I'm going to New York in two weeks. Any suggestions so that it wont be obvious that i'm a tourist?

Question

i've heard not to wear i love NY t shirts. what else?

Answer 1

DON'T:
1. Wear ANY NY memorablia, unless it's a hat for the yankees or shoes with NY on it.
2. Expect a taxi to come for the first time, and don't ask people to flag it down for you.
3. Go to the OBVIOUS tourist sites, and it's okay to walk around....
4. Wander around at night unless you absolutely know where you're going
5. Mention the TV show I love New York

DO:
1. Visit Little Italy
2. Climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty
3. Watch alot of movies

Have fun in New York!!

Answer 2

You ARE a tourist and there's nothing wrong with that. It's not as if you're part of a hated group - like the street mimes. Tourists comprise a very important part of this City. If you want to wear an I Love New York tee shirt, wear it. I have a lovely glittered Brooklyn tee - I wear it. Being a tourist doesn't necessarily make you a target of criminals or weirdos. Just be sensible and have a good time.

And, wear your most comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking - sore feet and blisters can ruin your vacation.

Answer 3

There are so many tourists here, that you shouldn't worry about standing out. As a New Yorker, I sometimes feel like the tourists outnumber us when I'm walking down the street.

If you're worried about standing out, here are somethings you could (not) do:

-Don't spend time looking up at skyscrapers. Real NYers never do that.

-If a homeless person asks for money, just walk away. You don't have to say, "oh, I'm so sorry. Umm.. I don't think I have any money." Just walk away. Most of them are just panhandlers anways.

-Try not to wear clothes with logos on it (American Eagle, Old Navy, Abercrombie). We NEVER wear those brands--you'll stick out as a tourist for sure! Wear clothes without brands and logos on them.

-When you get on the subway and you're forced to stand, hold on to something! I always see tourists caught off guard when the trains starts going and they fall and make a fool out of themselves.

-Don't hold out a map in the middle of the street. If you must look at a map, stand out of the way or step into a store.

-Always walk on the right side of the sidewalk. Walk FAST.

Answer 4

Well, there are so many NY tourists, you won't stand out with whatever you do... but I've heard to not stare straight up at the skyscrapers. If you're going to NY, I'd become familiar with the subway system to get places. That tends to be a lot cheaper than taxis. http://www.nycsubway.org/maps/route.html

Answer 5

Eh...I think half the fun is to look up at the buildings..but walk to the side of the building across the street so you're not standing in the middle of the sidewalk looking up....

As long as you're being extremely aware of your surroundings you should be fine...I would try to enjoy myself and why not do some touristy stuff? Most New Yorkers haven't actually done them, but they must be pretty fun to have people coming from all over the world to see em'. haha

Answer 6

why don't you want to seem like a tourist? it's not a really bad thing, there are so many tourists anyways.

ok the obviuos tourist characteristics:
TOURISTS ALL DRESS ALIKE. you know how people dress when they go on vacation? a hat, hawaiian shirt, shorts and a bag. they usually come in big crowds and they like to crowd around some place and talk loud. that is MAJOR tourist.

also, avoid tourists spots at all times. places like times square is a NO NO. mostly tourists go there.

also never bring a big bag with you anywhere. take the train like you do it evryday. sit in the train and pretend to sleep because it will make you seem like you know where to go so perfectly you don't even need to look.

and remember, don't gawk at anything. dont look up at tall buildings. and be yourself. pretend you are home.

have fun! don't try so hard to not seem like a tourist when you are one. you will still have fun! dont worry

Answer 7

Wear a NY Yankees or NY Mets t-shirt or baseball cap. And look jaded.

Answer 8

why would you even care about this?..youre a tourist, so what.

[ and great answer, gormenghast]

Guess nobodys gonna say it but...whats with all these rules and orders, 'walk fast' ..visitors dont have to be in a hurry. And tourists need to look at a map often. [Youre gonna need your map, bring it.]

just have fun in NYC. Every new yorker i came in contact with was NICE.. and never felt i had to 'hurry up' or got evil looks when i got my map out... when i had my map trying to find a hotel a woman came up to me and helped me right then n' there.. that was very cool.

Answer 9

Go see Top of the Rock. It has the most amazing view of the city. Also, just go walk around Central Park.

Answer 10

Real tourists don't wear tropical print shirts with plaid shorts and black socks with brown sandals.

Just wear your normal clothes! And have a great time!!!