Tour New York Like a Local
I am a bit of a sucker for tourist traps. Some experiences, no matter how cliched, you can’t miss. Here is a list of Tourist Traps You Must Try along with a few tips on how to enjoy them.
New York is full of gems that lure travelers of all kinds. The Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Rockefeller Center are a few of the “traps” that locals will tell you to skip thanks to crowds, over exposure and their cash-sucking properties. Don’t give up them. There are ways you can enjoy the city landmarks without forking over your life savings or part of your will to live along with discovering views and new places.
Instead of wasting time standing in an obnoxiously long line and gobs of money, skip skating at Rockefeller center’s ice rink. Instead, go to The Pond at Bryant Park for an family-friendly skate that is free if you have your own skates. It will still be busy on evenings and weekends, but substantially less crowded than Rockefeller’s rink where (currently) adults will pay $27 just walk in and an additional $12 for skate rental.
Don’t be afraid of the .99 cent pizza. Locals grab a slice and go constantly. It’s all part of the rushed lifestyle and its a break from the deliciously expensive and rich foods found in the city.
If you want some hand-holding on your New York adventure, there are many options for guided tours that embrace the local style. If don’t like the cookie-cutter tours, try E.T.C. Custom Events. The group will create a plan that caters to what you want to do. Thanks to their partnerships, they can even get you behind the scenes of many places including visits to rehearsals of a renowned dance company. They will be able to help you really experience the city and avoid the cheesy traps.
Walk Central Park. The idea cuddling with your partner in a carriage sounds great…but then you realize you are using a communal blanket and being pulled by an animal that smells of poo. If you are adventurous, jump on a rickshaw (pedicab) and hold on. These be-wheeled contraptions are peddled around by someone who enjoys the city, doesn’t smell of manure and is impressively fearless. If you want to go for an amazing run, go to the Reservoir at Central Park and make sure go in a counterclockwise direction!
South Street Seaport is a trap including a touristy mall and eateries that will lure the cash right out of your wallet. Avoid the strip mall and focus on the views. Go for the waterfront and the park. Enjoy the sights of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Don’t rent a car. Take the subway or bus. Locals avoid cabs and the wealthy are ushered around in a town car. Parking can be impossible and you will end up shoved in a expensive garage (in which you will need to walk to get to your destination anyway) or parking somewhere you shouldn’t and paying a hefty ticket. Not convinced? The state has a 19.875% special sales tax rate on rental cars.
Stand aside to gawk. Locals are on a mission to get from point A to point B. They have seen the stars painted on the ceiling of Grand Central Station. So, move out of the way to point and take pics.
Hit up the Museum of Modern Art, but enjoy one of the film screenings or take part in one of the special events. Prices hover in the $ 12 for adults, $ 8 for students, and free for 16 and under range. That is going to be a lot wallet-friendlier than your average movie experience in the Big Apple.