New York City is a bustling metropolis known for its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and endless energy. While tourists flock to the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park, true New Yorkers have their own ways of navigating and enjoying the city. Here’s a look at the top 10 things New Yorkers do that tourists often miss:
1. Skip Times Square Like the Plague
New Yorkers treat Times Square like a giant, glowing obstacle course to avoid at all costs. While tourists marvel at the bright lights and jostle for the perfect selfie spot, locals dodge the crowds and opt for quieter, less chaotic corners of the city.
2. Master the Art of Subway Surfing
The subway is a lifeline for New Yorkers, and they’ve perfected the art of riding without holding onto anything—a skill known as “subway surfing.” Tourists usually cling to poles for dear life, while seasoned locals balance effortlessly, reading a book or scrolling on their phones.
3. Walk Fast and Cross Before the Light Changes
New Yorkers are always in a hurry. They walk fast, often darting through gaps in the crowd, and have an uncanny ability to judge when it’s safe to cross the street even before the light turns green. Tourists, on the other hand, tend to wait patiently, often getting in the way of the fast-paced locals.
4. Avoid Chain Restaurants
While tourists might line up for Cheesecake Factory or Olive Garden in Times Square, New Yorkers prefer the plethora of local eateries that offer authentic, diverse cuisines. They’ll seek out hidden gems in neighborhoods like the East Village, Queens, or Brooklyn, where the food is real and the experience is genuine.
5. Order Coffee in One Word
For New Yorkers, ordering coffee is a quick, almost ritualistic process. It’s “regular” (which means with milk and sugar) or “black.” Tourists often slow down the line at coffee carts by making complex requests that belong at a Starbucks, not at a corner bodega.
6. Dodge Costumed Characters and Flyer Distributors
Times Square is teeming with costumed characters and street performers, but New Yorkers know better than to engage. They dodge eye contact and weave through the crowd with ninja-like precision, avoiding anyone trying to sell them something or hand out a flyer.
7. Know the Secret Parks and Quiet Spots
While tourists crowd around Central Park and Bryant Park, New Yorkers have their own secret oases. They seek out small, lesser-known parks like the Elevated Acre, Greenacre Park, or even the gardens at the Cloisters—places where they can catch a breath away from the throngs of tourists.
8. Hail a Cab Like a Pro
There’s a subtle art to hailing a cab in New York, and locals have it down to a science. They know exactly when to raise their hand, where to stand, and how to spot which cabs are available (the illuminated medallion number on top). Tourists often fumble with ride-share apps or wave frantically at cabs that are off-duty.
9. Skip the Empire State Building for Rooftop Bars
Instead of queuing up for hours to get to the top of the Empire State Building, New Yorkers opt for rooftop bars with stunning skyline views. Places like 230 Fifth, The Press Lounge, or Westlight offer breathtaking vistas along with a cocktail in hand, and without the tourist lines.
10. Navigate the Streets with “The Grid” in Mind
New York’s grid system is a marvel of urban planning, and locals use it to their advantage. They know the shortcuts, the fastest routes, and how to get from point A to point B without a GPS. Tourists often find themselves lost in the concrete jungle, staring at maps or asking for directions.
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