About 20 Times Square
20 Times Square (701 7th Avenue at West 47th Street) is a 42-story mixed-use skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan that opened in early 2019 (www.pbdw.com ). Developed by Maefield/Witkoff with design by PBDW Architects, it contains about 370,000 square feet of space (www.pbdw.com ). The building houses The Times Square EDITION (Marriott’s partner-brand luxury hotel) with roughly 452 guest rooms and suites (therealdeal.com ) (www.editionhotels.com ), along with 76,000 square feet of street-level retail and entertainment venues (therealdeal.com ). It was built around part of the old Cecil B. DeMille/Columbia Amusement Company building (home to Broadway theaters and Unique Recording Studios), preserving about a quarter of the original structure (www.e-architect.com ). By marrying the historic theater site with a modern tower, 20 Times Square rapidly became a new landmark at the “bow-tie” intersection of Times Square and Duffy Square. Its most signature feature is an enormous wraparound LED billboard – roughly 18,000 square feet spanning four stories – making it one of the largest continuous digital displays on Earth (www.e-architect.com ) (www.pbdw.com ). This modern facade means 20 Times Square literally towers over the heart of Times Square with one of the brightest, most elaborate video signages in New York City (www.e-architect.com ) (www.pbdw.com ). Beyond its size and technology, the venue stands out as a new hospitality and retail gateway in the Crossroads of the World. It added dozens of high-end restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots (including a rooftop beer garden and a cabaret performance lounge) (www.e-architect.com ). In short, 20 Times Square is a cutting-edge **mixed-use entertainment destination**—part luxury hotel, part elaborate shopping/attraction complex, and part performance venue – that plugs right into the legendary Times Square scene. Its scale, location, and design have given it cultural significance as a symbol of the district’s ongoing evolution.
Events and Programming
20 Times Square itself does not host traditional concerts or sports games like a stadium, but it is full of constant attractions and themed experiences. Most of the “programming” is permanent or seasonal rather than timed shows. For example, the first floor includes impetus draws like *HERSHEY’S Chocolate World*, which offers continual candy-making demos and seasonal holiday events for families. The adjoining space once housed the NFL Experience – a 40,000-square-foot interactive football museum and 350-seat theater (therealdeal.com ) – but that exhibit was short-lived (opening in 2017 and closing in 2018). Today the building’s nightly “event” is really the Times Square digital experience: every night at 11:57 pm the giant screens belt out the Times Square Alliance’s *Midnight Moment* art installation, taking over all billboards with synchronized video art (www.timessquarenyc.org ). Other Times Square Alliance events often animate the area: for instance, the “TSQ Live” summer concert series brings live music, DJs and dance performances to a stage near Duffy Square (www.timessquarenyc.org ). Inside the hotel tower, chef John Fraser’s venues have regular happenings: the all-seasons rooftop garden (“La Marchande” & “The Terrace”) hosts brunches and cocktails in warmer months, and the basement nightclub **IRIS** runs high-production cabaret and DJ nights on weekends (www.editionhotels.com ). Special holiday promotions are common too – for example Hershey’s store often launches seasonal treats and giveaways, and the hotel bars deck out for New Year’s Eve or major holidays. While there are no blockbuster concerts scheduled *at* 20 Times Square the way Broadway musicals run nearby, visitors can easily walk out to catch any Times Square street fairs, film premieres or midnight fireworks in the area. (The famous New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square is one such yearly event just blocks away.) In summary, 20 Times Square hosts ongoing retail and dining activities, plus occasional nightclub and promotional events. Its programming is year-round and varied – from daily chocolate-making exhibits to rooftop parties and holiday spectacles – making the location always lively even when no one big “show” is on at that address.
Tickets and Booking
Because 20 Times Square is not a single dedicated show venue, there is no traditional box office on-site for public performances. Most attractions inside are walk-in or reservation-based rather than ticketed shows. For example, entry to the HERSHEY’S chocolate store is free; you simply pay at the store for food or merchandise, not entry tickets. The Times Square EDITION restaurant and lounge bookings can usually be made via phone or online reservation. The cabaret nightclub *IRIS* often charges cover or ticket fees for prime weekend events – in that case you would buy tickets through the hotel’s website or a ticketing partner well in advance, especially for holiday weekends when it sells out. If special one-time events occur (such as a private performance or corporate show in the hotel’s event space), tickets are generally sold on official sites or through eventbrite-type services, so planning ahead and purchasing any needed tickets early is wise. For neighborhood happenings (like Times Square Alliance concerts or film fests), tickets (if sold) come via the organizer’s site or an authorized vendor. In short, most of 20 Times Square’s offerings are either free to walk into (like Hershey’s) or run by restaurants/clubs requiring reservations. If attending any paid event or show in the building, it pays to book early. The Edition’s concierge can assist with reservations for restaurants and club events. As a tip, sign up for the hotel’s or Times Square Alliance’s mailing lists to get alerts on presales. No general “doors” box office is open to the public here, so handle ticketing online or via phone wherever possible.
Seating and Layout
20 Times Square has a multi-tiered layout rather than one flat arena. The base is a 6-story shopping/entertainment podium, so at street level you’ll find retail stores (like Hershey’s) and quick-service food counters, with seating areas only in the restaurants and bars. Above that, four floors are devoted to entertainment and hospitality venues (lounges, the Iris club and dining by John Fraser (www.editionhotels.com )), which have a mix of fixed tables, bar stools and open balconies overlooking Times Square. The hotel’s 27 upper floors contain guest rooms and suites; these private rooms typically feature floor-to-ceiling windows with direct views of Times Square (www.editionhotels.com ). For visitors, the best “seats” for scenery are high up or on outdoor terraces: the rooftop garden and any room on a high floor deliver City and Times Square vistas. Inside the Iris nightclub, seating is cabaret-style – small tables facing the stage – and standing room near the bar. For someone dining or lounging, front-row tables give premium views; in general, any table along the glass walls enjoys vivid LED signage views. If attending a performance in the hotel’s small theater or club, seating is limited (hundreds of seats at most), so arrive early to get a good spot or standing space. One quirky note: because the whole neighborhood is noisy and reflective, speakers can echo; the venue’s designers went to lengths for clear sound, but you will still hear ambient street noise and other music at windows. Avoid low-level seats if you want the full theatrical lighting, since some banquet-level tables are stepped. On the flip side, there’s no truly “bad” seating area – there are no obstructed views in this relatively intimate complex. In summary, 20 Times Square favors an open, vertical layout: enjoy the view from above and near the windows, though anywhere in the lounge spaces provides an immersive Times Square atmosphere.
Getting There and Parking
The address is 701 7th Avenue (at West 47th Street) – right at the northern end of Times Square in Midtown Manhattan. By subway, 20 Times Square is extremely well-served. The Times Square–42nd Street complex (just one block south) stops the 1/2/3, 7, N/Q/R/W lines and the S (42nd St Shuttle). The 47-50th Streets–Rockefeller Center station (at 50th & 6th Ave, a 5-7 minute walk east) takes the B/D/F/M and E trains. The Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd & 8th Ave, a 7-minute walk west) is on the A/C/E and multiple cross-town buses. In practice, the quickest way is usually to get off at Times Square-42st (any of the 1/2/3 or N/Q/R/W lines) and walk one block north on 7th Ave. MTA subway maps and apps can show accessible elevator routes – note that the 42nd St station does have elevators at some entrances (www.timessquarenyc.org ). Several MTA bus lines also stop nearby: the M20 (northbound on 7th, southbound on Broadway at 46th), M42 (crosstown on 42nd St), and the M104 (on Broadway/7th Ave). Rideshare or taxi drop-offs are often handled on West 47th or 46th Streets (just west of 7th Ave) to avoid the central Times Square congestion. www.parkwhiz.com ) (www.parkwhiz.com ). (Monthly rates exceed $500.) Your best bet is to use a parking app or reserve in advance if you must drive – even then expect $20–$30 minimum for a short visit and up to $50–$80 for a full evening. For most visitors, public transit or a taxi/Uber is far simpler. If you do drive, recommended garages include those on West 46th (near Times Sq) or 47th Street; also consider parking a few avenues away (like near the Port Authority on 8th Ave) and walking. Keep in mind that Times Square has frequent traffic jams and pedestrian crowds, so give yourself extra time if driving. For bicycles, a Citi Bike station is located on 7th Ave and 46th St. In summary, the venue is highly accessible by subway and bus, but avoid trying to park on-site if at all possible.
Inside the Venue
Upon entering 20 Times Square you’ll find a modern, glass-and-steel interior with plush hotel and retail finishes. Security is fairly typical for a Manhattan entertainment complex: visitors entering the hotel lobby or any performance space may encounter a bag-check or metal detector (especially at late-night events), but casual shoppers at stores like Hershey’s can usually walk in unscanned. Photo ID is required if you’re dining in the hotel restaurant or club (for credit card). The overall atmosphere is busy but refined – floors are polished stone, and digital art and neon accent the walls. The lighting levels in shared areas are moderate; in restaurants and the club, expect softer mood lighting. Noise-wise, you’ll hear a lively mix of street sounds through the windows and music inside; it feels like being in an indoor-outdoor plaza. www.editionhotels.com ): there is an all-day brasserie with an indoor-outdoor garden terrace, a quiet lobby bar for cocktails and light bites, and a high-energy nighttime lounge (IRIS) for dancing and shows. These venues serve full menus (from New American to brunch fare) and craft cocktails – note that ID is checked for any alcohol service. In addition to the hotel’s restaurants, the base level has quick treats: Hershey’s outlet sells shakes, baked goods and candy; vending kiosks sell snacks; and a coffee stand or bakery might be open on weekdays. Free water fountains were not observed, so plan to buy drinks (or refill at the hotel gym). Outside the hotel, dozens of Times Square eateries are steps away (see “Nearby Amenities” below).
Nearby Amenities
Times Square is the city’s ultimate convenience zone, so you won’t need to wander far before finding more food, drinks, shopping or services. Right outside, the Klud plaza (Duffy Square) has benches and street kiosks. For dining, nearby landmarks include Sardi’s (famous theater-district steakhouse 1 block south on W 44th), Carmine’s (Italian family-style, 46th between 7th and Broadway), and a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (fast-casual seafood, on Broadway). Quick bites abound: Shake Shack on 45th and Broadway, Pret a Manger and Capizzi (pizza by the slice) on 46th St, and the “world’s largest” McDonald’s on 45th. A 24-hour diner (Bond 45) is just around the corner at 46th & 7th. Coffee shops like Starbucks and bakeries like Magnolia are also on nearby blocks. For pre-show drinks or late-night socializing, neighbors include a lush rooftop bar (The Skylark, at 30 Rock Center just a few blocks east) and numerous pubs and lounges (for example, “Stash” Irish Pub on 45th St, or the Edison Bar at 44th & Broadway). The hotel itself has two in-house bars – a quiet bar area in the lobby and the energetic rooftop lounge – which are popular meeting spots for cocktails before shows. Convenience stores, pharmacies and currency exchanges are scattered on surrounding corners. If you need hotel accommodations, the Times Square EDITION is here, but so are several others: the Paramount Hotel (W 46th betw 7th/Bway), Marriott Marquis (Broadway, mid-40s), Novotel (near 4th Ave/44th St), Hilton Garden Inn Times Square, and The Row (W 42nd near 8th Ave) are all within walking distance. Right across 7th Ave is the modern “42nd Street” port authority building with shops, and just north is the TKTS booth (red steps) for discount Broadway tickets.
What Makes This Venue Special
20 Times Square is special for several reasons. Architecturally, it brought a **first major skyscraper to Times Square in decades**, combining old and new. The design cleverly preserves a piece of the historic DeMille/Unique Recording building, while pushing up a bold new tower with a massive curved LED façade (www.e-architect.com ) (www.pbdw.com ). That enormous LED sign – the **largest in New York City** – transforms the building into a 24/7 multimedia spectacle. Locals and tourists love to gaze up at its panoramic 18,000-square-foot digital screen (www.e-architect.com ), which makes Times Square even more visually stunning at night. Culturally, 20 Times Square represents the district’s modern era. It replaced a faded theater landmark with a cutting-edge entertainment complex, signaling New York’s confidence in Times Square as a world capital. It quickly became a symbol of the area’s renaissance – you’ll see it featured in many “Times Square” photo spreads because it literally carries the city’s advertising image. Inside, having a boutique luxury hotel and Michelin-level dining right in Times Square is unique. Few other Times Square buildings have high-end chef-driven nightlife like the EDITION does, or a chocolate flagship store the way Hershey’s does here. The mix of top-tier retail, dining, hotel rooms and entertainment all under one roof gives 20 Times Square a festival-like ambiance. Long-time New Yorkers note that it changed the pedestrian flow: where once was a dark corner near 47th became a glowing corner café at midnight. Historical footnote buffs will find it intriguing that the project used air-rights from nearby old theaters to build higher, ensuring it towers around the famous Broadway marquees without disrespecting them (www.e-architect.com ) (www.pbdw.com ). Finally, it sits right on *Duffy Square* – across from the Red Steps and Father Duffy’s statue – so it’s fully integrated into the great traditions of Times Square. In summary, 20 Times Square’s blend of record-breaking LED art, innovative architecture, and world-class hospitality makes it a one-of-a-kind venue. It feels both like a modern festival and a proud new chapter in New York City history, loved by both locals and visitors for its wow factor and amenities.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is fully ADA-accessible. The main entrances have ramps, and all floors (retail, dining, hotel, etc.) are reachable by elevator. Nearby subways (Times Sq-42nd Street) have elevator access and even direct ramps into the station. Services such as curb cuts and audible signals at intersections make getting around manageable for wheelchairs and strollers. If you or someone in your party has mobility needs, you can ask staff at any entrance to guide you to the nearest accessible entrance. Hearing-impaired visitors will note that audio announcements are mostly visual or printed. The building’s performance spaces have accessible seating, and interpreters or assistive devices can be arranged in advance for any ticketed shows by contacting customer service. When to Arrive: Crowds in Times Square are heavy all day, but especially in the evenings and on weekends. For the best experience, avoid the noon rush on weekdays and the Sunday afternoon office outing crowds. If you have a specific reservation (dinner, show, club), arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for security screening and finding your way. On New Year’s Eve or other big holiday events, plan to get in place hours ahead (even if you’re not inside 20 Times Square, crowds outside will build early). What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes are a must – Times Square means walking, often standing for long periods. Bring a fully charged phone (or power bank) for photos and navigation; there are outlets in the lounges and restaurants to recharge if needed. Small bags and backpacks are okay, but larger luggage is discouraged (security may ask you to check it in a backroom or not allow it). There is very limited personal item storage on-site, so pack light. If visiting the Hershey’s store, expect to carry any purchases with you (no coat checks in a gift shop). Umbrellas can be handy in bad weather, though umbrellas can make it harder to navigate crowds. What *Not* to Bring: Alcoholic beverages and outside food or drink are prohibited beyond the point of purchase per New York law. Large suitcases, coolers, professional camera rigs, self-balancing scooters or folding chairs are not allowed in the venue. Glass bottles or hazardous items (like aerosol cans, sharp objects) are also not permitted; these will be confiscated or force you to dispose of them. Selfie sticks are technically allowed on street but may be frowned upon in dense crowds due to space hazard. Do *not* block walking paths when taking photos of the signs – move to the sides so you’re not clogging pedestrian flow. Age Restrictions and Dress Code: The general area of 20 Times Square is open to all ages and casual city attire is fine (there is no formal dress code for the public retail areas). However, the hotel’s bars and nightclub do enforce a dress code (usually “neat casual” or better) and a 21+ age limit past around 10pm. Families with kids are welcome at daytime attractions like Hershey’s or early dining, but the Broadway-style lounge IRIS is adult-oriented after dark. Common Mistakes to Avoid: First, don’t underestimate the crowds. Crossing mid-block or jaywalking is illegal here – use the signals even if it seems slow. Pickpockets can operate in high-density spots, so keep your wallet in a front pocket or bag with a zipper. When at outdoor plazas (like on 47th St) keep an eye on children, as they can dart around and get lost easily. Also, be aware that sidewalk signs or street performers might gather crowds, making walking difficult; step off to the side to let others pass. Insider Tips: Check the Times Square Alliance website or local NYC event calendars on the day of your visit – there might be free street concerts or street performers (magicians, stilt walkers) happening right outside. If you plan to eat at one of John Fraser’s restaurants, note that lunch and dinner menus differ and weekend brunch at the rooftop garden is popular, so reserve a table online in advance (especially for weekends). If your stay or visit coincides with a holiday season (Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc.), 20 Times Square often dresses up its decorations and puts out special treats at Hershey’s. When aiming for a great photo, try shooting from at street level around 6th Ave and 46th St – you’ll capture both the giant sign of 20 Times Square and the famed red TKTS steps in one frame. Finally, always check the weather forecast: Times Square can be chilly and windy at night, and though the venue is indoors, you’ll still walk outside between locations. Layered clothing can help you enjoy both the outdoor lights and the indoor comforts. Overall, 20 Times Square is easy to visit – just plan ahead for the crowds and have fun soaking in the iconic energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main attraction at 20 Times Square?
The venue is a mixed-use complex, so its “attractions” include things like the HERSHEY’S Chocolate World store (a giant candy store and experience), gourmet restaurants and bars by top chefs, and The Times Square EDITION hotel. It is best known for its massive LED billboard above the building and for housing unique shopping and dining experiences right in Times Square. (www.e-architect.com ) (www.editionhotels.com )
Do I need a ticket to enter 20 Times Square?
No general admission ticket is needed to enter the building or walk around. The retail areas (like the Hershey’s store) are free to enter. You only pay if you make a purchase of candy, souvenirs, food or beverages. If you are attending a specific event inside (such as a show at the hotel’s cabaret or a private party), then you must obtain a ticket for that event through the organizer or venue. In practice, simply visiting the venue to shop or dine has no entry fee.
How much do tickets cost for attractions at 20 Times Square?
There isn’t a single standard ticket price because the venue isn’t a single attraction. For example, entering the Hershey’s store is free (you only pay for items you buy). The hotel’s restaurants and bars charge restaurant or cover prices like any other NYC eatery or nightclub (drinks and meals typically range from about $20–$50+). The small number of shows or ticketed events in the building (if any) vary widely in cost. In short, plan to pay normal NYC prices for food/drink, and no flat “venue fee” just to visit.
Where can I buy tickets or make reservations?
Because 20 Times Square has multiple experiences, ticketing depends on the specific place. For dining and nightlife, it’s best to book or call The Times Square EDITION’s own reservation line or use its website. For any special shows in the hotel (like a performance at IRIS), tickets are usually sold through the hotel’s site or an event ticketing service. There is no centralized box office at the venue. If you want to sit for a cabaret, call the hotel’s concierge to make advance reservations. For Times Square area events (like outdoor concerts or Broadway shows nearby), check the official event website or Broadway box offices – those are separate from 20 Times Square itself.
What are the hours for the venue?
The building itself is open day and night (the lobby is accessible 24/7), but individual shops and restaurants have their own schedules. For example, the Hershey’s Chocolate World store inside is open daily from 10 AM to midnight (with shorter Thanksgiving and Christmas hours) (www.chocolateworld.com ). Hotel restaurants generally serve breakfast through dinner (roughly 7 AM–10 PM) and the bars stay open later (often until 2 AM). The Times Square EDITION hotel front desk is staffed 24/7, so you can enter the building at any time, but shops will only open during the day and lounges may open in evenings. Always check the specific venue’s website for exact hours before you go.
How do I get to 20 Times Square on public transit?
The easiest way to reach 20 Times Square is via the subway. The *Times Square–42nd Street* station (1/2/3/7/N/Q/R/W lines and S shuttle) is one block south on 7th Avenue. You can also use the *49th Street* station (N/Q/R/W at 49th & 7th) just two blocks north, or the *42nd Street–Bryant Park* station (B/D/F/M lines at 6th & 42nd) about a 7-minute walk east. Multiple bus lines stop within a block (M20, M42, M104, etc.). From the subway you simply exit at West 47th St/7th Ave. The building’s main entrance is on 7th Ave between 47th and 46th Streets. From any station, follow signs to 42nd/7th and walk up. The neighborhood is very well-connected, making transit the preferred way to arrive.
Is parking available at 20 Times Square?
There is no general public parking lot under 20 Times Square. Nearby public garages exist (Icon Parking, Edison, etc.), but they are expensive and often fill up. For example, garages on West 46th or 47th Street charge on the order of $25–$40 an hour (or $60+ for an evening) (www.parkwhiz.com ) (www.parkwhiz.com ). Street parking is extremely limited. We recommend using public transit, taxi or rideshare instead. If you must drive, reserve a spot in advance via an app (ParkWhiz/SpotHero) and be prepared to pay high Midtown rates.
What is the dress code at 20 Times Square?
For the most part, there is no strict dress code to visit 20 Times Square. The retail areas and Hershey’s store are casual-friendly. Hotel guests usually wear everyday travel attire. The in-house restaurants and bars tend to lean upscale-casual; for example, Sir John’s restaurant expects smart casual dinner attire (jackets are optional but nice). The nighttime club (Iris) has a somewhat higher standard – avoid sneakers and athletic wear after dark. In general, dress comfortably but neatly if you plan to dine or drink there. Of course, all visitors should cover up during the winter. If in doubt, business-casual or “City chic” is safe anywhere.
Does 20 Times Square have Wi-Fi?
Visitors can generally access free Wi-Fi services around Times Square. The building itself uses commercial Wi-Fi in public areas. If you connect, look for networks like “Boingo” (the city’s Times Square Alliance Wi-Fi network) or open hotel Wi-Fi signals (like the EDITION’s guest network, which requires room key login). Many restaurants and Starbucks in the area also offer free Wi-Fi to customers. Mobile data coverage is excellent here, though, so you can rely on your phone’s LTE/5G if needed.
Are pets allowed at 20 Times Square?
Service animals are of course permitted, as required by law. Other pets (dogs, cats) are usually not allowed inside the hotel or retail/food venues due to health and safety regulations. However, the sidewalks and plazas of Times Square are pet-friendly if you’re just passing by. If you really need to bring a pet in, many nearby hotels have pet-friendly rooms, but the indoor public areas of 20 Times Square itself (stores, restaurants, club) do not allow pets.
Can I see the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop from 20 Times Square?
The official Times Square Ball Drop takes place at One Times Square (Broadway and 43rd St), which is a few blocks south of 20 Times Square. There is no special viewing platform or entrance here. Standing on 7th Ave around 47th St, you might see part of the ball on the other building’s sign, but the crowd is extremely large. Most people line up along Broadway or in the south plaza for that event. In short, 20 Times Square is not a designated Ball Drop viewing area – you would have to find your own standing spot outside and pay special access (as the street is usually cordoned).
What special experiences are available at Hershey’s Chocolate World here?
Hershey’s Chocolate World Times Square is more than a store – it has interactive candy activities. You can use the “Amazing Candy Machine” to mix and match chocolates into custom bags, personalize your own giant Hershey bar wrapper, or send a digital love message on the big screen (www.tripadvisor.co.za ). There’s also a permanent S’mores cafe trailer serving gourmet made-to-order s’mores year-round. Admission to the store and these activities is free; you only pay if you choose to create and purchase a custom candy. It’s a fun photo-ops spot especially for families.
Is the venue safe at night?
Yes – like most of Midtown Manhattan, Times Square is heavily patrolled by police and remains lively late into the night. The lobby area of 20 Times Square is well-lit and monitored; security guards are present after dark in the hotel portions. Of course, always take usual city safety precautions. The biggest hazard here isn’t crime but the crowds and traffic, so stay aware crossing streets and keep an eye on your belongings. Generally, visitors feel very safe walking around this tourist district even after the bars close. The neighborhood is well-lit (thanks to all the signs) and busy 24/7, so most people do not encounter any trouble.
Where is the nearest restroom or coat check?
Public restrooms in 20 Times Square are only found inside the restaurants, lounge areas or hotel spaces. For example, using a restroom usually means going into a bar or dining room. If you’re shopping at Hershey’s, the nearest restrooms are located inside Hershey’s at the back (including a family restroom) (www.tripadvisor.co.za ). There is no central walk-in restroom open to everyone, so plan bathroom breaks at nearby cafes or stores. Coat check is not available everywhere – typically only at the hotel’s Theater Lounge and some bars (you can ask the host as you enter), and a small fee might apply. In general, leave heavy coats with your table or use a coat rack at the venue rather than the entrance lobby, which has no general coat storage.
