6 Overhyped New York Places That Look Better Online Than in Real Life 

A place that is more known for a singular city, rather than as a state, New York does have many underrated areas. However, this list will address none of those and instead focuses on the places that social media has made out to be far more appealing than they are in real life. Yes, a majority of these are from New York City, but you’d be surprised how many places outside the famous city you’ve heard of (and should avoid, in my opinion). 

1. Times Square

Location: New York City

Known for: Billboards, Broadway, crowds, New Year’s Eve

Why it’s Overhyped: In a word, Times Square is overwhelming. Lights flash down at you from massive billboards hung in every which way, tourists squeeze by you and between the different entertainment acts on the corners, and your ears are accosted by the sounds bellowing down from the billboards—not to mention all the noise from speakers on the ground or through the doors of the chain restaurants that seem to be more overpriced than any of their other locations. It’s a lot to deal with, and there’s little to show for it.

2. The Hamptons

Location: The southeastern part of Long Island

Known for: Beaches, luxury, celebrities

Why it’s Overhyped: With crowds of people trying to fulfill their "money, money, money" dreams, the Hamptons are overcrowded, overpriced, and overused. Sure, it’s a pretty spot and the mansions are fun to look at, but it’s just not worth it. There are many other cute beach towns in New York, or even in Long Island, if that’s what you really want.

3. Tavern on the Green

Location: New York City 

Known for: Its location in Central Park, a long history

Why it’s Overhyped: Sure, it’s iconic, has a great location, and it’s always fun to see movie locations in real life. But besides the location, everything else about this restaurant is, to put it mildly, meh. Mediocre food, iffy customer service, and prices that are too high for what’s being offered.

4. Niagara Falls

Location: Outside of the city of Niagara Falls

Known for: Three large waterfalls featuring impressive force

Why it’s Overhyped: Here’s the thing, although Niagara Falls is a bit of a notorious tourist trap with chain restaurants, kitschy souvenirs, long lines, and too many people, at least everyone can agree that the New York side of the waterfalls is better than the Canadian side. But that's not really saying much once you see the state of the Canadian side.

5. Serendipity 3

Location: New York City

Known for: Expensive desserts, movie features

Why it’s Overhyped: This place feels like the Kardashian of the New York restaurant scene; it’s famous for being famous. Sure, visiting the space can be a fun experience similar to one you’d see in an old-fashioned New York film, but the food and service remain exceedingly mediocre. The desserts are of a better quality, but are far too overpriced.

6. Ausable Chasm

Location: Outside of Keeseville

Known for: Impressive cliff, waterfall views, outdoor activities 

Why it’s Overhyped: The area is beautiful, of course, but the majority of what you can do here is to go on a poorly maintained walk in the chasm that is far shorter than it has any right to be for the price you paid. There are some other activities you can do that lean more into a "thrill" territory, but the way they are handled seems poor, with tours tacking on an even higher price as well. 

Ready to start planning your next trip to discover some of New York's hidden gems? Try Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.