New York—the Big Apple, the City That Never Sleeps—is unlike any other city on Earth, which is why it is a huge draw for tourists from all over the world. When you visit, you’ll have a better time if you avoid some of the more notorious tourist traps and experience the “real” New York instead.
While the tourist hotspots can give you a taste of what New York is famous for, they often come with high prices and even higher crowds. To really get a sense of the city’s heartbeat, consider veering off the beaten path. This guide offers insights into some well-known attractions you might want to skip and provides alternative spots where you can experience the authentic and vibrant culture of New York like a local.
1. FAO Schwarz
It might be tempting to treat the kids (or yourself) to something from this famous toy shop, but you should resist. You’ll pay a lot more just for the privilege of shopping there, and it’s often very crowded.
2. SoHo
This spot was once one of the trendiest for fashion and shopping, but it’s lost some of its luster in recent years. A lot of vendors have left due to high rents and changing consumer tastes. Try Chelsea Market instead.
3. The Empire State Building
I’m not saying not to even look at this famous skyscraper; you pretty much can’t help but notice it, and it’s impressive. However, I do recommend thinking twice about going to the top. Lines are long, and it can cost almost $80 to go to the top observation deck! Cross over to Brooklyn for panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.
4. Rockefeller Plaza Ice Skating
Because it’s much smaller than you might expect and since it’s usually packed, ice skating here isn’t that much fun. The rest of the Rockefeller Center is definitely worth the visit.
5. The Sex and the City Food Map
Yes, there are fans of the hit series that do try to go to all the restaurants their favorite characters visited. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it limits your options when there are so many other great places to try. Plus, some of those restaurants are no longer around.
6. Bryant Park
Bryant is small compared to some other city parks, and it’s usually really crowded. You might have a better time at Gramercy Park or Union Square Park.
7. Times Square
Listen to the locals on this one. Everything here is massively overpriced, and it’s usually jammed with people. It’s even worse on New Year’s Eve, site of the famous ball drop; imagine needing to use a restroom with all those people and so few options.
8. The Statue of Liberty
Beware operators who offer a private tour and then charge a hefty fee for it. Just seeing the statue is good for most people, and you get a great view of it from the Staten Island Ferry, which you can ride for free.
9. Madame Tussaud’s
If you absolutely have to go to Times Square, avoid this place. It costs $40-60 to get in just to see wax figures of celebrities. The MOMA is only a 15-minute walk away, and it has more and better art, and it’s a lot cheaper.
10. Junior’s Cheesecake
Do your budget a favor and also avoid this Times Square location. The cheesecake is really good, but do you really want to spend 1-2 hours in line to pay $24 for a slice of cheesecake?
11. Williamsburg
Once called “the avocado toast of New York City,” Williamsburg has become a tourist trap with trendy, overpriced stores. Locals say you’ll find a more authentic Brooklyn neighborhood in Gravesend.
12. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides in Central Park
This might sound romantic or quaint, and maybe it is. The flip side, though, is that the drivers overcharge people and the horses often stink. Central Park is very walkable, or you can rent a bike to tour it that way.
13. Little Italy
This place has become a bit run-down in recent years, and it’s living off its history more than anything else. For really good Italian food and more options, the word is that Arthur Avenue is the place to go.
14. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
The pizza snob in me will tell you no other pizza style is close to as good as authentic New York-style pizza. Grimaldi’s long had a reputation for serving the best, but long lines out the door have rendered it a tourist trap, and quality has gone down. Nearby Ignazio’s is the place to go now.
15. City Tours by Bus
New York has some of the worst traffic in the country, maybe the world. Traveling by bus takes away the stress of driving, but you’ll still waste hours stuck in traffic. New York City is very walkable; you also have the option of renting a Citi Bike.
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Featured Image Credit: simona pilolla 2/Shutterstock
Robert Sihler is an educator, freelance writer, and rock climbing guide and instructor living with his family in Driftwood, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys reading fiction, streaming films, completing crossword puzzles, and rock climbing. When he goes on vacation, he likes to visit the mountains of the West and climb remote, obscure peaks that have seen few or no prior ascents.