If you’re staying in Midtown Manhattan, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square? The short answer is yes—but understanding why, when, and how makes a big difference to your comfort and confidence in 2026.
This guide explains exactly is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square, based on location, foot traffic, lighting, police presence, and real-world traveler experience.
Where Hilton Times Square Is Located
Before deciding is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square, it helps to understand the location.
Hilton Times Square is located on West 42nd Street, just steps from the heart of Midtown. The walk to Times Square is extremely short—often less than 2 minutes depending on which corner of Times Square you’re heading to.
This proximity is one of the main reasons travelers ask is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square in the first place.
Walking Distance and Route Overview
The distance involved when asking is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square is minimal.
What the walk looks like:
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Distance: roughly 0.1–0.2 miles
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Time: 1–3 minutes
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Streets: West 42nd Street toward Broadway
You are never on an isolated street, which strongly supports the answer to is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square.
Daytime Safety: Very Safe
During the day, is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square is an easy yes.
Why daytime walking is safe:
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Heavy pedestrian traffic
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Constant police presence
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Open businesses and restaurants
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Tourists everywhere
You’ll be walking alongside office workers, tourists, families, and street performers. There are no quiet or empty blocks on this route, which greatly reduces safety concerns.
Nighttime Safety: Still Safe, With Awareness
At night, many travelers still ask is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square—and the answer remains yes.
Reasons nighttime walking is generally safe:
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Times Square is active 24/7
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Streets are brightly lit
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NYPD presence is visible
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High tourist density
In fact, this area is often more crowded at night than during the day. For most travelers, is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square at night comes down to comfort with crowds, not crime.
Police and Security Presence
One reason is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square is such a common yes is the security setup.
What you’ll notice:
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Uniformed NYPD officers
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Mobile police towers
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Security cameras
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Traffic control units
Times Square has one of the highest police visibility levels in New York City, which strongly supports is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square for visitors.
Crowds: The Biggest “Risk”
When people worry about is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square, they often mean crowds, not crime.
Crowd-related issues include:
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Slow walking pace
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Street performers stopping traffic
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Occasional pickpocket attempts
Crowds are not dangerous, but they do require awareness. Keep bags zipped and phones secure—standard advice when considering is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square.
Pickpocketing and Tourist Scams
While violent crime is rare on this route, petty theft exists. This is relevant to is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square.
Common issues:
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Pickpocketing in dense crowds
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Distraction scams
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Fake photo offers
How to stay safe:
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Keep valuables in front pockets or crossbody bags
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Don’t engage with aggressive solicitors
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Walk confidently
These tips apply anywhere in Midtown, not just when asking is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square.
Walking Solo vs With Others
Whether you’re alone or with a group, is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square stays largely the same.
Solo Travelers
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Very common in this area
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Plenty of other solo walkers
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Safe for men and women
Groups and Families
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Even safer due to visibility
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Easy navigation
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Family-friendly environment
The area is designed for constant foot traffic, which supports is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square for all traveler types.
Weather and Seasonal Factors
Weather can slightly change how you experience is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square.
Consider:
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Rain makes sidewalks slippery
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Winter crowds are heavier during holidays
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Summer evenings are busy but safe
Even during off-hours, this route remains active year-round.
When You Might Consider Alternatives
Although is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square is usually yes, some travelers prefer alternatives.
You might consider a cab or ride-share if:
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You have heavy luggage
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Severe weather is present
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You’re mobility-limited
Safety isn’t the issue—comfort is.
What Locals Say About This Walk
Ask any local about is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square, and you’ll hear the same thing: this is one of the safest, most monitored pedestrian areas in the city.
Locals worry more about congestion than danger.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make
When thinking about is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square, avoid:
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Assuming Times Square is dangerous because it’s busy
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Wandering off into random side streets unnecessarily
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Stopping suddenly in crowds
Stick to main sidewalks and you’ll be fine.
Final Verdict
So, is it safe to walk from Hilton Times Square to Times Square?
Yes—absolutely.
The walk is short, well-lit, heavily patrolled, and full of people at almost every hour of the day and night. For most travelers in 2026, safety is not a concern here. Awareness, crowd management, and basic city sense are all you need.
If you’re staying at Hilton Times Square, you’re already positioned in one of the safest and most walkable tourist zones in New York City. Walking to Times Square isn’t just safe—it’s practically unavoidable.
