What to Do in Times Square

Once a seedy haven for addicts and XXX stores, Times Square has transformed into a Disneyfied destination for tourists and families. While it's not that impressive during the day, Times Square will knock your socks off at night. Massive lighted billboards from brands such as Coca-Cola and Toshiba compete for your attention. Bring your camera because the photo opportunities are endless.

I don't suggest that you spend all of your time while in New York City at Times Square, but I believe that it has plenty of fun opportunities for shopping, dining, and wandering around.

Destinations:
Broadway Theater: An obvious choice for visitors, Broadway offers a myriad of theater options, from traditional musicals like "Phantom of the Opera" to edgy plays like the Daniel Radcliff vehicle, "Equus." Broadway tickets can be expensive, so those of you who are penny pinchers should check out the TKTS booth. Temporarily located at the Marriot Marquis Hotel at West 46th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue. Make sure to bring cash or travelers checks, because TKTS doesn't accept credit cards!

Nokia Theatre Times Square (1515 Broadway, 44th & Broadway): A midsized venue that holds 2,100 fans, Nokia Theater is an indoor theater that features mildly successful acts like Chris Isaak, up-and-coming artists like Bow Wow, and classics like Rusted Root or Cypress Hill.
Madame Tussauds (234 West 42nd Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues):
Slightly pricey (tickets are about $29), Madame Tussauds offers life-size wax duplicates of historical figures and celebrities. Visitors can take their picture with lifelike sculptures of Donald Trump, Lance Armstrong, and Beyonce.

Ripley's Times Square Believe It or Not!® Odditorium (234 West 42nd Street bet. 7th and 8th Aves): Another pricey destination (tickets go for $24.95), Ripley's is a museum of oddities like a six-legged cow, an albino giraffe, and an impressive collection of Olympic torches.

Shopping:
Toys'R'Us (1514 Broadway at 44th St.): More than just a toy store, this flagship location offers an impressive collection of stuffed animals, Legos, and Barbies. On top of that, kids and their parents can ride the massive 60ft tall Ferris Wheel that dominates the store. It's fun for both children and the young-at-heart.

Hershey Store (1593 Broadway at 46th Street): Even in the chaos of Times Square, the Hershey Store is hard to miss, with its gargantuan 215ft tall outdoor façade featuring all of the different yet equally beloved Hershey brands. Inside, candy lovers can stock up on their favorite Hershey candy and even personalize a giant Hershey's Kisses Chocolate.

Sanrio (233 West 42nd Street): Japan-philes and girly girls will love the selection of Hello Kitty pencils, rulers, clocks, jewelry, and other paraphernalia.

Colony Records (1619 Broadway between 49th St & 50th St): This Broadway staple offers the best selection of sheet music, karaoke tapes and hardware, and Broadway CDs. The prices aren't too bad either!

Other notable stores: MTV Store, Sephora, Virgin Megastore, and World of Disney.

Restaurants:
Ruby Foo's (1626 Broadway at 49th St.): Patrons can eat pan-Asian food including dim sum, sushi, and yummy Thai meals amidst a flashy and slick atmosphere. Kids can eat hot dogs and grilled cheese if they're not into Asian cuisine.

Ellen's Stardust Diner (1650 Broadway at 51st St.): Known for its singing waitstaff, this greasy spoon offers great American fare like burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, cobb salads, and baked potatoes. In the back is a jazz space, Iridium Jazz Club provides a musical alternative to the Broadway theater standards.

Virgil's (152 West 44th Street between Broadway and 6th Ave): Patrons can get delicious BBQ without the usually high Times Square prices. Make sure that you allot plenty of time for your Virgil's dining experience because service can be slow.

Akdeniz (19 W 46th St.): This Turkish restaurant offers all kinds of delicious Mediterranean fare, such as octopus salad, baba ghanoush, and sea bass.

Margon (136 W 46th St.): Inexpensive Cuban cuisine can be found at this no-frills inexpensive restaurant.