02/09/2023
It's always true that one man's trash is another man's treasure. With that in mind, I'll humbly offer my personal list of overrated attractions, restaurants and activities in NYC. Lists like this will always be controversial, and might even include some of your personal favorites! To be clear, I mean no offense and recognize that this is entirely subjective. But I make recommendations as an integral part of my business, and after decades of experience in The City, these are the things I think don't quite deserve their reputations, along with what I think are better alternatives!
1. Carmine's
I've tried to like Carmine's. We've been there several times, and recognize that it's conveniently located, sometimes does well with larger groups, is moderately priced by Manhattan standards, and has developed a reputation as the "go to" Italian restaurant.
But here's the thing: outside of the chicken parm, the food is only inconsistently good. It's often served at room temp. The pasta is sometimes seriously undercooked (I'm talking near crunchy, not appropriately al dente). The drinks are expensive and often poorly mixed. The service is extremely hit or miss. We've sat at our table for thirty minutes with no contact from wait staff, and not so much as a glass of water. And then once we were served, we never saw our waitress again until she brought the bill on our last attempt last Summer. And that wasn't an isolated event.
The alternative: In Midtown, Becco is one of several easily superior choices. Expanding from there, it's my contention that you haven't experienced Italian food in NYC until you've been to Arthur Ave in the Bronx. Choose from Enzo's, Mario's or Dominic's. Since our first trip to Mario's, every Italian restaurant we've set foot in has felt lacking.
2. Observation Towers in general.
Before you lose your mind, I get it. You should definitely include an observation tower in your agenda, particularly if you live in a part of the world where such an experience can't be found. I get it. They're iconic and often spectacular, and everyone should do it at least once. My favorites for first time visitors are Freedom Tower (the best, most amazing "reveal"), and Summit One Vanderbilt (the best, most immersive overall experience).
So why are they on this list? Because I believe that the very best of NYC is on the ground in our amazing neighborhoods, where you can actually *experience* the city rather than *observe* it from a sky-high distance.
I often have people who feel the need to include four or even all five of the observation towers on their itineraries. And I just don't get it. They're expensive. They're time consuming, often with very long queues just to get to the elevator. Food offerings are sparse and expensive. And if we're being really honest, even though the views can vary a bit from one to the other, the experience is inherently repetitive.
The alternative: first and foremost, choose one tower per trip, and never more than two. Secondly, and this is what I typically recommend to people for whom I'm creating itineraries, choose a neighborhood that you otherwise might not have gone to, and do a walking tour. In my experience, and this has been true nearly 100% of the time with my clients, people say they enjoyed touring through places like Greenwich Village, Soho, and the Lower East Side vastly more than the time they spent up in the sky. Once again, they were experiencing the City and not just observing it!
3. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
I know, I know. It feels icky to include such iconic and historic places on a list of overrated attractions. And if you're a true history buff or you have family connections to Ellis Island, I respectfully retract my statement that they're overrated. But for most of us, the trek out to the islands becomes a somewhat expensive four-five hour slog that's ultimately a bit boring and underwhelming. The food offerings are generally terrible, and if the weather isn't great, walking around Liberty Island can be miserable.
The alternative: everyone will say the Staten Island Ferry, and yes, that's a wonderful, free alternative where you get great views of the Statue and a round trip can be done in about an hour. You should take the Ferry at least once.
But for my money, there's an even better alternative, and that's the NYC Ferry from the financial district (near the World Financial Center) to St. George on Staten Island. Only $4/person. Smaller boat. Great snack bar. Occasionally clean bathrooms on board. Exposed upper deck with seats. Booths with tables in the heated interior lower deck with huge windows. Faster boats that sometimes feel like they "catch air" when the waves are right! And incredible Statue views. Plus, you can take the Ferry back to Manhattan and even continue farther up the West side for more world class city views. And did I mention that it's only $4.00??
4. Macy's
Yeah, I said it. Macy's. The iconic flagship store at 34th St. The largest store in the world. Why is it overrated? Because, outside of the pretty amazing Christmas-time experience (which is a legit and wonderful destination), it's Just. A. Department. Store. Every single time I'm in Macy's, I find myself thinking "why do I feel exactly like I'm back at the mall in my hometown?" It's not different.
Go see the wooden escalators and get out of there!!
Alternatives: this list is endless, and varies depending on your budget. But my favorite shopping places to recommend include Soho, the Lower East Side, and the East Village. I recommend all three of those neighborhoods over the famous 5th Ave strip in Midtown, of which Macy's serves as an anchor. (Although, if I'm being honest, when I'm with my daughters, we end up at Zara and Uniqlo on Fifth every single time đ).
5. Chelsea Market
The first time I went to Chelsea Market, I loved it. The second time I went, the shine came off a bit. The third time I went, I thought "outside of Los Tacos (which I can find elsewhere), why am I here?"
It's fine for a bad weather day, although you'll be there with 10000 of your new closest friends. And yes, there are some good food choices. But the retail opportunities generally stink. The food is expensive in general. And it's not in the most convenient location in the city. In short, we go there if we happen to be in the neighborhood (we love the High Line and Little Island, so we often are).
The alternatives: two easy, and in my opinion, vastly better, alternatives immediately come to mind. Essex Market on the Lower East Side (near Katz's) and the place that's fast becoming an iconic foodie destination, the Time Out Market in DUMBO. Both of these places offer better, more varied food options, and in the case of Essex Market, it will almost always be significantly less crowded (and in a more interesting neighborhood).
So there you have it. Next post will focus on my favorite *underrated* activities/attractions! Let me know what you think!!
www.nyitinerary.com
