As travelers, we seek out novel and memorable experiences — not long lines, crowds, and experiences that don’t live up to the hype. Unfortunately, the most well-known attractions often fall into the category of “tourist traps,” leaving visitors to miss out on more enjoyable and authentic experiences that fly under the radar. If you’re seeking out the latter, who better to ask than a local? We asked our editorial team to share the one attraction to skip in a city they’ve lived in — and what you should do instead. Check out their picks below.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

As a Philadelphian, I’m obligated to love Rocky. Its theme song has become the rallying cry of the city and every sports team I root for. But if you ever find yourself in the City of Brotherly Love, skip the statue of the eponymous boxer, as it draws a trickle of tourists every summer and isn’t worth the detour. A better move: Jog the steps leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, just like the Italian Stallion himself, then beat the crowds inside to one of the best art collections in the country.

-Mike Newman, SVP Editorial Strategy

Los Angeles, California

You may think that no visit to Los Angeles is complete without a stop in Hollywood, but believe me when I say all you’ll find is expensive parking and disappointment. It’s an entirely skippable tourist trap of the Times Square variety, with people dressed up as superheroes and trinket vendors crowding the Walk of Fame and few locals milling about. For something more memorable, head west to the Getty Museum and enjoy one of the best views of the city while enjoying the artwork.

-Michael Nordine, Movie Brief Editor & Staff Writer

Montreal, Canada

Montréal isn’t my hometown, but I moved there to attend university and ended up staying for a while after graduating. The city has one of North America’s best food scenes, and if you’re traveling with an appetite, you might be inclined to visit Marché Jean-Talon, a sprawling indoor-outdoor farmers market in the Little Italy neighborhood. 

However, I prefer the much smaller Marché Atwater along the Lachine Canal — it’s a lovely spot to spend an afternoon. You’ll find excellent cheesemongers (La Fromagerie Atwater is a must), butchers, specialty food shops, an artisanal bakery, and many delicious food stalls. Afterward, take a walk along the canal and stop at Havre-aux-Glaces for ice cream or Terrasse St-Ambroise for a pint.

-Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor

Cleveland, Ohio

Unless you’re an absolute diehard fan of the movie, skip the Christmas Story house. A few lifeless, sparsely decorated rooms aren’t worth the price of admission. A better option is to drive six minutes to West Side Market and spend your money on something worthwhile, aka delicious foods and international treats galore. 

You can also catch a show at Playhouse Square or a concert from the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra, wander the galleries and circle gorgeous Wade Lagoon at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and take in a beautiful view of the skyline atop former President James Garfield’s grave in stunning Lake View Cemetery.

-Brooke Robinson, Interesting Facts Editor

New York, New York

When I was a child, it was my dream to live in Times Square. Ha. Now that I’ve lived in New York for many years, I’ve come to realize that Times Square is overly crowded, devoid of any true culture, and filled with overpriced restaurants and street scammers looking to take advantage of tourists. Of course, I’d understand if you want to check it off your bucket list, but I suggest spending as little time as possible there.

Instead, head uptown to the Met — my favorite museum in the world, where you can get lost wandering its halls and come upon something you’ve never seen before. The Ramble in Central Park is another favorite NYC landmark of mine for a similar reason — the winding, tree-lined paths make it easy to forget you’re in such a big city. A few other options: Take in an indie movie at the IFC Center in the West Village, grab a bite at the nearest halal truck, or go shopping for vinyl records at Academy or A-1 in the East Village.

-Bennett Kleinman, Staff Writer

Brooklyn, New York

Many New York City visitors spend all their time in Manhattan, but don’t overlook Brooklyn. However, do skip downtown Brooklyn and its unsightly Mordor-esque skyscraper. Also skip — controversial opinion alert — Prospect Park. It’s a park; there are plenty of more unique things to do. Walk around the beautiful and historic Green-Wood Cemetery or the waterfront parks in Williamsburg or Greenpoint for picture-perfect skyline views and breezes off the water. Then take the East River Ferry to Dumbo for iconic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and stroll the neighborhood’s pretty cobblestone streets.

-Meg Neal, History Facts Editor & Deputy Managing Editor

Indianapolis, Indiana

Growing up in Indianapolis means I’m familiar with the plethora of family-friendly attractions the capital city has to offer. Set aside a full day for the impressive Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and don’t miss the Indianapolis Zoo or a stroll or bike ride along the Monon Trail. But unless there’s a race happening, skip the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 

The famous track hosts the Indianapolis 500 race every Memorial Day weekend, but tourists can visit any time of the year. The big draw is riding around the track, but you’ll be in a bus, not an Indy car. In my humble opinion, it’s a disappointing 2.5-mile loop. If racing gets your blood pumping, make sure to visit during race weekend to feel the power of the cars and participate in the festivities that make the race so famous.

-Jennifer Freeman, Word Smarts Editor

Seattle, Washington

Probably the most overrated tourist spot in Seattle, in my opinion, is the Original Starbucks location in Pike Place Market. It’s worth it to walk by, but standing in the lengthy line for the same coffee you can get at any Starbucks location isn’t necessary. But the one thing everyone does when they visit Seattle is head to the top of the Space Needle for a view of the city. A great alternative is the Columbia Center Sky View Observatory. Located downtown, it also has amazing views of the city and water. 

For a great, free Seattle cityscape view, check out Kerry Park in Queen Anne. You can see the Space Needle and Mount Rainier on a clear day. (Pro tip: Local ice cream favorite Molly Moon’s is not too far away.)

-Zoie Griffin, Photo Editor

Phoenix, Arizona

Tourists come to Phoenix for the sunshine and everything that comes with it: golf, pools, shopping, hiking, and more. And for many, that also means Camelback Mountain. It’s easy to see why: The reddish-orange peak sits right between Phoenix and Scottsdale, and its two main trails promise sweeping views of the Valley. But as a native Phoenician, I’ll say it: It’s not worth the sweat.

Visitors consistently underestimate how tough this hike is. There are only two routes up, and one — Echo Canyon — requires handrails and some genuinely tricky scrambling. Add in the heat and dry air, and dehydration can sneak up fast if you’re not prepared. Then, there are the crowds. On a busy day, the trail can feel more like a line than a hike.

Head instead to the trails around Piestewa Peak, just 10 minutes down the road. You’ll find options for every skill level, whether you want a challenging summit or an easier walk with great views. Freedom Trail and Quartz Ridge offer a more relaxed pace, while Piestewa itself delivers the climb without quite the same chaos.

-Kellie Stewart, Lead Editorial Strategist 

Toronto, Canada

Many of the most famous attractions in Canada’s biggest city are worth seeing at least once (the CN Tower, Casa Loma, the Royal Ontario Museum, St. Lawrence Market). One that you can skip is Sankofa Square (previously called Dundas Square) and the adjacent Eaton Centre. The former is a pale imitation of Times Square, while the latter is a crowded indoor shopping mall you can find in any city. 

Toronto is a city of neighborhoods, so instead spend a day exploring one of the more vibrant ones, like Kensington Market, which has a bohemian vibe and incredible vintage finds, or Trinity-Bellwoods, home to the eponymous park and trendy eateries along nearby Ossington Avenue. Better yet: If the weather’s nice, trade crowded sidewalks for a breezy (and quick) ride across the harbor to the Toronto Islands for a day of bike riding, leisurely strolls, and unobstructed skyline views — no cars allowed. 

-Peter Vanden Bos, Daily Passport Editor