Planning a visit to NYC for the first time? Here are 12 Common Mistakes to Avoid as a tourist!
As someone who was born and raised in NYC, I’ve seen tourists make the same common mistakes over and over and over again! For once, I have yet to see tourists who are actually well-prepared before they come visit the Big Apple. So, to equip all of you first time visitors, I have decided to come up with a list of 12 common mistakes to avoid in NYC. These mistakes are solely based on my own personal experience and nothing else!
NYC Bucket List Series
P.S. This is a post in my NYC Bucket List series. Here is the complete 4-part series:
Tourist Mistakes: 12 Common Mistakes to Avoid in NYC
Solo Trip: 101 Things to Do Alone in NYC
Itinerary: NYC in 2 Days: The Ultimate Itinerary
Fall: 15 Incredible Things to Do for Fall in NYC
Stopping in the middle of the sidewalk
Stopping in the middle of the sidewalk is something I think almost every tourist is guilty of making…and honestly… I get it. You’re in New York City!! How can you not be mesmerized by the urban jungle?? You could be walking down the sidewalk one day and all of sudden… a beautiful building catches your eye. However, that doesn’t mean you should stop in the middle of the sidewalk to take a picture. New York is not the city for that! New York is full of people who are always on the go. If you were to stop in the middle of the sidewalk not only are you disrupting the flow of pedestrian traffic but you are also slowing down the person behind you. And… depending on who that person is.. they might share a few unfriendly words with you. So to avoid this, please stop on the side of the sidewalk if you need to stop walking. This is one of many common mistakes you don’t want to make.
Not checking the subway line before you board it
When you don’t check the subway line before you board it, you’re setting yourself up for a major headache. The NYC subway is already confusing enough for the average tourist, so don’t make it harder on yourself by making this common mistake. Always check the subway line and the direction (Uptown or Downtown) it’s going before you board it. If you still need some help, please ask any NYC transit employee for directions and they would be more than happy to help you! You can also download the MyTransit NYC Subway app here for more navigation or The Transit app for iPhone users.
Buying hot dogs from Central Park
Don’t buy any NYC hot dogs at any of the hot dog stands in Central Park! Many NYC street vendors have been known to manipulate tourists and it’s really misleading. They can either do this by making the price of their hot dog really expensive or by not displaying any prices on their stand at all. This tourist trap only leaves you with less money in your pocket and more money in the vendor’s. So, to avoid making this mistake, always remember to go to street vendors that list their prices on their stand. If you see a street vendor who is not doing this, I wouldn’t recommend buying any food from them. You’re just going to fall into a trap that every first timer wants to avoid. Also, never pay more than $2.00 for a plain hot dog! If a street vendor is charging you more than this, than I would recommend looking elsewhere.
Giving out money to “homeless” people on the subway
It’s very common for the average New Yorker to run into a homeless person while riding the subway. Usually, they’ll stand in the middle or at the end of the train car to draw attention to themselves. Their speech may sound like this…
“Hey, my name is Jerome and I’ve been on the streets for the past two years and I’m very hungry. I just wanted to ask if anyone would like to spare me some change from the bottom of their heart? I’m hungry and I would like to get something eat. Thank you and God bless!”
As a tourist, you have no obligation to give any money to a stranger especially if they’re asking for it on the subway. I know their speech may sound really convincing at first but odds are it might just be another scam. Please don’t fall for this! Most of the time, these homeless people are looking for gullible tourists who would be willing to open their purse for them.
Using outdoor ATMs
Using outdoor ATMs is definitely a no-no for all of you first-timers. Outdoor ATMs are usually pretty easy to tamper with and makes it so much easier for someone to steal your money. If you need to go to an ATM, please make sure to visit one inside a bank. That way, when you need to withdraw your money, you won’t have to worry about someone stealing your debit card information. Every bank also has security cameras surrounding the premises. So, if anyone ever tried to tamper with an ATM machine, they would be caught on camera.
Driving into NYC
If you’re planning to drive into NYC for the first time, I would highly advise against it. As an urban jungle, New York City is known for being overpopulated and very dense. As a result, the average driver may have a hard time finding parking in the big apple. Most of the time, this is usually due to nonexistent street parking or expensive parking garages. Overall, I don’t think it’s worth it. You are better off booking a flight to NYC on Skyscanner or Momondo!
Talking to strangers at transit hubs
In New York City, you can never be too comfortable with a stranger, especially if you’re at a transit hub. Transit hubs, like Port Authority Bus Terminal, are known for having many creepers lurking around. So, unless you need help, there’s no reason for you to engage in conversation with someone you don’t know. God forbid, these creepers might just trick you into getting into their car or giving them your money.
Walking at a slow pace
Another common mistake I see tourists make… is when they’re walking on the street at a very slow pace. So just as I mentioned before in common mistake #1, New York City is full of people who are always on the go. It’s not enough to just walk… you need to walk with alacrity and speed. If you don’t, just like common mistake #1, some locals will likely share some unfriendly words with you. As for me, I don’t really get irritated at the sight of this. If the person in front of me is walking too slow, I’ll usually just find a respectful way to pass them. However, not every New Yorker is like me. So, please avoid making this mistake at all costs!
Wearing an I LOVE NY shirt
Wearing an I LOVE NY shirt is another common mistake I see first timers do. This shirt practically screams the word “tourist” and many first timers are so ignorant to this! If you want to blend in with the locals, please don’t wear this shirt. Not only are they tacky but they also leave a huge target on your back.
Pronouncing Houston St wrong
As one of NYC’s famous streets, Houston St isn’t pronounced the way you might think for all you first timers. Different from the Texan city, the word “houston” in Houston St is actually pronounced [how-stin]! Many first-timers are actually quite guilty of making this mistake but it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Since they’re both homographs, it’s really easy to get the Texan city pronunciation confused for the famous NYC street. So, if you want to appear less touristy in NYC, remember to pronounce Houston St the right way.
Going to Little Italy for authentic Italian food
Out of all these common mistakes, this is the only mistake I made as a New Yorker! After studying abroad in Italy for 5 months, I thought visiting Little Italy in Manhattan would comfort the nostalgia I was going through at the time. However, once I got there, it only took a short amount of time for me to see Little Italy for what it truly was… AN IMPOSTER! The Little Italy in Manhattan is nothing like Italy for real. In fact, I was even shocked at how they misspelled a lot of Italian dishes and desserts on their menus. Like… are you kidding me??!! I’m not even Italian and even I know how to spell Italian dishes the right way. As a travel tip, you can usually tell if the Italian place is fake if they forget to add specific “double consonants” in certain words or if they add any Italian-American dishes like lasagna, fettuccine alfredo or spaghetti and meatballs. So, please don’t make the same mistake I did by going to Little Italy for authentic Italian food. It will just disappoint you over and over and over again!
Only visiting 1 borough (Manhattan)
And last but not least… visiting only Manhattan is another common mistake I see a lot of first timers do! I know Manhattan is usually advertised as The City but… New York City is actually made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and The Bronx. If you just stay put in one borough, you’re only seeing a fifth of New York City. So, to avoid this common mistake, check out some touristy spots in the other boroughs. For instance, the Bronx is famous for its lovely Bronx Zoo and Brooklyn has the original Rainbow Bagel Store! Queens has the Museum of the Moving Image and Staten Island is known for its lovely ferry. Altogether, these boroughs make up all of NYC, so it would be a shame miss out on any one of them.
Overall, I hope learning about these common mistakes made you feel more prepared about your trip to New York! Leave a comment down below and let me know which one of these common mistakes surprised you the most.
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First of all, I love the design of your blog, well done 🙂 And second, I loved most of your articles, so much useful information and tips!
Thank you so much Adreasa! You’re so kind 🙂
Awesome I enjoyed reading your blog post.
Thank you Sirisha!!
This was so fun to read!! Coming from a city myself (Singapore), one of my greatest pet peeves is people walking slowly at crowded places too 😂 but wow, I never knew that about outdoor ATMs! Would definitely have fallen for that if I hadn’t read your post – sounds frightful!
Thanks shafinah!!!
First of all, I love the design of your blog, well done 🙂 And second, I loved most of your articles, so much useful information and tips!
Aww thank you Lasma!!
I’ve never been to New York, but thanks to this handy post, that won’t be as obvious when I go there! I especially appreciate the local pronunciation tip – that’s one of those things that only locals tend to know.
You’re so welcome Jenn!
New York subway system is so intimidating. It took me about 2 days before I started to understand it. Love your advice on the subway–very helpful.
Yes the subway is intimidating, but don’t worry you’ll get the hand of it
Oh that’s so useful! Although there are a few obvious ones that I haven’t done as a tourist in Paris, I had no idea about the right pronunciation of Houston St!
I’m happy this was useful for you!
I love this! Definitely love the “don’t skip other boroughs” option. I seriously loved Queens when I was there most recently!
hahah! I have been to NYC twice. This is a spot on blog post.
I’m glad you think so!
Great tips, thank you!
Such a great list and so useful for someone like myself who hasn’t been to NYC yet. I had no idea that the street vendors would increase the price of food for tourists! Good to know.
Yes, especially in Central Park! It’s such a tourist trap
Thank you for sharing these tips. I love NY is indeed inviting for the uninvited.
Thanks for these great tips! I’m possibly visiting this summer and these were really helpful!
This is a good primer to read before NYC because we all forget sometimes to be vigilant. Your post reminds me that I need to visit NYC soon.
These are great tips. I’m from PA and I’ve been to NY a few times. Tourists are definitely targets. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome! 🙂
Really great read. Where you say the homeless person begging may be a scammer, do you mean to say they are not homeless? I only ask as I gave money on the London tube with someone with an identical speech just the other day.
That’s a great question! I think in your case I’m not sure because I wasn’t there. However, I do know that there can be some situations where a homeless person can use that money to buy things other than food (like drugs). So I would recommend giving out food if you can.
This was funny. I lived in NYC in the past. I can relate. I enjoy your blog.
Thanks Tracy!! Hahaha you are so kind
What a great list! I had to laugh at some of them after living in other big cities and seeing the same things. I haven’t been to New York yet, so I appreciate your tips and will keep them in mind when I visit.
Thanks Erica!! Your words are so kind.
As a native New Yorker, I have little patience for the sidewalk stoppers and slow walkers–please, not in NYC!
Yes!! It’s such a huge offense haha
Having lived in NYC, this list is spot on! I’ve had many people ask me for directions and I help when I can, but feel totally guilty when I also have no idea where I am (NYC is too big!).
I know right!! Even I haven’t memorized all the streets
As someone who just moved to NYC a year ago, I totally agree! Some of these I had to learn the hard way, like Houston!
Ohh yes!! There’s a lot to learn in the Big Apple.
These are interesting tips! I would definitely be guilty of stopping abruptly in the middle of the sidewalk!
You’re welcome Trina!! Making mistakes are totally okay as long as we learn from them
I’ve spent a lot of time in NYC and these tips are spot on! Thanks for sharing this list for the newbies!
thanks lauren!! 🙂
Very useful advice! Did not know the one about Houston st! Good to know!
This is a great post. I love NYC and have visited many times and might have been guilty of one or two of these things on my first visit. hope to go again soon. Thanks
Thanks Lynne!! Nothing to be ashamed of i’m guilty of making one of these mistakes too.
These all are so true! I didn’t even think about it as a native New Yorker you just know not to do the things above! This is a great list for people visiting NY!
Thanks Leeandra!! I’m really glad you enjoyed the post
I don’t think I made any mistakes except for only visiting Manhattan (it was a short day trip) because I went to school/worked in NOVA and DC, but it’s something to remember when in a big and dynamic city like NYC. Great post!
Hey Natasha, I totally get it, Manhattan is everyone’s first stop. But, I still believe the other boroughs deserve a chance.
Love this! 10 years in NYC here, def some creepers to avoid, but ok to ask the average person (on the subway or street) for advice, we do our best! Though I have accidentally pointed people in the wrong direction a few times. Just wasn’t prepared for the Q and got turned around! Opps!
Yeah I agree I don’t mind helping people with the subway. It can get complicated sometimes.
As a former New Yorker I definitely agree with these! You got the homeless person’s speech on the subway down just right, haha. I can still recite one man’s speech that I heard countless times when living in the city.
I’m glad you mentioned not driving in NYC. I once read a guide that said the best way to get around NYC was by renting a car, I couldn’t believe it!
What??!! Renting a car in NYC is a huge no-no!! That guide is so wrong. Also, I feel like all of the “homeless” speeches sound like an endless loop in my head. I wouldn’t be surprised if any new yorker could recite them by heart.
That is good to know! Thank you for sharing!
I’ve been to New York a few times now but I definitely think I’ve fallen into at least one or two of these traps. Thanks for helping me know how to blend in on my next trip
You’re welcome Emma!! 🙂
What a fun post! I had no idea taking money from an outside ATM is a big no-no. Defn will keep that in mind next time when I visit the big apple. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Chloe! I’m glad this post was helpful for you
As a fellow NYC resident, the stopping in the middle of the sidewalk thing is one of my biggest pet peeves! I understand it’s easy to get lost or confused in a new city, but please step to the side. Your post is full of great tips for visitors, though-thanks for sharing.
Thanks Alison!! Yeahh I can’t imagine if things have changed with the pandemic and everything
Such a great post!! Love how much information you have. Definitely saving this for when I travel to NYC 😊
Thanks Nesha!! I’m glad you liked it
I love this post! New York is on my list of travels in the near future, and I’ll be remembering these tips, for sure! I truly appreciate your candor as there is nothing better than a local’s perspective and advice! Wish I had this for every trip! 🙂 Most of these I did not know, but the two insider tips I appreciate most are the hot dogs in Central Park (I’d have totally fallen for it!) and the reminder to visit all boroughs along with your mention of popular spots in each! All so great to know! Pinned, and thank you!
Thank you so much Lindy!! I’m so glad you loved the post. I’m planning on making some more posts about NYC so stay tuned!!! 😊
Wow I didn’t know half of these! Thanks for the post.
You’re welcome Erika!!
I laughed when I read these tips, because they’re so true! Stopping in the middle of the street is my bug-bear, I hate it, so definitely don’t do it when we are in NYC!
Hahaha yes!! I second that
Cannot wait to go back to NYC post-pandemic! These are great tips that are leaving me inspired!
That’s so great to hear Chelsea!! ❤
I always love the “Houston” street pronunciation! Really good tip!
great read. i have done some of those mistakes. now i know not too.
Thanks Shayne!!
That list was huge. Lol. Thank you for sharing. Will keep them in mind, just in case if I ever visit NY.
Thanks Nilakshi!! NYC is the best
Wow these tips are so useful – especially the ones that forewarn of scammy schemes! It would never occur to me to differentiate between ATMs!
Thanks Shafinah!! Yeah those atms are sketchy
Haha. Fun post. I love NY and try to go a couple of times per year. It was interesting to hear what the locals find annoying about tourists. The slow walking and picture taking has got to be the worst.
Yeahh but NYC is so captivating so I totally get it!
What great points — especially the outdoor atms! So many more things to consider in a big always busy city!
Thanks Deb!! Yes some atms can be really fishy
These are awesome tips. I just sent them to my daughter (she just signed a lease on her first NYC home) and pointed out the one about outdoor ATMs. Very helpful!
That’s so amazing!! I’m so glad you found this helpful for her. That warms my heart ❤
Oh man, what a delight it was to read this! As someone who has grown up around NYC, I’ve seen all of these mistakes made first-hand, lol. I’ve always hated the I Love NY shirts! Great article and insight.
Thanks Elena!! I know those shirts are so tacky I can’t stand them
Great suggestions! I remember my first trip to NYC – I got harassed from a SpongeBob because I took a picture with him and didn’t know he wanted a tip!
Omgosh that’s horrible!!! I’m so sorry
Some of these made me think back to my first trip to NYC. We made the mistake of stopping in the middle of the sidewalk, and also I gave someone $20 for a signed CD because I felt bad for him trying to make it in the music industry.
Hahaha that’s so kind of you though! It’s fine we all make mistakes. I’m even guilty of ine of them
As a previous Londoner, I can relate to some of these which are definitely key to big city travel. It’s also interesting to hear some of the pronunciations – loved to hear the things which are unique to NYC like Houston St.
Yeahh there are also some other places like Greenwich Village that have weird pronunciations too
I must be a native New-Yorker at heart, haha! I’m not from the city, or even the state, but several of these are pet peeves of mine, too, and things I stay aware of when traveling. I had no idea about the pronunciation of Houston Street, so thank you for that!
Hey Mackenzie, wow you must be then! Where are you from exactly?
Love the ideas. Some I would have never thought of.
Great post! I agree with all your points! I can’t count the number of time I would help tourists with changing up their subway route.
Yeah the NYC subway is such a maze for them!
Oh my goodness what I never knew any of this! A lot of these are just polite in Wales, like talking to strangers and giving money to the homeless, so I can’t imagine them not being the norm!!
yeah nyc is so different! I would hate to see tourists make these mistakes.