New York City is a notorious destination hotspot for tourists, nationally and abroad. While New York City is a great place for your next vacation, you should also avoid what are known as tourist traps. These people or places take advantage of tourists, either charging much more than necessary – or being downright nefarious. Here are a few pieces of advice to keep in mind the next time you visit NYC.
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A Cheaper View
For many tourists, the Empire State Building is a must-see attraction in NYC and for good reason: it provides excellent opportunities for views and photos of the glorious Manhattan skyline. However, it is not the cheapest option to do this: in fact, it can be a serious tourist trap. If you need that perfect shot of the famous NYC skyline, head over to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade to avoid long lines and skip ticket prices altogether.
Central Alternative
Central Park is an iconic part of NYC and everyone wants to visit it on their trip: you definitely want to be able to say that you’ve been here. However, if you want to avoid kicking other tourists for blanket space, head over to Prospect Park, which was built by the same architects. Another fine aspect of Brooklyn, this park has gorgeous woods, a mile-long meadow, and is a much-needed break from the city for many.
Skip Rockefeller Center
This iconic skating rink has been the star of several Hollywood classics, and if we visit NYC, we long to see and experience it. However, if you want to skip the crowds and actually get the most out of your rental skates, head over to the McCarren Rink in Brooklyn as it is much cheaper and you are not limited to only 90 minutes of skate time.
Some Things are Worth It
Still, there are a few attractions that are well with the visit – as long as you remain mindful of those vendors that may attempt to take advantage of you. A Times Square bus tour is a great way to get around this iconic destination as many tourists are nervous to walk around with such a large crowd. You’ll see everything wacky and wonderful that Times Square has to offer from the comfort of a bus.
General Need-to-Knows
Not everything is a tourist trap in NYC: sometimes you just need to know a few inside things about your destination before you decide to head out there. For example, treat the sidewalks of NYC like a highway: never take up more room than you need or stop in the middle of walking. Don’t ride your bicycle on the sidewalk, behave like a local on the subway, and do not keep your nose on your mobile phone as you walk through the city.
When it comes to visiting NYC, there should be no regrets: save plenty of money and have the time of your life. Still, be cautious enough to avoid the tourist attractions that suck up too much of your funds and time, bear in mind that more expensive does not mean more interesting. Plan your trip well and experience NYC with a photographer’s eye.
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