{"id":36274,"date":"2019-05-08T06:00:22","date_gmt":"2019-05-08T13:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=36274"},"modified":"2025-08-27T06:37:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T13:37:13","slug":"new-york-city-local-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/new-york-city-local-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"LOCAL TIPS FOR NEW YORK CITY: HOW TO AVOID LOOKING LIKE A TOURIST"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is something about New York City that gets people excited. The history, the energy, and the feeling that anything can happen no matter the time of day make it a dream travel destination. When I tell people I am actually from New York, they always want to know more. <\/p>\n

Despite our reputation of being rude, I love sharing tips about the city I am lucky enough to call home, and I find that many other New Yorkers feel the same. The faux pas often committed by tourists often fuel the \u201crude New Yorker\u201d rumors.<\/p>\n

Below are some local New York tips as to how to better blend in so you don\u2019t go home with a story of how you got yelled at while riding the subway.<\/p>\n

\"Local<\/p>\n

Walking Etiquette<\/h2>\n

Something I always hear about New York is that everyone always seems to be in a rush. It\u2019s true, we are. We have meetings, dates, drinks, dinner reservations and SoulCylce classes to get to. If you want to fit in, walk with a sense of urgency (even if you\u2019re going nowhere) and keep your gaze straight ahead or down. If you give someone a cheery, \u201chello!\u201d they may call the NYPD and have you committed.<\/p>\n

The culture here is walk to the right so be mindful of this to keep the flow going. Also, be mindful of how \u201cdeep\u201d your crew is rolling down the sidewalk. Don\u2019t let your entire family walk four straight, all next to each other, god forbid with a stroller! Please keep it to two and two, as there are people coming from the other direction, or people behind you who want to pass. If you\u2019re walking slowly, please let people pass you \u2013 if you don\u2019t, don\u2019t be shocked or take it personally if you get pushed or shoulder bumped as I said, people have places to be.<\/p>\n

When it comes to crossing the street, and the signal is red, but there is no car in sight, feel free to go for it\u2026 you\u2019ll probably see all the locals doing it (and if you don\u2019t want to please don\u2019t block them from doing so by standing in the way). I always do this in other countries and people look at me like I\u2019m crazy. In New York, you\u2019re pegged as a tourist if you don\u2019t do this. However, there are times when a local has the jaywalk perfectly finessed and timed to make it in those \u201ciffy\u201d moments. Always use your discretion.<\/p>\n

\"Local<\/p>\n

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New York Subway Etiquette <\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to ride the subway. It is most likely the most efficient way to get around if you are going far and everything is running smoothly (this is another story). However, there are unofficial \u201crules\u201d to make the commute better for everyone.<\/p>\n

When you get to the turnstile, have your MetroCard<\/a> out and ready to swipe. Ain\u2019t nobody got time for you to dig around looking for it. If you need to find it, please step to the side so other people who are ready can get through. If you don\u2019t, you\u2019ll be subjected to eye rolls and angry mutterings.<\/p>\n

When the subway arrives, let everyone getting off at that stop exit the train before you enter. When you get on a crowded train, take off any large backpacks or purses. This not only creates more space but it also prevents shorter people (hi) from getting smacked in the face with your giant backpack. If you\u2019re lucky enough to get a seat, put your bag in your lap and not next to you. If you have to stand, make sure you don\u2019t lean against the pole as other people also need to hold on to it.<\/p>\n

If the subway comes and an entire car is empty, you probably don\u2019t want to get in it, especially during rush hour. An empty subway car usually means the air conditioning is broken or there is some sort of foul-smelling bodily fluids. Enter at your own risk.<\/p>\n

\"Local<\/p>\n

Picture Taking<\/h2>\n

I love taking pictures, so I get it- you see something interesting and want to stop and snap. However, I cannot repeat this enough: do not stop in the middle of the sidewalk to do this. Someone will bump into you and possibly curse you out (you can clearly see this reputation of being rude is not our fault).<\/p>\n

Homeless people are not animals in the wild, so be respectful of them. They often suffer from mental health and addiction issues. It is rude to take their picture without their consent \u2013 how would you feel if someone came up to you and started snapping away without asking? Unless you ask them, avoid taking their photo in the name of seeming gritty and woke. If you do ask, you should probably buy them a slice of pizza or a coffee as a thank you.<\/p>\n

Bouncing off of that, New Yorkers are jaded and really have seen it all. The other day, I was walking to the gym and there was a man dressed as Captain America, standing on top of a mailbox, brandishing his plastic sword and yelling gibberish. For me, and all the other locals, it was just another day in the neighborhood. Yes, I had a little giggle as I walked past but I did not feel the need to pull out my phone and snap a pic or take an Instagram story. There was a little crowd of people surrounding him doing just that, immediately identifying them as tourists.<\/p>\n

\"Local<\/p>\n

Know What You Want <\/h2>\n

When ordering at a coffee shop, a crowded bar, or a fast-food restaurant know what you want when it is your turn. If you haven\u2019t figured it out by now, time is money to New Yorkers and we value things being done quickly and efficiently. If you\u2019re not sure what you want yet, just let the person behind you jump in \u2013 it will be greatly appreciated by all.<\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>The Best Airbnbs in New York City<\/a><\/div>\n

\"Local<\/p>\n

What To Wear In New York<\/h2>\n

If you want to walk around in an \u201cI <3 New York\u201d shirt I can tell you right now that New York will not <3 you. Save these for when you\u2019re back home or better yet, just when you\u2019re alone in your bed about to go to sleep… or just don\u2019t buy one.<\/p>\n

It is very easy to blend in as a New Yorker when it comes to getting dressed. We love wearing black, no matter the season. Dressing for comfort and being on your feet all day while still looking cute is so easy. Throw on black leggings (bonus points for fake leather ones), an oversized, chic sweater, and a funky pair of sneakers and you\u2019re golden. In the summer, any cute sundress or romper works. Perhaps top it off with a Yankees hat (they do have a bit of a global brand going) to support a local team\u2026 just make sure you know who Aaron Judge<\/a> is.<\/p>\n

You might have heard of the M&M’s store<\/a> in Times Square. It draws in tourists like bugs to a light. I could not tell you why, as in my opinion, there is nothing that special about it (even though it is still a bit touristy, I prefer Dylan\u2019s Candy Bar). If you insist on going there, hide what I refer to as the \u201cyellow bag of shame\u201d aka the yellow shopping bag you get when you purchase something. A cute tote bag is a travel essential for me, so I recommend bringing one along and immediately stashing your touristy purchase.<\/p>\n

\"Local<\/p>\n

Navigating New York City<\/h2>\n

It blows my mind how many people I still see who walk around New York with and use actual, paper maps. Obviously, walking down the street with one of these and stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to open it, screams tourist. Even if you don\u2019t have international phone service, there are so many maps and navigation apps<\/a> that can be made available offline \u2013 embrace technology!<\/p>\n

If you do find yourself lost, don\u2019t be afraid to ask for directions. When I\u2019m not in a total rush, I actually like helping people get around. Just be strategic with who you ask (not someone who looks laser-focused on getting to where they need to be) and be strategic with how you ask.<\/p>\n

If you say, \u201cexcuse me\u201d, a local might think you are trying to sell them something and will ignore you and keep walking. Just go right into it with \u201chow do you get to Bleecker Street\u201d or \u201cwhich way is Rockefeller Center\u201d. I guarantee that the approach will garner much better results.<\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>Where To Stay In New York: The Best Neighbourhoods & Hotels<\/a><\/div>\n

\"Local<\/p>\n

Leave Tips<\/h2>\n

Yes, I am aware that most cultures don\u2019t tip. However, as they say, when in Rome, so when you are in the U.S, please, tip. Even if it does not make sense to you, and you believe all cultures should be non-tipping, understand that it is this way here for a reason.<\/p>\n

Servers, bartenders, and taxi drivers often rely on the money made in tips to live, as they make a much lower base salary. 20% on a nice meal is standard. If you are at a nice bar, and the bartender is mixing you a fancy cocktail, that rule applies here as well (not the one dollar per drink one).<\/p>\n

\"Local<\/p>\n

Leave Midtown\/Times Square <\/h2>\n

Times Square is the tourist mecca that New Yorkers avoid at all costs. We will literally go out of our way to not end up in Times Square. Besides Broadway shows<\/a>, there is nothing good here. If you come to NYC, and only stay in Times Square, then you did not go to NYC. I would recommend staying somewhere out of midtown to really get an authentic experience.<\/p>\n

Chain restaurants tend to be rampant in Times Square as well. Why eat at Olive Garden when you can eat at one of the many authentic Italian restaurants found in any neighborhood in the city (don\u2019t say the salad and breadsticks). New York has one of the best food scenes in the world and it would be a shame to travel all the way here and not experience it. Get out of your comfort zone and explore!<\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>7 Unconventional Things To Do In New York City<\/a><\/div>\n

\"Local<\/p>\n

I hope these tips will help you navigate New York City like a local the next time you are in the Big Apple!<\/p>\n

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Our Top Places To Stay In New York City:<\/em><\/h4>\n

Read our favorite Airbnbs in New York City<\/a> and Airbnbs in The Hamptons<\/a>!<\/p>\n