Forget the tour buses!! See NYC like the locals! and other New York City, NY Tourist Trap Tips

If you are going to waste some money, at least be friendly to the environment! Apart from walking, which is the healthiest, cheapest and most interactive way to experience the city, visitors and residents alike can get the exact same tours for the $2 price of a MetroCard on the local MTA city buses (most of which are clean air electric hybrids). The routes and destinations are exactly the same as the over-priced and fume-filthy red Grayline Tour or blue City Sights buses, as roomy and comfortable (you are NOT exposed to the ever changing elements), and most buses arrive every 10 to 30 minutes...and you can take all the pictures you want and hop on or hop off anywhere along the line that peaks your curiosity. Not sure of your bearings? Ask the driver (most are far more friendly and knowledgable than the tour bus crews). Not sure of a sight? Ask another passenger; contrary to popular belief, New Yorkers are more than willing to offer help, advice or recommendations. Never ever fails. For example, take the M6 local bus from 57th Street & 7th Avenue; travels right through the heart of Times Square, all the way down Broadway (past Herald, Madison, Union, Washington Square Parks) all the way to the tip of Lower Manhattan. Cost: $2 (MetroCard obtained at any subway station in the city; and exact change accepted as well on all buses!). Two thumbs down to the filthy double-decker tour buses, which continually violate parking and traffic rules and literally clog the streets of Manhattan, as well. If you can't walk the city, see the city the way the locals do...and save that money for a boat ride around the island or lunch at any number of fantastic eateries along the way. Or maybe a really good pair of walking shoes! Hope this helps.

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At Least Do This: Resist every temptation...one look at the hustlers, the prices, and the buses, and this should be easy. If this doesn't help, then think of our fragile environment and do the right thing! New York provides so many services designed just for you to enjoy the city and experience the sights. Do as the locals do...it's much more fun!!!
Alternative: Again...FORGET the tour bus traps! You can get from the tip of the Bronx, to Coney Island's boardwalk for a mere $2, and see some of the best of New York City along the way. If walking gets to be too much, the MTA bus and the subway are the way to really experience the sights of the city, with plenty of money left over for real treats. Metro-cards can be purchased at any subway station for as little as $2 (with day passes and discounts available), along with easy to read subway and bus maps for all areas of the 5 boroughs (and railroad lines for the outlying suburbs). Buses are fully equipt to accomodate people with disabilities, as well. And with clean-air electric buses and subways, you can pat yourself on the back for being a friend to the environment (and yes, New Yorkers are most concerned about that too). Avoid the hustle and enjoy NYC!