Union Square Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A mix of historic and modern buildings with a clear blue sky and an American flag.
A cityscape at dusk with illuminated buildings, a central park with a fountain, and a busy intersection with light trails from moving vehicles.
A bustling city square with people walking, sitting, and socializing.
A cityscape with the Empire State Building, Union Square, and modern skyscrapers.
A variety of tulips in shades of red, pink, and yellow.

Union Square is a plaza… a park… a market… and it’s THE place to enjoy the life and soul of downtown Manhattan.

If there is one central place to hang out and experience the energy of central New York, it’s Union Square. New Yorkers and visitors alike love this central square for its eclectic mix of people and events. Watch the locals play chess or walk their dogs, admire the street performers, shop at the Greenmarket, or chat to a fortune teller. Look for the steaming Metronome and work out the time from the digits on The Passage.

Stay near popular Union Square attractions

Union Square Park

8.8/10 (118 reviews)
This vibrant and energetic square is a must-see for all foodies visiting New York.
See properties

Activities

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

AU$61
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets
Go City: New York Explorer Pass - Entry to 2 to 10 Top Attractions

New York Explorer Pass: Visit 2-10 Attractions and Save Up to 50 Percent

AU$119
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
New York Explorer Pass: Visit 2-10 Attractions and Save Up to 50 Percent
Tyrannosaurs rex skeleton in the American Museum of Natural History in New York

American Museum of Natural History Tickets

AU$57
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
American Museum of Natural History Tickets
New York’s Best Skyline View, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center

Top of the Rock Timed Admission

AU$58
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Top of the Rock Timed Admission
Edge Immersive Observation Deck Ticket

Edge Immersive Observation Deck Ticket

AU$61
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Edge Immersive Observation Deck Ticket
One World Observatory: Skip-the-Line Ticket

One World Observatory Tickets

AU$43
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
One World Observatory Tickets
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Our pick of the best Union Square Hotel Deals

ROW NYC

ROW NYC

4 out of 5
700 8th Avenue New York NY
The price is AU$365 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
AU$365
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Times Square and Broadway are located ...
ROW NYC
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave New York NY
The price is AU$444 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
AU$444
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (9,526 reviews)
"Close to everything"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2026

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Lotte New York Palace

Lotte New York Palace

4.5 out of 5
455 Madison Ave New York NY
The price is AU$941 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$941
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in New York. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,292 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel in a great location. Staff and rooms were lovely and we had a great visit."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2026

Lotte New York Palace
Pod Times Square

Pod Times Square

3 out of 5
400 W 42nd Street New York NY
The price is AU$286 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
AU$286
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in New York. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (6,110 reviews)
"Convenient, well located, just to sleep and explore the city, I'll come back"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2026

Pod Times Square
Park Lane New York

Park Lane New York

5 out of 5
36 Central Park S New York NY
The price is AU$971 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
AU$971
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,824 reviews)
"Awesome location across from Central Park. Great buffet breakfast on 46th floor overlooking the park. 24-hour fitness room."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2026

Park Lane New York
Empire Hotel

Empire Hotel

4 out of 5
44 W 63rd St New York NY
The price is AU$338 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
AU$338
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this boutique hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
Empire Hotel
See all 12,281 properties in Union Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Union Square

Find the best Union Square areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A bridge with an American flag, a city skyline, and a waterfront park.

Brooklyn

Known for its great live music and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in Brooklyn. You can visit top attractions like Barclays Center Brooklyn and Brooklyn Bridge, and jump on the metro at Kingston - Throop Avs. Station or Nostrand Av. Station (Fulton St.) to see more of the city.

A city skyline with various high-rise buildings, including a distinctive skyscraper under construction, and a body of water in the foreground.

Midtown

Times Square and Rockefeller Center are a few top attractions in Midtown. Hop around the city on the metro at 42 St. - Bryant Pk. Station or Times Sq. - 42 St. Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, soaring skyscrapers and acclaimed art galleries.

A large glass-domed greenhouse surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Bronx

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Bronx. If sightseeing is on the list, Yankee Stadium is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Bronx Park East Station or E 180 St. Station to see more of the area.

A city skyline at dusk with illuminated bridges and buildings.

Williamsburg

Noted for its cafes and live music, there's plenty to explore in Williamsburg. Top attractions like McCarren Park Pool and Brooklyn Brewery are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Metropolitan Av. Station or Lorimer St. Station (Metropolitan St.) to see more of the city.

A waterfront cityscape with modern architecture, including a distinctive bridge with arches.

Chelsea

Chelsea is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Madison Square Garden and Chelsea Hotel. See more of New York by jumping on the metro at 23 St. Station (8th Av.) or 23 St. Station (7th Av.).

Union Square Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: