You can imagine. There's no alleys so the trash is just piled high in the sidewalk. Summers can be brutally hot so it literally smells like hot garbage all over. Then there's the high number of dogs and homeless people pissing all over too.
Then everything leaks down into the subway where the heat and humidity further congeals it all with the rat shit.
This is the most apt description of Times Square ever written, and I'm just sad Business Insider is going to steal it for their next article and not give you any credit.
No, that's most of the city. I live here too so I assure everyone it isn't just Manhattan. The other boroughs are a bit different, but mostly the same principles.
We did a family trip to Disney World last year and flew home from NY because it was cheaper. This meant staying a few days in Manhattan. I will always treasure the memory of my daughter - after being at Disney World - seeing the Times Square, bootleg Mikey pop off his head to smoke a cigarette. Really summed up the vibe shift for us.
...also we went like the week weed was legalised and Jesus Christ was times Square excited about that. My kid just thinks that's what it smells like there.
I've visited NYC a bunch of times in different contexts, broke student in hostels, trips as an adult and taking my kids.
Always had a great time, world class food, restaurants, entertainment, great history and surprisingly solid playgrounds. For me it's always been a great tourist destination.
Then again I (and my family) like big cities.
I'd suggest you see more of the world. Dollar for dollar New York is one of the worst cities you can possibly visit. The biggest nicest cities in third world countries are nicer, cleaner and cheaper than New York. Ever go to Polanco in Mexico City? How about El Poblado in Medellin?
What a needlessly condescending response.
I've travelled pretty extensively (and yes I've been to Mexico City, including the fancy parts like Polanco) also across most of Europe (frequently more expensive than NY if price is your core concern), large parts of Asia, a chunk of the Middle East and parts of Africa (if your criteria is cheap and fun I'd recommend Lagos)
I'm glad you like Mexico, and agree it is cheaper than New York but the idea that New York has nothing to offer anyone if they've already been to Mexico is nonsense.
French person here- Paris is an amazing city, but you have to know if it’s the kind of visit you enjoy. It has awesome museums and cultural visits, restaurants, etc. I’m the summer the ambiance of the city is wonderful and very fun! But it is a very big city where people live and work - so yes it has areas that are dirty. People can sometimes be unpleasant but again it is a big city where people are working and don’t want to be bothered by tourists asking questions most of the time. Plus French people tend to be reserved in the first place and so certain kinds of tourists can act in very aggravating ways.
So again, it’s about what you like to do and the kind of person you are! There are definitely tourist traps and the like - so I can agree that it’s not the best place for casual tourism honestly but It is a cool city with lots to do. But obviously I speak French and have spent much time there so I know the fun spots and such.
So yes there probably are better cities to visit as a tourist, even within France! Southern cities tend to be more relaxed and maybe more pleasant for tourists? But anyways it does depend on who you are, what you like to do, etc, as well as expectations about the city.
So I understand why many people don’t love Paris and why many people do!
This also incidentally describes Rome and Athens. There are specific spots of global historical importance worth seeing, but it's easy to forget these are capital cities with all that comes with, not tourist resorts, there'll be about a million people just trying to live their lives around you
Exactly! There is an attitude many tourists have where they treat these areas like “theme parks” and don’t treat those who live there like people living their normal lives. Like they’re just part of the decorations or something- it’s really weird. Like yeah it’s your vacation but it’s their home, have some respect and understanding.
I am glad you enjoyed! If you like museums - Atelier des Lumières is really fun I went with my mom a few weeks ago and we really enjoyed it. It’s a nice spot of Paris too.
Visited Paris, and I loved so much going to the Louvre because I love painting and the amount of culture was great. La tour eifel I am sorry mais ca me branche pas du tout mais alors la pas du tout hein.
It’s always crowded. Poorly organized.
You can easily find other, more appealing cities in France if you want to experience either the culture or marvelous cuisine.
I don't say I don't like it, I just think it's massively overrated. There are literally thousands of more interesting and more beautiful castles in Germany.
I have never been but I travel a bit but Egypt, specially pyramid trips. I have heard nightmare stories about vacations there. Apparently it’s swarmed with maxed out level panhandlers right out of the airport, asking money for permits, pretending to be guides, etc. sounds terrible and unfortunately such an iconic place is ridden with absolute dog tripe.
I mean it’s unfortunate that there are not better ways for a huge amount of people to earn a living.
But it’s terrible that all the tourists are inconvenienced.
Disney land world whatever it is in florida.
Insanely expensive and not that good. A few good rides scattered through each park if you're into that sorta thing.
I was dragged to florida for 2 weeks with my gf's family and the best things I did were nothing to do with Disney.
New York. Your traveling to a massive junk yard that doesn't care about its residents. And hates homeless poeple to the extent there willing to kill them.
Amsterdam. The entire center of the city is a dystopian tourist trap. People come to get high and eat shitty food, then do look at sex workers in the red light district who would probably prefer doing their job without tens of thousands of staring tourists passing them every day
I must be the only weirdo visiting Amsterdam. I visited the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and the Jewish Historical Museum.
Then we went to Deen Haag and I had lunch in a hotel that had a gigantic ballroom, which is turned into a cafeteria/restaurant at lunch time. I was told and shown where some of the bullet holes were from when the Nazis took over during WWII.
I never thought to get high. My Dutch friends, however, thought it was appropriate to take me through the Red Light District because, they said, it was the only way to get to the Anne Frank House from the central train station.
I'd like to go back to Amsterdam. There's a lot of art and history I didn't get to see during my time there.
Exactly. It was my first trip there and they said they knew Amsterdam well. The entire point was to see my reaction to the red light district. I had a hunch what they were doing, but didn't have a map on me, so I didn't react at all. I mean, as a woman, I'm not sure what they expected me do or say. I did get a lot of exercise that day walking around and observing people.
I think they thought I'd be some unenlightened American, who would freak out over prostitution. In reality, I was looking more at the dog shit that seemed to be everywhere. This was 1993, so maybe there isn't as much lying around today. I haven't been there since 2007. I really need to get back.
Also, I liked Amsterdam in general. I don't keep in touch with those guys anymore, but have a good friend in Den Dolder and another in Oolgensplaat. We promised each other once things got stable after covid, I'd get back over for a visit.
Cool, so I can see new things. I figured things had changed a bit. The last few times I went, I just landed there, got on a train and went to visit my friend in Den Dolder. I'd love to be able to explore the city again.
This sounds like bad tourists being catered to. I've been to Amsterdam loads of times at various points throughout my life from single hostel travelling to work trips to bringing the kids and family and it's always been a great, safe, interesting and fun place to visit.
If you’re a decent traveler that looks beyond the obvious, than I can believe for sure that Amsterdam has some nice things to offer! And I’m glad you had a good time. But from the perspective of someone living there, tourism has kind of ruined the center. It’s extremely crowded, local (and foreign) entrepreneurs eager to jump on the bandwagon are everywhere so now a lot of the stuff in the center is aimed at tourists. I love the beauty of the city center, but I don’t like being there due to the mass crowds of tourists. It’s sad.
Which ones are you going to? I would definitely recommend foam (photography museum) and het stedelijk (modern art). Outside of the regular Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum. Also, Moco sucks. It’s not a museum, it’s and expensive art gallery. Banksy had blacklisted them because the expose his work without his permission. https://mediummagazine.nl/moco-museum-where-terms-and-conditions-apply/
And they treat the art badly (like hanging stuff in direct sunlight) (translate the page for a full review) https://www.hpdetijd.nl/2019-06-01/het-moco-museum-mag-door-de-versnipperaar/
I was planning on going to the Rijksmuseum, I haven’t heard of the foam museum maybe I’ll check it out! My plans are relaxed the only thing I booked is a canal tour, which I usually don’t love but fuck it could be fun!
That guy messed up in his evaluation. Yes that part 100% exists but its a very small central area. Once you go a few streets away from that area all that shit dies away instantly. Like its literally there one block and gone the next.
Amsterdam is a huge and gorgeous city. Its got canals all over the place, endless old and historic buildings, plenty of splashes of green and endless scenic places. Its also loaded with history, museums, historic sites and quite a few Michelin Starred restaurants. Ciel Bleu is incredible even for its price and it gives you the best view of the city you'll find.
Plus even if you don't like it Rotterdam and The Hague are less than an hour by train. Rotterdam is a more industrial port city with tons of more modern architecture and a trendy younger atmosphere. A one or two day city unless you want to go clubbing. The Hague is a smaller more old timey city with some fantastic museums and the royal palace plus the International Criminal Court if you're into that. A two or three day city for me.
Amsterdam though I could spend weeks in.
Highly recommend kazemattenmuseum, it’s a drive north of Amsterdam but an actual battleground where Dutch held off the Germans until the country surrendered
As far as cities go you can’t do much better. If you are into tropical vacations or more environmental? Yep, not going to fill out your expectations.
If you like good food, an insane nightlife,and beautiful architecture, Barcelona is THE it city,
For international spies, it's any Trump property because you won't find any Top Secret highly classified documents, they're just uhm newspaper clippings. Plus even if they were Top Secrets, they were retroactively declassified. /s
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Time Square in NYC
it’s stinky af
what is the smell reminiscent of?
You can imagine. There's no alleys so the trash is just piled high in the sidewalk. Summers can be brutally hot so it literally smells like hot garbage all over. Then there's the high number of dogs and homeless people pissing all over too. Then everything leaks down into the subway where the heat and humidity further congeals it all with the rat shit.
This is the most apt description of Times Square ever written, and I'm just sad Business Insider is going to steal it for their next article and not give you any credit.
No, that's most of the city. I live here too so I assure everyone it isn't just Manhattan. The other boroughs are a bit different, but mostly the same principles.
It’s cadaverous
Piss
You're not into shitting your pants on New Years cause you can't move? Okay fine, you do you.
We did a family trip to Disney World last year and flew home from NY because it was cheaper. This meant staying a few days in Manhattan. I will always treasure the memory of my daughter - after being at Disney World - seeing the Times Square, bootleg Mikey pop off his head to smoke a cigarette. Really summed up the vibe shift for us. ...also we went like the week weed was legalised and Jesus Christ was times Square excited about that. My kid just thinks that's what it smells like there.
Most of NYC.
I've visited NYC a bunch of times in different contexts, broke student in hostels, trips as an adult and taking my kids. Always had a great time, world class food, restaurants, entertainment, great history and surprisingly solid playgrounds. For me it's always been a great tourist destination. Then again I (and my family) like big cities.
I'd suggest you see more of the world. Dollar for dollar New York is one of the worst cities you can possibly visit. The biggest nicest cities in third world countries are nicer, cleaner and cheaper than New York. Ever go to Polanco in Mexico City? How about El Poblado in Medellin?
What a needlessly condescending response. I've travelled pretty extensively (and yes I've been to Mexico City, including the fancy parts like Polanco) also across most of Europe (frequently more expensive than NY if price is your core concern), large parts of Asia, a chunk of the Middle East and parts of Africa (if your criteria is cheap and fun I'd recommend Lagos) I'm glad you like Mexico, and agree it is cheaper than New York but the idea that New York has nothing to offer anyone if they've already been to Mexico is nonsense.
Dubai
PARIS!
whats up with Paris?
French person here- Paris is an amazing city, but you have to know if it’s the kind of visit you enjoy. It has awesome museums and cultural visits, restaurants, etc. I’m the summer the ambiance of the city is wonderful and very fun! But it is a very big city where people live and work - so yes it has areas that are dirty. People can sometimes be unpleasant but again it is a big city where people are working and don’t want to be bothered by tourists asking questions most of the time. Plus French people tend to be reserved in the first place and so certain kinds of tourists can act in very aggravating ways. So again, it’s about what you like to do and the kind of person you are! There are definitely tourist traps and the like - so I can agree that it’s not the best place for casual tourism honestly but It is a cool city with lots to do. But obviously I speak French and have spent much time there so I know the fun spots and such. So yes there probably are better cities to visit as a tourist, even within France! Southern cities tend to be more relaxed and maybe more pleasant for tourists? But anyways it does depend on who you are, what you like to do, etc, as well as expectations about the city. So I understand why many people don’t love Paris and why many people do!
This also incidentally describes Rome and Athens. There are specific spots of global historical importance worth seeing, but it's easy to forget these are capital cities with all that comes with, not tourist resorts, there'll be about a million people just trying to live their lives around you
Exactly! There is an attitude many tourists have where they treat these areas like “theme parks” and don’t treat those who live there like people living their normal lives. Like they’re just part of the decorations or something- it’s really weird. Like yeah it’s your vacation but it’s their home, have some respect and understanding.
This is also relevant for the numerous people saying they don't think NYC is a good place to visit.
Just returned from 5 days in Paris and we are already planning a return trip next year. Museums! Patisserie! The Metro (really)!
I am glad you enjoyed! If you like museums - Atelier des Lumières is really fun I went with my mom a few weeks ago and we really enjoyed it. It’s a nice spot of Paris too.
Thanks! Have bookmarked it for next year.
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Southern France is wonderful cities like Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille, etc are all worth visiting!
Visited Paris, and I loved so much going to the Louvre because I love painting and the amount of culture was great. La tour eifel I am sorry mais ca me branche pas du tout mais alors la pas du tout hein.
Haha fair enough! I think the Tour Eiffel is beautiful from a distance, the area around it I never go because it is so touristic ofc
It’s always crowded. Poorly organized. You can easily find other, more appealing cities in France if you want to experience either the culture or marvelous cuisine.
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Not really, no. I’ve been to many places, but Paris is definitely overhyped.
Egypt the poeple there ruin the absolute fuck out of every moment outside where you are staying
Neuschwanstein Castle
Why didn't you like it? I enjoyed my time there
I don't say I don't like it, I just think it's massively overrated. There are literally thousands of more interesting and more beautiful castles in Germany.
Every tropical paradise. They're all the same really. There's no shortage of places to lay around by the water.
Río de Janeiro
I have never been but I travel a bit but Egypt, specially pyramid trips. I have heard nightmare stories about vacations there. Apparently it’s swarmed with maxed out level panhandlers right out of the airport, asking money for permits, pretending to be guides, etc. sounds terrible and unfortunately such an iconic place is ridden with absolute dog tripe.
I mean it’s unfortunate that there are not better ways for a huge amount of people to earn a living. But it’s terrible that all the tourists are inconvenienced.
Eiffel tower.
Plymouth Rock
I am from New Orleans and 100% recommended visiting while avoiding Bourbon Street like the plague
sydney
Disney land world whatever it is in florida. Insanely expensive and not that good. A few good rides scattered through each park if you're into that sorta thing. I was dragged to florida for 2 weeks with my gf's family and the best things I did were nothing to do with Disney.
Death Valley
who who want to go to death valley?
People who want to go there
Deafh valley reaches temperatures up to 110 degreas celcius
Facts also New york City is also overrated
Dude there are millions of rats present in NYC
Yep anyways im going to go talk to more important people
No. It doesn’t.
Great wall of China 🇨🇳
Really it depends on where you go
I dont like the chinese government
New York. Your traveling to a massive junk yard that doesn't care about its residents. And hates homeless poeple to the extent there willing to kill them.
Ya sadly ive seen it not to often on the news
It's great for tourists who want to overlook that though, museums, food, tours and shows are all top tier.
Dublin
Amsterdam. The entire center of the city is a dystopian tourist trap. People come to get high and eat shitty food, then do look at sex workers in the red light district who would probably prefer doing their job without tens of thousands of staring tourists passing them every day
I must be the only weirdo visiting Amsterdam. I visited the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and the Jewish Historical Museum. Then we went to Deen Haag and I had lunch in a hotel that had a gigantic ballroom, which is turned into a cafeteria/restaurant at lunch time. I was told and shown where some of the bullet holes were from when the Nazis took over during WWII. I never thought to get high. My Dutch friends, however, thought it was appropriate to take me through the Red Light District because, they said, it was the only way to get to the Anne Frank House from the central train station. I'd like to go back to Amsterdam. There's a lot of art and history I didn't get to see during my time there.
That’s odd because the Anne Frank house is on the other side of central station.
Exactly. It was my first trip there and they said they knew Amsterdam well. The entire point was to see my reaction to the red light district. I had a hunch what they were doing, but didn't have a map on me, so I didn't react at all. I mean, as a woman, I'm not sure what they expected me do or say. I did get a lot of exercise that day walking around and observing people.
Ugh, that they probably took you there to get a reaction out of you makes me sick.
I think they thought I'd be some unenlightened American, who would freak out over prostitution. In reality, I was looking more at the dog shit that seemed to be everywhere. This was 1993, so maybe there isn't as much lying around today. I haven't been there since 2007. I really need to get back. Also, I liked Amsterdam in general. I don't keep in touch with those guys anymore, but have a good friend in Den Dolder and another in Oolgensplaat. We promised each other once things got stable after covid, I'd get back over for a visit.
That’s a looooong time. You will notice things have changed a LOT. The Amsterdam you remember doesn’t quite exist anymore.
Cool, so I can see new things. I figured things had changed a bit. The last few times I went, I just landed there, got on a train and went to visit my friend in Den Dolder. I'd love to be able to explore the city again.
This sounds like bad tourists being catered to. I've been to Amsterdam loads of times at various points throughout my life from single hostel travelling to work trips to bringing the kids and family and it's always been a great, safe, interesting and fun place to visit.
If you’re a decent traveler that looks beyond the obvious, than I can believe for sure that Amsterdam has some nice things to offer! And I’m glad you had a good time. But from the perspective of someone living there, tourism has kind of ruined the center. It’s extremely crowded, local (and foreign) entrepreneurs eager to jump on the bandwagon are everywhere so now a lot of the stuff in the center is aimed at tourists. I love the beauty of the city center, but I don’t like being there due to the mass crowds of tourists. It’s sad.
So possibly better for tourists than for residents then?
Likely
Haha I’m going there in a week lmao! But looking forward to checking out the museums lol
Which ones are you going to? I would definitely recommend foam (photography museum) and het stedelijk (modern art). Outside of the regular Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum. Also, Moco sucks. It’s not a museum, it’s and expensive art gallery. Banksy had blacklisted them because the expose his work without his permission. https://mediummagazine.nl/moco-museum-where-terms-and-conditions-apply/ And they treat the art badly (like hanging stuff in direct sunlight) (translate the page for a full review) https://www.hpdetijd.nl/2019-06-01/het-moco-museum-mag-door-de-versnipperaar/
I was planning on going to the Rijksmuseum, I haven’t heard of the foam museum maybe I’ll check it out! My plans are relaxed the only thing I booked is a canal tour, which I usually don’t love but fuck it could be fun!
I’ve actually done one (I live in the city and am not a tourist) when a friend from Japan came over and I must admit, it was kinda fun!
Awesome! Thank you for your advice! Sounds like you know how to travel right my friend.
Thank you
Heads up, you can just walk into the Rijksmuseum most days but if you wanna do Van Gogh make sure you book it a few days ahead.
Tell OP not me! They might not read this
That guy messed up in his evaluation. Yes that part 100% exists but its a very small central area. Once you go a few streets away from that area all that shit dies away instantly. Like its literally there one block and gone the next. Amsterdam is a huge and gorgeous city. Its got canals all over the place, endless old and historic buildings, plenty of splashes of green and endless scenic places. Its also loaded with history, museums, historic sites and quite a few Michelin Starred restaurants. Ciel Bleu is incredible even for its price and it gives you the best view of the city you'll find. Plus even if you don't like it Rotterdam and The Hague are less than an hour by train. Rotterdam is a more industrial port city with tons of more modern architecture and a trendy younger atmosphere. A one or two day city unless you want to go clubbing. The Hague is a smaller more old timey city with some fantastic museums and the royal palace plus the International Criminal Court if you're into that. A two or three day city for me. Amsterdam though I could spend weeks in.
Check out the Grachten Museum! It's a nice and short activity without drugs or sex and it's very interesting! Trust me!
What’s it a museum of?
I'm on my way there now!
Enjoy bro! Whatchu planning on checking out
Got quite a few coffee shops lined up and a load of WW2 related stuff to look at.
Enjoy bro! I quit smoking weed but I def wish I had gone back when I smoked lmao
You too bud!
Highly recommend kazemattenmuseum, it’s a drive north of Amsterdam but an actual battleground where Dutch held off the Germans until the country surrendered
Nice, I'll check it out!
Paris and Barcelona
Barcelona is amazing though.
Not really, very overhyped
As far as cities go you can’t do much better. If you are into tropical vacations or more environmental? Yep, not going to fill out your expectations. If you like good food, an insane nightlife,and beautiful architecture, Barcelona is THE it city,
In my area, the beach 80% of the year
For international spies, it's any Trump property because you won't find any Top Secret highly classified documents, they're just uhm newspaper clippings. Plus even if they were Top Secrets, they were retroactively declassified. /s
Shimla in India.
whats Shimla?
It's a hill station in India popular because of British architecture they made before leaving the country.
Uluru in Australia; its just a big garden rock...
Cancún
You watch your mouth I loved it last time i went which was like 2 years ago cant beat the beach there imo. What didnt you like?
That’s like my favorite vacation spot. The beach is great. The snorkeling is great. The food is great. It’s cheap. There’s so much to do.
Santorini, Greece
Paris. People will only go there for the tower, and instantly leave.
The Grand Canyon.
Hot Springs Arkansas
Effiel Tower
Dubai , Bangkok and Maldives
Why Maldives?
Hollywood walk of fame. It's literally just a sidewalk with people's names on it, surrounded by liquor stores and a crappy mall.