Ripleys Believe it or Not. There are three more Broadway theatres on this block all of which have undergone massive renovations by big corporate owners. Where ground breaking plays used to premiere, we now have the long running Lion King at the Disney owned theatre. It's kind of sad but I guess it's less sad than letting these great, old theatres fall into shambles.
The next block over is very corporate. The 42nd street subway stop is right here and it is an absolute cluster bomb. Nearly every train line connects at this station so it is always mobbed with people whizzing every which direction. 1 Times Square is across the street and The Times are no longer there (which gave the area its name) but this is where they still have the big New Years Eve Celebration every year. Times Square Tower takes up the rest of the other side of the block and it's basically just a massive commercial building. The tower is on the site of the building where Harry Houdini was suspended in a straitjacket. But, I think the current building is a bit to high for anything to rival that stunt. There's really no reason to go to this block unless you work in either of the buildings or you really want to be surrounded by a mob of tourists at the end of the year.
I wouldn't under any circumstance live on 42nd street and especially not in this neighborhood. It's always a madhouse, there's no neighborhood feel and it's dirty and loud. I'm glad the theatres are here but you can always just hop on a train to get to the theatre which I would highly recommend: catching a cab around here is a nightmare.
Pros
  • the old theatres
Cons
  • Trash
  • People
  • Noise
Recommended for
  • Tourists
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
2yrs+

"One of the better tourism areas in NYC."

W. 42nd is without a doubt one of NY's tourist hotspots. Littered with Off-Broadway Theatres, you'll be sure to catch a show you'll love. There is also Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, which features a wonderful Ripley's Believe it or Not Exhibit. And of course don't forget, Times Suare is just past the Hilton Theatre. There is also an HSBC and Chase branch (and I believe a Wachovia if I remember correctly) within a few blocks of Bryant Park. And if you follow 42nd all the way down (towards Jersey) you'll hit the river tour boat piers.
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
2yrs+

"What a beauty"

This street is your first stop if your a tourist. To many its known as Times Square. Here on w 42nd street you will have your eyes open and never want to blink. You have every souvenir shop at hand to get those left behind a lil something. The advertisements surrounding you make you indulge in a spending spree. From candy stores to bazaars you get it all. This street can also be noisy with all the hustle and bustle. The crowd may scare you. But hold on tight because this is one ride you will enjoy!
4/5 rating details
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
2yrs+

"lots to see and do"

You will never run out of things to see (like Broadway productions) or do (there's lots of shopping and eatery in the area) when you go to 42nd street. It's especially fun when visiting in groups, and there are often a lot of tourists. It's often lively and loud - which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the atmosphere you are looking for. My best advice is to bring some cash with you when you go.
3/5
2yrs+

"Broadway lights and ice-skating"

W 42nd St runs from the Hudson River to 5th Avenue. It is famous for its theaters around Broadway. The lights of Broadway attract thousands of visitors each day. A quieter part is between 6th and 5th Avenues. Here, Bryant Park offers tables and chairs to take a break from the city life. In winter, there is a beautiful, free-admission ice-skating ring. A visit to the adjacent New York Public Library is a must.
4/5
2yrs+

"Manhattan Living at its Best!"

Life in Manhattan is summarized by W 42nd! During my undergraduate years, I would often come to Times Square to celebrate the new year and to shop (of course!). The advertisements, especially for somebody coming from Boston, are what stand out in my memory. Not simply billboards, but park benches, giant televisions with commercials, and especially Broadway play advertisements. Everything is colorful and alive. Madame Toussants museum is almost too life-like. I found myself unsure a few times as to whether or not certain people were wax figures. I thought one man was a display until he started talking to me!

The restaurants remain in my memory as well. All types of delicious food can be found around W 42nd. Turn a few corners and you will be lead to Broadway and also to see the masses of people congregating around TRL.
5/5
2yrs+

"Great for people watching"

Check out the Central Library on 42nd St. This is my favorite library in the whole wide world. I like to make a whole day of it when I go to this library. I come here to relax and write. If I need a breather I can always go outside and hang out in Bryant Park. I like how easily accessible it is from the subway and walking distance to Times Square. There are some really good eats here too!
5/5
2yrs+

"THIS IS AS NEW YORK AS IT GETS"

This street is NEW YORK...Corners covered in vendors, from hot roasted almonds to soggy hot dogs. This street is definitely worth travelling down considering you can be panhandled, offered a photograph for just $25 and find 10 comedy club all in one breath. This street sums up Manhattan and the NYC sentiment as a whole! Definitely visit here!
5/5
2yrs+

""Perfect for anyone looking for excitement""

I personally loved when my father took me and my brother to Times Square a kid. There is so much excitement and energy. It is the place many out of towners think of when they think of New York City. And sorry to say I take it for granted as many other New Yorkers also do.

For example, there is the big mega screen that plays commercials and different television shows 24 hours a day, and there are giant advertisement everywhere. One can't help but to look up as they are walking down this street.

Some of the attractions on 42nd street is the Madame Toussants museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not museum, and the Juniors Restuarant, which is a the only other Junior's located in the city, other than the original in downtown Brooklyn. There is also the Virgin Megastore which will soon be closing.

One can go see a Broadway play and eat at the many restaurants around the area, or hear the screaming teens at the MTV networks headquarters for TRL.

This street is what makes New York the most famous city in the world.
1/5
2yrs+

"it's like a big movie set"

And that's not a good thing. Somehow the place is just too self-aware, too TV-hip to be that interesting a place to hangout. If you want to play tourist and see where your favorite shows are filmed, fine, but I'm not interested in watching you gawk so I'll be somewhere else.
2/5
2yrs+

"42nd St. -The only reason to be here is if you are seeing a Broadway Show"

So I hate this stretch of NYC. The food is overpriced and the only people here are slow walking tourists. The streets are dirty and smelly. A few saving graces--authentic Serbian food at Djerdan. Fabulous food--make sure you try the stuffed cabbage. Fabric--loads of fabric stores in this area if you are the crafty type. Cold Stone Creamery--try their cake batter flavored ice cream. Almost good enough to forget the long line.
5/5
2yrs+

"42nd St, A Nice Place to live"

42nd Street is a major crosstown street in the New York City borough of Manhattan, known for its theaters. This street includes the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Station, Times Square and the Port Authority Bus Station. I visited The New York Public Library which is one of the leading public libraries of the world and is one of America's most significant research libraries.
5/5
2yrs+

"Cool Place to live in"

This is one of the famous streets of New York. Anyone who visits New York should visit this street. I visited many interesting places such as Holy Cross Church, NYPD Mounted Police Unit Headquarters, Port Authority Bus Terminal, the NYPL (New York Public Library) which is one of the leading public libraries of the world & finally the Chrysler Building. I believe that this street is famous for it's many theaters.
3/5
2yrs+

"Friendly environment to make great fun"

Amsterdam Avenue is a great place to go to eat at a nice restaurant and feel relaxed while doing it. There is a stretch of great breakfast places including good enough to Eat. It’s a quite and peaceful place, this place is very crowded because every body needs relaxing. Its is friendly environment too. It’s a crowded place and very noisy too
1/5
2yrs+

"Not what it's made out to be."

Times Square is all around overrated. The true attraction of modern Broadway, the theaters, has been overshadowed by the gaudy and annoying electronic signs on every inch of wall surface in the area. The signs must burn at least as much electricity staying on as the rest of Manhattan. The only businesses that can afford to be in the area, particularly restaurants, are less than average quality as well. The key to having a decent time here is to stop by the recruiting station, snap a few pictures, and go.
3/5
2yrs+

"Bright, noisy, bring it on."

If you like out of control, up-beat tempo, and sheer wildness, this is your place. It is a tourist camp it seems like, so I fit in pretty much perfectly. It almost has a touch of Vegas, with all of the neon and what-not, but it also has theatres for a great experience. So you can experience it all, I suggest taking a few hours out of a night and stopping by.
2/5
2yrs+

"May Induce Seizures"

Theater Row is flashy, splashy, and not for the faint at heart. Push your way through the tourists posing for their neon light requisite photos and coming out of their theater shows. The stores are over-priced. The theater for the most part is sub par spectacle. The lights are nauseating. Not the place for the local yokels. Also just plain too crazy to be fun!
3/5
2yrs+

"Home of Times Square"

42nd st. The name of a musical and now home to Theatre Row is always a colorful street to visit.
There is always something to see on 42nd St. especially if one is a people watcher you will need get tired of finding something interesting here.
And don't forget the giant ball which drops every New Years.

Unranked Streets in Times Square

Broadway

1/5
"The lights! Dear, god the lights!"
40.7614241789878 -73.9840511608706

8 Ave

3.5/5
"Top of the Rock"
40.7594554145136 -73.9881739862964

9 Ave

2.5/5
"Not bad for an Avenue . . . especially in this neighborhood"
40.7602002250409 -73.9913405955972

West 41st St

2.5/5
"Very tourist heavy"
40.7570296165866 -73.9912994827125
"Too many people and nothing cool to do"
40.7585050447101 -73.9907194400632

West 44th St

3.5/5
"Big Theatre Row"
40.7588704440514 -73.989645947435

West 45 St

2.5/5
"Tons of theatres"
40.7594099024009 -73.9889800841231

West 46 St

1.5/5
"Lights cover every building"
40.7599666764066 -73.9883457932263

West 47 St

2.5/5
"Lots to see but not a proximity"
40.760683045853 -73.9881313405149

West 48 St

1.5/5
"Times Square crowded"
40.7613299758116 -73.9877121160271

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