don't take it so literally Adu. TC is making a point. TC isn't saying that NY is ONLY Times Square. A tourist can spend time in Times Square AND visit Wall Street, museums, Central Park, etc. These are not mutually exclusive endeavors.

The question was around people watching in Times Square.
NYers responded with "there are better places to people watch"

I don't think anyone discouraged the OP from actually taking a walk through Times Square or visiting the area. The question implied that they wanted to see NYC go by. I offered places where I personally do so-Union Square, Madison Square Park.

We suggested that if they want to grab a seat to observe NYC there are better places to do so. To that, I'd add Grand Central to that list- Junior cheesecake is available in the food court downstairs.

Don't knock the Bryant Park movie nights until you try it. It's a very social event and a nice free entertainment option for visitors on a budget.

I should say this about the virtue of Times Square. Times Square was the place I went to the night of September 11 2001. I needed to feel like I was in NYC after the chaos of that day. Although it was empty of people,I was relieved that it was still in tact, bright and gaudy as it ever was. It provided a little bit of normalcy to the City in an otherwise abnormal day.

So I don't dislike Times Square, I just think there are better places for the OP to people watch and enjoy cheesecake.

Tom, I understand the difference between literal and figurative. And in either sense there is not one thing that defines New York and that is what makes it very different

And when I travel, I understand there is a whole world I have left unexplored and I do not try to define someone else's home. The same is true of Paris and San Francisco. I have been to Paris a number of times and San Francisco many times. I still have not visited the Eiffel Tower, of course, it is difficult to miss as you are walking the city. And I use the cable car for transportation. But to define a city by its most obvious sites is like trying to discern someone's personality from their face.

<i>"TC is making a point. TC isn't saying that NY is ONLY Times Square. A tourist can spend time in Times Square AND visit Wall Street, museums, Central Park, etc. These are not mutually exclusive endeavors.</i>

Thank you, Tom.

TC can defend her own post but...oh brother.

You're welcome, TC.