Herald Square
Herald Square is much more than just a street crossing in the heart of Midtown Manhattan: it’s a hub of commercial activity and a vital transportation nexus. World-famous for housing the flagship Macy’s store, the largest in the world, and for being the endpoint of the iconic Thanksgiving Day Parade, this location captures the commercial and dynamic energy of New York City. 🛍️
Located at the intersection of Broadway, Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), and 34th Street, Herald Square is an essential stop for both shoppers and tourists. Its vibrant atmosphere, marked by the constant flow of people and its proximity to other key attractions, makes it a nerve center of New York City urban life.
Why Visit Herald Square?
Visiting Herald Square immerses you directly in the commercial frenzy and history of New York City. It’s an iconic location that combines world-renowned shopping, historical monuments, and unbeatable transportation connections. Here you’ll find the legendary Macy’s store, the historic James Gordon Bennett Monument with its clock and bronze figures (Minerva, Stuff, and Guff), and an energy that defines Midtown.
Its historical significance is linked to the *New York Herald* newspaper, founded by James Gordon Bennett Sr. Although the newspaper no longer exists, the name and the monument endure. Furthermore, its strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the nearby Empire State Building, Koreatown, and other areas of interest in Manhattan.
Herald Square is also a symbol of New York’s commercial dynamism. What was once the heart of the theater district before it moved north (to Times Square), is today an epicenter of shopping and transit that attracts millions of people each year. If you want to feel the commercial pulse of the city, this is your place. ✨
How to Get to Herald Square by Subway?
Main Stations
The main station providing direct access to Herald Square is 34th Street–Herald Square. This massive station is one of the city’s most important transportation hubs, connecting multiple subway lines and facilitating access to major avenues and points of interest.
Subway Lines Serving Herald Square
Herald Square enjoys excellent connections with the New York City subway. The lines that stop directly at the 34th Street–Herald Square station are:
- B, D, F, M (Orange lines)
- N, Q, R, W (Yellow lines)
Additionally, the PATH station (train to New Jersey) at 33rd Street is right next door, and Penn Station (with subway lines 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, plus LIRR, NJ Transit, and Amtrak) is just one block west. 🚇
How to Get to Herald Square From:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
If you are near Central Park or Columbus Circle, you can take the B, D, N, Q, or R lines southbound (“Downtown”) directly to 34th Street–Herald Square.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From Lower Manhattan, the N, R, or W lines (northbound, “Uptown”) will take you directly to 34th Street–Herald Square. You can also take the F or M from stations like Broadway-Lafayette St.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From DUMBO, you can take the F line “Uptown” and get off at 34th Street–Herald Square. From Williamsburg, take the L line to Union Square and transfer to the northbound (“Uptown”) N, Q, R, or W lines to 34th Street–Herald Square. Alternatively, take the M directly if you are near one of its stops in Williamsburg.
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
From Long Island City or other parts of Queens, the F, M, R, or W lines (depending on your starting point) will take you westbound (“Manhattan bound”) to 34th Street–Herald Square. From Flushing, the 7 line takes you to Times Square or Grand Central, where you can easily transfer to a line going to Herald Square.
Harlem
From Harlem, the B or D lines (southbound, “Downtown”) take you directly to 34th Street–Herald Square.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and transfer to the E subway line to Penn Station (one block from Herald Square) or transfer at Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av to the F line to 34th St-Herald Sq. From LaGuardia, you can take the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus (free) to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av and take the F or R line to 34th St-Herald Sq. From Newark, take the AirTrain Newark and then NJ Transit to Penn Station, which is right next to Herald Square. ✈️
What to Do in Herald Square?
Herald Square is one of New York City’s busiest spots, primarily due to its fame as a shopping district. It offers an intense urban experience focused on shopping, history, and the simple pleasure of watching the city’s hustle and bustle at one of its most famous intersections.
Shopping at Macy’s and Surroundings
The main attraction is undoubtedly Macy’s Herald Square. Explore its multiple floors, admire its historic window displays (especially at Christmas), and marvel at its old wooden escalators. Besides Macy’s, the area is packed with other large chain stores, boutiques, and shoe stores. Get your wallet ready! 💳
Admire the Monuments
Take a moment to observe the James Gordon Bennett Monument at the northern end of the square. It features a bronze bell flanked by two blacksmiths (“Stuff” and “Guff”) who strike it every hour, under the gaze of Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. In the nearby Greeley Square Park (just to the south), you’ll find a statue of Horace Greeley, founder of the *New York Tribune*.
Enjoy the Atmosphere and People-Watch
Sit on one of the benches or tables available in the square (if you can find a spot) and simply watch the comings and goings of New Yorkers and tourists. It’s a fantastic place to capture the city’s energy and take photos of the urban bustle. 📸
Visit During Special Events
Herald Square is the epicenter for the finale of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you visit the city during Thanksgiving, experiencing the atmosphere in this area (although extremely crowded) is a unique experience. Other events and commercial promotions are also held throughout the year.
Explore the Dining Options
Around Herald Square, you’ll find countless dining options, from fast-food chains to more formal restaurants, including New York’s famous street food carts. Nearby Koreatown offers excellent Korean cuisine. 🥢
Attractions Near Herald Square
Herald Square’s central location means it’s surrounded by many other major New York attractions. You can easily combine your visit to the square with exploring these nearby places, most of which are accessible on foot.
Macy’s Herald Square
Although technically part of Herald Square, it deserves a separate mention as a main attraction. Spend time exploring “the world’s largest store,” especially its historic sections and famous window displays. 🏬
Empire State Building
Just two blocks east, on 34th Street, stands the iconic Empire State Building. You can admire it from the square or go closer to ascend to its observatories and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Madison Square Garden and Penn Station
One block west is Madison Square Garden, home to sporting events and concerts, along with Penn Station, a major rail and subway transportation hub.
Koreatown (K-Town)
Just east of Herald Square, centered on 32nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, lies Koreatown. It’s a vibrant district filled with Korean restaurants, bars, cosmetic shops, and karaoke bars. 🇰🇷
Bryant Park and New York Public Library
A few blocks north, you’ll find the urban oasis of Bryant Park and the majestic New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue. They are perfect places for a peaceful break. 🌳📚
Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park
Walking a few blocks south along Broadway or Fifth Avenue, you’ll reach the unique Flatiron Building and the pleasant Madison Square Park, home to the original Shake Shack burger joint.
Tips for Visiting Herald Square
Herald Square is an exciting but also very crowded place. Here are some tips to make your visit more enjoyable and make the most of this iconic Manhattan area.
Best Time of Day to Go
If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, especially inside Macy’s, try going on weekday mornings, right when the stores open. Afternoons and weekends are usually the busiest times. During the Christmas season 🎄 and events like Black Friday, the area is extremely crowded at all hours.
Avoiding Crowds
Herald Square is almost always bustling with people due to the stores and the subway station. If crowds overwhelm you, try moving along the edges of the square or exploring the side streets. Be patient when crossing streets and navigating the sidewalks.
Safety
As in any busy urban area, keep your belongings secure and in sight. Be especially wary of pickpockets in crowds, inside stores, and at the subway station. Be aware of your surroundings, but overall, it is a safe area for tourists. 👮
What to Bring and What Not To
Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking! 👟 If you plan on shopping, a reusable bag can be useful. Dress in layers, as stores can have strong air conditioning in summer or heating in winter. It’s not necessary to carry large amounts of cash; cards are accepted everywhere. Limit the valuables you carry with you.
