Surviving the Potty Problem: Your Guide to Bathroom Breaks on Times Square's New Year's Eve
So, you've got your ticket, your warmest layers, and your New Year's Eve spirit ready for the iconic ball drop in Times Square. But as the excitement builds, a very practical, and dare we say, pressing question emerges: How do people go to the bathroom in Times Square on New Year's Eve? It's a question many first-timers, and even some seasoned attendees, ponder. Rest assured, it's a logistical challenge that’s managed, though not always with the utmost comfort.
The Reality of Public Facilities
Let's cut to the chase: there are no public restrooms in the immediate vicinity of the Times Square pedestrian plazas during the New Year's Eve celebration. The streets are sealed off to traffic, and the sidewalks become a sea of humanity. This means that your typical corner public restroom is non-existent for the duration of the event.
What About Businesses?
This is where your strategy comes into play. Many of the businesses bordering Times Square, especially those with restaurants, bars, and even some retail stores, will have restrooms. However, this is where the "how" gets a bit more complicated:
- Limited Access: Businesses that do open their restrooms to the public will likely have extremely long lines. You could be waiting for upwards of an hour or more, and that’s if you can even get to the entrance through the crowds.
- Purchase Required: Most establishments will *only* allow paying customers to use their facilities. This means you'll likely need to purchase a drink or a snack, and even then, there's no guarantee of immediate access.
- Private Parties and Ticketed Events: Many hotels and restaurants in the Times Square area host exclusive, ticketed New Year's Eve parties. These often come with dedicated restroom facilities for attendees. If you're looking for a more comfortable experience, this is the route to consider, though it comes at a significantly higher price point.
The "DIY" Solutions (and Their Downsides)
Given the limited options, many revelers resort to creative, though often unsavory, solutions. We feel it’s important to be upfront about these:
- "Toughing It Out": Many people simply try to hold it. This is easier said than done when you're drinking (and you'll likely be drinking to stay warm!).
- Pre-Event Preparation: Hydration is key to enjoying the night, but strategically, it can also be managed. Many people limit their fluid intake in the hours leading up to entering the secure zone.
- The "Dash and Grab": Some brave souls will attempt to weave through the crowds and find a business that has a short line or is more lenient. This is risky and often results in disappointment.
- Public Urination: This is a reality that the NYPD and sanitation crews have to deal with. However, it's highly discouraged and illegal. You can be fined for public indecency and urination. It's also incredibly unpleasant for everyone else.
What the City Does
The city does set up temporary portable restrooms in and around the Times Square area. However, these are:
- Limited in Number: There are never enough to serve the hundreds of thousands of people present.
- Often with Long Lines: Expect these to have the longest queues of all.
- Basic Facilities: These are your standard port-a-potties.
They are typically located a few blocks away from the main ball drop viewing areas, meaning you'll have to navigate the crowds to reach them.
Tips for Managing Your Bathroom Needs
If you're planning to brave the crowds for the New Year's Eve ball drop without a ticketed event, here are some strategies to keep in mind:
- Go Before You Go: Use the restroom at your hotel, a restaurant you're dining at beforehand, or even a public restroom in a subway station *before* you enter the Times Square secure zone.
- Strategic Location: If you decide to try and use a business restroom, aim for those on the periphery of the main crowd. Sometimes businesses a block or two away from the absolute epicenter will have slightly less insane lines.
- Hydration Management: Be mindful of your fluid intake. Enjoy your celebratory beverages, but perhaps pace yourself in the hours leading up to and during your time in the dense crowds.
- Embrace the Experience (and the Patience): Understand that bathroom breaks will likely be a significant undertaking. Bring a sense of humor and a whole lot of patience.
- Consider a Ticketed Event: If comfortable restroom access is a high priority for you, investing in a ticketed event at a hotel or restaurant is your best bet.
While it’s not the most glamorous aspect of celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square, knowing the realities and having a plan can make the experience significantly more manageable. So, go forth and celebrate, but remember to plan your potty breaks!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many portable restrooms are typically available?
The exact number can vary year to year, but the city aims to provide a significant number of temporary portable restrooms. However, it's crucial to understand that "significant" in this context still means far fewer than the hundreds of thousands of people attending the event. They are spread out around the perimeter of the celebration zone, not directly in the most densely packed viewing areas.
Why don't they have more public restrooms in Times Square for New Year's Eve?
Times Square is primarily a commercial and entertainment district, not a park or a public square designed with extensive public restroom facilities. The massive influx of people on New Year's Eve is an exceptional event. Setting up and maintaining a vast number of permanent public restrooms for a few hours of intense use would be logistically challenging and prohibitively expensive. Temporary solutions are the city's approach.
Can I just use the restroom in any store I see?
Generally, no. Most retail stores and smaller businesses in Times Square will not open their restrooms to the general public, especially on such a crowded and high-stakes night. They are likely to be reserved for employees or paying customers only, and even then, access will be restricted and likely have long lines.
What's the best time to try and find a restroom?
The lines for restrooms, whether private businesses or portable units, will be longest as the ball drop approaches and immediately after. If you absolutely must go during the main event, your best bet is often to try earlier in the evening when the crowds are still forming, or if you're in a ticketed venue, to utilize their facilities when you can.
What happens if I get caught urinating in public?
You can face serious consequences, including fines for public indecency and public urination. The NYPD actively patrols the area, and these offenses are taken seriously. It's not only illegal but also disrespectful to the environment and other attendees.
