Welcome to the Tourist Trap NYC Challenge!
Congratulations on registering! You are about to embark on a unique journey through New York City, exploring hidden gems off the beaten path in every borough.
Start at Battery Park, Manhattan.
Visit two destinations in each borough: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
At each location, upload at least one selfie to qualify for your “I Escaped the Tourist Trap NYC” badge.
Bonus activities, like short recordings, earn extra points but are optional.
Follow the suggested subway and bus directions from Battery Park to each location if you need guidance.
MetroCard / Contactless Payments:
Buy or reload a MetroCard at station vending machines or booths.
Contactless payments (OMNY) are accepted on all buses and subway stations using a tap-enabled card or smartphone wallet.
Keep your payment method ready to make transit smooth.
Check transit routes and real-time updates via Rome2Rio or MTA.
Fun Facts & Tips:
Battery Park marks Manhattan’s southern tip and was historically a defensive site with cannons to protect the city.
When the Dutch first settled New Amsterdam in the early 17th century, they established a battery of cannons at this location to guard against rival European powers. This spot provided a clear view of the harbor, crucial for trade and defense. The park’s name, Battery Park, comes directly from these initial artillery batteries.
Stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
The park spans 25 acres of waterfront space, perfect for a scenic stroll.
Manhattan is home to over 1.6 million people in just 23 square miles.
Challenge Points:
Snap a selfie with the Statue of Liberty in the background.
Identify one historic feature in the park and share a creative team photo.
Next Challenge: The Elevated Acre in the Financial District
Travel Directions to The Elevated Acre:
Walking distance: ~0.3 miles (5–6 minutes)
Head northeast along State Street toward Broadway and continue to the Elevated Acre.
Fun Facts & Tips:
A hidden oasis above street level in the heart of the Financial District.
Offers sweeping views of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Known for its landscaped gardens, boardwalks, and peaceful seating areas—a rare quiet spot in bustling downtown Manhattan.
Challenge Points:
Snap a selfie in the gardens or on the elevated walkway.
Bonus: Capture a creative photo with the river and bridge in the background.
Next Challenge: Sylvan Terrace in Jumel Park
Travel Directions to Sylvan Terrace:
From The Elevated Acre, walk to Broadway & Wall Street, then take a northbound bus (M100 or M2) to Sylvan Terrace.
Sylvan Terrace is located between West 181st and West 190th Streets, right next to Morris-Jumel Mansion.
Fun Facts & Tips:
A Street Frozen in Time: A one-block cobblestone street lined with 20 wooden houses built in 1882—a rare sight for Manhattan.
A Film Star: Its unique, historic look makes it a popular filming location.
Historical Landmark Nearby: The street is adjacent to the Morris-Jumel Mansion, where George Washington served as Commander-in-Chief during the Revolutionary War.
Community Effort: Residents restored the homes after mid-20th-century disrepair, creating a cohesive yellow, green, and brown aesthetic.
Challenge Points:
Snap a selfie on the cobblestone street.
Bonus: Capture the historic architecture of the houses or the mansion.
You’ve completed the Manhattan portion of your adventure! Your next challenge takes you to the Bronx, starting with City Island.
Travel to City Island (Bronx Challenge)
Sylvan Terrace → 125th Street (Harlem):
Take the M100 bus along Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue or the M2 bus along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard.
Ride ~13 minutes to 125th Street.
Optional Activity in Harlem:
Stroll along 125th Street, shop at local stores, or snap photos in front of the world-famous Apollo Theater. This is optional; you still must continue your journey toward the Bronx.
125th Street → Lexington Avenue → 6 Train → City Island:
Board the M125 bus eastbound to Lexington Avenue.
Take the 6 train uptown toward Pelham Bay Park.
At Pelham Bay Park, transfer to the Bx29 bus to City Island (~11 minutes).
Note: This is the fastest and most direct route from Sylvan Terrace to City Island, ensuring you stay on schedule for your Bronx challenges.
Travel Directions from Manhattan (Sylvan Terrace → City Island, via Harlem Stop):
From Sylvan Terrace, take the M100 or M2 bus to 125th Street.
Stroll along 125th Street if you wish: shop at local stores, browse street vendors, and snap photos in front of the world-renowned Apollo Theater. (Optional: enjoy the cultural vibe; the walk is not required to continue.)
From 125th Street, catch the M125 eastbound bus to Lexington Avenue.
Take the 6 train uptown toward Pelham Bay Park.
At Pelham Bay, transfer to the Bx29 bus to reach City Island.
Fun Facts & Tips:
City Island is a quaint island community known for seafood, boating, and picturesque streets.
Originally a fishing and oyster community, it retains its small-town charm despite being part of NYC.
The Nautical Museum showcases the island’s maritime history and local boat-building heritage.
Challenge Points:
Upload a selfie showing you at City Island.
Bonus Challenge: Capture boats, water, or local architecture.
Fun Facts & Tips:
Perched on a bluff in Riverdale, Wave Hill offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades.
The estate was first developed in 1843 and has hosted notable figures like Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, and UN delegates.
Originally a private estate, it was donated to the City of New York in 1962 to remain a recreational and aesthetic space.
The Mark Twain Room preserves a piece of literary history for visitors.
Wave Hill continues to inspire artists, writers, and gardeners for nearly two centuries.
Challenge Points:
Upload a selfie in the gardens or cultural center.
Bonus Challenge: Capture a nature photo highlighting the tranquil beauty of the gardens or Hudson River views.
Travel Directions from City Island → Wave Hill:
Take the Bx29 or BxM9 bus back to the mainland Bronx bus stop connecting to the subway.
Take the Subway 4 train downtown to 170th Street Station, then walk ~10 minutes to Wave Hill.
Check Rome2Rio or MTA for real-time connections.
Get ready to continue your adventure beyond the Bronx as you head into the next challenge across the boroughs.
Fun Facts & Tips:
Socrates Sculpture Park is an outdoor museum and public park located along the East River in Astoria.
Originally a dump site, the space was transformed into a vibrant hub for large-scale sculpture and community art.
The park offers spectacular views of Manhattan, perfect for selfies with the skyline in the background.
It hosts seasonal art exhibitions, outdoor performances, and community events, making each visit unique.
Challenge Points:
Upload a selfie with a sculpture or the Manhattan skyline in the background.
Bonus Challenge:
Capture a creative photo featuring art installations interacting with the cityscape or river views.
Travel Directions from Wave Hill (Bronx):
Walk from Wave Hill to 170th St Subway Station.
Take the Subway 4 downtown toward Manhattan.
At 59th St – Lexington Ave, transfer to the 6 train downtown.
Ride one stop to 51st St Station.
Transfer to the E train toward Jamaica Center – Parsons/Archer.
Ride to Court Sq – 23rd St Station in Long Island City.
Walk approximately 10 minutes to Socrates Sculpture Park.
Fun Facts & Tips:
Gantry Plaza State Park is a waterside park along the East River in Long Island City, offering panoramic views of Midtown Manhattan.
The park’s iconic Pepsi-Cola sign is a beloved Queens landmark and popular photo spot.
Originally a dock and industrial waterfront, it has been converted into a lush green space with piers, lawns, and gardens.
Perfect for sunsets, the park provides a calm contrast to Manhattan’s hustle.
Challenge Points:
Upload a selfie with the Manhattan skyline or the Pepsi-Cola sign in the background.
Bonus Challenge:
Capture a photo highlighting river reflections, piers, or industrial-to-park transformation details.
Travel Directions from Socrates Sculpture Park → Gantry Plaza State Park:
Walk along Vernon Boulevard northbound toward the East River waterfront (approximately 10–12 minutes).
Alternatively, take a local bus (Q103 or Q69) heading north for a faster ride to the park entrance.
Next Stop: Brooklyn
From Gantry Plaza State Park, you can continue your New York City adventure in Brooklyn to explore more hidden gems and iconic locations.
Fun Facts & Tips:
Green-Wood Cemetery is a sprawling 478-acre National Historic Landmark, founded in 1838.
Far from being morbid, it offers beautiful Victorian mausoleums, winding tree-lined paths, and serene ponds.
Many famous New Yorkers are buried here, including Leonard Bernstein, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Horace Greeley.
From certain hills, you get breathtaking panoramic views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty.
Challenge Points:
Upload a selfie with a historic monument or overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
Bonus Challenge:
Capture a creative photo of a mausoleum, sculpture, or scenic path.
Travel Directions from Queens (Gantry Plaza State Park → Green-Wood Cemetery):
Walk to Queensboro Plaza Station.
Take the N or R train toward Brooklyn.
Transfer at Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center to the 2 or 3 train toward Bay Ridge.
Exit at 25th Street Station (Brooklyn).
Walk or take a local bus to Green-Wood Cemetery.
Fun Facts & Tips:
Located in a decommissioned subway station in Downtown Brooklyn, the museum showcases the history of NYC’s transportation system.
Features vintage subway cars, buses, and a wide array of artifacts illustrating the evolution of the city’s transit.
Fun for history buffs, train enthusiasts, and kids alike.
Challenge Points:
Upload a selfie inside a vintage subway car.
Bonus Challenge:
Capture a photo showing your favorite exhibit or transportation artifact.
Travel Directions from Green-Wood Cemetery → New York Transit Museum:
From Green-Wood Cemetery, walk to 25th Street Station.
Take the R train toward Manhattan.
Exit at Jay Street–MetroTech Station.
Walk ~5 minutes to the New York Transit Museum.
After exploring Brooklyn’s history, art, and scenic beauty, it’s time to set your sights on Staten Island — the final borough challenge for this leg of your NYC adventure.
Fun Facts & Tips:
Staten Island is home to stunning waterfront views, hidden gems, and unique neighborhoods less frequented by tourists.
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone who wants to experience a quieter side of New York City.
Highlights include the Staten Island Greenbelt, Staten Island Ferry views, and the Staten Island Zoo if you want a small detour.
Challenge Points:
Upload a selfie on the Staten Island Ferry or at a scenic waterfront spot.
Bonus Challenge:
Capture the Manhattan skyline from Staten Island, or the ferry in motion.
Travel Directions from New York Transit Museum → Staten Island:
Walk to Court Street Station.
Take the R train toward Bay Ridge.
Transfer at Whitehall Street–South Ferry Station to the Staten Island Ferry.
Arrive at St. George Terminal, Staten Island.
From St. George, you can explore local buses, walking paths, or taxis depending on your next challenge locations.
Your Adventure Concludes in Staten Island
St. George Theatre – Historic Performance Venue
Fun Facts & Tips:
Built in 1928, St. George Theatre is a beautifully restored vaudeville-style theater with stunning architectural details.
Hosts concerts, performances, and community events year-round, making it a cultural centerpiece of Staten Island.
The theater’s intricate plasterwork, grand chandeliers, and classic marquee give visitors a glimpse of New York’s golden age of entertainment.
Challenge Points:
Upload a selfie in front of the theater or inside if attending a performance.
Bonus Challenge:
Capture the theater’s architectural details, marquee, or stage from a unique perspective.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center – Gardens, History & Arts
Fun Facts & Tips:
Snug Harbor Cultural Center is a former 19th-century retirement home for sailors, now a vibrant arts and cultural complex.
The campus includes historic buildings, botanical gardens, and art galleries.
Its Chinese Scholar’s Garden is one of the largest classical Chinese gardens outside China, perfect for photos and quiet reflection.
The grounds often host seasonal festivals, art exhibits, and musical performances.
Challenge Points:
Upload a selfie in the gardens or in front of one of the historic buildings.
Bonus Challenge:
Capture a creative shot of the Chinese Scholar’s Garden, fountains, or sculptures.
Travel Directions Between Staten Island Locations
From St. George Theatre Snug Harbor Cultural Center:
Walk approximately 1 mile north along Richmond Terrace (or take the S44/S54 local bus) to reach Snug Harbor Cultural Center.
The scenic route along the waterfront is also a great opportunity for photos along the way.
Complete all challenges to become an expert!
You’ve finished all 5 boroughs and completed the challenge! Congratulations!
Click above to claim your certificate and badge