14 New York Tourist Traps Even Smart Travelers Fall For Again And Again
New York City draws millions of visitors every year with its bright lights and famous landmarks. But not every popular spot lives up to the hype, and even experienced travelers can waste time and money on overpriced attractions.
I’ll show you which famous places might disappoint you so you can plan a better trip and spend your vacation wisely.
1. Times Square M&M’s Store
Walking past the four-story candy wonderland feels exciting at first glance. Bright colors and giant M&M characters catch your eye from the street.
But here’s the reality: you’re paying triple the normal price for the same candy you can grab at any drugstore. The crowds make it hard to move around, and the novelty wears off in about five minutes.
Skip this overpriced sugar trap and spend your money on actual New York experiences instead.
2. Statue of Liberty Crown Access
Climbing to Lady Liberty’s crown sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Tourists book tickets months ahead, expecting breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor.
What actually happens? You’ll squeeze up 377 narrow steps in a hot, cramped stairwell with strangers. The tiny windows at the top barely offer decent photo opportunities, and you’ll feel rushed the entire time.
The pedestal level gives you better views without the claustrophobic nightmare, saving you stress and disappointment.
3. Carriage Rides Through Central Park
Those romantic horse-drawn carriages look charming in movies and Instagram photos. Couples imagine a magical journey through the park’s scenic paths.
Reality check: you’ll pay about $120 for a rushed 20-minute loop while sitting in traffic with car exhaust. The horses often look tired, and drivers sometimes pressure you for bigger tips.
Rent bikes or take a leisurely walk instead to actually enjoy the park’s beauty at your own pace.
4. Restaurant Chains in Theater District
Familiar restaurant logos feel comforting when you’re hungry in an unfamiliar city. The Theater District packs in every chain you recognize from back home.
But you’re in one of the world’s best food cities! Why settle for mediocre meals at inflated prices when amazing local spots exist just blocks away? These chains know tourists will pay premium prices for average food.
Wander two streets over to find authentic delis, pizzerias, and ethnic restaurants that locals actually visit.
5. Street Performer Photo Ops
Costumed characters roaming Times Square seem fun for quick vacation photos. Kids especially love spotting their favorite superheroes and cartoon friends.
Here’s what they don’t tell you upfront: these performers expect $20 or more per photo and can get aggressive if you don’t pay enough. Some tourists report feeling intimidated or scammed after innocent snapshots.
Take selfies with actual landmarks instead, or find the free street musicians who perform for genuine tips and appreciation.
6. Midtown Manhattan Shopping
Fifth Avenue shopping sounds incredibly glamorous and exclusive to out-of-town visitors. The same stores line this famous street as your local mall back home, just with longer lines.
Prices aren’t better here, and you’ll battle massive crowds for the privilege of overpaying. Most flagship stores offer nothing special except inflated tourist pricing and pushy salespeople.
Visit neighborhood boutiques in SoHo or Brooklyn for unique finds you can’t get anywhere else in the world.
7. Overpriced Rooftop Bars
Instagram makes every rooftop bar look like the ultimate New York experience. You imagine sipping cocktails while gazing at the glittering skyline.
Then you arrive to discover $25 drinks, mandatory minimums, and crowds so thick you can barely see the view. Many require reservations weeks ahead or charge steep cover fees just to enter.
Free observation areas at places like the Staten Island Ferry offer better skyline views without emptying your wallet completely.
8. Ellis Island Gift Shop Souvenirs
After touring the moving immigration museum, many visitors feel compelled to purchase keepsakes from the Ellis Island gift shop. The emotional connection to family history makes those Statue of Liberty keychains and overpriced coffee mugs seem more meaningful than they really are.
Most items cost two or three times what you would pay elsewhere in the city. The same snow globes and magnets appear in virtually every Manhattan souvenir shop for half the price.
Instead, take meaningful photos of the exhibits or download free digital resources from the museum’s website. Your memories matter more than mass-produced trinkets that will collect dust on a shelf back home.
9. Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway During Peak Hours
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge sounds romantic until you find yourself stuck in a slow-moving crowd of selfie-takers at noon on a Saturday. Cyclists zoom past frustrated pedestrians who accidentally wander into the bike lane while trying to snap that perfect shot.
The experience becomes more about dodging elbows than enjoying breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. What should take twenty minutes can stretch to an hour when you factor in photo stops and human traffic jams.
Visit early morning before 8 AM or after sunset for a peaceful crossing with better lighting for pictures. You will actually enjoy the architectural marvel without feeling like cattle being herded across.
10. Grand Central Terminal Food Court Dining
Grand Central Terminal’s stunning architecture draws millions of visitors who inevitably get hungry while exploring. The lower-level dining concourse seems convenient, but most options serve mediocre airport-quality food at inflated Manhattan prices.
A basic sandwich or salad easily costs fifteen dollars, and the seating area feels more like a chaotic cafeteria than a memorable New York dining experience. Lines snake around during lunch hours, wasting precious sightseeing time.
Walk two blocks in any direction to find authentic delis, ethnic restaurants, and local favorites where New Yorkers actually eat. The Grand Central Oyster Bar remains the one worthwhile exception if you want to dine inside the terminal itself.
11. Empire State Building Observatory at Midday
Everybody wants to check the Empire State Building off their bucket list, so they show up during the middle of the day when crowds peak and visibility often disappoints. Harsh midday sun creates washed-out photos, and atmospheric haze obscures those postcard-perfect views you were expecting.
Ticket prices climb higher than the building itself, especially for express passes that help you skip some lines. You still end up shoulder-to-shoulder with other tourists, struggling to find a clear spot at the railing.
Purchase tickets for sunrise or late evening visits when crowds thin out and the lighting transforms the cityscape into something magical. Your photos and overall experience improve dramatically with better timing.
12. Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Shopping Rush
Department store holiday windows along Fifth Avenue create enchanting displays that draw enormous crowds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. What looks magical on television becomes a frustrating shuffle through packed sidewalks where you can barely glimpse the windows over other people’s heads.
Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Macy’s unveil elaborate scenes, but viewing them during peak hours means dealing with strollers, tour groups, and aggressive photographers. The experience feels more stressful than festive.
Visit on weekday mornings before 10 AM or very late at night when windows stay lit but crowds disappear. You can actually appreciate the artistry and take photos without someone’s elbow in your face.
13. Chelsea Market Lobster Rolls and Trendy Snacks
Food bloggers have transformed Chelsea Market into a must-visit destination, with Instagram-famous lobster rolls topping everyone’s list. A small lobster roll costs nearly thirty dollars, and the cramped seating situation means you might eat standing up or perched on a window ledge.
Most vendors inside cater to tourists rather than locals, with prices reflecting the captive audience. The quality does not match the hype or the expense you will encounter.
Explore authentic ethnic neighborhoods like Flushing, Jackson Heights, or Sunset Park where immigrant-run businesses serve incredible food at reasonable prices. Your taste buds and wallet will thank you for venturing beyond the guidebook favorites that everyone else visits.
14. High Line Park on Summer Weekend Afternoons
This elevated park built on old railroad tracks offers unique perspectives of Manhattan’s west side and interesting landscaping throughout its length. Unfortunately, weekend afternoons transform the narrow pathways into a slow-motion parade where forward progress becomes nearly impossible.
Tourists stop abruptly to take photos, creating bottlenecks that back up for dozens of yards. What should be a leisurely stroll becomes an exercise in patience as you inch along behind distracted visitors.
Early morning visits on weekdays provide the peaceful experience the High Line was designed to offer. You can actually sit on the benches, enjoy the plantings, and appreciate the architecture without feeling like you are trapped in a human traffic jam going nowhere fast.
