8 Ways to Avoid Looking Like a Total Tourist in NYC

 

1. Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk.

It’s not so much that New Yorkers hate tourists, as it is that they hate when tourists come to a halt on the sidewalk. While everyone else around is hustling to get somewhere, there’s nothing that says “I’m a tourist” more than casually congregating with the rest of your group in the middle of 5th Avenue. Taking pictures and looking up directions should be courteously done on the side of the street. But seriously, don’t be afraid to ask, too! Just avoid those who seem seriously in a rush, of course.

2. Single file, please.

Walking side by side is another one of those things that New Yorkers hate because it blocks sidewalk traffic, and and sidewalk traffic equals “bad.” Two people walking abreast might be fine, but three (oh, geez) or four (please, no) means that people’s eyes are going to be angrily boring holes into the back of your head for part of your meander. If you’re really intent on not crowding the sidewalks, try a bicycle tour of the city.

3. Swipe your Metrocard in one swift motion.

Even New Yorkers aren’t immune to that frustrating “PLEASE SWIPE AGAIN” message that flashes before our eyes right when the train pulls into the station. Drag the card through the reader smoothly — neither super fast, nor too slow; a very scientific method, we know, but getting the hang of it is all that’s really required. Also, have your card ready in your hand when you walk up to the turnstile, and avoid the station at Canal Street if you can. Getting lost there is pretty much inevitable.

4. Hail a taxi like a pro.

The proper way to flag a taxi down is to stand on the side of the street and extend your arm. Choose the street where traffic is going the direction you’re heading in. The other key is the roof light atop each taxi. If just the middle of the light is lit up, showing a medallion number, you’re good to go. If the entire light, including the words “Off Duty” on each side, is on, you’re out of luck. If the entire light is off, the driver already has a passenger in the car.

5. Skip the M&M and Hershey’s stores in Times Square. Skip ’em all.

The M&Ms and the Hershey’s bars sold at the flagship stores in Times Square are exclusive to New York City. Just kidding — they’re not. You might as well be buying candy at your local supermarket at home, just marked up extravagantly. Walking around with shopping bags from the NBC Experience store, the Disney store, and the like is another giveaway for tourists in New York. We’d recommend shopping in SoHo instead (just not on the weekends, when it’s crazy crowded).

6. Save the “I <3 NY” t-shirts for home.

We’re happy you heart New York! But wearing your new “I <3 NY” t-shirt screams two things… One: “I’m a tourist!” Two: “I overpaid for this t-shirt!” The same goes for green Statue of Liberty foam crowns.

7. Avoid Times Square at all costs.

We can appreciate every visitor wanting to go to Times Square at least once. It is, after all, “the crossroads of the world.” That being said, few New Yorkers ever hang out in Times Square, unless it’s to see a Broadway show, or their friends somehow dragged them to the world’s busiest Dallas BBQ location. Places where lots of New Yorkers DO hang out include Union Square, St. Mark’s Place, Bryant Park, Central Park, and Washington Square Park.

8. Leave the big backpack at the hotel.

There are no hiking trails in NYC — rarely do you need a first-aid kit, canteen, and/or sunscreen handy. Instead, a cell phone, wallet, guidebook, and small bottle of water are all most people will need to get through the day. There’s no need to carry a large pack — your back (and fellow walkers) will agree.