One Times Square: my honest review

I get off the subway at Times Sq-42 St, and even before I finish my coffee, that neon chaos is already shouting happily at me again. Upstairs, I am immediately greeted warmly by a fellow city guide Krisiten whom I have known for years-now "on the other side" of the railing, literally. And yes: this is the fun part of being a city guide...I get to test out (sometimes embarrassingly early) the new stuff.

One Times Square: my honest review + practical tips (2025 preview)

"*Is One Times Square worth seeing, or is it just another hype?"
My answer: yes, do-especially if you're coming soon and want to experience something that hasn't been "flattened" yet. Don't expect Edge/SUMMIT heights, but do expect a super unique Times Square perspective AND that 360° vibe. 

Why this often goes wrong

Many people think, "Times Square = chaos, so on top of Times Square is just ... more chaos."
And honestly: I was skeptical, too. I feared a "Vessel situation": nice design, but you're mostly looking at other skyscrapers, with no real bird's-eye wow.

But ... I was pleasantly surprised. You get a totally different perspective of Midtown and on a clear day you can see really far (yes, towards Central Park-feeling). And above all: Times Square from above is just a crazy experience-360° billboards, traffic, people, everything in miniature. 

The concrete solution: here's how to get the most out of it

1) Book smart (and check "preview" vs. "full opening")

This is currently a preview experience (pre-opening vibe), so you feel the team is still "catching up" a bit. I just like that: you're in that early-adopter wave. 

2) Choose your ticket option: these are the options

Right now, you see mostly these options coming back:

• Viewing Deck (basic): glass elevator + access to the 360° Viewing Deck. Prices start around $28 (incl. booking fee; tax at checkout). 
• Upgrade with NYE Ball Access: you go close to the New Year's Eve Ball for photo opportunities (super cool), but those packages can "sell out" quickly. 
• Crystal add-on (souvenir): a 2025 commemorative crystal as an add-on (starting at $50). 

My opinion (nice and honest):

• That ball access? If you can score it: get it. This is typical NYC "bragging rights".
• That crystal? I thought it was expensive. I had to hold it, of course (I'm only human too 😄), but ... what do you do with it at home? If this were really a Christmas ornament to hang in your tree every year: top. Now it feels more like "cool story," but moderately practical.

3) Best time of day

• Around golden hour → evening: Times Square really starts to pop then.
• Want photos with less reflection/fuss: go earlier in the day and keep your evening free for "street-level Times Square".

4) Expect this (and not that)

Well:

• Unique "I'm above Times Square" thrill
• 360° wraparound deck
• Glass elevator (yes, nice)
• That "I've done something not everyone else has done" feeling 

Not:

• The Height of Edge / SUMMIT / One World
• A fully fleshed-out, perfectly oiled attraction machine (not yet)

Recommendations with addresses (always complete)

One Times Square itself

• One Times Square - 1475 Broadway, New York, NY 10036 

Practical:

• Hours (now): daily 12:00-20:00 (may change seasonally) 
• Tickets: timed entry, buy online (mobile), no on-site box office 
• Subways (nice and easy):
• 42 St-Port Authority: A/C/E
• Times Sq-42 St: 1/2/3/7/N/Q/R/S/W
• Bryant Park: B/D/F/M 

"Don't panic" alternatives (if you already have another deck)

This is typical New York: you have to make choices. If you already have something booked: your trip is still great.

• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt - 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
  (My son was one of the first to test SUMMIT-here's my blog post about it: [Read my SUMMIT blog post here](paste link))
• Top of the Rock - 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
  (Classic with Central Park views)
• Edge - 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
  (For those who want "high and open sky")
• One World Observatory - 117 West St, New York, NY 10006
  (For the "highest wow" downtown)

Quick checklist / TL;DR

• ✅ Do if you're coming soon: you'll grab that "preview" momentum
• ✅ Basic Viewing Deck is already fun
• ✅ Ball access = yes please (if available)
• 🤏 Crystal souvenir = cool story, expensive thing
• 🕛 Open now usually 12-20h (always check before you go) 
• 🚇 Metro = easy (Times Sq-42 St and Port Authority around the corner) 

Want me to help "click" your trip so you don't get lost in choice stress (and snap up the best spots right away)? Come with me on tour-then you'll instantly make New York a story you'll tell later.
Then come with newyork.be and join a van onze tours.