Skip the Statue of Liberty
New York City is one of the best cities for a tourist to get lost in. There is so much to do and see, but that doesn't mean it's not packed with tourist traps. Visiting Times Square isn't all that different than seeing photos of it. Here are 10 tourist traps to avoid in New York and 10 better options to visit.
1. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is iconic and majestic. What most tourists don't realize is that it involves waiting in line for hours for a ferry, and it's costly. You'll spend more time waiting to visit the Statue of Liberty than you will enjoying it.
2. Times Square
You've seen Times Square depicted in hundreds of movies and TV shows, and the experience of visiting it is not all that different. Times Square is always overcrowded and overpriced, and filled with chain stores. Also, street performers can get pretty aggressive when they want a tip.
3. Empire State Observatory
The Empire State Observatory is an expensive tourist trap. The views are iconic, but are obstructed by fencing. Instead, visit another observatory, like Top of the Rock, for a less crowded experience without sacrificing the views.
Dana Andreea Gheorghe on Unsplash
4. Madam Tussauds Wax Museum
Looking at wax figures at Madame Tussaud's is a true tourist trap. It's pricy and provides little connection to the culture and history of the city. There are better ways to spend your time, especially if you'll only be in New York for a few days.
Rudolph.A.furtado on Wikimedia5. Ripley's Believe it or Not!
You won't believe how big a waste of time this tourist hotspot is. Located near Times Square, this museum of oddity is generic and too expensive for the experience. In a city filled with world-class museums, Ripley's is underwhelming and shouldn't be on your list of places to visit on your next trip to New York.
6. Little Italy
Little Italy was once a vibrant cultural neighborhood with lots to see and buy. Now, it's mostly a tourist trap with overpriced restaurants that don't even serve the best Italian food in the city.
7. Chinatown Trinket Shops
NYC's Chinatown is still a great place to get some of the best Chinese food in the country. That said, the trinket shops draw in tourists for knock-off souvenirs that are expensive and not very exciting. Skip the shops and use that time to explore the neighborhood's authentic markets.
8. Central Park Carriage Ride
Few things scream "New York" as much as an overpriced carriage ride through Central Park. Even if you can swing the cost, many have criticized this tourist attraction for its treatment of animals. Also, the carriage ride moves quite slowly and draws attention to you.
9. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
This Christmas tree is iconic, but if you go during peak times close to Christmas, you might not even get a good look at a single green light. You'll be stuck in suffocating crowds and long lines for hot chocolate.
10. Midtown Souvenir Stands
Do you really need an "I heart NY" t-shirt? Probably not, and you don't need to pay through the nose for it. It's best to avoid the souvenir shops in Midtown, even if it means going home without a tiny Statue of Liberty figurine. Buy one online and you'll save a few bucks.
1. Bryant Park
Bryant Park is located in Midtown, and it's green, peaceful, and gives you a nice break from skyscrapers. It's also free, centrally located, and a more relaxing experience than other parts of the city.
2. The Tenement Museum
Located on the Lower East Side, this engaging museum brings the story of the city's immigrants to vibrant life. Take the guided tour through restored tenement apartments and enjoy a slice of authentic New York City history.
3. New York Public Library
The main branch of the New York Public Library is guarded by stunning stone lions and has an interior that truly inspires awe. It's peaceful, intimate, historic, and a great place to take in some of New York's culture and history.
4. Green-Wood Cemetery
This cemetery is a serene respite from the noise of the city. It's filled with gothic architecture and sweeping views of the Manhattan vista. It's an offbeat place for a tourist to visit, but far more rewarding than some of the more traditional attractions.
5. Governors Island
Governors Island is only a short ferry ride from the city and offers art installations, bike paths, and wonderful views of the city. It's family-friendly and usually not too crowded.
6. Brooklyn Botanical Garden
The cherry blossoms that bloom every spring in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden rival those that tourists flock to Japan to see. This tranquil garden is a great way to end an afternoon sightseeing in New York.
7. Museum of Moving Image
Head to Queens to tour a museum dedicated to TV, film, and digital media. This museum is great for pop culture aficionados, and is far less crowded than the city's other museums.
8. The Cloisters
This museum located in Fort Tryon Park showcases medieval art and architecture, and is an engrossing, enriching, and extremely pleasant experience.
9. High Line Park
An elevated rail line that the city turned into a vibrant and lovely green space with gardens, art, and views of the Hudson.
10. Street Art in Bushwick
Enjoy Bushwick Collective's open-air street art gallery for free. It's a great time, and the art is always changing. This is a much better choice than some of New York's overpriced galleries.
