As a New Yorker I hate to see tourists get scammed into expensive boat rides to see the Statue of Liberty when they can get a great view for free by taking the Staten Island Ferry which is free!!. Also visitors to NYC should avoid midtown traps like Times Square and the theatre district and opt instead for great neighborhoods like the West Village and Chelsea

@tyronspaulding7848

Жыл бұрын

A local told me about the Staten Island Ferry while we were visiting. Best advice ever. Also had some fantastic musicians busking while we were waiting at the terminal.

@CalvinK300

Жыл бұрын

The problem with Staten Island Ferry is the route which is not the same as the NYC cruise. I bought the NYC Pass because it offers great savings for multiple attractions that I wanted to do and then I added a cruise, making it way cheaper than a standalone ticket. Another advantage of such a cruise is the guide will point out landmarks with interesting information. I would still recommend 1st time tourists to visit Times Square and Broadway after all they are top NYC attractions like Empire State Building or Statue of Liberty. If you have been to NY multiple times, then you don’t bother with Times Square 😂

@user-yy4ux9zf4r

Жыл бұрын

Chelsea market us the best!!

@positivevibez73

Жыл бұрын

I stayed in Chelsea during my first visit to NYC. I was right by Chelsea Piers.

You forgot to mention tourists looking for an authentic Italian experience in little Italy. That area is a tourist trap now, the real little Italy is Arthur Avenue in the Bronx

As a New Yorker I avoid Times Square at all costs due to the crowds, so I actually forgot it's a tourist trap. I do agree with you about the observation deck; great views. City Island also has great views.

Another note on the carriage rides: not taking a side either way, but there are a lot of ethical concerns that come up regarding how the horses are treated, so if that’s something you’re mindful of, that could be another reason to avoid that particular activity.

I love that you can tell how old some videos are when you see what Broadway shows are being advertised 😂 I hate the creepy Elmos/Minnie mouses so much The Ripley's in NYC hasn't been there since last year Highly recommend the Native American Smithsonian museum right near battery park. It's super underrated and it's free

Do take the staten island ferry even if just for the ride back and forth day or night incredible views.

Not all souvenir shops are equal. A $25 I Heart NY shirt can cost you $5 at another. And with the carriages, those poor horses are so mistreated.

@esmereldapinchon1422

Жыл бұрын

Great prices on tourist crap on the Brooklyn Bridge. Vendors on the Manhattan side.

i took the ferry to Staten Island and then the train to Tottenham at the south end. It was like a small town in New England.

Great video! New Yorker here: It’s funny to me that tourists are surprised the TS characters want tips for taking photos with you. Like--why else would they be there? You’re not at Disney. Who’s paying them? If you want a photo with them, pay them. There are some unscrupulous ones though. They are not vetted like the characters at Disney. Personally I wouldn’t let a kid near them. If you want a photo with them, agree on the price first. Food trucks can have great cheap food. Ask the prices first. If you forget to ask the price, walk away if they charge you 20- for a hotdog. The best food trucks have prices listed on the side. Some of the best cheap eats is cash only. Use your bank ATM at the start of the day. Restaurants in touristy areas usually have tips automatically added because lots of international tourists refuse to tip. So restaurants add it automatically.

Another trap is the hotels that add a $50 “Entertainment Fee” that can only be used as a credit at the hotel. I stay in NYC a lot for work and they don’t all charge this fees. It seems the closer you are to Times Square they will get you for this…

As a native New Yorker, if someone wants to see Times Square, I always recommend walking through the area without buying anything, and then to go to dinner a few blocks away. There are restaurants outside the tourist area with lower prices and better food. Foods that are must in NYC are pizza, hot dogs and bagels. Get bagels at breakfast, and pizza and hot dogs at lunch. For dinner, get a meal that you want at a sit down restaurant. Take your time and enjoy the meal. When my family and friends come to town, we get pizza on the day everyone is resting. Walking around the city is tiring, especially during the hot and humid Summers. This way everyone can enjoy the great pizza while not on the run and hurrying around. Best time to see NYC is the Spring -March to June, or the Fall-- September to December. November and December are colder but they are nice to see for the holidays. Personally I love October for Fall cooler weather. Plus you can see the leaves changing colors.

Lived in NYC for 3 years and Long Island for 3 years. NYC is still my favorite city ever. Museums are the best, parks are the best. The variety in the many neighborhoods: with good shoes and all you can walk from one neighbor hood to the next. Can’t go to the city, without a slice from a local shop and I love the pretzels from the street venders. Going to NJ in Oct. and will spend a day in the city!

Native New Yorker with some advice, walk the Manhattan Bridge path instead. Zero tourists AND you get to see the Brooklyn Bridge and NYC skyline in one go.

@CalvinK300

Жыл бұрын

Last month, I had lunch at Dekalb Market then visited the NY Transit Museum followed by a walk across Brooklyn Bridge at dusk. It was brilliant and I wouldn’t trade it for Manhattan Bridge especially after flying from the other side of the globe. 😂

Having grown up in Chicago there's so SO many parallels to all of this with downtown Chicago!! Love your videos and I-L-L

Yeah I lived in NYC for years and I've only been to Times Square twice (both times for events). I mean it's tourist town wall to wall....

Really enjoyed the conversation Live here, and it's nice to hear your impressions - it was fair Enjoy all your content, and always find it fun, informative, and entertaining Thanks

so funny story: i took a friend into the city because she'd never really been. she's lived in both rural and suburban areas. i took her to times square and the cops with the big guns concerned her. took her to central park and she fell in love with the horses for the carriage rides. i ended up sitting on a park bench waiting for her while she pet the horses and talked to the drivers. took her down 5th ave and she's got no clue what any of the brands are and wasn't impressed in the least. even lost her for a minute at rockerfeller center (it was christmas time). mind you, she was in her 20s. needless to say, the horses were her favorite part!

@susie9893

Жыл бұрын

Horsies! 🐎🐴

@tombsofak

Жыл бұрын

I feel that. I've also lived in rural areas my entire life so going to NYC, I was not impressed with many of the brands and such because I've never heard of them and seeing so many cops around is kinda concerning.

@yaowsers77

Жыл бұрын

@@tombsofak because I know so much bad stuff goes on in NYC, I actually feel safer seeing the cops. If something happens, they're right there. And while I don't go to the sketchier parts of NYC, it's always good to see a cop around just in case.

@babsr8479

Жыл бұрын

​@@yaowsers77 I felt the same way in Israel seeing armed military.

@susie9893

Жыл бұрын

@@yaowsers77 I think also, it's what you get used to. I stayed in Bangkok for an extended period in my youth and the military police were everywhere - especially on public transport. At first it was a bit disturbing but after a while you just took it for granted (especially seeing military service is compulsory in Thailand so the locals don't even bat an eye over the military presence - been there done that I guess. How the locals are reacting counts for a lot I reckon)

I think, as a New Yorker, Times Square must be seen! Bot do stay away from those buskers! And also. Strolling down 5th Avenue during Christmas time is a must do. But don’t buy stuff!

As a former New Yorker, I say that 5th Ave is for window shopping only. Instead, go down to Orchard Street on the Lower East Side, but not on Saturday when shops are closed for Jewish sabbath. It's all the same stuff, but at lower prices. You can bargain with the shopkeepers. The are great places to eat, like Katz Deli or Yonah Schimmels for knishes. Visit the tenement museum (book ahead online) to see how people lived in NY from the 1800s until 1935 in various recreated apartments. You're close to Chinatown with good restaurants and Little Italy, where the restaurants are overpriced mediocre tourist traps. Instead hit a bakery for cappuccino and dessert. Lower Manhattan, although gentrified, is the closest thing to the real NY of yesteryear. I'd opt for that over Times Square if time of visit is limited.

Would LOVE to visit NY one day! With costs of everything going up it feels like a dream but a girl can still dream!

Times square is where Broadway shows are. Of course you need to go. Our hotel was right there. John’s pizza on Times square is best pizza ever. Must do. Skip Juniors cheesecake seriously. We really enjoyed our horse carriage ride.

@janetthomas8244

Жыл бұрын

You can get to the shows and avoid Times Sq. From the north.

For a more legit Italian experience, instead of Manhattan's Little Italy, go to The Bronx's Little Italy

As Russian, I loved visiting New York. Thanks US people for good trip.

Good video. I use your videos when I'm heading somewhere out if my area. So much good info you pack in.

To share another great channel, Drew Binsky made a great video on how diverse Queens is, someplace I've never thought of going to but will consider. I have yet to do anything but Manhattan and will try to see the LI boroughs eventually.

I went in Times Square at around 6:00AM, and being there when the place is empty is absolutely amazing

I loved the carriage ride We took in Central Park. It is beautiful and it’s a great break for your feet.

I have really enjoyed your videos, and have a suggestion for a video: I think it would be great to know what food items you are allowed to bring through customs (especially in a carryon bag if that makes any difference). Things that will stay fresh, and things that will just be a hassle to deal with. For example, my mom loves authentic French bread (is it possible not to like it. 🤷🏼‍♀️🤣) will it be worth it to buy some before my 2:45pm flight, go through customs wait an hour or two than have another flight home with a total time of about 12 hours? Thank you for your time!

I live in NYC & yes Timesquare is a tourist trap it’s self. NYC is huge baby, explore !

I usually just get something small like a magnet from every place, I have the berlin ampfelman (sp?), the amsterdam xxxx symbol etc

@eddiew2325

Жыл бұрын

Oh yes I forgot the yellow submarine

Pedicabs? Those fees are per minute *per person* ! Caveat emptor. Central Park is best seen on foot.

As a blind person, the only thing that would get me to go to the museum of sex is it they actually had a workshop where they teach you how to have it.

Times Square is iconic. It and Grand Central Terminal are always places I visit on my first day at NYC. I just know the scams and avoid them. Be aware of your surroundings and who's up to no good. When they try and get in shot I just scowl at them and turn away. They soon get the message.

I’m don’t live in NYC (unfortunately) but I live in MA not far from it and he is absolutely right. The stores aren’t that unique, they are a lot of the normal corporate stores with much more floor space. They almost NEVER have sales, ESPECIALLY during Christmas season! You’re buying the same exact thing that you would buy at a local store for the most part. Times Square can also be a dangerous place to visit, but I recommend it. It’s exciting! Brooklyn bridge park is also a great place to get a nice view for free

@Macygal

11 ай бұрын

I lived and worked in NYC eons ago and took my daughter into the City one year to take her school shopping and was so disappointed to see how many of the local shops had been replaced by chain stores.

Great advice. I love your videos!

Honestly I regret NOT visiting the IHeartAmsterdam shop and also regret NOT buying one of those bags or hoodies, hats or whatever because it felt too touristy. I didn't wanna point myself out as "that guy", however I did point myself out as "that guy who's constantly aware he can get pickpocketed" , but they probably also realized my strategy was almost impossible to bypass without causing a scene indirectly (via me) . But I should have said "who cares" and what ppl think, I will next time if or when I go back, That is, if Im not in South Korea instead 🎎

@Pressplay_Media_EU

Жыл бұрын

I know this is about new york, but the message applies if I was there too, or Toronto even

That's more of a Manhattan type of thing. Although better be safe than sorry although you're probably not gonna see it in other boroughs.

People just go to a sports game. Yankees or Mets.

Thanks!

Unless they’re seeing a show or work there NYC residents avoid Times Square like the plague.

Great work Wolter. Love your channel

@woltersworld

Жыл бұрын

Thank you

Interesting you mention having chash is necessary. I plan on going this year and was expecting it to be a mostly cashless city like London where even random food trucks only accept cards and you can tap in and out of the metro with Google Pay.

@WannabeBackbencher

Жыл бұрын

I live nearby in Jersey. I find it mostly cashless, but it’s nice to have some spare bills in your pocket for those off-the-beaten-path restaurants and food trucks.

@davidfrischknecht8261

Жыл бұрын

@@WannabeBackbencher I don't like to bring cash with me so I can honestly respond to the beggars that I have no cash on me.

To this day the only NYC souvenir I will cherish is a Chinese $10 Rolex watch knock-off which I'm not sure is still a thing in the ol 2020s

Does N jersey good area to stay when visiting NY? We are a group of 12 families ages between 70~12 Yo’s, in terms of commuting to visit manhattan, love your videos thanks Mark!!

Hey Mark, great video

Re: cash. What would you say would be a good rule of thumb for the amount of cash one should expect to have to use? For instance, if you're out and about, and it's lunch time. Or you're at some small shop and need a snack or drinks.

So glad that in the end you said it was the best city in the world. I agree!

I love the Bronx that to me is the real New York, love the accents

Awesome video

Great tips, Mark.

I’ve been putting off nyc for so long because it seems impossible to get around from borough to borough. So it feels like you can only see one thing a day.

@yolandahsiao1969

Жыл бұрын

That is pretty accurate. Depending on how much of each borough you want to see you can maaaybe do 2 in a long day (southern Manhattan and eastern Brooklyn for example), but you’ll be spending quite a bit of time on transit and not necessarily on foot in the neighborhoods.

I find department stores not much worth a visit, unless it is for specific shopping. Avoid Macy's being overwhelming tourist trap, anything section you want to see is too crowded, and all that you don't is quiet. Go early if you must. Dining options are limited, have decimated and changed over the years. Maybe if you are wealthy, browsing Saks 5 Ave. or Bergdorf Goodman is a thing. More on Times Square. Do NOT take children in the evening or night. At best at night, extreme crowds , offensive sights. Crime potential. Eating in the theater district presents two main choices. 1. The side streets near the theaters, if you don't mind busy spots, and being touristy - no matter how popular or well-regarded they are. 2. Further west on 9 Ave. in the 40's Lots of places, even some that locals go to.

They have sales tax of about 8%. If you travel more, then you can do shopping in states where sales tax is lower. Times Square has McDonalds's. Enjoy they view while hugging a smoothie.

I have to disagree with the LEGO Store, I go there mainly to see their custom builds on display, the one at Rockefeller Center has a great NYC-themed builds there. You won't see that elsewhere, because they'll have their local builds on display. And IDK about custom LEGO sets or figures - I bought a Statue of Liberty minifig, they may not have it in like Las Vegas store. This is probably valid with other touristy places, like the Madame Tussaud's or even museums - every place have different stuff. Yes, it may be similar, but it's definitely not the same. Especially not for a tourist from a different country.

Don't you remember Times Sq. before it was "cleaned up? Now it is a circus freak show that has no connection to the city. Wouldn't be caught dead there.

I've lived an hour and a half from Manhattan for 25 years and I've only been maybe 5 times, nothing special to see that requires frequent visits, Philadelphia is just as entertaining.

NOT a Tourist Trap: Just take the subway downtown and find the Staten Island ferry and the FREE ride across NY Harbor with the best FREE view of the both the Statue of Liberty and the lower Manhattan skyline. You do have to get off on Staten Island but just get right back on again. Best to ride at dusk for the sweetest light-show as the office towers in lower Manhattan come alive. And, if you've got half a day to kill, take the ferry to Governor's Island with its terminal right next to the Staten Island ferry. That's $4, free if you're under 18 or over 65.

Noodles and sauce?

My friend forced me to eat at Little Italy, worst food ever😢😢😢 I had read it was tourist trappy but it got confirmed 😂

Not a turist trap and I Loved the museum of natural history but its NOTHING like the movie "night at the museum"... If you have kids they Will be disappointed with that.

carriage rides: winter only thing to do. why? the smell. you're on the wrong end of the horse so it's not as smelly in the winter as it is in the summer! 😂

Wait, what you have to pay people who jump into your picture when you take a photo? I don't care if your dressed as Abraham Lincoln, that's asking for an argument with me and is a SCAM!!! giving them a tip? they're more likely going to get hit 😂😂

❤❤❤❤

Thank you for bringing up the Museum of Sex! Friends that visit always want to go there and I always tell them it's a huge tourist trap.

Also gonna be controversial and say Katz Deli ain’t all that especially for the price. Must better sandwiches to be had in other regular delis

I'm not a big city guy. I have visited NYC a few times and it's definitely not my cup of tea. Too many people in too little space and too many tall buildings. I prefer the countryside any day.

First view!

I hate to say it but most of the big Broadway shows in New York are tourist traps. They are made for the people who visit the city more than than the actual locals. And those prices! And Times Square itself. I did like Times Square in the first half of the 80s. Things seemed more human then. Then as Disney and other large brands showed up the flavor changed into crass, but cute commercialism. Now it is the least New York City place there is. Sad.

Jungle of Glass and concrete. I prefer European cities.

Second view

Woah. Paying a guy because he is in a picture or the same guy will harass you and insult you? What kind of country is that? Same with atm... in my backward country, right in the middle of nowhere (this is also true in the capital in fact), I can buy a single bread with my bank card free of charge, but in NY you need to pay $4 for that? There is seriously something wrong with NY. I really don't share your enthusiasm about this.

@colormedubious4747

Жыл бұрын

I think you have experienced a translation error. Mark is NOT being enthusiastic about this. He is telling you to AVOID these things!

This city doesn’t appeal to me sorry

Excuse me, but Manhattan isn't all there is to New York City.

the horse rides are cruel and should be stopped.