8 NYC social laws you need to know before taking a bite of a Big Apple pizza pie
There is a stereotype that exists that New Yorkers are not necessarily nice. It is a stereotype that has been reinforced by movies, books, and media alike.
It is also believed that New Yorkers are especially mean when it comes to dealing with tourists.
From personal experience, and the fact that my sister lives in New York, I would say that New Yorkers mainly get upset when tourists don’t know how to follow proper Big Apple predicate. This predicate revolves around New York City social laws.
Every culture has overarching social laws that are generally followed by the majority, and in NYC these are reinforced with a striking glare, implicit hand gestures, and a few choice words if they are not followed.
So the next time you are in New York City and you wonder why someone walking by you gave you the death glare from hell, you should take a minute to become aware to what you were doing.
If you were standing in the middle of the sidewalk taking a selfie with the Empire State Building in the background, the death glare you received was because you were breaking the NYC social law!
I made it a point to find out what makes New Yorkers blood boil when it comes to dealing with tourists. Think of this write up as a cheat sheet to help you not be ^^that^^ person on the sidewalk.
Enjoy New York City, just don’t do these 8 things
Cars are not your friends
There are over 8 million people that live in New York City’s five boroughs (the second most populated city in the U.S. is Los Angeles at 3.8 million). So the last thing you want to do is try and park in a city where it is already difficult to find space to walk.
The best part is, you don’t even need to rent a car. New York City is known for its amazing public transportation system that runs around the clock. Don’t waste countless hours trying to find a parking spot, that ends up being several blocks away from where you want to be.
Instead, jump on the NYC Metro subway system that shoots you underground and gets you to where you want to be within a block or two. Fun fact: The first underground line opened in October 27, 1904, and by this point they have over 34 lines that trace every corner of the boroughs.
They have had over 100 years to master the subway system, so you can trust them to save you money and time as you explore the Big Apple like a local.
Taking the subway is one of the non touristy things to do in NYC.
Just say no to chains
I am a serious foodie, and New York is my playground for all things good to eat. So if you are one of those people who would rather eat at a TGI Fridays then go find a local big apple pizza place, repeat after me.
“No. Stop it. Shut the front door.”
Don’t eat at chains, because you are missing out on the flavors and cultures of the world that the New York City melting pot has to offer.
I’m not saying you need to go out and eat at every big apple bagels cafe you come across. All I’m saying is you need to spice it up with some local places you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Once you get home you can always get back to your guilty pleasure of eating a foot-long sub from Subway, but while in NYC you must try some new places.
Don’t pay for overpriced tours
Those double decker red buses with those really nice salesman on the street seem tempting right? Same with the boat cruise that takes you right by the Statue of Liberty.
Those tours are overpriced, and despite what you think, that salesman is not your friend.
Instead of paying for the overpriced boat cruise with the amazing views, I suggest you hop aboard the Staten Island ferry for a 50-minute round trip that will cost you a whopping zero dollars.
You will get all of the same views of the beautiful big green woman of freedom, and you can enjoy a nice beer or snack in the process from the snack shack. If the weather is nice, make sure to go to the outer deck seating to soak in the sun and the majestically view of the Statue of Liberty.
Instead of paying for that expensive tour through the city on top of a double decker bus, I propose a challenge. Before you go to the New York, get on Google Maps and save all the destination you would like to see in city. Use it as a scavenger hunt while using the Metro subway system to get from place to place.
It is a great way to get familiar with the subway system, while also getting lost and finding a few hidden gems along the way.
Both of these are non touristy things to do in NYC that will make you feel more like a local
“Stand clear of the closing doors”
As you ride the subway you will get familiar with this six-word phrase, “stand clear of the closing doors”. This is for good reason, as the New York City Metro can get extremely crowded during rush hour (or at any hour for that matter).
So as you get on the subway, make sure to move to an open seat or further into the center. This way people who really are on the next stop can get through easy and you won’t receive any choice words from a local.
Another good reason to stay clear of the doors is that those sliding doors are closing, whether you are in the way or not. If you thought New Yorkers were pushy, these doors take impatience to the next level.
The six-word phrase, “stand clear of the closing doors” is your final cue to keep all arms, legs, luggage, and children in the ride at all times. If you don’t believe me, feel free to test them out at your own risk!
Respect the laws of the sidewalk
Since there are 8 million plus people in New York City, most of the locals don’t even drive. That being said, almost everyone using the sidewalks to get from point A to B.
I’m not exaggerating when I say these sidewalks can get out of hand at times. To the point it feels like all 8 million people are trying to walk the same route you are on. Do to this reason, the sidewalks have ‘traffic laws’ that are enforced by enraged locals who are in a hurry.
Here are some of the more important ‘laws’ of the sidewalk to follow:
1) If you need to stop walking, pull over to the side.
2) The sidewalk is split down the middle, just as a road, and you must walk on the right side.
3) If you are walking slow and taking in the sites, move all the way to the right to allow speed walkers the opportunity to pass.
4) Do not walk in groups that block the entire walking lanes. This inspires locals to get walking rage, which is just as scary as road rage.
Sound familiar? They should because it is basically the law of the road as well. The only thing missing is the need to use a blinker to signal you are turning.
As you get comfortable with the New York sidewalk etiquette you will find yourself walking like a local. This includes cutting people off, throwing nasty looks out to anyone breaking the ‘law’, and developing hand gestures that you would usually only see on the Sopranos.
You think everything costs an arm and a leg?
Despite what you would think, there are some really fun activities that are also free in the Big Apple. If you are hoping for free Yankee’s tickets, think again.
There are a ton of unique things to do in NYC that are cheap, if not free.
From Central Park to the countless museums, New York actually has a ton of entertainment that doesn’t cost a dime.
Take a trip to the MET, with over 5,000 years of history inside and some of the worlds wonders. The admission is all donation based, so whether you can afford to give $50 or nothing, you still can explore every corner of the museum.
Another amazing thing that is also free in the city includes walking the High Line. The High Line is a revitalized piece of the New York’s abandoned rail line that surrounds the Manhattan industrial district.
Now, it is an architectural and habitat wonder with amazing artwork, plants, and design all mixed into one unique walkway. Not to mention it has some amazing views.
Be afraid, very afraid
To reiterate what this entire blog is about, New Yorkers are actually really nice people despite what most people think. Just make sure you follow the social laws.
Where I’m going with this is that never be afraid to ask for directions. I have actually found that most New Yorkers find it flattering when being asked for directions, because then they know you think they are a local.
Plus, the city is one giant skyscraper, so local like to show off their knowledge of the city by helping helpless soles navigate through the jungle of metal, brick, and steal.
As you start to ask for help you will see people break down their uptight front and find that most locals are actually pleasant people.
I would compare locals to pineapples.
They look intimidating, rough, and extravagant in the scariest way on the outside. But when you open them up, you will find they are actually quite sweet but tough in the center. (side note: Please don’t try to take a bite out of a local New Yorker, that would be classified as definitely breaking one of the social laws)
If it seems too good to be true…
We all know this classic saying, and it applies to this next section full heartedly. If you are taking the subway in the middle of the day, and you see that the whole train is full besides one car that is completely empty… take this as a warning.
It is too good to be true.
That car is most definitely occupied with the worst smelling bodily fluids imaginable or has a broken air conditioning unit. I can decide which is worse, but the point is it has no passengers in it for a reason.
This advice carries over to smaller scale as well. So if you are in a crowded car on a crowded train and you see an entire row or section empty, the same logic applies.
When in doubt, I suggest following my last tip, and just ask someone why no one is sitting in there.
In the end I hope you find these NYC social law tips useful. I myself have been to New York City on several occasions and have personally experience every single one of these experiences from both the tourist and local’s perspective.
New York City should be a must see on everyones bucket list. With tons of attractions and many other non touristy things to do in NYC, I guarantee you will have a great trip. Make sure to always do research online for some unique things to do in NYC, because no matter what you are into New York will have it.
So my last words of advice is to not be to prideful or be embarrassed to ask for some help from locals while in the Big Apple. That is one of the pros of being in a place that has over 8 million people residing there, you have nothing to be embarrassed about because you won’t ever see any of these people ever again.
