Times Square

🚦 How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Times Square (Without Missing the Fun)

Times Square is one of the most famous places on Earth. With its towering billboards, Broadway theaters, and buzzing crowds, it’s a must-see for first-time visitors to New York City. 🌆

But here’s the catch: Times Square is also one of the biggest tourist traps in the U.S. It’s easy to overspend on food, souvenirs, and shows — or worse, fall for scams that leave you frustrated.

The good news? With a little insider knowledge, you can enjoy Times Square without draining your wallet or patience. Let’s break down the tourist traps to avoid, smarter alternatives, and ways to experience Times Square like a local.

 

🚏 Table of Contents

  • 🚫 The Biggest Tourist Traps in Times Square
  • 🍕 Where to Eat Instead (Without Overpaying)
  • 🎭 How to See a Broadway Show Without Getting Scammed
  • 🛍️ Smarter Souvenirs & Shopping
  • 🚦 Safety & Street Smarts in Times Square
  • 🌟 How to Actually Enjoy Times Square
  • 🏁 Final Thoughts

 

🚫 The Biggest Tourist Traps in Times Square

Times Square has plenty of “gotchas” that prey on unsuspecting visitors. Here’s what to watch out for:

  1. Overpriced Chain Restaurants
    • Meals here often cost double or triple what you’d pay outside Times Square.
  2. Costumed Characters & Street Performers
    • Elmo, Spider-Man, and Disney princesses wander the streets, offering “free” photos. But once you snap a picture, expect aggressive demands for tips ($5–$20+).
  3. Souvenir Shops
    • Neon-lit stores sell “I ❤️ NY” t-shirts for $20 when you can find the same shirt in Chinatown or Canal Street for $5.
  4. CD Hustlers
    • Performers hand you a “free” CD, then guilt you into paying $10–$20. If you refuse, things can get uncomfortable fast.
  5. Scammy Broadway Ticket Sellers
    • People on the street selling “discount tickets” are often selling overpriced or fake tickets. Only buy tickets from official sources.

👉 Rule of Thumb: If someone approaches you in Times Square with something that sounds too good to be true, walk away.

 

🍕 Where to Eat Instead (Without Overpaying)

Skip the giant chain restaurants and head a few blocks away for authentic, affordable food. Incredible local options surround Times Square.

✅ Great Alternatives Nearby:

  • Joe’s Pizza (Broadway & 40th St.) – Classic New York slices for under $5.
  • Los Tacos No. 1 (Times Square Food Hall) – Fresh, authentic tacos with a cult following.
  • Don Antonio (W. 50th St.) – Famous for their Neapolitan pizzas, especially the fried pizza.
  • Margon (46th St.) – A Cuban lunch counter with hearty plates for around $12.

🚶♂️ Pro Tip: Walk 10 minutes to Hell’s Kitchen

  • The neighborhood west of Times Square has some of the best food in Manhattan, from ramen joints to tapas bars — all at a fraction of the price.

 

🎭 How to See a Broadway Show Without Getting Scammed

Broadway is one of the main reasons people visit Times Square. But tickets can cost a fortune if you’re not careful.

❌ Don’t:

  • Buy tickets from people on the street. They’re usually overpriced, sometimes fake.

✅ Do:

  • TKTS Booth (Times Square): Same-day tickets at 20–50% off. Look for the iconic red steps.
  • TodayTix App: Legit last-minute discounts straight to your phone.
  • Box Office Rush Tickets: Many shows offer $30–$40 rush or standing-room tickets if you line up early.

👉 Insider Tip: If you’re flexible about what to see, you can almost always find an affordable show the day of.

 

🛍️ Smarter Souvenirs & Shopping

Souvenir shops in Times Square are flashy but wildly overpriced.

❌ What Not to Do:

  • Don’t buy t-shirts, mugs, or snow globes here — you’ll overpay.

✅ Where to Shop Instead:

  • Canal Street (Chinatown): Souvenirs at a fraction of the price.
  • Strand Bookstore (Union Square): Unique NYC-themed books and gifts.
  • Museum Gift Shops: Quirky, artsy souvenirs you won’t find elsewhere.

 

🚦 Safety & Street Smarts in Times Square

Times Square is generally safe, but scams and crowds can be overwhelming. Stay alert:

  • Skip Costumed Photos: If you must, tip small and walk away quickly.
  • Ignore Street CD Hustlers: Don’t engage — they’re persistent.
  • Protect Your Bag: Pickpocketing happens in crowded areas.
  • Use Common Sense: If someone is pushy or aggressive, move toward a crowd or a police officer (the NYPD is always nearby).

 

🌟 How to Actually Enjoy Times Square

Times Square isn’t all bad — it’s famous for a reason. The key is to treat it like an experience, not a dining or shopping destination.

Best Ways to Enjoy It:

  • Visit at Night: The neon glow is at its peak after dark.
  • Climb the Red Steps (TKTS Booth): Free views over the buzzing square.
  • Catch a Broadway Show: The one splurge that’s truly worth it.
  • Pair with a Rooftop Bar: Check out St. Cloud Rooftop or Bar 54 for skyline views.

👉 Times Square is best for soaking up the atmosphere, snapping a few photos, and then moving on to other neighborhoods that showcase the real New York.

 

🏁 Final Thoughts

Times Square is dazzling, chaotic, and yes — full of tourist traps. But with a little planning, you can:

  • Avoid overpriced restaurants and shops.
  • Skip scams and pushy street performers.
  • Still enjoy the neon lights, Broadway magic, and iconic NYC vibe.

Pro Traveler Rule: Snap your photos, take in the lights, then venture beyond Times Square to discover the city’s real gems.

 

📥 FREE Times Square Tourist Trap Guide (PDF)

Want to keep these tips handy while you explore? Download this blog post as a FREE Times Square Tourist Trap Cheat Sheet (PDF) and save it to your phone for offline use. Click here to grab it!

 

📚 Get the Full New York Experience with the NYC CityBook

Times Square is just the beginning. My New York CityBook includes detailed itineraries, hidden gems, food recommendations, and Google Maps pins to explore the city like a pro. Get your CityBook here.

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