New York City: the most under and overrated attractions -

With art, museums, bars, and green spaces as far as the eye can see, the possibilities in the City That Never Sleeps are positively endless. However, not all New York hot spots are created equal. While this world-famous city is filled with awe-inspiring sites, it also has a fair share of over-crowded and over-priced tourist traps that you should steer clear of.

Starting from best to worst, check out the following gallery to discover the best and worst spots for an authentic New York City experience.

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The greatest tourist traps to avoid -

Based on a list from the travel blog Girl with the Passport, check out the top 14 most over-hyped New York destinations according to locals.

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14. Statue of Liberty -

There's no shame in wanting to see Lady Liberty up close. However, a tour of to the world-famous statue can cost between US$30 and US$90. Instead, hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry and enjoy views of the world-famous sculpture for free. The sight is just as sweet from afar.

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13. Yankee Stadium - Please don't come with pitchforks just yet Yankee fans! While it is a classic New York afternoon to scarf down a hot dog at this iconic stadium, it is outrageously priced for what it is. If you're looking for a similar experience at a cheaper price than go see a Mets game at CitiField.

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12. The Meatpacking District - Other than everything in this area costing an arm and a leg, it is also unbearably overcrowded. If you want to escape the packs of people and get a cocktail that doesn't cost your entire paycheck then head to Williamsburg, Brooklyn for a night out on the town instead.

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11. Times Square - Speaking of being packed into massive crowds like a sardine in a can, welcome to perhaps the greatest tourist trap of them all. Just snap a few photos for Instagram and get out as fast as you can.

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10. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria -

While the pizzas at this popular NYC stop are certainly tasty, there are plenty of superior pies to be found around the Big Apple. For example, the wood-fired pizzas at Gristmill are to die for.

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9. Iceskating in Rockefeller Center - It has been romanticized in a million ways but in reality, the long lines and outrageous costs make this Christmas tradition less than worthwhile. You can get virtually the same experience at other NYC rinks such as McCarren Rink or Bryant Park.

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8. High Tea at the Plaza Hotel’s Palm Court - While having tea at this legendary New York hotel is undeniably an experience, you need to fork up a lot of cash and book far in advance (we're talking months and months). Bosie’s Tea Parlor is a far more affordable and accessible option.

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7. Pedicab ride through Central Park - Just do yourself a favor and save some cash by not falling into this classic tourist trap. Just hop on a Citi Bike for $10 a day and take in the Central Park views on your own terms. 

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6. Little Italy - While it's not difficult to find some prime plates of pasta in this NYC neighborhood, it has become increasingly touristic over the years. If you want an authentic New York Italian experience, then check out Arthur Avenue in the Bronx instead.

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5. Central Park -

It's undeniable that this is one of the most stunningly beautiful city parks in the United States. However, if massive crowds and claustrophobia aren't your thing, then maybe skip it altogether and visit Brooklyn's Prospect Park instead for some R&R.

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4. Madame Tussauds -

With so many incredible New York museums to lose yourself in, this wax figure museum simply isn't worth dealing with lines out the door and expensive entry tickets.

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3. Ripley’s Believe it or Not - While the concept is fun and a visit to this museum isn't a bad way to spend a day, it just doesn't live up to the hype. Learn a bit about the city at the fascinating Lower East Side Tenement Museum instead.

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2. Junior's Cheesecake -

Don't take this the wrong way, the cake at this NYC staple spot is finger-licking good. However, given its location in Times Square, you're looking at an eternity in line. You can have an equally tasty treat without the wait at Levain Bakery.

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1. Empire State Building - Don't panic now. Yes, this legendary building is THE New York landmark of landmarks. However, there is no reason to pay US$35 and elbow past insane amounts of tourists to enjoy it. You can enjoy the stunning NYC skyline from the Brooklyn Height Promenade for free—and with far fewer tourists.

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The most underrated attractions to visit - Avoid the crowds and head to these underrated NYC destinations that are sure to impress!

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14. Socrates Sculpture Park -

From trash to treasure, artists and activists banded together in 1986 transformed this 4.5-acre landfill into a tremendous greenspace for creatives. Plus it has a killer Manhattan skyline view.

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13. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens - This idyllic parkland spread across 52-acres is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York City and enjoy the breathtaking Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden as well as the equally lovely Shakespeare Garden.

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12. Green-Wood Cemetery - Believe it or not, back in its heyday this cemetery rivaled Niagara Falls as New York's greatest tourist destination. The glorious Gothic arch at the entrance mixed with the spooky tombs and gargoyles are perfect for those who love a good fright.

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11. Albertine -

If the out-of-this-world design plan isn't enough to woo you, this charming bookstore in the famed Payne Whitney mansion is home to a wealth of English and French literature for all the bookworms out there.

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10. Museum at Eldridge Street - Built in 1887, this astounding church with a mixture Gothic, Moorish, and Roman architectural elements has a wealth of history as the Lower East Side's first synagogue.

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9. Snug Harbor Cultural Center - Just a short ferry ride from Manhattan you can find this hidden Staten Island secret. The gorgeous botanical gardens, Victorian homes, and cobblestone streets make for the perfect escape from the city.

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8. Woolworth Building - At one point this architectural marvel—built in 1912—was the tallest skyscraper in the world. It has not lost a bit of glamour, however. The Woolworth Building is home to NYC's most expensive penthouse, according to the real estate blog Curbed.

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7. The Cloisters -

Lose yourself in Romanesque and Gothic European architecture at this magnificent museum in Upper Manhattan.

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6. The Sphere - After surviving the tragic September 11 terrorist attack, this 25-foot-tall bronze sculpture crafted by German artist Fritz Koenig now serves as a tribute to all those who lost their lives on 9/11.

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5. Trinity Church - Besides the church itself having glorious architectural beauty, its cemetery is even more eye-catching. The Trinity Churchyard has graves that go back to the 17th century, including the oldest carved tombstone in New York City.

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4. Holiday Nostalgia Train -

Thanks to the work of the New York Transit Museum, every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, vintage subway cars from as far back as the 1930s pull up and transport passengers back in time.

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3. Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital - Though heading to a hospital of any kind typically isn't on the top of anyone's site-seeing list, these moss-covered ruins from the 1850s are eerily stunning.

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2. United Palace Theater -

The captivating construction of one of New York City's last surviving "Wonder Theaters" from the Jazz Age is not to be missed on a trip to the Big Apple.

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1. Angel Orensanz Foundation -

Built in 1849, this is New York City's oldest living Gothic Revival synagogue, and it has now been turned into a  spectacular arts and culture center.

See also: Exploring the fascinating history that is Jerusalem

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