10 things NOT to do in New York City

Hi guys,

I found this great article (and refreshing) over at concierge.com about what NOT to do in New York city. ENJOY!!

http://www.concierge.com/ideas/hotspots/tours/500723?page=1
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
16 people following
this discussion
Report

78 Comments

Uraniumfish 2yrs+
I'm so glad someone spoke up against the Empire State Building views, those super lame carriage rides in the park, and the indigestibles at Times Square! About time we get to the truth about the cliches.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
uptowngirl 2yrs+
And added the overrated Magnolia bakery to the list.. much prefer Buttercup cup cakes .. also love Lord and Taylor its always quiet and peaceful never zoo-like like Macy's.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
I especially enjoyed that the first place not to go to was Tavern on the Green. I cannot understand the massive appeal of that place?

The best view of the city I've ever had was from the Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center. I was doing a temp job at the time, so I didn't actually get to enjoy an expensive meal there, but I would say that the view is worth whatever they are serving, if/when they finally open their doors back up.

I once was dragged to the Empire State Building and did not enjoy a moment of the experience.... The lines there reminded me of those at Disney World, except there was no culminating ride at the end of the line, just an extremely cold and windy observation deck. I had a better view from my six-story LES walk-up.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Uraniumfish 2yrs+
Also about the carriage rides, how much more unromantic can you get, having to smell horse halooey the whole time?
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Empire State building is really unnecessarily expensive ($30 to wait on line, almost $50 for fast-track) and the view is comparable to many, many other views in the city. I'd add "Go to the Times Square NYE Festivities" and "Take the Circle Line" (Instead: Staten Island Ferry!) to the list.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
@ajadedidealist I once attempted the Times Sqaure NYE Festivities as a teenage tourist in the city - I lasted all of ten minutes before getting back on a train to Brooklyn - so I'm willing to back you up 100% on that one. Though I'm pretty sure NYE in Times Square is ONLY for tourists. Who else would torture themselves like that?
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Magg 2yrs+
What not to do in NYC ---
- don't use the subway in the summer if you can help it
- don't take a bus during rush hour if you're in a rush
- don't stand in the middle of the side walk lolly-gagging when it's crowded..!! :-D

I know, perhaps a bit off topics.. hahaha.. but these are my don't..
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
I went once, when I had a friend in town. Not to be repeated. I spent this 00:01 New Year's Day in a cab from Newark, picking up my boyfriend who decided 11:35 on NYE was a good time to land...we missed the countdown proper, but remembered by 00:05 or so. Let me tell you another thing NOT to do. Go to Penn Station/NJ Transit on NYE! It was traumatically crowded and full of absolutely plastered teenagers trying to get to the nearby Madison Square Garden. Which brings me to another place not to go. Madison Square Garden...
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
@Mayeg Call me crazy, but I actually prefer taking the subway in the summer over the winter. (Perhaps this is because I'm from Florida and just assume that sticky sweaty humidity is the natural way of being?) I definitely do a lot more driving/ cab taking during the winter. Though summer is also a great time for walking, which is always preferable over taking the train.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
uptowngirl 2yrs+
@Mayeg I dont mind using the subway even in the summer like BroadwayBK I am quite used to heat and humidity and besides the subway is the best way to get around in NYC. I do agree about the bus. My regular bus is the M79 but its such a slow poke that I often tend to walk to my destination much faster than the bus.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
hhusted 2yrs+
I agree with all about the bus. If you are in a hurry, don't bother to wait for the bus. With the cut backs in place, it takes longer for buses to show on certain routes.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Uraniumfish 2yrs+
Don't even BE in New York in the last week of August if you can help it. By then all that street garbage has cooked pretty thoroughly all summer long and the stink is pretty powerful everywhere you go.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
Ugh.... the garbage smell. I can practically smell it anytime someone mentions it, it is that strongly imprinted on my olfactory bulb.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
hhusted 2yrs+
Okay guys. Don't smell that stuff when you are walking down the street holding a sandwich or some kind of food. You may end up chucking it, which will add to the smell. Ha ha.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
The sickeningly sweet smell of street garbage - what is it in the garbage that gives it that...you know what I mean, precise garbage-y smell. Rotting fruit?
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
uptowngirl 2yrs+
@ajadedidealist you may be right there.. think its the rotting fruit that gives out that putrid smell.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Uraniumfish 2yrs+
Rotting eggs can be excruciating, so discarded shells must be among the very smelliest.

Pleasant thoughts!
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
hhusted 2yrs+
@Everybody: Whatever makes the smell, the bottom line is who can tolerate it. I went through an area last week and the smell was so bad, I held my nose and breathed through my mouth till I got a block or two away.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Okay, let's start on a slightly more cheery topic. What are some GOOD smells in NYC? I love the smell of (fresh!!!) fish at the market on Fulton St, and fresh-baking bread in front of Zabar's...
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
uptowngirl 2yrs+
The smell of freshly ground coffee when you walk past any coffee store even if its a random Starbucks.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
JenMac 2yrs+
Is it just me or is the Air conditioning in the subway in the summer a little severe. I mean, I know it's hot outside but good grief! I always get sick at the beginning of summer because of the drastic climate change on those buggers.


My favorite NY smell is definitely walking past a wood fire pizza place. It's incredible.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
I was wandering around the other day and encountered the horrible garbage smell (already! though I'm sure it's bound to only get worse) and even if it was gross, I actually thought to myself, "Finally! Summer is on its way!"
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
hhusted 2yrs+
@JenMac: I went into a Duane Reade on Monday and it was cold. I mean it felt like winter practically. I asked one of the employees why the temps were so low. She just shrugged her shoulders.

My favorite smell is going by a bakery shop. Ummm ... makes you want to stop in and buy the stuff.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Uraniumfish 2yrs+
@BroadwayBK Me too! Now that everything has thawed, the weird random smells are coming back. But I also walked past a cupcake store in the Village and couldn't believe how fabulous the smell was, even late in the evening.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
My nose has come back to life this month, too. I'm particularly in love with produce stands nowadays.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
MONUMENTAL 2yrs+
So what would be the ten things to DO in New York City?
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
JenMac 2yrs+
I'd say one thing to definitely do is picnic in Central Park. It's trite, I know, but it's pretty amazing.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
hhusted 2yrs+
I'd say go to Tast-i-Delight and have a cup of yogurt.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
I like how this forum topic got completely turned around.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
hhusted 2yrs+
@BroadwayBK: Yeah, from what not to do to what is good to do. Ironic isn't it.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
You know what not to do in NYC? Walk side-by-side with ten of your friends on the sidewalk so no one can pass.

Also, it's a good idea not to step in poop. Which brings up another good thing not to do, which is not picking up your dog's poop. Yes, I had an incident recently.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Oh, I love Tasti-d-Lite! It's amazing! One of the things I miss most when I'm abroad...
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
NeverSleeps 2yrs+
Things you need to do in the city? Shop for books at the Strand. Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge...or the Williamsburg Bridge. And visit Brooklyn - it's a happening borough.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
uptowngirl 2yrs+
@Monumental also make sure that you have a NYC bagel for the city's bagels are reputed to be the 'best' in the world.something about the NYC water that makes them so special..
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
hhusted 2yrs+
@BroadwayBK: I like your thoughts when you said you didn't like it when a bunch of people walked side-by-side so no one could pass. I had that experience myself recently. I actually had to walk in the street. I turned to look and they were so involved in talking amongst themselves that they ignored me.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
JenMac 2yrs+
Yes, shopping at the Strand is a must. There are a ton of tourists looking at all the window shops during Christmas (Barneys, Neimans, Macys) but it's pretty cool and there's nothing like it anywhere else. Dining at La Esquina is pretty unique too. I had been hearing about the cool restaurant underneath the taco stand for years before I moved here.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
uptowngirl 2yrs+
@hhusted and BroadwayBk must admit that's another thing that gets my goat in this city.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Uraniumfish 2yrs+
Eat a distinctive NYC food, like a big fluffy lox bagel, or a knish, or a pastrami sandwich, or soup dumplings...
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
hhusted 2yrs+
@Uptowngirl: Sometimes I feel like going through them instead of around, and when confronted, I would tell them to stop hogging the sidewalk.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
uptowngirl 2yrs+
@hhusted more power to you then!
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Basic 2yrs+
@AJ - I'm coming out with a friend in June.. THIS particular list actually does help a TON.. I admit, I was considering the Empire State Building tourist trap.. but the Top of the Rock actually sounds better.. AND, allows for the bonus picture taking WITH the ESB in the picture... The only thing I would have liked more would have been the WTC observation deck. *sigh* R.I.P.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
elysium 2yrs+
I'm surprised they didn't mention visiting the statue of liberty. Maybe it's not the worst thing you can do, but it's probably the most touristy thing. Most of the people in my art class were from NY (my college was about 15 minutes away from the city, located in New Jersey). I remember my teacher once asked "how many people have been to the statue of liberty?" and no one raised their hands. It seems like it's something that mostly only foreigners are interested in when they visit NY. My teacher laughed and said that she went once, but only to bring her foreign friend there who had begged her to go.

Anyway, "a morning walk through central park" is a great suggestion for something to actually do when you go to NY. One of my favorite experiences in NY was walking through central park to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art early in the morning. I would recommend that to anyone taking a trip.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Uraniumfish 2yrs+
@elysium Oh, yeah. I very specifically make it a point to talk visiting friends out of the silliness of going to Ellis Island. Waste of time & money, and the Staten Island ferry is so much nicer and it's free.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
DBlack 2yrs+
On the TO DO list: take a boat boat trip around Manhattan and the surrounding waterways. Touristy? Yes. But also very very awesome!
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
hhusted 2yrs+
@Elysium: Perhaps the reason not too many people go there is because it was mainly a place were foreigners came in and had to register to live in this country. Now that Ellis Island has been closed for some time, it is mainly a tourist attraction. I think those who come here from overseas might be interested in the place, perhaps their ancestors came here once, otherwise, there really is nothing to the place. I went there about 10 years ago and found it boring.

They just had an earphone thing and talked about the history of the place. There was nothing else about it.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
hhusted 2yrs+
DBlack: I agree. A trip around Manhattan is well worth it. You get to see so much.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
uptowngirl 2yrs+
@DBlack I love the waterway trips but more than the Circle Line its 'the Beast'( the speed boat ride) which is great fun especially when you have visitors with kids .. it always seems to impress them... though I think its pricey..when i last went its was around $18 a pop but I am sure its become more expensive now..
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Just take the Staten Island ferry! It's free - and you get such a great view of the Statue of Liberty!
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Whoops, looks like uraniumfish got there first. I'll also add that there's a diner right by the ferry on Staten Island that serves amazing red velvet cake - it's right near the big municipal house-thing!
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
uptowngirl 2yrs+
@ajadedidealist methinks you are quite the desert-a-holic ! what with your carrot cake and now red velvet cravings. If you like red velvet cakes you should even try the ones baked by the brooklyn based cake man raven- http://www.yelp.com/biz/cake-man-raven-brooklyn .. truly scrumptious can vouch for them.. hmmm my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
hhusted 2yrs+
@Ajadedidealist: Are you a sugar addict or just love sweets. :) :)
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
NeverSleeps 2yrs+
@Uraniumfish Ellis Island is different from Liberty Island where the Statue of Liberty sits. Ellis Island is where immigrants had to go historically before they could enter the US; it's a landmark in its own right. It's a pretty common mistake to make, though.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Uraniumfish 2yrs+
@NeverSleeps You're right. I knew that, but it was an instance of just typing faster than my brain could think...
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
I've never been to Ellis Island OR Liberty Island. I am pretty curious about the former, though. Has anyone ever been to Ellis?
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
NeverSleeps 2yrs+
@Uraniumfish I thought so; I never really doubted you.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
One of the biggest mistakes tourists make is going to see a long-running broadway show. They're better off seeing something off broadway or a student show. Atlantic and Midtown always have something good running, and so do the students at CU!
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Uraniumfish 2yrs+
@bellacaroline Ha! Amen! I'm so glad to have found someone who agrees with me on this. I was starting to think I'm the only one who finds Broadway shows the lamest thing in the world...
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
uptowngirl 2yrs+
@Uraniumfish I have a cousin who comes into NYC periodically from Boston. A few days before she arrives she always calls to get recommendations for happening bars and restaurants and Broadway shows.The former I can help her with but the later.. I usually dont have a clue because I have yet to see a show on Broadway in NY.. have seen some off Broadway at the Public theater and elswhere but not one of those mega shows like Lion King, Wicked et al..seems like I am not missing a thing..
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
@Uraniumfish Besides my teenage love affair with Rent, you probably won't catch me dead or alive at a Broadway show. Um...unless it's In the Heights. Sorry, can't help it I guess. But you will definitely never catch me at Westside Story or that horrifying Green Day musical production!!!!
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
AlifKhan 2yrs+
There is no smoking in the subway stations or trains.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
uptowngirl 2yrs+
@alifkhan and restaurants and bars.of course..
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
adhthagreat 2yrs+
The empire state building.. oh boy I remember those times. Waiting and waiting and waiting to get to the top.. Finally pass through the gift shop and look over and think.. "That is a lot of gum on this building." and then thinking "okay, what now?". Yeah it was a little pricey to see a bunch of year old gum sticking to tall building.

The statue of liberty was a bit cooler but that was a few years ago. I just honestly remember the really narrow stairs and hallways.. but looking down from the top.. (I don't remember which part it was..) and seeing that cool shape of the island thing. That was a trip. Boat rides are always pretty cool though. Stupid overpriced gift shops though :(

Oh! And never go into the subway during rush hour with all this pollen around ;_;

Ellis Island is well.. pretty boring.. but I don't have family that passed through.. so maybe thats just me!
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
Haha my boyfriend and I just wandered through the Empire State Building lobby, but didn't bother to pay to go up top...we can get views almost as nice from plenty of other buildings!
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
hhusted 2yrs+
@Ajadedidealist: You are here in America? How long will you be here? As for places not to go to, I don't think Times Square is. Too many people around. Yuck.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
DBlack 2yrs+
The pedicab people might seem nice to try as an idea, but it's freaky as a reality. Do you really want this poor, sweating person slaving right in front of you, just to shuttle you around? I would have a lot of trouble enjoying my ride.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
JenMac 2yrs+
I completely agree on the Broadway show front. I went to A Behanding in Spokane a few months ago and I was really unimpressed. The acting was really terrible. And, man, I hate musicals. The Public Theatre is great and the BAM has good theatre, but Broadway is so overrated.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
NeverSleeps 2yrs+
@DBlack I always feel sorry for those guys - and I don't really understand the appeal of taking the ride, either. But at least ...they stay fit?
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
Aren't Broadway musicals considered annoying by most people, really?

And..are pedicabs those guys on bikes that drive you around? Maybe it is somehow easier than it looks? I know biking on a cruiser is a lot easier than on a road bike. Maybe the bike they use is somehow easier on the thighs.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
DBlack 2yrs+
@BroadwayBK Even if those cycles have great traction, it still has to be hard work. Also, it looks pretty humiliating. I wouldn't want to be the poor sweaty bastard cycling people around. Or even, I wouldn't want to be cycled around by some poor sweaty bastard. Just looks too menial and slavish, i could never enjoy doing that to someone.

Yeah, and, everybody thinks Broadway musicals are annoying, but a TON of people are going to see those stupid shows every night anyway, so go figure.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
DBlack 2yrs+
Maybe they should stop calling theater at the Public "off-Broadway" as though that's any kind of standard by which shows should be judged?
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
I think I know a few people who would actually enjoy the job of biking people around the city... just having a love of biking and people will do it I think. Not that I would want to do it myself. Or that I will be taking a ride on one of those things any time soon.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
I love Broadway musicals, @BroadwayBK. From Phantom and cheesy classics like Les Mis to Sondheim musicals like A Little Night Music to fun new romps like Curtains! I don't like the "extravaganzas" - Shrek, Legally Blonde, film adaptations and Blockbusters, and I don't love Mamma Mia, but I do enjoy a lot of old fashioned Cole Porter/George Gershwin types!
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
uptowngirl 2yrs+
@DBlack apparently pedi-cabs are being promoted as an eco-friendly mode of transportation...read somewhere some time ago , the city was hoping to sell space on the pedi-cabs to advertisers to generate revenue.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
NeverSleeps 2yrs+
I think I would take a pedi-cab ride before I would get in a horse carriage. The smell of a sweaty dude has to be slightly better than that of a poopy horse.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
uptowngirl 2yrs+
@Neversleeps well said...
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
hhusted 2yrs+
@Uptowngirl: The disadvantage to riding in the pedi-cabs is they only go as fast as the bike rider can peddle. So if you have to be somewhere in a hurry, don't ride on one.

@Everybody: As for Broadway and musicals - I do not like them much. I am more of a movie guy. My girlfriend has been asking me to take her to a musical, but I change the subject when she does. The last Broadway play I went to was "42nd St."
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
uptowngirl 2yrs+
@hhusted.. I am not planning on riding on one anytime soon they remind me too much of those old time rickshaws which used to ply on roads in various parts of Asia when the rickshaw driver used to actually pull the people along ..he didnt have a bike like contraption but used his own strength and his own two feet...absolutely brutal
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
hhusted 2yrs+
@Uptowngirl: Wow, that must have been a feat. What if the guy weighed over 600 pounds. He probably couldn't even move it then.
Report
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.

Add a comment

Best Neighborhoods to Live In

Best Cities to Live In

Tell everyone what you love about your neighborhood!

Leave a Review

Have a question?

How are schools? Is the area safe? What about public transit options?" Why not ask our community of locals!

Ask Now

Selling or Renting Your Home?

Maximize the selling price of your home by sharing what you love about your suburb to increase its appeal...

Leave a Review

Corporate Relocation Manager?

Enable your employees to share local knowledge in a private, trusted environment with those relocating... while building community.

Learn More