New York City Tourist Trap Tips by TempNomad

Mulberry Street, and all of Little Italy on the weekends is a really fun tourist and local trap. Places like La Mela, the cafes, walking in the streets, buying silly toys and obnoxious t-shirts...it's all part of it. I like to sit at an outdoor restaurant with a carafe of the house red or white and watch the people go by. You learn a lot about human nature!

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The double-decker buses are worth the price, in my humble opinion, IF it's not raining. It's hop-on/hop-off and they can be quite informative. You can choose from several different "loops" and you really will see the REAL NYC from above. You'll get some people shaking their heads, and some teenagers (or like-minded folks) heckling a bit, but it's a great way to see a lot of the city with some information. I haven't done a tour yet, but I'm planning on going some time!

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At Least Do This: Take notes and return to places you liked.

Of course, you MUST take the Brooklyn loop and check out Fulton Ferry Landing. See my Brooklyn pages for shots of the views!
Alternative: In pleasant weather, walk a lot, too! That's the best way to see the city...walking and stopping to rest at a bar/cafe.

Times Square...there are some things you want to see (the lights, the funny people, the crowds), there are some thing you NEED to see (TKTS booth), and there are some things that should be avoided. I try to avoid Times Square unless I HAVE to go there. It's so crowded and no-one knows where they are going. It's loud, people are rude, it's flashy (can't that cause convulsions??), and it smells bad. But I guess everyone wants to see it at night. I suggest using it just as a passing through place on the way to see a show or on your way up or downtown.

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At Least Do This: Be polite and assertive.