5 Overrated NYC Tourist Attractions + Better Alternatives

New York City offers nearly unlimited activities, restaurants, and unique landmarks to explore. Wasting your time on overhyped or overpriced attractions can eat away at your valuable time in the city.

In this article, we’re gonna help you avoid wasted time and money by calling out five overrated NYC attractions you can keep OFF your itinerary.

Plus, we’ll provide alternatives to each of these common tourist traps.

1- Serendipity 3

The crowds are hectic, the ambiance is overstimulating, and none of the food or desserts we tried were very good.

Instead, go to Caffè Panna or Grace Street.

2- Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

We've covered this in full detail previously, but this experience is too long, too crowded, and too much waiting in line to be worth your time. Instead, take the free Staten Island Ferry or simply view the Statue of Liberty from Lower Manhattan.

3- The Charging Bull in FiDi

The crowds around this statue overstate what you'll actually get out of the experience. While passing by is great, we wouldn't go out of our way to view this statue. Instead, go to the 9/11 Memorial Pools.

4- Central Park Zoo

The Central Park Zoo is actually quite small, with not very many animals. If you want a zoo experience, go to the Bronx Zoo. It has 265 acres and SO many exhibitions.

5- Museum of Ice Cream/Color/Illusions

If social media didn't exist, neither would these "museums". Instead of spending the $30 or so for one of these money grabs, go to any of the iconic museums like the MoMA, The MET, or the Museum of Natural History.

You'll Have to Check It Out - Swift Hibernian Lounge

Probably the coziest Irish pub you'll find, with an unbelievable pour of Guinness. We also loved the communal table in the back section! Check out Swift here.

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