I’ve written about Times Square quite a bit since working for a student travel company. New York City remains (and always will be, in my opinion) a favorite choice for students. And Times Square is a must for the New York City experience. Actually, that’s how I’ve always said it before, “a must,” as if whether you want to or not, whether you’ll like it or not, you just have to see crazy, brilliant, crowded, unique Times Square at least once.

The truth is, though, you probably will. Times Square is not just an intersection to make a point to visit. It’s the convergence of so many streets and the location for so many favorite NYC attractions that you’ll almost definitely end up basking in its modern glory at some point in your visit.

One of the many ways I’ve written about Times Square is to list its stores and museums as well as its prominence in the theater district. We found ourselves in Times Square several times on our recent visit. We ate there, toured its museums, returned to it for the evening’s broadway show, and even waved to our families on Times Square web cams.

As promised, I was overwhelmed by the mass of billboards, colors, information, and sights towering over us in each direction. I was fascinated by how many people crowded the sidewalks at any given time of the day. And I was amazed by the variety of shopping, food, and entertainment just in this little corner of the world.

But my favorite part, by far, was something I hadn’t known about before. I felt vindicated for every time I complained to myself about trying to write about a place I’d never been. If I hadn’t been there myself, I don’t know when I would have realized the recent (as in, over the last year or so) change in this famous intersection.

Once as crowded with vehicles as with people, Times Square now has a section blocked off for its pedestrian plaza. I loved it. The plaza began on a trial basis. Nearby business owners weren’t sure how how the change would affect their restaurants and shops. The city wondered how it would affect the overall flow of traffic. Since the plaza is permanent now, I guess all concerned decided it was a good idea.

And I have to agree. What a perfect meeting place for groups! Students on New York City graduation trips can spread out to shop and enjoy the sights for a couple of hours and meet again at the metal chairs and tables or in front of the ticket center or by the bleachers. I could imagine grabbing coffee and a snack and just sitting in the plaza for the ultimate people-watching adventure. I like to gain perspective by the ocean or under sturdy trees, but in the midst of a world that’s busy and eclectic and one exciting sight after another can be a great place for perspective as well.

The Times Square plaza has made this iconic intersection even more amazing than before. It’s symbolic of several efforts by this amazing city to open its arms to visitors and provide a safe and friendly place for them to be.

So, you’ve convinced the powers-that-be to approve that New York City student tour, but you only have two days? A destination this exciting can overwhelm you with its sheer possibility. You can probably think of several days worth of NYC attractions just from movies you’ve seen, blogs you’ve read, or the friend of a cousin of a friend who’s been there and says you absolutely MUST see such-and-such. So what do you do with only a TWO days?

For starters, stay somewhere nice, within easy distance either to the attractions you want to see most or to the transportation. It’s just one night, so consider how well you want to be able to sleep considering the energy you’ll need for all that sightseeing.

Next – here are some attractions we put in our shorter itineraries for New York City student tours. Some of these give you a great overall glimpse of this amazing city. Others put you right in the midst of its fascinating energy. 

The Beast – The Beast is an exciting (and gigantic!) speedboat that zips you around the NYC harbor so you can take in the sights from the water. You’ll get close to the Statue of Liberty with a great opportunity for photos.

Top of the Rock – What better way to see most of the city at once than from standing way above it? Top of the Rock is a modern alternative to the traditional Empire State Building. The lines are easier to take (with time-stamped tickets), the climb more interactive, and the view every bit as breathtaking. Plus, it’s part of the amazing Rockefeller Center, a favorite New York tradition.

NY SkyRide – Don’t think we’re dissing the good ol’ ESB though. The Empire State Building has an attraction quickly becoming a New York favorite, and it might make a great addition to a quick tour. It’s a virtually simulated flight over New York City. It may be slightly less authentic than a rooftop view, but you’ll get a much closer look.

Times Square – This famous intersection is something most NYC visitors want to see at least once. Broadway shows, a television studio, Hershey store, wax museum, and Ripley’s Believe it or Not are just some of the attractions on it. And that’s not even to mention the huge billboards known around the world, which make this a fun attraction after dark.

Central Park – Who can resist those open spaces where you can stroll or picnic with skyscrapers towering just beyond the pretty trees? Central Park is rich with attractions too, and there are some really fun tours available for it – like the one showcasing previous movie locations from films we know you’ll recognize. Central Park is a New York City icon, and a great stop for even the shortest tour.

If you have any time left in the day, you might want to hit one of NYC’s museums – like Ripley’s or Madame Tussaud’s (mentioned above) or the more traditional Met or Museum of Natural History. In the evening, there’s nothing like catching a show. If you can squeeze in a Broadway performance, we guarantee you won’t regret it.

Check out our pages for more NYC ideas, but hopefully this gives you just a taste of what to do with only a little time.

Photo Credit: jillclardy on Flickr

Forbes Traveler online has compiled the top 25 most visited tourist attractions in America.  And tons of sites made the list that we send students to all year long!  We’ve been recognizing their value for educational and student tours since our company was founded – and for the next couple weeks we’ll highlight them.  If you don’t have them on your list of must-see student attractions already, you will soon.  

The number one most visited tourist attraction in America (although I’m really not sure how they calculate this one; it’s not like there’s a ticket gate) is Times Square in New York City.  The Big Apple made the list three times, and I’ll highlight each of these great NYC attractions this week.

I know you’re familiar at least with the concept of Times Square.  It’s the most recognizable intersection in the entire country with its giant digital billboards famous around the world.  Whether or not you dream of being here on New Year’s Eve for the famous ball drop could easily separate one personality type from another.  Still, throughout the year Times Square is a great attraction for New York City student tours.  Good Morning America films there each morning.  It’s home to several Broadway theaters, Toys R Us, Virgin Records, and a Hershey’s store.  You’ll also find two unique and amazing museums in Times Square, Ripley’s Believe it or Not and Madame Tussaud’s wax museum – the one place in New York City you’re guaranteed to get a photo with your favorite celebrity.  All of this makes it extremely popular for student travel and, according to Forbes, the number one choice for American travel in general!

(photo by OliverN5 on Flickr)