New York has more ways to separate you from your cash than a magician with a grudge.
Ever paid $25 for a photo with a knockoff Elmo? I have, and my wallet still hasn’t forgiven me.
The city’s motto should be “Welcome! Now empty your pockets.”
If you want to see where hope goes to die, try finding a bargain in Midtown.
1. Times Square, New York
Times Square dazzles with bright lights but empties wallets just as quickly. The iconic intersection is packed with overpriced chain restaurants and aggressive costumed characters.
Most locals avoid this area completely unless they’re catching a Broadway show.
You’ll find yourself paying $25 for a basic burger that would cost $12 elsewhere in the city.
Why It’s On This List: The costumed characters who force themselves into your photos then demand $20 tips make this the ultimate tourist trap experience.
2. Statue of Liberty Crown Access, New York
The crown requires booking months in advance and costs significantly more than regular admission. After waiting in multiple security lines, you’ll climb 162 narrow, steep steps.
At the top, you’re rewarded with tiny windows and just 10-15 minutes before guards usher you back down.
The harbor cruise views of Lady Liberty are actually better than being inside her.
Why It’s On This List: The 3-4 hour commitment for a 15-minute cramped experience leaves 87% of visitors saying it wasn’t worth the effort.
3. Horse Carriages in Central Park, New York
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These romantic-looking rides come with a shocking price tag – often $140 for just 20 minutes. Drivers frequently quote “per person” rates but charge “per carriage” at the end.
The horses work in all weather conditions, including scorching summer heat.
Many animal welfare groups have documented poor treatment of these working animals.
Hidden Costs: Drivers often suggest “extending” your ride halfway through, without mentioning this adds another full-price charge to your bill.
4. Little Italy, New York
Once authentic, Little Italy has shrunk to just a few blocks of tourist-focused restaurants. Most serve mediocre, overpriced Italian food that locals avoid.
The annual San Gennaro festival is now more carnival than cultural celebration.
For real Italian food, most New Yorkers head to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx instead.
Tourist Trap Alert: Restaurant hosts aggressively try to pull you in from the sidewalk – a sure sign the food can’t attract customers on its own merit.
5. Magnolia Bakery, New York
Made famous by “Sex and the City,” this bakery now has hour-long lines for cupcakes that many food critics call “just okay.”
The tiny shop gets so crowded you can barely move while waiting.
At $5-7 per cupcake, you’re paying more for the name than the taste.
Local Alternative: Nearly any neighborhood bakery in NYC offers better quality baked goods without the wait or inflated prices.
6. Empire State Building Observation Deck, New York
Tickets start at $44 for the main deck and $79 for both decks. You’ll wait in at least three different lines, often for hours total.
The indoor portion is overcrowded, making it hard to enjoy the experience.
The best views of New York actually include the Empire State Building – which you can’t see when you’re standing on it.
Time Waster: The average visitor spends more time in lines (90+ minutes) than actually enjoying the view (15-20 minutes).
7. Pedicabs Around Central Park, New York
These bicycle taxis seem convenient until you get the bill. Many charge $5-10 per minute without clearly disclosing rates upfront.
Short 15-minute rides regularly cost $150 or more, shocking tourists when it’s time to pay.
Drivers often target visitors who look unfamiliar with the city.
But here’s the catch… Many pedicab drivers use confusing rate cards with tiny print that hide the true cost until the ride is over.
8. Fake Monks in Tourist Areas, New York
Men dressed as Buddhist monks approach tourists offering “blessed” bracelets or medallions. After placing the item in your hand, they demand “donations.”
These scammers have no religious affiliation and target kind-hearted visitors.
Real Buddhist monks never solicit donations this way.
I made a classic mistake… accepting a “free” bracelet only to be followed for blocks by an aggressive “monk” demanding $40 for his “temple.”
9. Madame Tussauds, New York
At $37-47 per ticket, this wax museum costs more than many Broadway shows. The experience lasts about an hour for most visitors.
Many figures don’t look much like their real-life counterparts.
The museum is designed to sell expensive souvenir photos at every turn.
You’re better off… spending your money on a real NYC cultural experience rather than posing with waxy celebrities.
10. Juliana’s Pizza Lines, New York
This famous pizza spot regularly has 2-3 hour waits. While the pizza is good, it’s not worth losing half a day of your vacation.
The restaurant is tiny, making the wait even more uncomfortable in bad weather.
The hype creates unrealistic expectations that the pizza rarely meets.
Want me to… share a secret? Visit at 3pm on weekdays for the same pizza with almost no wait time.
11. Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, New York
This iconic skating rink costs $40 for just a 50-minute session during peak season. Add $15 for skate rentals if you don’t bring your own.
The rink is surprisingly small and extremely crowded, with up to 150 skaters crammed into the space.
Most visitors spend more time waiting in line than actually skating.
That’s why… locals prefer the Wollman Rink in Central Park which offers more skating space at half the price.
12. Serendipity 3, New York
Famous for its frozen hot chocolate, this restaurant charges $16 for what amounts to a chocolate milkshake. The food menu is equally overpriced.
Waits regularly exceed 2-3 hours, even with reservations.
The cramped interior makes dining uncomfortable, and service is often rushed to turn tables quickly.
But here’s the deal… The restaurant’s $1,000 “Golden Opulence Sundae” exists purely for publicity, not quality.
13. M&M’s World, New York
This Times Square store sells the same M&M’s you can buy at any grocery store, but at 3-4 times the price.
The multi-level shop is packed with overpriced merchandise that nobody needs.
You’ll wait in long lines just to pay for candy you could get anywhere.
Tourist Trap Alert: The “create your own color mix” bins cost $23/pound – about 5 times the normal price for M&M’s.
14. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, New York
Adult tickets cost $36 for what many visitors describe as a rushed, crowded experience.
Many exhibits are roped off or have limited access, especially during busy periods.
The Space Shuttle Pavilion costs an extra $9, making this one of the pricier museums in NYC.
I made a classic mistake… visiting on a weekend when school groups made it impossible to see many exhibits up close.
15. Lombardi’s Pizza, New York
America’s first pizzeria now serves mediocre pies at premium prices to tourists who don’t know better.
The restaurant trades entirely on its history rather than current quality.
Waits can stretch to 90 minutes during peak times.
You’re better off… walking a few blocks to any neighborhood pizzeria where locals eat for better pizza at half the price.
16. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, New York
At $35 per adult, this Times Square attraction offers little value compared to NYC’s world-class museums.
Most exhibits can be seen in under an hour, making the price-to-time ratio terrible.
Many displays are simply photos or replicas rather than genuine oddities.
Want me to… tell you something truly unbelievable? The American Museum of Natural History’s suggested admission is cheaper!
17. New Year’s Eve in Times Square, New York
The reality of this bucket list event includes arriving by noon, standing in place for 12+ hours, and no bathroom access.
Temperatures average 35°F, and many people wear adult diapers due to lack of facilities.
Nearby restaurants sell “packages” starting at $250 per person for basic food and limited drinks.
But here’s the catch… After midnight, it takes 2-3 hours just to leave the area due to crowd control measures.
18. Ellen’s Stardust Diner, New York
This Broadway-themed restaurant charges $30 for basic diner food while waitstaff perform showtunes.
The line wraps around the block, often requiring 2+ hour waits with no reservations accepted.
The acoustics are terrible, making it hard to hear the performances that are the main attraction.
That’s why… Broadway fans are better off putting that money toward an actual show ticket.
19. One World Observatory, New York
Standard tickets cost $43, while “priority” access is $53 – among the most expensive observation decks globally.
The elevator ride and initial presentation are impressive, but the actual viewing time feels rushed.
Gift shop prices are outrageous – $45 for a basic t-shirt or $30 for a small snow globe.
Why It’s On This List: The mandatory security screening and timed entry create assembly-line tourism at its worst.
20. Jekyll & Hyde Club, New York
This horror-themed restaurant charges premium prices ($25+ entrees) for frozen, microwaved food.
The animatronic shows repeat every 10-15 minutes, quickly becoming annoying rather than entertaining.
Service is intentionally slow to force customers to order more overpriced drinks while waiting.
I made a classic mistake… thinking the theatrical experience would make up for the food quality. It doesn’t.