13 Tourist Traps in NYC You Won’t Want to Visit

Do you think NYC tourist sites deserve your attention? Think again. They say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” but in New York, doing as the tourists do could land you in tourist traps.

Avoiding the crowds and overpriced spectacles in NYC can be a much better experience. The Big Apple has its fair share of must-see spots, but most destinations are hyped.

Here are 13 tourist traps in New York that you should approach cautiously.

Times Square

Yes, Times Square looks incredibly beautiful in shiny photos, but it is crowded and loud in practice, and prices are exalted.

Prices get inflated because of tourists. If you want a city-lights rooftop bar, try The Edge in Hudson Yards.

Empire State Building Observation Deck

The Empire State Building might be iconic, but it can be a downer when you wait two hours for a brief (and incredibly crowded) glimpse of the skyline.

Pro tip: From the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, you’ll get stunning views and see the Empire State Building!

Statue of Liberty (via Ferry)

Seeing Lady Liberty up close may seem whimsical, which it is, but the ferry process isn’t charming. Long lines, overpriced tickets, and serious time commitment are involved.

On the other hand, the Staten Island Ferry, which is free, offers similar views of the statue and the Manhattan skyline.

Little Italy

Visions of authentic pasta and fantastic culture may lure you to Little Italy, but a few pricey restaurants cater to tourists. The locals recommend going to Arthur Avenue in The Bronx instead.

West 46th Street, known as Restaurant Row

Restaurant Row is near Broadway and seems convenient to dine before the show. But tourist-heavy crowds and expensive food make the place less appealing. You will find better-tasting food and better prices if you venture a few blocks north into Hell’s Kitchen.

The Vessel at Hudson Yards

The Vessel is a popular photographer’s destination offering incredible Instagram moments due to its epic striking architecture.

Today, you need a prior reservation to access entry. Additionally, the many stairs will limit your experience. Looking for more architecture? Instead, explore The High Line nearby.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

What silly celebrity wax replicas are you shelling out a small fortune for? Unless you’re genuinely passionate about wax figures adequately done, your money might be better invested in a Broadway ticket or a less ordinary type of museum experience.

One World Observatory

The price tag on the One World Observatory view is undeniably impressive. Some appreciate the slick experience, but others hate upselling their photo packages and everything else. If you want cheap views, Brooklyn Bridge Park is where you want to go.

Magnolia Bakery

Sex and the City’s viral cupcakes bring crowds to Magnolia Bakery. The treats are decent, just not extraordinary enough to wait in those long lines. If you want sweets, head to an independent bakery like Levain or Mah-Ze-Dahr.

Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center (peak times)

If you pick the right time, visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is magical. On December evenings, you’ll need to push through crowds. Instead, try to see in the early morning or check out holiday lighting in spots like Dyker Heights in Brooklyn.

Chinatown’s Canal Street

Canal Street has a rep for pushy street vendors and cheap counterfeits – not something you want to contend with. You can hit places like Joe’s Shanghai and Big Wong.

Central Park Carriage Rides

A horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park may sound romantic, but it is expensive and ethically charged. Instead, it would help if you walked through the park or rented a bike to cover more ground.

Rockefeller Ice Skating

Ice skating under the iconic Christmas Tree sure looks dreamy in pictures, but the reality is an overcrowded rink and expensive ticket prices.

If you’re after skating, Bryant Park or the Wollman Rink in Central Park are better options, and they’re certainly more enjoyable.

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

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