World-famous for being home to the towering Statue of Liberty, New York City is one of the prominent cities on the globe. It comprises five boroughs with Manhattan at its core that is well-known for being the world’s leading financial, commercial and cultural center. The spectacular Central Park and the Empire State Building are other iconic sites in this city in the USA. Being a major commercial and tourist destination, lots of professionals, businessmen, tourists, etc. flock to New York City regularly for some or other crucial purpose. On average, 50 million visitors are known to visit this noteworthy city every year. Whether you are a regular or first-time visitor to New York City, you need to know what you should avoid for a safe and comfortable trip to NY City. So, if you are wondering about the things you should refrain from when touring through New York City, think no further. Scroll down to learn what not to do in New York City, USA.
1. Don't walk on the bike lane
Bike lanes in the New York City are traffic lanes which are often flooded with cyclists biking or cycling at their own pace. So, if you want to stroll around the city, it is advisable to use the sidewalk available and not to walk on the bike lane. Bike lanes are generally located on the road where vehicles, particularly bikes run at high speed, while the sidewalks are made available for the pedestrians. To avoid the risk of accident or injury, make sure you do not walk on the bike lane and prefer to take a stroll by walking on the sidewalk safely.
2. Avoid bus tours
Yes, you read it right. When you are exploring the fascinating New York City, prefer to avoid bus tours. Usually, the bus, which you get into for sightseeing, moves fast hardly letting you any time to explore the sights. If you want to explore prominent attractions in this outstanding city, choose to go for a bike tour or even a walking tour. Explore your choice of places at your own pace.
3. Avoid jaywalking
Jaywalking is the act when a pedestrian happens to cross or walk on a road which has traffic. It is unlawful crossing or walking in a street without any regard to approaching traffic. In New York City, there are restrictions on jaywalking, particularly at signalized crosswalks. If you are caught for jaywalking in this city, you may be charged with a fine. So, make sure you avoid jaywalking during your trip to NYC.
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4. Don't rent a car
When touring through New York City, particularly Manhattan, renting a car may cause hassles due to the bad traffic, potholed roads, and errant drivers. In addition to this, this prominent city experiences an awful shortage of parking. Traffic in NY City is exhaustive. And, if you are not familiar with the streets in New York, you are bound to get lost and this may prove to be problematic. So, it is best to avoid renting a car. Instead, go for the subway which will take you to any part of this prominent city more faster than you can reach by driving.
New York City Tour Guide
Hiram Jacobs
I am a licensed New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Tour Guide and a native New Yorker. Over the years, I acquired considerable experience organizing solo tours of the major European and East European capitals of the world, Canada's largest cities and Australia's most popular cities, Washington, DC, Atlanta, New Orleans, and San Francisco. During my international travels, I participated in tours organized by private tour companies to China, Russia, South America, India, the Canadian Rockies, Israel, Japan's major cities; USA: Alaska, Arizona and Utah's scenic national National Parks . I received my Master of Arts in Political Science (Urban Administration) from the State University of New York, College at Brockport, Brockport, New York in 1978. Since my recent retirement from the MTA, New York City Transit Authority, after 39 years of service as an Associate Transit Management Analyst, I hope to share with my fellow Travelers my observations, insights and personal experiences relating to Manhattan’s iconic neighborhoods, landmarks and popular attractions that make New York City such a vibrant and dynamic city to visit. I will strive to make your New York City Experience memorable. Tour Cancellations - Please provide at least 24 hours notice prior to the tour date in order to cancel your booking and to receive a full refund.
Tours by Hiram
New York City Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
5. Never stop at the top of the subway stairs
Known for being a rapid transit system which serves many boroughs of New York City, New York City Subway is often accessed by a multitude of travelers every day. However, while accessing the subway, you need to keep in mind not to stop at the top of the subway stairs. The area at the top of the subway stairs is narrow and can hardly accommodate two to three individuals at a time. So, stopping here may block the way for others and cause inconvenience. So, avoid halting at the top of the subway stairs while checking your mobile, chatting with your co-travelers, or doing any other activity.
6. Don't tip less than 15% of the food bill
Though tipping etiquette in other parts of the world may be neither required nor expected. However, in the USA, an average tipping policy of 15% is known to be followed. In New York City, the rent rates and normal standard of living are remarkably high so the average rate of tips is a bit higher than 15% i.e. around 20%. So, aim not to tip less than 15% on the food bill. The individuals who reside and work here is what makes NYC a worth-visiting city. So, don’t forget to appreciate their service.
7. Avoid eating at a food chain and head to a local restaurant
When you are touring through New York City, prefer to eat at a local restaurant as the food there will offer you a unique and pleasant taste. Most of the food chains present here are also present outside of NYC or back home, so you can find them anywhere. However, local eateries and food joints in NYC are peculiar to this city and offer scrumptious delicacies. So, prefer to enjoy eating food at local food establishments which aren’t everywhere.
8. Don't stop abruptly in the middle of a side walk
New York is one of the busiest cities and everyone here is in a hurry to reach their desired destination. So, there is a continuous flow of human traffic on the sidewalk traffic. Stopping abruptly in the middle of a sidewalk is bound to block the traffic on the sidewalk. In case you need to stop to take anything out of your bag or purse, click a picture, or for any other reason, step off to the side out of the pedestrian traffic ensuring you do not block the sidewalk.
9. Don't flash your cash in public
Avoid flashing your cash in public, as it may put you at a higher risk of being the victim of a robbery. Take the cash out of your pocket only at the store counters where you need to pay for your purchase. Also, prefer to use credit cards and debit cards wherever possible.
10. Try and avoid Times Square
You may have read somewhere on the web or may have been advised by someone to skip visiting Times Square, as it is super touristy. However, if you are a tourist visiting New York City, particularly for the first time, you should definitely visit Times Square! Pose in front of the glitzy settings and get your photos clicked. Add your visit to Times Square to your treasured album of the trip.
11. Never block the sidewalk
As New York City retains its title as one of the busiest cities in the world, many people are always coming and going in the streets. If there’s one thing many New Yorkers loathe, are people standing in the middle of the sidewalk blocking their way. Avoid getting yelled at early in the morning while looking for your next destination by not blocking sidewalks and letting people pass through. Everyone is always on the way to something when in New York and best to avoid getting in the way, literally, while you’re there.
12. Don’t steal someone’s cab
Everyone knows that New York City is a busy urban center that many people from all over the world frequent. Everyone’s going somewhere and everyone’s eager to get off somewhere, but when in a rush, it’s hard not to get antsy and impatient. Hailing a cab is a common city ritual people in New York are accustomed to and it usually takes a while when looking for a cab at rush hour mornings or evenings. Hailing a cab in itself is hard enough, raising your hand and waiting for a cab to stop is one thing, but doing all the work then having someone steal it from you to get your own destination is considered beyond wrong to local New Yorkers. Remember to wait your turn and avoid taking short cuts in a busy New York minute.
13. Don’t miss seasonal attractions
New York is a prime destination for monthly, seasonal, and annual events in various industries and international circles. It would be a shame to miss out on much-anticipated events, some of these seasonal attractions include sporting events, fashion shows, and film festivals to name a few gatherings. The U.S. Open is one that happens from August to September in the Big Apple for tennis lovers and enthusiasts alike. New York Fashion Week, New York Comic Con Festival, and the Pride Parade are other popular attractions to take part in or witness when traveling to the East Coast.
Have a fantastic vacation in New York City
Now that you know what not to do in New York City, make sure you avoid all the things mentioned above and enjoy your holidays in New York to the fullest.
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