Tourists are flocking to the 'Joker' staircase in the Bronx
Another day, another tourist attraction in New York City.
Tourists and locals alike are coming out in droves to take pictures on a staircase in the Bronx, inspired by a scene in the recently-released "Joker" film. Many of them arrive decked-out in costume, ready to reenact Joaquin Phoenix's iconic scene dancing down the steps. The stairs themselves are located between two buildings on Shakespeare Avenue.
Cathyrine Spencer, a resident of the surrounding area, told NBC New York, "We live in the neighborhood, it's taking up all of our time, we're all being inconvenienced. Every day when I come down the stairs, I have to go through a barrage of people."
On Twitter, a local politician urged visitors to at least visit the local shops and restaurants in the Bronx, saying, "Our borough has more to offer than just stairs, I promise."
This unassuming staircase isn't the only weird tourist attraction we've seen pop up overnight. This summer, people traveled to a chemical dump in Siberia to take photos for Instagram. They've also converged at a toxic pit in Montana and paid $30 to sit in boxes the size of bathroom stalls at LaGuardia (LGA).
While taking photos on a staircase pales in comparison to, say, posing in front of a manmade lake filled with waste from a power plant, tourists around the world seem increasingly drawn to the mundane and even poisonous photo opportunities.
If you're visiting New York City soon but are going to pass on a trip to the stairs, there are — of course — plenty of other things that will amuse and entertain you in the Big Apple. We put together a guide of our favorite New York City spots where you can avoid the tourists, as well as some of our favorite points hotels. That way, you can spend all that extra money on more important things, like pizza and bagels.
Please, whatever you do, though, don't get scammed at the Statue of Liberty.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app