7 Tourist Traps to Avoid in New York

Do enjoy the sensory overload at Times Square, and if you must grab a bite, there are overpriced sandwiches and baked goods for a quick hunger fix. But for visitors looking for proper New York eats, go west. All of this can be done on foot in less than 10 minutes with no taxi needed.   

You will find a great collection of restaurants on 9th Avenue, starting from 49th Street down to 43rd Street, as well as on the side streets. There are so many cuisines to choose from: Vietnamese, Thai, Italian, Greek, Turkish-Halal, Korean, French to American burgers and fries, it’s pretty much the United Nations of restaurants in this enclave. 

For visitors with kids, FAO Schwartz toy shop has a timeless, classic ambience that is preserved for its time-honoured legacy. The shop has been relocated from Fifth Avenue to the Rockefeller Plaza and has somewhat shrunken in size. The biggest draw, the walking piano made famous by Tom Hanks in the movie “Big” can be very crowded.  

Alternatively, the M&M’S World at Times Square can be a fun, upbeat experience for all ages. The shop has spacious floors categorized into different fun zones with all kinds of candies, not just M&Ms chocolate.  If you’re looking for souvenirs, the store has excellent contemporary selections for a very decent price.  

SoHo, also known as South of Houston, located on the south side of Manhattan, was once a lively and uber-chic spot for fashion and shopping. Famous designers and independent boutiques used to line up the streets, one after another after another. Sadly, these stores are now dying and are boarded up due to high storefront rent and a change in consumer behaviour.  

Instead, check out Chelsea Market on 16th Street and 9th Avenue. The market is an indoor shopping bazaar with a motley mix of exotic food, household goods and cool clothing. There’s a youthful, creative vibe with modern mom-and-pop products that are one-of-a-kind.  

The Empire State houses the classic 86th floor observation deck that’s world famous, but you will queue for hours to get to it. The building has a modest-sized elevator and long tourist lines, and costs tens of dollars per person. For that price, crossing the bridge to Brooklyn for panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline while enjoying some good gin is much more the way to go.  

There are rooftop bars at William Vale Hotel or the The Hoxton Williamsburg, along with other waterfront spots where the evening skyline can be breathtaking from almost every angle. Also, make time to walk around the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge. The view is romantic, bewildering, and mandatory for black-and-white photography enthusiasts. 

The ice rink at Rockefeller Center is undoubtedly famous, but it’s also tiny and usually packed with other skaters. Not to rule out this place, however. The Rockefeller Plaza, as a whole, is still very much worth seeing, just not the ice rink. Its art deco structure was erected as a by-product of the stock market crash in the 1930s, with interior murals created by the renowned Diego Rivera.  

This area is called Midtown for a reason, as it covers 22 acres in the very heart of the city with underground shops and restaurants. In and around the area, expect some celebrity sightings and random movie sets. Also, the Museum of Modern Arts is steps away, on 53rd Street. 

When it comes to desserts, NYC has come a long way from Carrie Bradshaw and friends. Magnolia cupcakes are no longer a thing, but Eileen’s cheesecake in SoHo is forever. 

Venieros Café in the East village is an old-timey favourite, with endless displays of pretty pastries behind the glass case, while its neighbourhood rival, Supermoon Bakehouse serves the most unique croissants. Keki Modern Cakes, located in Midtown, is know for its Japanese cheesecakes. In other words, to name the best bakeshop in New York would just be impossible. 

Bryant Park used to host star studded concerts and still attracts plenty of visitors. The park is relatively small at 9 acres and it’s constantly packed with city dwellers. It can often be a hectic environment, so it doesn’t leave a lot of room for rest and relaxation.  

For fewer crowds and better logistics, head south to Gramercy Park for a picnic and enjoy the well-groomed gardens. Then, hop over across the street to Union Square Park, right on 14th Street for more snacks and people-watching. For book lovers and hipsters, the legendary Strand Book Store is just 5 minutes away.