When tourists go to New York City for the first time, usually one of the first places they want to visit is Times Square. However, if you're a native to the greater New York City area like I am, you know just how misguided these people are. Here are some reasons why one of the "Crossroads of the World" has become one of the most overrated places in NYC:
1. You are instantly swallowed into a bottomless pit of humanity.
One minute you're strolling through Midtown when all of a sudden you take one wrong turn, and end up in the center of a human cesspool. If you're vertically challenged and slightly claustrophobic like I am, Times Square is actually the equivalent of hell on earth. I hate being touched, bumped, and shoved, but all of that comes with the territory. Can you say human sardine?
2. People forget how to walk.
I've always been a super fast walker, and I have absolutely zero patience for people who stop in the middle of the street to gawk at the giant Forever 21 or take a picture in front of M&M World. If you have somewhere to be and decide to cut through Times Square, you can bet your bottom dollar that you will be late.
3. So. Many. Smells.
Hot dogs, sweat, garbage, urine... these are just a few of the very diverse scents that will waft through Times Square and into your nostrils. The congestion is nonstop, and you get the privilege of smelling everyone and everything that passes through this section of the city.
4. It's a money trap.
Since Times Square is one of the biggest tourist destinations in NYC, there are tons of street vendors at every turn. Unless you really know how to haggle, most of everything you buy in Times Square is going to be ridiculously overpriced (with the exception of cool and unique artwork by original artists).
5. Those creepy characters that harass everyone for pictures.
Ah, yes. You've gotta love the deformed Dora the Explorer or the Elmo that looks like it was run over by a truck. The Times Square street characters have been around for years, but I will never understand why people would ever feel inclined to take a picture with one of them, let alone give them a hug. And they've only gotten more aggressive over the years -- don't be surprised if a one-eyed Miss Piggy deliberately obstructs your walking path to get your attention.
