42nd Street is considered the southern edge of Times Square, but it doesn’t lack architectural drama. In fact, compared to other parts of Times Square, the density of buildings creates an impressive wall of visual interest.

The Madame Tussauds sign stands out, nicely framed vertically by the surrounding buildings. Within the crazy mix of retail, we also have Dave & Buster’s, along with advertisements for The Lion King and other Broadway shows. It makes sense that the area is so heavily concentrated with entertainment venues.

I wonder, however, how the “chainification” of venues has diluted some of what makes a place like this special. Many of the retail stores are chains, and even Madame Tussauds and Dave & Buster’s have locations in other cities. The Broadway theaters are among the few remaining attractions unique to New York. Ultimately, perhaps what still sets a place like this apart is the scale of the buildings and the density of options. For me, I like 42nd Street for the photography.

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