Free Travel Infor mation Network

What not to do in New York is a touchy subject that's bound to inspire some strong reactions. If you're planning a trip to New York City, you need travel advice from someone who knows her way around. Here are some of our advice. 

1 For the love of Mike (Bloomberg), don't'
EAT AT TAVERN ON THE GREEN 

New York City is full of historic restaurants, restaurants with great views, and restaurants with amazing food. But visitors keep on flockin' to Tavern on the Green: It's the highest-grossing restaurant in New York City, for reasons that mystify the locals. Is it the obscured views of Central Park? The overwrought, faded decor? The gift shop that looks like it was attacked by BeDazzlers? Just what is it that keeps this joint so busy? One thing we know for sure: It isn't the food. Before you tackle the overpriced, underwhelming prix fixe, we urge you to consider: If you want one splendid, special meal with a view of New York City, is this really where you want to go? 

Instead'
EAT AT THE RIVER CAFé

It is not cheap, but it's the real deal: The River Café (One Water Street, 718-522-5200) offers a creative, new American prix-fixe menu prepared by chefs who know their way around a shallot. 

2 If you need a ride, don't'
TAKE A PEDI-CAB

Pause on any street corner near Times Square or Herald Square and an insistent pedal-pusher will attempt to take your wallet for a ride'quoting as much as $25 to tow you 20 blocks. Since no self-respecting New Yorker will stand for the price-gouging, hopping aboard will flag you as a tourist faster than strapping on a fanny pack or donning a Red Sox cap. And skip the taxis, too: expensive, often terrifying, and bad for the planet. 

Instead'
TAKE THE SUBWAY

On an average weekday, straphangers take over 5 million trips on the NYC subway system. That's because it's safe, fast, easy to navigate, environmentally friendly, in operation 24/7, and cheap. 

3 If you know what's good for you, don't'
EAT ANYTHING FROM A HOT DOG CART

Like yellow cabs and the Empire State Building, street-corner hot dog carts shaded by colorful umbrellas are iconic symbols of New York City. The vendors do a brisk business, thanks to famished tourists tempted by the promise of quick sustenance. But let's be real for a second: Limp frankfurters stewed for hours in a metal box, accompanied by cardboardlike pretzels and gristly shish kebabs'well, that just ain't lunch. Of course, not all street meat is bad news (check out our picks for New York City's best food carts), but if it's a hot dog you're after, consider your options before forking over $2 for a "dirty-water dog" and reaching for the crusty mustard bottle.

Instead'
GET YOUR GOURMET DOG ON

There's no better venue than Katz's Delicatessen for a classic, all-beef deli dog ($3.10), but here in the country's gastronomic capital, even the lowly hot dog gets a gourmet makeover. Located just north of Union Square, Dogmatic (26 E. 17th Street, 212-414-0600) sources grass-fed or free-range beef, chicken, pork, turkey, and lamb from sustainable regional farms, folds their handmade sausages ($4.50) into fresh-baked rolls, and tops them with sauces such as truffle Gruyère, mint yogurt, and cheddar jalape?o. In the East Village, Crif Dogs (113 St. Marks Place, 212-614-2728) deep-fries homemade, naturally smoked wieners (giving the casing a satisfying snap) and offers a range of unorthodox toppings such as avocado, coleslaw, and cream cheese.