What are the do's and dont's for a first time travelers in New York?

Answer 1

Wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in. You won't be driving from place to place but walking.

Know where your wallet is all the time.

Pee before you leave the hotel. It's tough to find a restroom unless you're eating at a restaurant.

Don't make eye contact with people on the street. Avoiding this routinely is one way New Yorkers get a bit of privacy.

Don't flash your money around when paying for something.

Nothing you wear is too weird, and nobody really cares what you look like. Be comfortable.

Avoid high-crime areas, especially after dark. The front desk at the hotel will advise you of any close by, but only if you ask.

If someone mugs you, hand over whatever they want immediately. Don't assume this is a common occurrence, but it does happen.

Most of all, have a great trip!

Answer 2

here's what you don't do:

1. don't just stand in the middle of the sidewalk; move the side, that way you won't be knocked over (NY is a fast pace city)
2. don't get duped into those street card games
3. don't let rude NYers discourage you; you will always find a friendly and helpful NYer

Here's what you really do:

1. go to the top of the rock; the view is beautiful
2. go to the ice skating rink at Rockefeller center or wollman rink
3. check out the christmas displays at the dept store windows.
4. go to the muesuems
5. like everyone have said, wear comfortable shoes
6. get an unlimited metrocard; you can use it continuously w/o worrying about it running out of money
7. take a ride on the indoor ferris wheel in toys r us on times square (while you're at it check out the mechanical dinosaur and the lego empire state building too)
8. most of all: HAVE A GREAT TIME IN NYC!!!!!!!

Answer 3

The city is safer than most cities around the world and definitely safest of any city in the United States.

There's only one rule; "Don't believe anyone" ...ever. Thives are here, but they don't rob you, they talk you out of your money. They'll have some story about selling a newspaper, or needing a tow truck, or... well imagine it and they'll tell you they need money for it. No matter what they ask you for, no matter what they try to sell you, if you don't want to part with your cash, then DON'T. They prey on your instinct top be polite and charitable, but just ignore them like the rest of us do.

If you want night life then check out St. Mark's Place in Greenwich Village, or Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg.

Have fun.

Answer 4

I also wanted to add that make sure you keep up the pace when you walk. New Yorkers walk fast and if you walk slow, be prepared to be bumped into. The first answerer in my opinion is right in many ways but almost made it sound a little scary. It's not scary so don't think you have to walk with your head down to avoid conflict.

NY is a BIG city with ALOT of people walking around at ALL times...you wont even be noticed unless you look like Godzilla. Just have fun, keep up the pace and don't just stop walking in the middle if the sidewalk to look at something.

Answer 5

Maryn has a great grasp of everything...I would like to add:

Do NOT get involved in any three card monte or street games. You are a mark and will NOT win.

Carry I.D. on you at all times..you need it to get into most buildings now...(Empire State Bldg..etc)

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Buy a small camera instead of lugging the 'photo-journalist-wanna-be' one.

There is a GREAT mexican restaurant on 4th called Burrito Loco!

Katz's Deli 1st and 1st is great! (that is where harry met sally)

get an unlimited metro card so you can hop a train or bus to get to where you are going when your feet hurt!

New Yorkers are the friendliest people I've ever met! Enjoy!

Answer 6

Wear comfortable clothing for walking.

Wear a thick coat

Bring Gloves and a scarf

See some plays (radio citys music halls Christmas spectacular)

Double Decker bus tour

Just go out there and make it you own adventure just walk around ill garuntee you youl find something!

P.S. HAVE ALOT OF FUN!!!!

Answer 7

study the subway/bus/neighborhood maps and plan your trips before you get on, not afterwards. read all the designation and destination signs on the subways and busses. pay attention to any service changes signs you see in the stations. try to pay attention to the service announcements on the trains, if you can hear them. ask more than one person the same question for directions if you have to. all of this will not necessarily guarantee that you still won't be confused, but it should help you get around spending as little time as possible.

Answer 8

This year i went to new york i advise you to visite central park, the statue of liberty, macys and the city it self its brilliant and dont go on high heals because you have to walk most of it because thers too much trafic

Answer 9

Maryn & Foxinsox gave great advice! I just wanted to add.....don't stop & chat with the guys on the street that want to sing or rap to you. They are only trying to sell you their crappy homemade cd for $20. And most of them do not have permits to sell things on the street.
Have fun in NY! See a show on Broadway...you won't regret it!