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    Mistakes to Avoid on a Trip to New York City, From Local

    Press RoomBy No Comments5 Mins Read

    • As someone living in New York, I’ve watched tourists make the same mistakes when visiting my city.
    • Don’t stop walking in the middle of the sidewalk or block subway entrances and turnstiles.
    • Know your order when you get to the bodega counter and don’t stare at strangers.

    Listen, tourists, we locals know how much you love New York City — because we love it too! There’s nowhere as iconic or full of buzzing energy as these five boroughs.

    Sometimes, it’s so dazzling that it’s easy to forget that people actually live here.

    After years of calling New York City home, I’m very familiar with the ins and outs of the fast-paced, efficient culture that’s full of unwritten rules that keep the chaos in check.

    Here’s a few things you should know when you visit if you want to avoid common pitfalls and blend in with the locals.

    It drives New Yorkers nuts when tourists block the sidewalk.


    A street full of people in FiDi in front of the New York Stock Exchange building

    If you need to stop walking, step to the side.


    Alison Van Glad

    New York City’s sidewalks function much like highways — keep common pace, stay right if you’re moving slow, and for the love of all things holy, do not stop in the middle of the sidewalk.

    Suddenly stopping in a crowded area like Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza, or Penn Station is like slamming on your brakes in traffic.

    Similarly, don’t walk with four or more people across the sidewalk. This creates unnecessary congestion for everyone. Instead, stick with groups of two or less to allow for better sidewalk flow for others.

    New Yorkers aren’t trying to be rude when they pass you, we’re trying to get places. Respectfully, keep it moving for all our sakes.

    Seriously, don’t stop and stare at strangers.


    Line of taxis outside of the Met

    If someone is crying in public, don’t stare.


    Alison Van Glad

    NYC’s biggest unspoken rule? You mind your business, and I’ll mind mine. So, don’t stare at strangers during your trip.

    Doing so can provoke unwanted interactions or feel like a privacy breach.

    In many ways, having a sense of privacy while still in public is a huge part of our local culture. The city is so dense with residents and visitors that a New Yorker’s personal bubble is their safe haven.

    Many New Yorkers can recall a time they cried in public or had an emotional breakdown on the subway without any bystander blinking an eye. It’s because we respect and give each other that sweet “public privacy.”

    Think of it this way — staring at someone in NYC is kind of like knocking on a stranger’s front door uninvited. Weird, right?

    Never block the subway doors — and please hold on when the train is in motion.


    Woman walking down stairs in Subway entrance

    It’s OK if you don’t know where you are — but don’t try to figure out your next move while blocking the subway entrance.


    lechatnoir/Getty Images

    Riding the subway isn’t that complicated, but it does require basic etiquette.

    Until you’re ready to enter the turnstile or platform, step to the side and let others pass. Blocking entry and exit points will earn you some serious side-eye from New Yorkers.

    Also, please hold onto a bar when the train is in motion. It moves fast, stops suddenly, and doesn’t care if you’re ready.

    Nobody wants you flying around like a tumbleweed every time the train lurches, and you don’t want to land in a stranger’s lap. This isn’t a rom-com — move with purpose and respect your fellow passengers, and you may just survive your trip to NYC.

    Stop taking photos in the middle of the street and in bike lanes.


    Aerial view of NYC buildings

    New York City has famously incredible views.


    Alison Van Glad

    I can’t believe this still needs to be said, but I’ve seen too many tourists doing this not to bring it up.

    Streets and bike lanes are high-traffic areas, and it’s reckless to stand idly or pose just to get that perfect shot. It’s inconvenient for those of us trying to get somewhere and it’s unsafe for you and the countless commuters and workers who are biking and driving.

    No one wants you to end your trip to NYC early because of an unexpected injury. For that perfect shot, stick to the sidewalk or crosswalk (while the light is in your favor).

    Don’t get to that bodega counter without a plan.


    A bodega in NYC with two dogs out front

    A lot of bodegas run at a fast pace.


    CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images

    The classic New York bodega comes with its own nuances.

    I often see tourists who are unsure of how to navigate these hole-in-the-wall NYC establishments that usually sell groceries, breakfast sandwiches, and a slew of essentials.

    Bodega culture is fast-paced, so it’s helpful to know your order before you get to the front of the line — no dilly-dallying here.

    Not sure how the line works or what to order? Just ask the person in front of you! New Yorkers may be famously curt, but many of us don’t mind answering direct questions.

    And, by the way, it’s pronounced “bacon-egg-and-cheese,” all one word.

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