Big Apple is often referred to as the greatest city in the world and we can see why. Just the energy alone is magnetic. But before you consider yourself an NYC expert check out these 13 things you should not do in New York City.
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Don’t buy a sandwich from Subway. NYC offers some of the best fresh delicatessens in the world like the Carnegie Deli, Artie’s delicatessen and 2nd Avenue deli on 33rd Street. But avoid Katz’s as it has turned into a huge tourist trap.
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Don’t get into an empty subway car. There’s a reason that it’s empty, either the AC isn’t working or there’s spilled body fluid or something is up. Just trust us!
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Don’t stop on the sidewalk. Don’t be the tourist that stops in the middle of the sidewalk to look at a map or to take a photo. New Yorkers are speed walking pros so don’t get in the way.
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Don’t make small talk. New Yorkers are not necessarily known for their calm patient-friendly demeanor so don’t expect to spark up idle chitchat on the street. They’re usually happy to give directions, but only to prove how well they know the city.
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Don’t eat at a chain restaurant. Locals avoid Times Square like the plague as it is a tourist trap with lots of chain restaurants and visitors wearing I love NY t-shirts. Patronize the myriad of local restaurants to really experience the authentic flavors of the city.
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Don’t avoid the outer boroughs. Manhattan is usually what most people think of when they visit New York but there are four other boroughs to explore too. Take the subway, rent a car or hail a cab to Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn or Staten Island and discover the unique charm of Greater New York City.
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Don’t pay for a Statue of Liberty tour. Avoid this outrageously priced tours and take the Staten Island Ferry instead. The 50-minute round-trip ride passes most of the same sites and is completely free of charge.
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Don’t skip a museum because of the entry fee. The entry fee that you see for most of New York’s world-renowned museums is just a suggested amount. You actually only have to pay what you can afford.
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Don’t use an ATM inside of stores. Some store owners don’t accept credit cards but provide a convenient ATM inside their shops. However, it’s a trap! These machines often charge an excessive withdrawal fee.
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Don’t assume it’s safe to cross the street. Many tourists wander across the street because they see groups of other people doing so. Fast walking New Yorkers will make it safely to the other side because they have the well-honed instincts of a local. You, however, do not. Wait for the pedestrian light if you value your life.
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Don’t tell the cab driver where you’re going before getting in. This way the picky driver won’t be able to tell you they’re not going that far. Hail the cab, hop in and then explain where you’d like to go. Use the subway or walk as much as possible because taxis will most likely end up stuck in gridlock traffic.
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Don’t be a scam victim. Don’t buy blank CDs from aspiring young rappers or be fooled by the man dressed in a suit asking for bus fare. Avoid playing card games on the street and watch your wallet in large crowds.
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Avoid the High Line on weekends. This public park built atop an old elevated railway is definitely worth strolling but avoid the weekends when it’s a wall-to-wall tourist clog conveyor belt.
Now you’ve got the NYC street smarts you’re ready for the city that never sleeps.