49th Street (N, R, W)

The area around this station very much feels like an extension of Times Square. It’s bright and chaotic, touristy with theater-goers and some Barclay’s investment bankers thrown into the mix.

For food, you’ve got tourist-magnet diner Junior’s Cheesecake, brightly-lit pizza and burger joints, Irish pubs, and generic Asian restaurants. You won’t find any hip or chic eateries, but if you’re hungry and can spare an extra dollar for the tourist surcharge, you’re set.

If you’ve ever wanted to see the full force of American consumerism interacting with a candy brand, check out the three-story M&M Shop. On the second floor, you can even create your own M&M with an image of your choice, be it your own face or the poop emoji or anything in between.

This station also gives you access to long-running Broadway shows, like Chicago at the Ambassador Theater and the Book of Mormon at the Eugene O’Neill Theater.

There’s also a large Gentleman’s club, Platinum Dolls, off this stop. It advertises itself as having “the most affordable VIP rooms around.” No, I didn’t go in. But if you do, please tip well.