No Manhattan neighborhood embodies the term, “24/7,” better than Times Square. named for the new York Times, which has been headquartered there since 1924, the vibrant, neon-lit district is all about entertainment, retail, dining, theater and tourists. Megastores and theme restaurants rule the area, known around the world as the place be on new Year’s Eve.

Times Square is an iconic world landmark unequaled in most countries, although his often compared to London’s famous trafalgar Square. New Yorkers know the intersection of Broadway and 42nd Street as “the Crossroads of the World.” perfectly positioned in the heart of the City at the junction of Broadway and Seventh avenue, times Square occupies West 42nd to West 47th Streets. Its official borders are Sixth and Eighth avenues to the east and west and West 40th to West 53rd Streets to the south and north.

The area’s intensely urban flavor is enhanced by Broadway theaters, perpetual foot traffic, a plethora of subway lines and animated neon and LED signage, reminiscent of Las Vegas. In fact, times Square is the only neighborhood with ordinances that require building owners to display illuminated signs.

Upon deciding to join times Square’s rapidly changing and highly visible shopping landscape, a retailer undertakes a monumental task – still, this has not stopped a bevy of new retailers from planning openings. the latest news is from American Eagle, which will land in over 40,000 square feet across four floors at 1551 Broadway, the prominent northwest corner of 46th Street. American Apparel is also set to take a bow at 610 Ninth avenue, on the corner of 44th Street. Steadfastly american denim brand Levi’s will debut a colossal store at 1501 Broadway, between 43rd and 44th Streets.

In the “new” New York times Building at 620 Eighth avenue, Muji, the environmentally-conscious Japanese retailer, will open a flagship. Also set to open in this historic building is gourmet food emporium Dean & DeLuca’s seventh Manhattan café. More eateries will grace number 620, including Inakaya, world-famous “robatayaki”-style restaurant known for fancy grilling, and Montenapo, a casual upscale Northern italian restaurant from the forces behind Bice.

The former headquarters of the New York times, 229 West 43rd Street, is not to be left out, as plans to transform the building’s printing presses into cafés and clothing stores, and to renovate the façade with a fivestory clock and a series of mirrors showcasing the lights of times Square will earn its new name, “the times Square Building.” The Cheesecake Factory has already signed on to open in the renovated edifice.

While dining and shopping under the lights of Broadway, there is something for everyone and every size wallet! the district looks like the Mall of america, boasting monolithic shops such as Ann Taylor Loft, the world’s largest Toys ‘R Us, complete with a Ferris wheel, MTV World, Quiksilver, Virgin Megastore, Swatch, Sephora and Godiva. Alongside these retail power players are eateries Red Lobster, olive Garden, Ruby Tuesday, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Dave and Buster’s, ESPn Zone, Hawaiian Tropic Zone, hard Rock Café and Planet hollywood. Daniel Boulud’s Bistro Moderne, Blue Fin, Frankie & Johnnies’s Steakhouse, Sardi’s, Bond 45 and Brooklyn Diner are also highly desirable dining destinations. Retail competition is a staple in the neighborhood, as the Hershey’s time Square store is a candy heaven just across the street from M&M World – these dueling chocolate masters are constantly redesigning their already “over-the-top” stores.

Appealing to both the multitude of tourists and local divas, entertainment hot spots and hotels define times Square. From the world’s largest video screen at Nasdaq’s eight-story billboard, Broadway and 43rd Street, to ABC Good Morning America’s street-facing studio, Broadway at 44th Street, to MTV’s racy studio in astor plaza, entertainment voyeurism is encouraged. A favorite among tourists is Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, while virtually every movie is available at the 26-screen AMC Theater and Loews Cineplex E-Walk.

Skyrocketing success of theaters, stores and restaurants in times Square has attracted a magnitude of new hotels to the area and prompted major renovations to the many historic hotels. The Marriott Marquis, Millennium Hotel, Belvedere, Hotel 41 and Renaissance Hotel are just a few of the unique accommodations in the neighborhood. A new trend will allow New Yorkers to live at the Crossroads of america, with construction of luxury residential properties well underway.

This unmatched district presents residents and tourists with an exciting retail mix, intertwined with fabulous food, exceptional hotels and high style entertainment. Come to times Square to spend big, dine big, shop big and gawk at the lights and the heights!