10 of NYC's Biggest Tourist Rip-Offs Revealed

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New York City. The city never seems to rest, and the energy to power this world never seems to fade. Elizabeth Gilbert once wrote, “New York is a city of possibility and endless exploration. There’s always something new to discover around every corner.”

NYC has some of the most recognizable attractions but contains major tourist traps. Below are the ten biggest scams you might encounter.

Times Square Shops and Restaurants

Places to Second-Guess on Your Travel List — Image Credit: Terabass/Wikimedia Commons

While it’s a true joy to walk at night and look at the lights in Times Square, you can easily find yourself being ripped off. According to Shivani Vora for Forbes, restaurants here are costlier than in other regions, not forgetting the average food quality.

Souvenir shops here? Their prices are double what you can find in Chinatown or online.

Street Hot Dogs and Pretzels

10 of NYC's Biggest Tourist Rip-Offs Revealed — Photo Credit: Shutterstock

There’s always a need for the classic NYC hot dog experience. Still, you should be mindful of your vendor choices. Street vendors around Central Park or Times Square in New York currently sell one hot dog or pretzel for 6 to 10 dollars.

However, in less touristy areas, local carts charge between $2 and $4. Take a walk, and you won’t have to spend more money.

Rickshaw and Pedicab Rides

There is nothing wrong with riding pedicabs—they look so appealing on the roads until the bill is shared. An article by CBS News highlights that the prices of pedicabs are misleading and deceiving tourists.

“What you don’t know and the consumer doesn’t know is that if me and [a second passenger] are inside of the pedicab, they’re charging us $8.99 per person, so when we get to our destination, sometimes it can cost $50, $100., $110,” the article proceeds.

Statue of Liberty Knock-Off Cruises

Tourist Traps in NYC You Won’t Want to Visit — Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Many vendors near Battery Park are pushing “budget” Statue of Liberty tours. Most tourists don’t know these boats never anchor at Liberty Island; they pass by for a picture-taking experience.

Free yourself from fake cruise promises and opt for one with Statue City Cruises. In Addition to being convenient, their first stop is at Liberty Island—Jessica Colley Clarke for U.S. News.

Empire State Building Express Tickets

The Empire State Building is one of the world’s most famous buildings, but express tickets cost too much. Standard tickets cost $44. Want to skip the line? The Empire State Building Official Site states that an expedited experience can cost up to $100.

What about you visit early in the morning or late in the evening since the number of people is low, and thus the costs are significantly reduced?

Horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park

Romantic? Sure. Affordable? Not. If you’ve not made reservations for a twenty-minute experience, these rides begin at $63.70, which includes the tip.

Another thing to note is that you need to negotiate the price with the carriage drivers as private companies operate the carriages. The good news is that a walking tour around the park is free.

Overpriced Museums Without Free Days

The museums in New York City are breathtaking, but to get into one of them, you must pay quite a fair amount.

The Guggenheim and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) cost $25 to $30 per head, respectively. Plan your trip to save money.

Overpriced Broadway Tickets

Every visitor should attend a Broadway show; nevertheless, purchasing tickets at face value is not a good idea. Tickets to very popular performances often cost more than $300.

Dave Carlin of CBS News advises visiting the TKTS booth in Times Square on the same day for discounts and affordable show options.

Tourist Menus in Little Italy

Little Italy promises authentic Italian food but often delivers mediocre meals at sky-high prices. Many restaurants here target tourists with overpriced pre-fixed menus.

If you want value for your money and genuine Italian cuisine, try Arthur Avenue in the Bronx or smaller, locally owned spots in Brooklyn.

Street Performers and Scams in Times Square

Watch out for costumed characters and “free” CD giveaways in Times Square. An article by The New York Times states that people usually ask for tips for a photo session.

Some so-called monks hand out bracelets and pressure you into “donations.” Look around and appreciate what is before you, but do not get too close to the aggressive performers without knowing the charges or tips.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.