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 bakery items 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 in between the nooks and crannies. 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, this toy shop has a timeless, classic ambient that is preserved for its time-honored legacy. The shop has been relocated from Fifth Avenue to the Rockefeller Plaza, and has somewhat shrunken in size. The selections can be a bit dated, and the walking piano made famous by Tom Hanks can be very crowded, not by kids but adults. “Welcome to our world, welcome to our world, welcome to our world of toys,” is the only song played inside this three-storey shop, on continuous loop.

Alternately, 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. The people working there are really helpful and have a great sense of humor. For those 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 behavior.

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 if you want to get to it. The building has a modest-sized elevator and long tourist lines, and costs $20 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 spots like the bar at William Vale Hotel or the Wythe Hotel, 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 Viera.

This area is called Midtown for a reason, as it spans 22 acres in the very heart of the city with intricate underground shops and restaurants. In and around the area, expect some celebrity sightings and random movie sets. Also, the Museum of Modern Arts is a 7-minute walk away, on 53rd Street.

As for 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 favorite, with endless displays of pretty pastries behind the glass case, while its neighborhood rival, Supermoon Bakehouse serves the most unique croissants. Modern Pastry, located in Midtown, earned a solid reputation for its fusion desserts. In other words, to name the best bakeshop in New York would just be impossible.

Bryant Park used to host big-named 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 alike, the legendary Strand Book Store is just 5 minutes away. Actually, all of the attractions mentioned are just a few minutes away from one another, so you can hit all three birds with just one stone.