For anyone visiting Midtown Manhattan, the sensory overload of Times Square is undeniable. Towering digital billboards, Broadway marquees, and a constant flow of pedestrians create an electric, almost overwhelming atmosphere. Amid this urban chaos, however, lies a sweeter, more nostalgic escape that appeals to children and adults alike.
New York City has a rich history of confectionery craftsmanship, from old-world chocolatiers to modern, whimsical sugar emporiums. The area surrounding Times Square serves as a microcosm of this candy culture, hosting everything from flagship mega-stores to hidden gem bakeries. Finding the perfect sweet treat here is less about luck and more about knowing exactly where to look.
Whether you are hunting for a rare import, a freshly spun batch of cotton candy, or a decadent chocolate gift box, the Theater District has you covered. The sheer variety can be dizzying, especially if you are navigating the crowds with a sugar-craving family in tow. That is why we have curated a guide to the most reliable and spectacular spots.
This list focuses on quality, uniqueness, and proximity to the heart of the city. We have prioritized establishments that offer an experience, not just a transaction, because buying candy in New York should feel magical. You will find legendary names alongside boutique chocolatiers who have perfected their craft over decades.
Accessibility is key in this high-traffic zone, so every location mentioned is easily walkable from the main plazas. You won’t need to hail a cab or take the subway to reach these destinations; they are woven into the fabric of the neighborhood. This makes them perfect for a quick pit stop between Broadway shows or sightseeing.
Below, we break down the top ten destinations that consistently deliver on taste, atmosphere, and service. Use this guide to navigate the sugary landscape of Midtown with confidence and a bit of insider knowledge.
One Times Square i Candy NYC
| Address | One Times Square, 1475 Broadway 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
It was such an amazing and fun time, icandy felt like a real life Wonka factory.. they give you a bucket per person (extra buckets if you choose to want more candy to pick) and 3 floors of all you can eat candy. Each floor has a different theme and the workers are all helpful and most considerate (they’re also a part of the attraction and dress up for each floor) they have a huge gift shop and it was the perfect time.
The candy was fresh and always monitored the floors were clean and nothing was down or broken everything looked brand new and found out by one of the employees that this will remain in the city indefinitely.
I recommend 1000% percent. Also the ambiance and music was fun.
Was a fun experience. I went with my 16 year old son on July 4th. We both enjoyed the displays. No matter what age, it is an amazing time!! So many different candy and chocolate options. The workers were so friendly and courteous from start to finish. The only thing I would recommend, is to put little waste bins throughout, or at the door at least. I saw a few people eating, then wrappers on the floor and some in the stairwell. Some people are not nice and so inconsiderate. 100% recommended. Glad we had an opportunity to go.Thank you for a great visit!!
Our family was looking for something fun to do and came across this cool iCandy place! The themes and candy selection were amazing. The staff, especially the zookeeper, was wonderful and helped our kids with their candy buckets. She was incredibly patient and truly made the experience even more memorable for them. We had a great time and will definitely be recommending this place to our friends!"
Kids loved it, we went early so it was literally us and one other family there. The staff was super sweet, candy options were good, it was clean 10/10
Super fun experience for both kids and adults alike! i candy has 3 floors to explore filled with super cool props, new and old school candies and the customer service by the employees were on point! The employees were very attentive, informative and were great with talking family photos at your request.
M&M'S New York
| Address | 1600 Broadway, New York, NY 10019 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (212) 295-3850 |
This place is so damn tacky and fun I LOVE IT. I have always been a fan of M&Ms since my mom loved them and we won second place in an M&M sweepstakes in the 1990s. There are three floors. THE BATHROOM IS ON THE THIRD FLOOR. The design machine is on the second and it uses photos from your phone using a QR code, so of you want to make a gift you don't need the person to be there you just need their photo. The staff is very helpful and the place seems to be constantly packed as it is right in Times Square. Definitely worth a visit although prices are high.
It is definitely a fun place to check out, especially if you’ve never been. There’s so much to look at, tons of M&M’s, souvenirs, and cute NYC-themed stuff. It was a bit hectic and crowded, but honestly, that’s Times Square 😂. Overall, a cool experience and worth stopping by at least once.
I felt like a kid in a candy store & I was!
Lots of M & M products - t-shirts, keychains, mugs, and plenty of colorful M & M candies with peanuts, plain and flavored. The amount charged is based on weight. They even have a tasting spot.
Staff are friendly and helpful. Three floors of goodies.
A fun place to stop by, especially if you love M&M’s! The store has so many colorful displays, different flavors, and lots of unique merchandise. It’s a quick but fun visit, especially if you’re exploring Times Square and want to take some pictures or grab some treats.
The only issue that I have at this place is the price for all the containers for the m&ms. But it is NYC, it is Time Square so its to be expected.
This place is super cool. I like that it has different levels and each with different items to purchase.
The staff are very helpful with guiding you through the store and helping you with questions you may have. Very polite and respectful.
The dispensers for the candy are really cool. They all have different kinds of m&ms. From Peanut, to Reeses Pieces, to regular, to even season themes (spring mix). Many different candies to choose from.
Great place to take your family to.
Dylan's Candy Bar
| Address | 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (646) 661-6094 |
Beautiful store. Their employees were friendly and attentive. Being welcomed with a free lollipop was nice! We came back an hour later to buy some candy to take back home to CA.
Quite possibly the best Milkshake I’ve ever had! Dylan’s Cookie Butter Milkshake is Amazing! One thousand times better than the milky Van Leeuwen shake. Try one you’ll love it. They also have a plethora of candy too!
Nicest Team! I’ve been having to stop by for things for my job. Chloe was so nice and when I told her the idea I was going for kept bringing over options to fit the theme. She and the team were attentive and helpful!
Visited today and loved it. There are a lot of pick and mix sweets.
There are a few different sized containers to fill. We got a teddy bear money box, which was 20 bucks.
My 7-year-old spent ages picking which sweets he would like.
Lovely place to visit, and it was expensive as expected it is NYC, after all. It's in a shopping mall opposite the vessel.
People who have a sweet tooth will always look for candies that delights their taste buds and give them a slight sugar rush. This Dylan’s Candy Bar in New York attracts lots of adults and kids. You can see the kids jumping for joy as they walked into the store. Their happy smiling and excited faces were visible as they walked around looking for the candies they like. This place sell all sorts of chocolates and candies and everything looks fun and delicious. There’s truly a type of candy for everyone here! We bought some chocolates and sweet treats. Love all the cute and colourful decor they have in the store. Their prices for the candles were a bit expensive though but I think it’s worth the money when you can see the happy faces on the kiddies.
Hershey's Chocolate World
| Address | 20 Times Square, 701 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (212) 581-9100 |
Hershey's Chocolate World Times Square is a paradise for chocolate lovers and one of the most enjoyable themed retail experiences in New York City. Located in the heart of Times Square, the store combines fun, branding, lighting, and interactive design to create an energetic atmosphere that attracts visitors of all ages.
The interior is beautifully designed with colorful chocolate displays, large digital screens, creative lighting, and themed installations that make the entire space feel lively and immersive. Walking through the store feels more like exploring an entertainment attraction rather than a regular retail shop. The aroma of chocolates throughout the space adds another layer to the experience.
One of the most exciting parts is the huge variety of Hershey’s products, personalized chocolates, and New York-themed souvenirs. The arrangement of displays and circulation is very well planned, allowing visitors to comfortably explore multiple sections while continuously discovering something new.
From an architectural and interior design perspective, the store is a strong example of experiential retail design where branding and spatial experience work together perfectly. The bright interiors, layered displays, and interactive elements create a joyful and memorable environment for families and tourists.
Located beside the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square, Hershey’s Chocolate World perfectly captures the fun and energetic character of New York. A must-visit destination for anyone who enjoys chocolates, creative interiors, and immersive urban experiences.
Hershey’s Chocolate World
701 7th Ave.
New York, NY 10036
Reese’s Stuff Your Cup
On a positive note, it was a neat experience witnessing the employee prepare this oversized specialty peanut butter cup. The outer packaging looked very professional and animated. However, as soon as I removed the dessert from the box, I was in for a rude awakening.
The appearance was not visually appealing. There was excessive gobs of peanut butter oozing out of the cup. A fair share of the syrup leaked over the side.
The top lid wasn’t enclosed properly, which made it difficult to slice the cup down the middle. The best I could do was scoop some of the peanut butter onto broken chocolate pieces.
On a positive note, the peanut butter cup was really tasty and it had a variety of mix-ins and drizzled toppings.
The customer service center gave me a gift card for a future purchase to compensate for this experience (hence my reason for increasing the overall rating). On account of management being understanding and receptive to this issue, I will definitely return to patronize Hershey’s Chocolate World.
#oversizedmenuitems #giganticfood #openwide #hersheyschocolateworld #reesesstuffyourcup
Fun store with everything you can imagine. You can get a sundae, make a s'more or stuff a giant Reese's cup. Amazing! Average prices for Times Square, definitely worth checking out.
Wonderful experience for Hershey’s chocolate lovers! 🍫🤎
• This store carries so many of my favorite Hershey’s varieties, including the ones I’ve been missing like Heath, Whatchamacallit, and special Reese’s cups!
• They give a free small chocolate bar when you visit. I got extra lucky with a chocolate medal since I came early in the morning on Winter Olympics day. Such a fun and memorable experience! 🥇
• Staff were very kind, welcoming, and helpful.
• They also offer a delicious assortment of Hershey’s-flavored baked goods like muffins and cookies.
• Picked up some packed chocolates with their 4-for-$20 deal for my family.
• Will definitely be back! 🍬
We've been Here twice in our Trip, First time we Just came across it and since im a Former fat Guy and probably future diabetic and i love Peanuts, we Had to Check it Out.
Both Times we we're greeted with a little Hersheys Bar, which was nice.
The variety is also crazy, so much different stuff and even has it's own little Ice Cream Spot.
But man those prices...
Coming from Germany, i thought since ITS from the US, Most stuff would be cheaper Here but i was wrong. For alot of stuff there was a Discount when you buy Packs of 2 or 4 etc., but still 🥲
Sugar Factory New York - Time Square
| Address | 694 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (347) 721-9066 |
I’ve heard SO much about Sugar Factory, so I finally had to go try it for myself! I believe this location is fairly new in Times Square. The restaurant has multiple sections, and the whole place has such a fun atmosphere.
Now, let’s talk about the food because the portions are HUGE! I honestly did not expect them to be this big.
For an appetizer, I got the platter, which came with onion rings, chicken wings, chicken tenders, and mac and cheese balls. And honestly, that appetizer alone could fill you up!
For my entrée, I got the chicken and waffles, and they were delicious! My friend ordered the pasta, and BABYYYY… that plate was HUGE! I’m not even exaggerating, it looked like it could easily feed four people!
Everything we tried tasted really good, so I honestly have no complaints about the food. The drinks were also a whole experience. I loved the presentation. Just keep in mind that depending on the drink and flavor you choose, some of them can be pretty sweet.
The staff was also really nice, and the service was great. Sugar Factory is definitely one of those restaurants you have to experience at least once.
Went there to celebrate my birthday. Waited 25 minutes to be seated due to no host/hostess at the booth. We ask to be seated at a booth instead the hostess seated us at a regular table. Our servicer was very nice and kind. But the food was a mess. We asked for the Foot Long Fries Mozzarella Stick and instead we get a Foot Long Mozzarella Pancake. The service replaced the item 3 times but couldn't get it right. Manager told us the machine was out of order to make Mozzarella sticks. Drinks were great and the rest of the food was good.
My husband and I visited Sugar Factory in Times Square, and we were honestly really excited because we’ve seen it all over social media and always wanted to try it. Unfortunately, we left feeling pretty disappointed, especially for anyone visiting on a budget.
We went around 10 AM, and while the food did come out fairly quickly (about 15 minutes), the overall service wasn’t great. Our waitress never came back to check on us or ask if we needed anything, which made the experience feel a bit rushed and inattentive.
We ordered the Shareable Tator Tot Waffle and a mimosa flight. The food was good, and the waffle was tasty, but the portion size was small for something labeled “shareable.” The mimosa flight was okay, but nothing memorable for the price.
What really stood out in a negative way was the cost. Our bill came out to about $ 92 and a 20% gratuity was automatically included. On top of that, the cleanliness was disappointing. The restrooms were not in good condition; the doors didn’t lock properly and they were not clean. Overall, Sugar Factory is definitely more about the aesthetic and social media appeal than value or service. It’s fun to see once, but if you’re visiting NYC on a budget or expecting attentive service and clean facilities, this may not be the best choice.
I had a great experience at Sugar Factory. The food was good, and the service was excellent. The staff was attentive and made sure everything went smoothly. We were there to celebrate my son’s birthday, and they helped make it a special occasion. The atmosphere was fun and lively, and everyone enjoyed the experience. I would definitely recommend it for celebrations and family gatherings.
So you need to be ready to spend an arm, a leg and a blood transfusion if you’re gonna come here. I brought my daughter in a few of her friends here for a sweet 16 and we quickly dropped $700. I had planned to spend no more than four or 500 at the most. That said, it was a very exciting atmosphere in the children will never forget being there. The food was mediocre at best. Absolutely nothing to write home about. The desserts were absolutely gorgeous and pumped with as much sugar as they could possibly find. They were colorful and exciting to look at. What I had thought about doing was taking the children to eat someplace else and then come here for dessert. If you have the option to do that, I highly recommend that you do that. I think that this Restaurant could provide a better value for the money that you spend, honestly. But then again, why should they? They’re in Times Square and people are going to come here from all over just to sugar themselves up in the atmosphere. Not quite sure it was worth it. Just Meh 🫤
lil sweet treat
| Address | 30 Rockefeller Plaza Concourse Level, New York, NY 10112 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
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Shimron helped me pick the best options in the store by guiding me to what each texture of the candy would taste as well as sound like. I love a treat with sensory tickles! I also loved the matcha marshmallow they were so soft and fully and not overly dense with matcha 😊 I will be returning
We loved these candies so much! They had some unusual flavors including a sour Shirley Temple, kiwi and pineapple that were a hit w me and the kids alike. Service was attentive, store is clean inside Rockerfeller Center and we love the bags! Price was great compared to other candy stores and this was our favorite from all. Must visit!
This shop is really cute! Lots of great candy to choose from. Candy options from other countries too, like Germany and Sweden. If you get a pound of candy, you can get a chocolate bar for free! Definitely recommend stopping here for a sweet lil treat.
O-M-G! Came upon this on my way to the train station. Of course I stopped by to get a Lil Sweet Treat knowing it was trending on my FYP. Delightful experience and amazing customer service. I will be coming back for the Strawberry Skulls.
This is the greatest store ever. The smell alone is just amazing definitely recommend
Sugar Planet
| Address | 34 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Excellent Candy store, must try the chocolate fudge!
Beautiful store with great selection of candy, super clean and friendly staff😍😍😍😍
Friendly staff but very expensive! They had a little bit of everything but we were a little shocked by the price even for NYC. Worth a stop though!
What a nice place I came in with my kids they were in shock from all the candies and the look of the Store. Great staff, they was really helpful, definitely recommended
Holy macaroni and cheese balls this place was amazing. It was not only a candy store. They had the most trendiest spiral TikTok things the best cups toys I love this place and I’m so lucky to live in the neighborhood. The candy was delicious. to buy strawberry was literally the best I’ve ever had. Their chocolate is phenomenal and the strawberries are fresh 10 out of 10.
Sweetie's Candy NYC
| Address | 93 1st Ave Ground Floor, New York, NY 10003 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (212) 256-0008 |
The staff is very nice and they have a large selection of candy. I had to get a little bit of everything because I love all their options. Their space is also very clean. Everything is also labeled. Overall an amazing experience and I will definitely be back for more candy. Their candy tastes very fresh and yummy!!! Thank you to Monica and her team for a wonderful experience!
The best spot in the city for candy! It’s so clean, so delicious and they are very friendly. Opened late and thank god for that!
Had a great experience at Sweeties Candy!! Everyone is so friendly that works there and the selection is huge. So many great choices. I can’t wait to come back!
Friendly staff, large selection of candy compared to other places. Very clean, all candy is fresh and imported from all over. Lots of Swedish candy, candy from Spain, Netherlands etc. Super cool to try new treats
This place deserves a line full of customers! They have all the rare Swedish candies. Everything is fresh and plenty of variety. I love supporting small businesses.
lil sweet treat
| Address | 184 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Lil Sweet Treat was such a cute spot and honestly one of the sweetest experiences we had in NYC! The store itself is adorable, with so many fun candies and unique flavors to choose from. Jess helped us pick out flavors and was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and kind the entire.The atmosphere was welcoming, the treats were amazing, and the customer service was top tier. Everyone visiting NYC needs to stop by Lil Sweet Treat at least once — it’s such a fun little gem!
The cutest candy store in NYC. I came in for the first time and they were extremely welcoming and knowledgeable. It’s so cool to try candies from different countries in the world. Try it out if you’re in the area
A candy lover’s dream!! I always find myself making excuses to come to this neighborhood so I can get my lil sweet treat!!! Their rewards points are also so nice
Visited to get our friend a sweet little treat for her bday! We chose all pink candy for her ~!! (I got a bag of all sours for myself!) Great choices, good price! Thank you!!
I’ve been to the Rockefeller location 3 times, it’s not that busy and it’s a little complicated to find.
The candy selection is good, I just wish they had some of them as a standard offering.
This isn’t cheap candy by any means, it’s worth the money though.
lil sweet treat
| Address | 150 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
((4.5 stars))
tiny colorful candy shop squeezed into a busy East Village block. glowy yellow exterior and clean, neatly organized interior. the shop has a fun upbeat vibe--it is a candy shop, after all. the candies at Lil Sweet Treat are curated from around the world (mostly Europe from what i can tell. most of the candies.) all gummy-like candy even though textures vary...no chocolate. appreciate the focus on a specific type of treat as opposed to being overwhelmed by too many choices. candy is charged by weight and measured by the 1/4 pound. like most candy stores, you grab a bag and scoop and serve yourself...simple (though there are some prepackaged bags, but the fun is in choosing!). the candy is labelled by description, origin country, flavor, dietary notes, etc. --which is a nice touch, so you know what you're getting. also, there are staff picks to give you what people running the store think. one of the "candy striped" employees recommended the "sour dutch strawberry piglets." and it was a really good suggestion as this strawberry sour candy was a balance of sour-sweet-chewy strawberry-ness without being too sticky and too chewy. really well-made candy. the shop employees clearly know about the candy being sold. got several different types of candies and i have to say they were really good quality and you can taste why they were chosen as part of the store’s candy selection. the candy, here, does not taste mass produced or generic...it has real flavor to them, good texture, and don't taste crazily chemically sweetened. the cherry cola candy from Belgium and the sour pineapple orange drops are both really good, too. tbh, there were no "misses" on what i got. staff is friendly but they don't helicopter over you to make a sale. and don't forget to tip as i overheard one of the young ladies talking about her shopping exploits, recently...and women do be shopping...jk...but seriously they do lol. as for me? i shop for the sweet life!
The store is pretty small so I didn’t expect much, I’m not much of a candy person but I was able to find something I enjoy. This lovely employee named Damaris made my experience remarkable! Not only did she recommend some delicious candies but her personality made me want to buy more. Worth the visit. 🙂
We got a few pieces of skulls (the red and yellow one) and they were SO stale and hard. Definitely felt like they’ve been sitting out way too long (unsure how many days) for them to get that hard. Not all the candy is fresh here, recommend other Swedish candy stores instead.
New to the area and I love it here, the staff is always so friendly and helpful! The candy is always fresh too & I love that the texture and sour level of the candy is on the tags.
I love the selection and candy here and the staff is super nice. Xavier always helps me and is super friendly! 10/10 recommend
Tips for Visiting Candy Stores in Times Square
Navigating the candy landscape of Times Square can be as intense as the city itself, especially during peak tourist seasons. Knowing a few insider strategies will save you time, money, and potential frustration. Whether you are a local looking for a quick fix or a tourist wanting to bring home the perfect souvenir, a little preparation goes a long way in this busy district.
Visit during off-peak hours. The flagship candy stores in Times Square can get incredibly crowded, particularly on weekend afternoons and evenings. To browse the aisles without feeling rushed or claustrophobic, aim for weekday mornings when the stores first open. You will have better access to displays, shorter checkout lines, and a much more relaxed shopping experience.
Set a budget before you walk in. It is incredibly easy to get carried away when faced with walls of colorful sweets and novelty items. Many of these stores are designed to encourage impulse buying, with bulk bins and collectible merchandise priced at a premium. Decide how much you want to spend per person beforehand to avoid a surprise at the register.
Check for exclusive New York City items. While most of these stores carry standard national brands, the real value lies in the exclusives. Look for chocolates shaped like yellow cabs, candy apples themed after Broadway shows, or locally roasted nuts. These unique finds make for far better gifts and memories than a bag of candy you can buy at any grocery store back home.
Prioritize chocolate quality over quantity. If you are visiting a boutique chocolatier rather than a novelty emporium, focus on the craftsmanship. Ask the staff about the cocoa content or where the beans are sourced. A small box of high-quality, freshly made truffles will often provide more satisfaction than a three-pound bag of generic gummy bears.
Be mindful of melting and storage. New York City can get very hot, especially if you are walking around with your purchases for hours. If you buy chocolate, consider bringing an insulated bag or waiting to make your purchase until you are heading back to your hotel. Many high-end shops will offer cold packs or thermal wrapping if you ask, so do not hesitate to request it.
The magic of New York City often lies in its ability to make you feel like a kid again, and these candy stores do exactly that. They offer a moment of whimsy and indulgence in a city that is always moving fast. Taking the time to stop, breathe in the scent of chocolate, and pick out a treat is a quintessential part of the Midtown experience.
Whether you leave with a single artisan truffle or a bag overflowing with saltwater taffy, the memory of the experience is what lasts. Use this guide to find your perfect sugar rush, and enjoy the sweeter side of the Theater District.
