I am about to let you in on another secret: I love to watch people! I am not kidding; I really do. I truly believe you can learn so much from watching people–from how they handle situations in a positive way, to how obnoxious some people can be, to how flamboyant others dress.
I just returned from Las Vegas, which might be one of–if not THE best–places to watch people. I was having a discussion with Jason Miller who is also in the research industry, and we came up with a few other choices besides Las Vegas. They include:
- Venice Beach, California
- Faneuil Hall in Boston, MA
- South Beach in Miami Florida
Jason and I both agreed that Las Vegas was the best people watching. We love the fact that everyone is dressed to the max or like Elvis. Everyone in Vegas seems to have a story and who knows what is fact or fiction.
- Are you a people watcher?
- What is favorite spot?
- And what do you think about our choices?
I look forward to your comments.
Paul Kirch says:
Granted, Vegas is full of walking side shows and is a great spot for people watching. In my opinion, however, the best place is not a particular destination. Instead, it is any major airport in the country. It definitely helps kill the time when you’re waiting to catch your flight, if you can stop and see what’s going on around you. I spend a lot of time in airports and I’m always amazed at the difficulty some people have with the whole airline process.
Ed Sugar says:
Jason & Merrill you can have Vegas. Paul the airports are all yours. Me, I will take any European sidewalk cafe. Nothing goes better with people watching than a comfortable chair with a table, a decent offering of food and of course a good drink.
kath says:
Paul,
I’m with you…for people watching, the airport is tough to beat!
You see all kinds.
kath
Anne Hedde says:
New York is it! The world’s melting pot has it all. From the East River to the Hudson, from uptown to midtown to downtown – its people never cease to amaze me.
When I first moved to the area, I felt like I was in a city where the whole world was walking by. Fifteen years later, I still have the same feeling.
Tracy says:
I agree that NOTHING beats people watching! The location determines the people you encounter, which is why traveling can be quite enjoyable — each city you visit, watch not just your surrounding landscapes, but the people around you! Their actions, the food they eat, the clothes they wear, etc.
I do agree with Ed for my #1 choice — a European sidewalk cafe — anywhere in Europe — is at the top of my list. The people you see are fantastic, your relaxation is at a peak, and the food/drinks are great!
Jeffrey Lorber says:
I’m with Anne – The Big Apple is THE place – who needs Europe when you can sit at a cafe on Broadway, or on a bench in Central Park or at the bar at Sardi’s in the Theatre District, or the Plaza at the UN and see the whole world? Yankee Stadium is pretty good too, if you count da Bronx as part of NY – and most purists (like me) don’t.
Also, time of day is irrelelvant – 3 A.M. on Broadway or noon at 5th Avenue/Rockefeller Center, it’s all the same – swarms of people everywhere. Also many, many more famous people are out and about – unlike spread out LA – NYC is contained (Manhattan is an island after all) – I met Mick Jagger coming out of Central Park and DeNiro tried to pick up my wife on 57th Street (before we were married)!
Kelly Heatly says:
If you want to see a real slice of America, watch customers at a 7-11 c-store. With over 900 customers/store/day 24/7, the people-watching fun never stops!
On occasion, I turn into ethnographer in the parking lot while my husband runs in for something quick. EVERYONE shops there — all demographics, all occasions (impulse or necessity). You can also take comfort knowing you’re not the only one with a vice!
Connie Ruben says:
I love to sit in a restaurant and watch people, no matter what city I’m in. It’s great fun trying to figure out the dynamics of each couple/individual. Sometimes I Will even approach them with my comments, which literally shocks the begeezzus out of them.
Joe Baldi says:
People watching is great . The venues mentioned all qualify as places to do it.
My favorite is the Sheep Meadow in Central Park on a weekend. It’s kind of like Noah’s Ark, there are at least two of everything.Skaters, joggers, sunbathers,readers,lovers,street performers,nature lovers, etc. all blended into one small space.
Joe
Merrill Dubrow says:
Just returned from California and had a few hours prior to taking the red eye back to Dallas. A friend of mine and I went to the west side and thought we would check out the water for a few minutes. Low and behold DK and I see a movie being filmed called Little Big Man starring Seann William Scott…… there he is filming a scene 15 feet in front of us – where were we you ask? Venice beach, CA – I guess no matter what time of day or night it is there is always something to see.
Merrill
Steve Schlesinger says:
Anywhere in NYC is wonderful for this very inexpensive and creative experience. Although Joe mentions Central Park (one of my favorites as well), i have become a bigger fan of the downtown areas, particularly the west village, the east village and of course my all time favorite, Washington Square Park. The one common thing about all three of these places is that they do not sleep – you can be there at any time of day or night and catch a glimpse of everything the world has to offer – as Anne says, it is a big melting pot that is simmering always! Grab a sidewalk table somewhere in the city or a park bench and have fun – I suggest a falafel from Mamoun’s, and a bottle of water in a brown paper bag and then a seat in Washington Square Park – it does not get any better.
Lorri says:
I love to people watch, and NYC and South Beach have been my favorite places. With all of my travel lately, it has been fun watching people in airports..from kids to leisure travelers to business travelers to people traveling with animals (in their bags!). The broad array of dress, response to delays, lining up to board, baggage, etc. has helped keep me entertained during those long waits.