5 tourists traps to avoid in Times Square!

Times Square is the place to have the best and some of the words memories of your trip. And I’m not talking about the thousands of people sharing the same selfie with you, but some situations that you should avoid to save you some discomfort. For more NYC tips make sure to follow me on instagram @marthasachser   and @blognyandabout. Make sure to check the best FREE THINGS to do in NY clicking HERE for more ideas!

Famous characters

It’s impossible to walk in Times Square and not notice the presence of  something similar to Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Spider Man and even Hello Kitty! Don’t get me wrong, I respect all kinds of work but they are somewhat pushy, they try to get your attention in a very annoying way sometimes and in case you fall for it and pose for a picture, chances are that all their friends will join in the picture! And what do they expect? Tips! Yes, and you may end up having to pay U$1 for each if you’re not firm and walk away paying only the characters you first stopped for a photo with.

The train station scam

I’ve experienced that a few times and this is the scenario: you’re standing at the station, probably checking your phone, looking for directions… then a random person approaches you, usually dressed like he/she just got off and is heading home BUT he/she lost his wallet somewhere or needs U$2 to complete his train fare and go home. Believe me, it’s not like they are just asking, they simply tell you a long story and make you somehow believe and you might end up ( now you know better!) giving him the U$2.00! To avoid this situation, simply ignore any keep walking or if the person gets a little too much,

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Souvenirs

Rent is expensive in NYC so it is understandable that souvenir shops around Times Square charge a lot more for the same stuff you find cheaper somewhere else. My tip, if you wanna save  money, head to I love Souvenirs, near the Empire State Building, on 5th Avenue between 35th and 36th Street. You will find much better prices AND if you mention my name (MARTHA) you get 10% off ! Other cheap places to get some souvenirs are the Brooklyn Bridge and some shops in Chinatown but I don’t know any good ones to recommend. But at I Love Souvenirs you find everything you need for a good price, trust me, I’ve been shopping there for years and the staff is the best!

Chain restaurants

More likely you won’t find locals dining at most Times Square restaurants. Why is that? Because we know NY has a lot more to offer than that, this is THE city to try local food, explore neighborhoods with character their countless options, most of the time cheaper and somehow fresher than Times Square! If you don’t know where to go simply download the apps Infatuation and Yelp and find the best options near you! If you must go to a restaurant (I know you will and I don’t blame you, its part of the experience – but hopefully not everyday. Ok, up to you!) I recommend Ellen’s Stardust for the fun experience; Carmine’s for the family size italian dishes; Dallas BBQ for the large drinks and loud yet casual atmosphere; Junior Cheesecakes for the, well, cheesecakes, but they also serve regular american food; The View for the view and the experience, etc.  If you wanna save a lot, head to Rudy’s Bar and Grill, you get cheap  beer (for U$3) and they give you a hot-dog per drink! Yep! A full “meal” for U$3.

“The CD guys”

I love supporting artists, I know how hard it is for artist to live off their art (I’m an artist myself) but I must say that whenever I see them, I avoid eye contact and conversation. They are usually selling their hip-hop CDs and once you grab it (some people think they are free), they will try to convince you to buy it. And you are free to return and walk away or do whatever you want but chances are the CD might not work or the songs are not as good as you somehow expected? I don’t know, I think there are better ways to sell music, like performing them so people know what they are buying? When in doubt, simply smile and say “no thank you” and just keep walking.

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