Imagine standing in the heart of Times Square, one of the world’s most famous landmarks, and seeing yourself—or a loved one—glowing on a massive billboard for all to see. For just $150 per person, you can take part in a unique experience that transforms your visit into a truly memorable moment. This tour lasts about a day, with your image shown every hour for 15 seconds, over a 24-hour period. You can choose to upload a photo or video of yourself, add a custom frame or a line of text, and then sit back while your moment of fame unfolds right above the Pele store and across from the TKTS red steps.
What we love most about this experience is its simplicity and the visual impact. Seeing your face on such a famous outdoor screen turns a typical sightseeing stop into an unforgettable highlight. Plus, the fact that your image is displayed every hour, giving you multiple chances to spot yourself, makes this feel like an ongoing celebration rather than a one-time event.
One thing to keep in mind is that the confirmation process involves submitting your photo/video for approval, which may cause a slight delay or uncertainty. It’s worth checking instructions carefully to avoid surprises. This experience is perfect for those looking to add a personal touch to their NYC trip or to find a delightfully quirky gift for someone special.
If you enjoy interactive, lighthearted experiences that turn normal sightseeing into moments of joy and surprise, this tour is likely to suit you. It’s especially popular for birthdays, anniversaries, or just for fun—according to reviews, many travelers found it to be a “priceless moment” and a “highlight of their trip”.
Key Points
- Unique Photo Opportunity: Your face on a famous billboard makes for a memorable moment.
- Customizable Content: Add a frame or line of text to personalize your image.
- Multiple Displays: Your image appears every hour for 24 hours, increasing chances for sightings.
- Affordable Luxury: At $150, it’s a small price for such a big impact.
- Flexible Booking: Book 19 days in advance on average, with easy mobile tickets.
- Great for Celebrations: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or surprises.
Timing and Location
Starting at 1560 Broadway, right in the heart of Times Square, this experience offers a prime spot for maximum visibility. Positioned directly above the Pele store and facing the famous red steps, the billboard is in a high-traffic, iconic part of NYC. It’s convenient, close to public transportation, so getting there is straightforward whether you’re coming from a hotel or a different attraction.
What the Experience Entails
Once you purchase your ticket for $150, you’ll receive instructions to upload a photo or video. You’re allowed to include more than one person, making it ideal for couples, families, or friends. The process of submitting your content involves approval, which can sometimes cause uncertainty—as one reviewer noted, “the confirmation will be received at time of booking, but your photo/video must be approved before it goes live.”
You can add a frame or text to enhance your image, which is especially fun for personalized messages or birthday greetings. Once approved, your content is scheduled for display on the hour, and you can even watch live webcams to see your moment happen—although one reviewer pointed out that the live stream is not available for the second billboard on Times Square, which could be a slight disappointment.
Duration and Frequency
The 15-second window every hour means you’ll have multiple chances to see yourself on the billboard throughout the day. Many reviewers mention how exciting it is to spot their face during a bus ride or while walking by, especially when passing on the tour bus—”impeccable timing” was a phrase used.
Value and Satisfaction
Reviewers consistently describe this as a “well done surprise” and a “priceless moment” for special occasions. For example, a traveler celebrated their son’s 21st birthday and was thrilled to see him on the billboard, noting “it made his day.” Others enjoyed the fun and magic it added to their trip, with comments like “our family enjoyed this so much.”
Potential Drawbacks
The main issue some travelers encountered was related to expectations about the livestream—one reviewer was disappointed because they did not see their photo on the webcam, despite following instructions. It’s important to realize that not all billboards are set up for real-time streaming, and this fact should be understood before booking. Plus, the approval process might cause some delays or confusion if instructions aren’t carefully followed.
Customer Service and Booking
Most reviews highlight the clarity of instructions and the overall smooth process, but a few mention confusion around scheduling or the process of uploading images. The cancellation policy is flexible, offering full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, which is useful if your plans change unexpectedly.
Who Will Love This
This tour is perfect for anyone celebrating something special, like a birthday, anniversary, or milestone. It’s also well-suited for families or groups who want a shared, joyful experience. Travelers who enjoy quirky, interactive activities will find this a delightful addition to their NYC trip. If you’re after Instagram-worthy moments or just want to see yourself on a giant billboard in Times Square, this experience delivers.
This Times Square billboard experience offers a playful, memorable way to stand out in a crowd and create a lasting souvenir of your visit. For $150, you get more than just a photo—you gain a story to tell, a moment captured on one of the world’s most famous screens. Its convenient location and flexible schedule make it accessible, while the customization options add a personal touch that elevates the experience beyond a simple photo.
We found that many travelers cherish how surprising and joyful it is to see their image on such a public platform. It’s a great value for the price, especially if you’re celebrating something special or simply want to add a bit of whimsy to your trip. That said, it’s worth noting the approval process and the fact that live streaming may not be available for all billboards—something to keep in mind to avoid disappointment.
All in all, this experience is best for those who enjoy interactive, fun activities and are comfortable with a quick setup. It’s a fantastic photo op and memorable surprise rolled into one, perfect for creating stories you’ll be retelling for years.
How do I book this experience?
You can book online through the provided link, and most bookings are confirmed instantly with a mobile ticket.
What do I need to submit for the billboard?
You’ll upload a photo or video of yourself or loved ones, which must be approved before it goes live.
Can I include multiple people in my image?
Yes, one ticket allows you to submit a group photo or video containing more than one person.
How long does my image stay on the billboard?
Your image appears for 15 seconds every hour, over a 24-hour period.
What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is there a live stream of the billboard?
Some billboards have a live webcam, but not all do, especially the second billboard mentioned in reviews.
What is the best time to see my billboard?
Since your image is shown on the hour, you can plan to be near Times Square at those times or watch the webcam if available.
Who would enjoy this experience?
It’s ideal for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or milestones, and for those who enjoy lighthearted, interactive adventures.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a fun story to tell friends back home, this Times Square billboard experience offers a unique way to mark your visit to NYC. It’s simple, customizable, and packed with moments of surprise—perfect for making your trip unforgettable.
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