14 Tourist Traps You Should Avoid In New York

New York City is a bustling destination filled with iconic landmarks and plenty of activities to enjoy, but it’s also home to several overrated spots that are not worth visiting. If you’re visiting New York for the first time and want to make the most of your trip, avoid these 14 money-hungry tourist traps, which will only disappoint you:

Rockefeller Center Ice Rink

Is the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink worth the hype? Not really. The rink is small and often very crowded, so it’s worth missing out on. It’s also weirdly stuffy, making the entire experience even more uncomfortable. Instead, consider going to Bryant Park, which is less crowded and offers good value for money.

Empire State Building

We know this is one of the most famous destinations every tourist itches to visit, but here are two reasons to reconsider: Firstly, the ticket is incredibly pricey, and secondly, it is not worth the long queue outside. A great alternative to see the panoramic views of NYC is One World Observatory.

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Don’t get us wrong—the show is amazing, but the museum? Not all that much. It’s costly and doesn’t offer much to see. Instead, you can visit other museums in NYC, such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cooper Hewitt, and the Smithsonian Design Museum.

Free CD scam

Nothing is free in New York. Remember this the next time someone on the street offers you a ‘free CD’ or a hearing. The minute your hands touch the CD, you’ll be doomed to pay a persistent scammer a lot of money.

Fake monks

Coming across a “monk” in New York City is just as hilarious as the scam that followed afterward. Scammers will dress up as “Monks” and persuade you to receive a gift or sign their wishbook only to demand money afterward.

I love NYC cap

New York is an easy city to fall in love with, so tourists rushing to buy the “I Love NY” caps isn’t surprising. Except it’s an easy way to be noticed by scammers and pickpockets, who eagerly await unsuspecting first-time tourists.

The Book of Mormon on Broadway

You haven’t visited New York if you haven’t seen a Broadway show, but don’t pick just any show. Popular shows like The Book of Mormon may be overhyped and not worth the time and money. Instead, there are many other great shows on Broadway, such as Alladin and The Lion King.

Times Square

Yes, we included the most famous place in New York in a list of tourist traps, but for good reason. Times Square is almost always jam-packed, typically by scammers and pickpockets. You better quickly skim through here to your next, safer destination before you get lost in the crowd.

TV/movie characters posing for a photo

You might be stopped by movie characters like Spiderman compelling you to snap a photo or two for memory, but don’t give in. Such street performers constantly hound you for money and won’t let go until you pay. Additionally, you’ll find plenty of them ready to allure you.

Pedicab scam

A ride around a block or Central Park in a pedicab may seem fun. But pedicab drivers are notorious for scamming tourists. Discuss the price upfront with the driver before sitting in one; otherwise, they’ll charge up to $150 for 15 minutes!

Little Italy

While charming, Little Italy often has high price tags and long lines, especially for tourist-favorite foods like cannoli. Consider exploring New York Eataly; although it’s a marketplace, it offers a better shopping and dining experience.

Boat tour of the Statue of Liberty

While most tourists want to explore this iconic landmark, boat tours are designed to fool people into giving their money. There are smarter ways to explore the Statue of Liberty without paying a dime, like taking a Staten Island Ferry for free instead.

Central Park

Who doesn’t love Central Park? While Central Park has it all, from the Zoo to Belvedere Castle to Sheep Meadow, it can be overwhelming for someone who wants to enjoy some quiet time by staying away from crowds. A trip to this park, especially in the summer, can be a claustrophobic experience for most tourists.

Shopping At Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is known for its luxury shopping stores. But is it really worth it? We don’t think so. While it’s good to visit if you’re a first-time tourist to NYC, Fifth Avenue street gets so crowded that you’ll be in someone’s way literally every time you want to stop at a store.