5 Overrated NYC Tourist Attractions + Better Alternatives

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Plus, we’ll provide alternatives to each of these common tourist traps.</p><p><strong>1- Serendipity 3</strong></p><p>The crowds are hectic, the ambiance is overstimulating, and none of the food or desserts we tried were very good.</p><p>Instead, go to <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/muWPhcKXk6xPpbX28" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Caffè Panna</a> or <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/cTTQtdmTHCJchJXG7" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Grace Street</a>.</p><p><strong>2- Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island</strong></p><p>We&#39;ve covered this in <a href="https://bettertogetherhere.com/visiting-statue-of-liberty/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=overratedattractions" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">full detail previously</a>, 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.</p><p><strong>3- The Charging Bull in FiDi </strong></p><p>The crowds around this statue overstate what you&#39;ll actually get out of the experience. While passing by is great, we wouldn&#39;t go out of our way to view this statue. Instead, go to the <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/HVMpQCbd6RB5pBoa6" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">9/11 Memorial Pools</a>.</p><p><strong>4- Central Park Zoo</strong></p><p>The Central Park Zoo is actually quite small, with not very many animals. If you want a zoo experience, go to the <a href="https://www.viator.com/tours/New-York-City/Total-Experience-Tickets/d687-156679P1?pid=P00138108&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=podcast-overratedattractions" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Bronx Zoo</a>. It has 265 acres and SO many exhibitions.</p><p><strong>5- Museum of Ice Cream/Color/Illusions</strong></p><p>If social media didn&#39;t exist, neither would these &quot;museums&quot;. Instead of spending the $30 or so for one of these money grabs, go to any of the iconic museums like <a href="https://www.getyourguide.com/new-york-city-l59/skip-the-line-tickets-museum-of-modern-art-t14885/?partner_id=12J65H6&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast-overratedattractions&deeplink_id=37f73252-250c-58d9-8643-1ea8533e6fff&page_id=f93be4c3-7424-5570-8628-e86c15e15996" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">the MoMA</a>, <a href="https://bettertogetherhere.com/met-nyc-guide/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=overratedattractions" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The MET</a>, or the <a href="https://www.getyourguide.com/new-york-city-l59/american-museum-of-natural-history-super-saver-admission-t25757/?partner_id=12J65H6&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast-overratedattractions&deeplink_id=0aa7dc92-7b6e-5299-b5d4-774e0d89dcc5&page_id=722cd834-8553-5ac4-8ae4-fec5bc476c1e" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Museum of Natural History</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>You&#39;ll Have to Check It Out - Swift Hibernian Lounge</strong></p><p>Probably the coziest Irish pub you&#39;ll find, with an unbelievable pour of Guinness. We also loved the communal table in the back section! <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/MndCYvQihjqmu86B9" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Check out Swift here</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>Want even more NYC insights? <strong>Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:</strong></p><ul><li>Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location</li><li>50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to &amp; from airports, taking the subway &amp; more</li><li>Weekly insigh