Best Alternatives to Popular New York City Tourist Attractions

Top of the Rock, New York City, United States
Photo by Kristijan Mladenov on Unsplash

New York City has some amazing tourist attractions, but there is one big problem with them; every tourist wants to experience them. This means that you’ll likely wait in lines, have to deal with crowds and settle for a less fulfilling experience. But there is something you can do.

Instead of heading to NYC tourist hotspots, why don’t you simply check out their less crowded alternatives? Here are some suggestions below.

Flushing, Queens Instead of Chinatown

To feel the dash of China in New York City, skip Chinatown and head to Flushing, Queens. The area is known for its large and diverse immigrant population with vibrant Chinese and Korean communities. Here you’ll find Chinese shops, great restaurants with Asian food, and much more.

Top of the Rock Instead of Empire State Building

If you want to enjoy the NYC skyline without a bunch of tourists blocking your view, then choose the Top of the Rock observation deck instead of one at the Empire State Building. While Top of the Rock is slightly lower, it still offers breathtaking sights and is a lot less crowded. Also, you can get a great look at the Empire State Building itself.

Van Cortlandt Park Instead of Central Park

Sure, Central Park is one of the most iconic places in New York City. However, you can get everything, if not more, that Central Park offers in Van Cortlandt Park. The latter is the third-largest park in the city and features hiking and walking trails, various natural features, sports, and outdoor activities spaces, and even the oldest public golf course in the US.