15 Dark Sides of NYC Tourism You Should Know Before Visiting
The shimmering, never sleeping metropolis of New York City charms millions of tourists annually. It’s the hustle and bustle, landmarks and cultural vibrancy that put an irresistible draw on it. However, beneath the glittering skyscrapers and Broadway lights, there are some aspects of NYC tourism that are rarely mentioned.
Before you head to Times Square or Central Park, let’s talk about some of the lesser known realities. Knowing these will make your experience a bit smoother and maybe save you a few headaches. Here is the nitty gritty of NYC tourism.
Costs Are High Everywhere You Turn
New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Visitors aren’t spared the cost of living from expensive coffees to astronomical hotel rates. The average tourist spends about $250 per day in NYC, without splurging. If you don’t want to feel like your wallet is in free fall, budgeting ahead is a must.
Scammers And Tourist Traps
It’s easy to get taken by NYC’s street scammers or overpriced tourist traps. Be vigilant when you encounter vendors, whether it’s a seemingly innocent “free” bracelet or a caricature artist charging triple what you expected.
Subway Challenges
For locals, the subway is a lifeline; to newcomers it’s a maze. On top of that, a simple ride can turn into a wild goose chase on account of MTA delays, confusing station layouts and even more confusing announcements. Throw in the occasional waft of mystery odors and you have an adventure not listed in the travel guides.
Overpriced Food
NYC has culinary gems, but not all of the slices of pizza or street hot dogs are impressive. In tourist heavy areas you often get mediocre meals for premium prices. Some restaurants in Midtown and in Times Square are notorious for charging top dollar and serving bland fare.
Rising Crime In Certain Areas
While crime rates have plummeted since the 1990s, there are still areas where it’s risky. Petty theft and pickpocketing are common in New York City, as in any big city with crowds.
Constant Noise
Silence is rare in NYC. Bagels and coffee, sirens, honking cabs, and late night construction are all part of the city. If you are a light sleeper, you may wish that you had brought earplugs or that your hotel windows are soundproof.
Overwhelming Crowds
With over 8 million people living in NYC, and an additional 66 million tourists visiting the city each year, it’s nearly impossible to control the crowds. There is no respect for personal space on rush hour subways, or shoulder to shoulder shuffles in Times Square.
Weather Extremes
The weather in the Big Apple is usually harsh. Summer heat and humidity can be brutal, winter winds can cut right through even the thickest of coats. Your best bets are spring and fall, but you can still get ambushed by unexpected rain showers.
Unrealistic Expectations
NYC is a place where many visitors come to expect movie magic on every corner. Instead of a romantic carriage ride in Central Park, you’re more likely to see overflowing garbage bags on the sidewalk. Change your expectations, and you’ll appreciate the city for what it is, not what the movies make it out to be.
Overbooked Attractions
Maybe you dream of visiting the Empire State Building or the Met? Bring your patience and money for packed spaces and lines. Booking ahead can help, but it doesn’t always. You could still be waiting longer than you’d like.
Street Performers are Unpredictable
Some street performers are charming, while others are pushy or aggressive. For example, some costumed characters in Times Square are notorious for demanding tips after photos, even if you didn’t ask for one.
Rough Hospitality
NYC, despite its nickname as “The City That Never Sleeps,” isn’t known for warm welcomes. Peope are often in a rush, and have little patience for tourists who block sidewalks or ask for directions. It’s not personal, it’s just New York’s fast paced culture.
Sanitation Issues
The city has a trash problem. Garbage bins overflowing, litter strewn streets, and on occasion a stray rodent, could give anyone second thoughts abiut sitting down on a park bench.
Taxi And Ride-Share Woes
NYC isn’t always the easiest place to get around. Ride-shares can be a hit or miss, with no guarantees on pricing and sometimes no shows. Meanwhile, yellow cabs can be difficult to hail during bad weather, or at peak hours.
Limited Accessibility
NYC is a modern city, but it’s not the most accessible city. Most subway stations have no elevators, and uneven sidewalks aren’t kind to people with mobility problems. Some areas have improved recently, but there’s still a long way to go.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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