Times Square New York
In the early years of the 20th century Long Acre Square went through a metamorphosis, transforming itself from a horse-trading zone to a dramatic, high-energy district fueled by bright lights and topped with the glitter of celebrity. After a decade or so of decay in the 60's, the Great White Way is back. Technology, media and the pulse of crowds continue to drive Times Square.

One night a year the frenzy reaches a fevered pitch as over a million people cram into the Square to watch a large lighted ball descend down a pole, marking the beginning of the New Year. Even if you aren't able to be hear on New Year's Eve you will still sense the energy and excitement that is New York City when walk the streets of Time Square. For years this has been home to the theater district in New York (Broadway actually dissects Time's Square at 7th avenue, between 42nd and 47th streets). Times Square is also home to some of the largest multimedia outlets in the world: Reuters, the New York Times (from which the Square took its name) and several American television network studios.

By the way, if you are wondering about all of the massive advertisements in Times Square, we should point out that they are required to be there. Local zoning ordinances demand that the buildings display the billboards, as they have since the beginning. Even in high-tech Times Square, there is some respect for tradition.