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Overrated New York Tourist Destinations

Ask this member a question. viviandarkbloom New Yorker
Mar 25, 2006
2.0 of 5 stars based on 43 votes
There is a lot to see in New York City, but for every "must see" there is a "must avoid." If you miss the following things listed below, you will not be missing any essential New York experience. To paraphrase Billy Joel, New York is a state of mind, and it's not necessary to put yourself through the grief of long lines, horrible crowds, price gouging, and mediorce food just so that you can say you did.
  • Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: New York City
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  • Appeals to: Business travelers, Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Families with small children, Families with teenagers, Large groups, Seniors, Students, Budget travelers, Active/adventure, Tourists, Pet owners
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1. Times Square
Times Square, New York City, New York
In the City That Never Sleeps, Times Square has always been considered its heart and soul, bringing together millions of people from all over the country and the world. But today, Times Square has little to recommend it to anyone. It is populated with chain stores and restaurants, both overcrowded and overpriced, that you can find anywhere in the country.
2. Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island Ferry, New York City, New York
The Circle Line is a much better way to sightsee around the island of Manhattan. And once the trip is over you're in…Staten Island.
3. Battery Park City
Battery Park, New York City, New York
Its only saving grace is that you can get the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty from here. Aside from that, Battery Park is like a suburban development dropped in the middle of the city: nondescript to the point of ugliness.
4. UN Headquarters
United Nations Headquarters, New York City, New York
This behemouth of a building has nothing of architectural interest to recommend it, and while you can tour the Headquarters, I doubt such a tour is on the top of anyone's "Must See in NYC" list
5. Soho
SoHo, New York City, New York
Like Times Square, Soho is an area that has been spoiled by chain stores and crass commercialism. The crush of bodies at the height of the summer season can be unbearable.
6. Ruby Foo's
Ruby Foo's - Broadway at W. 49th, New York City, New York
A nice décor can only take you so far. But Ruby Foo's has been coasting on its reputation for some time now. The restaurant has a couple locations around Manhattan, but for the real thing, try Chinatown instead.
7. Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center, New York City, New York
Unless you really, really want to go ice skating, avoid this overcrowded area. Aside from the tree at Christmas, there's not much to see.
8. Barney's
Barney's, New York City, New York
If you can get it cheaper at Daffy's or Century 21, why bother?
9. Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum New York, New York City, New York
I admit a bias here: Frankly, the concept of a wax museum seems creepy to me to begin with. But in comparison with its London counterpart, this museum falls short. If you want to see waxy, lifeless people, watch the evening news.
10. Empire State Building
Empire State Building, New York City, New York
The horribly long lines and the workers' bad attitude at this, the most iconoclastic of New York's landmarks, make the Empire State Building worth avoiding. If you really want a view, go to the Top of the Rock--even though that means going to Rockefeller Center, which is number 7 on this list!
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: New York City